Mistake-Bought a Lexus

[asharp]

Hey Guys and Gals
It's been a couple of years since I was on hear but here's my story. I purchased a 1991 Lexus Ls400 3 years ago, 1 owner, 65k miles for 14k. Not a bad deal on a clean 1 owner car. The first year was great with no problems, but once I hit 100k I had to replace the timing belt and the front steering assembly-total cost 4400!!!!!!!

Anyway, I am looking at going back to the MB diesel and was wondering if the 91-92 TD is a good choice? What do I need to look for, did these have problems with the aluminum head?

Thanks in advance
-A

[Grdenko]

havent had any major problems with mine in 175000 miles. make sure all of the windows work and the rear head rests go down and the a/c is cold. i recently had to replace my muffler and radiator, both of which sprung leaks, but that pretty much all the work ive had done, pretty standard stuff.

[84300DT]

asharp - welcome and could you please specify if you need a wagon or a sedan?

to get away from the aluminum head issue just stick to any MB Diesel prior to '86
myself liking `84..

[asharp]

84300dt
Thanks for the reply. I am wanting to stay with a sedan, and really like the newer diesels 87-92 d. I used to have an 85 300sd, loved it, but would like some thing different and with a little bit more pep!

What advice do you have?

[slowmoe]

I drove my '92 from 120K to 205K without any major issues.

I did:

- radiator, hoses, t-stat, cap
- fan, fan clutch, belt and tensioner
- front and rear shocks - HD's
- front lower ball joints, tie rods, sway bar bushings
- shut off valve
- 1 set of rotors and brakes
- 1 set of tires
- vacuum pump for door locks

The car was in near perfect condition when it was sold.

I have very limitted mechanical experience and was able to do all of the above except for the ball joints - with some help from this board!!

[84300DT]

i'm not sure you will find any more 'pep' with 87-92 - some other members may chime in ..

imho the all iron engine is the best all around + with turbo kicked in even better
you say you loved your '85 sd why mess with the best?

[ericnguyen]

He's been used to the V8 power from LS400.

300SD may not be peppy enough for his driving habit anymore :-)

Eric

[turnne1]

I purchased a 1991 Lexus Ls400 3 years ago, 1 owner, 65k miles for 14k. Not a bad deal on a clean 1 owner car. The first year was great with no problems, but once I hit 100k I had to replace the timing belt and the front steering assembly-total cost 4400!!!!!!!

Well guy it could be MUCH worse by 100K miles my car had had over $20,000 in repairs....engine,evap core,AC control unit
That Lexus is amuch more complicated vehicle than the one you are looking to buy....foir a complex vehicle I think they are generally very reliable....

you could always buy a 140 and see how far the $4400 goes...:-)



Warren
1992 300Sd 168K
Columbus Ohio

[speedy300Dturbo]

86-92 not only has more pep than the pre 1986 diesels, but they are quieter, smoother, more economical, more refined, and the list goes on. My personal favorites are the 1986-1987 300SDL and 1987 300D. The aluminum head issue usually gets blown WAY out of proportion - it's fairly easy to tell when a car has a potentially cracked head. If you don't have a cracked head, then don't let your car overheat - and you'll be fine.

[asharp]

Thanks for the great replies! I am going to look around and see what's out there, the sdl looks like it could be a winner!