I see everyone jumping on the bandwagon recently, "LS400s are so great", "I'm buying an LS400"... well I figured I'd bring it back down to reality and shed some light on what it's actually like to own/build one! So many people will tell you how reliable these cars are, how affordable they are, how nice they are etc... well there's plenty of things most won't tell you! Here's 5 reasons NOT to buy an LS400.
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These are the reasons that make me appreciate them even more. The old saying "if it was easy everybody would do it" comes to mind. 👌
Exactly dude! Same reason for me, the negative connotation is just for entertainment!
exactly why ive got one sitting in the backyard slowly building up a long with the build of the daily 2GS.
your mom cuz you could buy a “million mile Lexus” n lay frame in everytime you go somewhere
your mom your mom
Why do you think you have to use the F___ word in you presentation 🥴
I want to say a few things. First, I have an LS400 and have owned it for almost 2 years now. Its not slammed or even lowered at all. If you want to buy this car because of the fact that it is an amazing car that rides good, has power, and looks great. Then buy it! No one ever said you have to slam it to the group and VIP the damn car. JUST ENJOY IT, ITS A GREAT CAR. :) Second, I average 21 - 22MPG ALL THE TIME. I don't know why the hell your getting 16mpg in this car. Are you flooring it all over the place? Bad fuel filter or injectors or plugs?? Third, The fenders don't need to be rolled so I feel like this shouldn't be a negative. Stop rolling fenders and you wont have this issue lol. The last point is about how hard it is to find parts and how expensive it is. The is honestly a good thing if you ask me. If you have a car with everything you could ever want at the push of a button it kinda makes it less cool, The fact that you really need to work hard and take your time to build it just makes it that much better. Moral of this post is that the LS400 is a great classic car and you feel good driving it. It doesn't need to be slammed and bagged just to enjoy this car. Its an amazing daily!!!
Finally some one understand the beauty of owning one am driving it for 10 years now every day am loving it more❤ Drove it a couple of years stock then whent for vip Runs as good as new in 2020 One of the best cars ever built that gose with the 1uz-fe.. its engine 👑
I am thinking about getting a 06 07(?) LS430. More modern but still classic. NOT modding it because Im a broke ass lol
Nefarious CJ well clearly this video wasn’t for the grandpas that just wanna drive a stock LS400 😂 it doesn’t take a genius to look at the damn thumbnail image and realise it has a slammed af, tilted wheel vip car...
@@ddjohnson9717 my friend am loving life with one.. all what you got to do is add a controller to the hydronic / air bag that comes stock, since mine is golden color i chose a golden tint on the window park the car with one click all 4 on the floor legit VIP right there buddy😉👌
@@LEPAutomotive well in this case you should've put it out there on the title. I got one VIP style its way better than the fule economy you got there.. i think you got a problem with your car.. And you were super dramatic about it by the way🤣 Over all good vedio👌
This vid: "Don't buy an LS400!" *Shows a beautifully slammed LS400 with polished deep-dish rims* Me: "I want it!"
It's ugly
@@vaz4043yeah the slammed one looks ugly af
same me too Owami Dlamini
vaz how?????
@@jesusmarquez9948 unnecessary modifications that only creates a disadvantage in ride comfort, try going over a speed bump with that. Overall it really looks ugly if it was stock then yeah, I'm taking it
All I want to do is lower it and buy some 3 piece wheels and daily it that’s it
exacly👍👍
And tint the windows, maybe?
samesies
BoomDaddySizzle With Junction produce curtains
Dont do it
I have an LS400 with 376k miles on it, I got it around 100k miles 10+ years ago. These cars go to a million miles, and that's not the exception, that's the standard. I've driven this car like an asshole and gone 140 MPH on the highway and have accelerated fast etc. I never got worse than 19 mpg city doing all of that. My recent tank averages are 26 mpg. I have averaged 31 mpg a handful of times coasting on slight inclines on highways. This car is awesome, idk why you ruined it spending all this unnecessary money trying to tokoyo drift everywhere. Clearly 16 mpg is your fault from what you did to it. These aren't valid reasons not to buy the car. This is like buying a Toyota Tundra and saying you shouldn't buy it because it can't tow over 10,000 pounds. It's not a semi, and this isn't meant to be a street car. But they can both be reliable and cheap alternatives.
