Does anybody drive a 90's model Lexus Ls400? Is it a good, reliable car? Pros and cons of owning one?

I have a 1995, and have had it for about 3 years now without incident. It has over 107k on it, and I would not hesitate to take it on any trip. 1995 was a redesign and got a little more power. I tend to get about 16-17mpg around town, but I also have a heavy foot (if you have a V8 use it I say). I have gotten about 24mpg on the highway doing a good 70+ mph.

I have only had to replace the starter, which in of itself is not all that expensive, but it is hard to get to, so labor was expensive ($600 total). Any parts the vehicle shares with Toyota are reasonable enough. Lexus only parts can be pricey, but this is a premium car that was $52000 new.

Else I have had no problems that could not be attributed to age or wear and tear. 1995's in particular are know to occasionally have problems with the ECU. Stalling after long trips, low idle and rough shifting are the symptoms. The fix is to reflash or replace the ECU. A reflash is $300. A new replacement is a $1000+, and a used ECU is $250 or so. The car is still drivable though should you not do it, and the problem is pretty rare.

I paid about $12000 three years ago, and book is still about $8500 or so, so resale is good. I would not hesitate to buy another one again. Be aware that when you go Lexus, there is no going back to plasticky interiors and weak 4 banger motors. If you are a young motorist, insurance cost could be an issue. Toyota engineers advised the motor was good for 600,000 miles. Maintenance is routine, and the mine does not burn a drop of oil. This is quite simply one of the best cars you can get.

I have by myself replaced:
headlight (rock broke original)
side marker lights (yellowing)
antenna (broke)
brakes - pads/rotors
bulbs
pulled out ancient cellular phone system
air filter

Ebay is an excellent source of parts. I have an extra stereo and climate control on hand just in case (got em cheap).

Pro:
Ultra smooth V8
reliable
good leather
refined
good stereo w/ in dash changer - nakamichi even better
quiet
rides nice
fast
best dealers
elegant
jealous stares
well built, few squeaks and rattles
great interior with real wood
full size spare
traction control
people think you are well off eventhough the car is 12yrs old

cons:
lousy mpg if you drive it like you stole it
some repairs pricey
conservative styling
not a handler
not fast off the line, but really quick at highway speeds
only a 4 sp auto till 97/98 or so
RWD - traction control not std equipment

I would very much recommend looking at MSN autos. www.msn.com
autos
used cars
used car information
out in make and model
get more info
review

they have a lot of customer and user reviews

good and reliable generally.. you could be unlucky. just be prepared for poss high cost repairs

Couldn't of said it much better than the 2 main owners did.