I personally think the way it’s personalized looks awesome and gives it a classy look
The more he talks the more fell in love with mine.. 10 years never failed me once!! Running like a tank in 2020😎
I’m the fourth owner of mine and it runs amazing it’s a beautiful car
Bro same 😂
@@izayahhathaway9463 yo i'm thinking ab getting one. what's insurance like on it?
Just bought a ‘99 in the silver jade color. Love the fkn thing. 182k miles and super smooth
@@Still-Sitting welcome to the club 🥂
Bought mine at an auction for 500 bucks. It was beat to hell but me and my bro have slowly brought it along to semi presentable and runnable.
LS400 is A wonderful car it Got Me And My Homie Thru 8 Summers Especially After He Put Those 22s on it....Dam near 340.000 Original miles Dam Good Car....
I bought my LS 400 new in August 1992. Still driving it with pleasure almost 30 years later. Didn't watch the video,--didn't need it to know this is far and away the best car I've ever owned. Hope to drive it til I die.
That alone just convinced me to buy this as my first car at 16 years old thank you
@@quudee2238Did you get your lexus?
Now i really hope i can get a lexus soon
For the 94 im looking at stock, im not looking at modding it away from stock, just replacing parts keeping it clean. Giving it a little lift for clearence issues and staying with an unmolested build :)
Thanks for the groups too. Always need more places to find parts.
These cars are great, but you are right that these take time. Something as simple as finding that 2 tone trim piece. But with some coilovers, some Oem wheels from a different car that are cheap and some extra difficult bushing replacements these things are a blast to drive. And will sit really great.
Dude.. do the VIP video too.. This one was great. I'm still getting one tho.. lol. love the channel.
Reason not to buy the ls 400: There needs to be enough on the market for me to afford.
Look for the older people and be willing to travel, got a 96 with brand new rack and pinion, vacuum lines, water pump, timing belt and pulleys replaced, starter, power steering pump for $2900 all it needed was a thermal fan clutch and the coolant to be redone. Her son used it when he came home from college to get around town and she had no use for it anymore ! You’ll get one they’re amazing :)
@@uzileopard6199 Wow thanks! I'll keep that in mind. I saw an LS 400 today, was reminded of how good it still looks!
@@uzileopard6199Where can I start looking? Any websites?
PB&J Racing • 13 years ago i recommend facebook marketplace and offerup, craigslist never really has anything nowadays besides car dealerships selling on the website and using false tags to get views. Gotta always have the setting to newest listing first on those apps i said aswell, thats how you find good deals.
@@uzileopard6199 Alright, thanks dude! Quick question, how many miles does yours have?
Soooo many good points not just with a Ls but just in general with the newer generation wanting instant gratification over doing stupid quick shit to a car that has a thousand parts for it in stock already. Just keep doing what your doing man because you’ve been killing it. But I definitely enjoyed this video!!
Great video. I almost went ls400 but went Mercedes s500 for my build on my channel. So happy I did. Now have 5 Benz and my s500 is coming along well.
I feel this spiritually. I've had my ls400 for more than a year, and I've only been able to do coilovers. Granted I'm broke as shit, but the market is straight ass, and some of the forums are 5-10+ years old and are really hard to find support. Still I love my lexus.
OMG the front bumper look so good🔥🔥
When I’ve been looking for one and saw this then went to go see other cars and still came back to this vid bc I’m in love w them 🥺
You have the best looking LS400 imo. This car inspired me to get an LS400 and VIP it. And guess what im not even into air suspension and camber stancenation thing but this..i just cant say no to it. Keep up the good sht man! been lovin the videos and the car.
Just put some nice *period correct* wheels on it, and it's done! Keep it simple and classy, the way a LEXUS is supposed to be. 👍
Your car looks super clean man! Heading in the right direction!! Makes me miss my 93 LS
Totaled my old 04’ Jeep Liberty on an extremely undermarked and dangerous dirt road... planning on getting an LS400, preferably a 98-00 model. Can’t wait to get my hands on this beauty of a car.
I like that its not easy bc people see the quality in your work
amazing vid, i definitely hopped in and got one of these a little unprepared but the end goal gonna be insane
Nice vid! Keep up the good work!
As if you had THE FITMENT INDUSTRIES comment on your vid!!
There are a ton of false statements in this video actually lol
@@lawliet6724 fitment industries themselves made a video on ls400 😎
Great video.. You nailed it, this is not a car or vip in general for "clout" or ig likes status.. These builds are for the enthusiast and true vipcar builds..
Fair play to you mate. I've seen a few about now and celsiors, people are jumping on the bandwagon
Beautiful car bro, great video great editing keep it up I have a ls430 an 02 need to get her some tlc goin I think mine is a vip car it came with stock message seats that recline in the back the cooler box and a mark Levinson stereo system, new subscriber for sure keep em comin
Kept it as raw as ever, i appreciate it
We definitely need a video that defines a actual vip car !
I think everyone should watch this even if you don’t have or want an ls400
Your so right man. You know how long I’ve been waiting to try and find a wald executive body kit... :(
What you just talked about is so true. I have a have owned my 91 for 10 years, kept stock but yes $$$$$. Still runs great but due to yes....parts & shotty mechanics have it serviced & maintained with Lexus again. And yes even they have to wait for parts from Japan but usually about 2 weeks & more $$$$$. Good honest video 😂!
Happy he made this video, please make the second video 👍🏾
I got a lexus ls430 but am loving the look of ls400😍 yours look so good
Great video. I'm looking into a 92 ls400 for a daily granted I'll be spending more in gas, but this vid was super helpful
Another heater! Wouldn't be mad at more videos like this!
This is a very quality video and brought up good points. Fact still stands I will own one, one day.
Nice video! I just got my 99 LS400 a week ago with 185k, got it off an elderly couple, always serviced. Im excited for my build. Quick question.. those LED tail lamps. They fitted your car or you modify it? Because I see some I want online but it only fits 95-97. Will it fit the 99? Any help is appreciated and thanks!
When you get an LS400 without realizing how much everyone wants one but you just need a car 😅
You are lucky my friend. Most Ls400’s in my area are high mileage and you know 150k of them were pedal to the floor.
@@xzak3660 mine is high mileage but was kept in great condition
I just bought it before 1 month and I am super happy so far
Love my UCF10 sitting on bbs with BC racing coil overs...planning on getting Cusco LSD and bullet car supercharger in the future ... Love your model...it’s still a timeless looking car.
I just got a celsior a month ago... no regrets (as my first car)
"because if you have clout you don't torque anything" just made me die laughing!
I can completely agree!!! I have been a LS400 owner since 98 mainly ucf10. Incredible cars but they all started VIP but due to time they slide into drift mode with ease. That’s a solid looking ride. Solid 2¢ video!!!
VIP and Drift style... Why always the same with these LEXUS models? Some nice *period correct* chrome 19" or 20" wheels on it, and it's done! Keep it simple and classy like a LEXUS is supposed to be! ✌
Needed this before I get mine how the new house dude 👌💛
Joshua Phillips new place is great man! Nice to finally have reliable WiFi!
Ih yeah those dimples from the plastic almost tore up my es330 so it's on there too. It was challenging but 20's fit no rub. Ni c e video!
Had a 1992 ls400 for my first car and absolutely loved it! so nice to drive and so reliable. Sad lost it to a lady running a stop sign and ramming my passenger side but always dreamed of slamming it and putting wheels on it. Trying to get another one and like you said, Cant find squat for that car. Its sooo expensive
same i got my ls400 also as a first car april 2020 and loved it so much. some chevy ran thur a stop sign and tboned me.totaled
Based on my own LS build, I can vouch for this list. Very few parts were available in the US and most had to be sourced from Japan. Bottom line... there's no such thing as a budget VIP build on an LS 🤔
building mine in japan because its dirt cheap to find parts. theyre junked everywhere. they arent "LS's" here though.
@@probablynot2day557 dam
Watch simple builds 💀 you’ll see otherwise
This dude don’t know what he’s talkin about
I have to agree with the "what's he talking about"...Have owned my LS400 for over 20 years & with ANY car things happen, more with poorly built cars.Gas mi. is great for a V8 engine & I don't know what he was doing with his Lexus but 16 MPG?? even city no less than 20mpg in mines lifetime. see ya at half a million.
@@siddlanco1811 and does it really need premium thooo?
@@nikobuerk346 Yes. That part was true.
he literally owns the car, how does he not know??
Real talk bruh!!! Loved it! This generation is a "Me First, ask questions later"...lazy shanks! Work 1st, play later, that's how it is and ALWAYS will be!!! Tell it like is Cuzz!
I'm excited. I'm getting a first gen LS400. I mainly wanna keep it stock. Maybe add a supercharger or turbo at some point in the future when I'm more financially stable. I just love toyota V8s. The main reason I want it. One day I'd love to own a RCF or LCF haha
Hows that been for u gang, looking to get an LS400 also
I still want one just because of the 1UZ itself. As for what I'd do to one, probably a slight drop in ride height and some wheels, if I can afford it after rust repairs.
I’m in for a “vip or not” video
Do it
Some nice *period correct* chrome 19" or 20" wheels on it, and it's done in my opinion. Keep it simple and classy like a LEXUS is supposed to be! ✌
You right man with the poit 5 specialy when you live in switzerland i got a LS430 and its so hard to build
I've been thinking about going to a RHD Celsior from my Ecoboost Mustang that just blew her turbo. This seems like a pretty good side grade from the Eco, but when you talk about the aftermarket parts, it makes me want to put a 2j in one
Thank god i have a friend who specializes in LS400’s and always helps me build it and has hella parts cause he’s rebuilt 6 of them and got them all on the road
Had mine for 20 yrs and it’s still going strong
If any parts were available since 2001 this would be an amazing car 😂😭 all the aftermarket support has been discontinued
FACTS everything Worth having takes time 100% agree
What if you just wanna throw some wheels on it and straight pipe it is the maintenance expensive as hell on these??
It's crazy, I think a good bit of older Lexus are like this. I managed to slam a 98 Es300, and let me tell you it's wayy harder to find parts for it rather than, say, an Infiniti G35 lol I had to do a lot of cutting, modifying coilovers springs, slotting coilovers mounts, rewiring and tucking harnesses, buying more coilovers because of lowering limits of other brands. No extended control arms, adjustable uppers and lowers, BCs dont go low enough, etc. .. I now have an Ls430 and am going through some of the same things, but not as bad lol
I have wanted one for a long time so I bought one first month I crashed it it’s been a month since then he is not lyin about the parts the only parts I need are bushings and oem have been discontinued but I love this car and this video shows me that this car is a break u or make u car too bad that I can’t abandon this car I love it too much😔
My ls400 ucf20 is mint and fully vip equipped all custom parts 30k+ build so far and i had owned it from new 25 + years and still running strong
My bro passed a month ago and left a ‘97 ls400 that is currently under construction. It looks good, getting there all in all fun car to drive. I didn’t roll my fenders I phone booked it
If only i saw this 3 years and 4 ls400s ago 😳 but honestly dude pretty on point with the ownership life of these
There's a couple vip ls400s near me but often I see stock ls400s driven by old people 😂
Just like me....Owned mine for 22 years.
I got mine stock from a 60 year old. Still drives great and everything. Great car
I will be sharing this forever I have a 95 prob the hardest year to get shit for, I appreciate this video sooooooo much 👍🏻
Correct the UCF20R is one of those cars made during a major re-tooling by the manufacturer....all effort was put into the 98 onwards model at the expense of 95. I've owned two...because they have such a lovely appearance, but there were some problems. Amazingly this model holds the No.1 position in America for reliability of all cars for all time.
Got a 2000 LS400, but your drifting comment made me sick.
@@Joseph_Agnew drifting comment? I never made a drifting comment 🤔
So which one is better for a VIP build? LS400 or LS430? I found out that in my country the 430 is cheaper to insure, cheaper to buy and it has slightly better mileage than the 400 but i think the 400 looks better
i hate the 430s.
I’m looking for a nice, old, and reliable daily. Your comment on parts not being readily available just steered me away from an LS 400. I already have a project car and can’t afford to have my daily be sitting while I wait for parts. Would this be the same issue for a the GS 300/400?
sounds alot like building a 4th gen prelude when it comes to aftermarket support
Ur a very underrated youtuber
Magazine fender rolling will give you that supreme tucked roll.
Yay a upload
So for parts, how bout used? I’d be okay with it, I’m tryna “budget” build this car but it’s obviously going to be pricey either way. Would there be any other budget cars I could build off. Is300 or gs300 a good option?
I just bought a 98 ls400 yesterday, one owner vehicle and already planning so much for it so clicked on this video
Same here bro, got a 99 in Diamond White Pearl, got it off an elderly couple serviced at Westside Lexus forever. Can’t wait to start this build
Where should I search for one?
XanXiety Marketplace on Facebook, Craigslist or local listings. They are there, you can find them for under 5 grand if you search good enough. Well kept maintained ones are going 4k+ nowadays, these cars hold their value. Hope you find one soon my guy! Good time to do it now. Who knows in the next few years price may climb up.
Love my 97 ls400 doing a subwoofer wall with 2 18s currently
I have my 96 ls400 and its still amazing just doing soke small stuff to it aswell
I had a mint 2000 LS400 Platinum Edition with the black interior. Unfortunately, some speeding rear ended me while I was turning into my neighborhood. Car is total loss... It got me through beautiful trips and rides. The car is a tank!!
Too bad it isn´t! You could have swung the turret around! 🙂
Had mine for 3 years now. Goin the drift route
with an auto?
@@tk-uq3kd yeh 2nd gear round some turns it does fine. I have a cd009 350z trans I'm gonna install once stock trans goes
For your first point, I'm lucky I live where there's snow and they salt the roads because I guess that makes LS400s rare here lol I get waves from other owners and nods from old guys. Maybe it's just me but people love seeing the car
Honda: The bolts it.... Literally it will build itself. 😁😆😃
I saw how much akumapapi spend on his LS400 parts and I was like nope that’s too much lol
I miss mine every day. Best car i owned. I did average more mpg though. Had like 22-25 mpg highway mostly but yeah. In hind site i should have gone with regular bc coils and not the extreme drops.. Fuck i moss the way that car drove. And all the memories in that massivr back seat
Lol i spent 1800 for mine and another 1800 spent in parts. No wheels yet
I spent 2400 and probably 600 on normal maintenance
Good video. Appreciate the insight. I got an 2002 is300 which became a money pit
What headlights bulb you have? I have the same headlights just needa buy the led bulbs
I love how the beat drops after he's says he spends 400 in gas a month
Got lucky and scooped up an Evolution v3 front bumper for 1500$. Good luck finding one of those 😉
You just said parts.. so after market parts are hard to come by or oem parts are hard to come by?
Looking at 1997 Toyota Crown Royal Saloon VIP. Has the 1JZ engine. Is that a better buy?
I found a 94 Lexus ls400 190k miles. Well taken care of should buy it for 1900?
Getting parts is for sure a pain but it gets 18 to 25 mpg and i always put 87 in mine and it runs amazing with 260,000 miles (payed $1900 for mine and had to fix power steering pump
these cars are seriously underrated, gotta make em more known #makels400smoreknown
pls no, because if they get known, they will get more expensive S T O N K S
Lexus GS platform is the same way. An amazing / reliable car, but expensive to build and ever harder to find the parts you want.
Keep Big Lexi on the hush hush 🤫 💯
from the US and just got a 90 and now i see stuff pop up a bit more i dont really plan to do much to it either just some exterior mods interior cleaning and maybe some wheels a exhaust and intake MAYBE maybe a small spoiler
rims and tints is all this car really needs. nice car bro.
I have mines garages still a project shits endless I will never sell it
I’m buying a ls400 next week. It’s already bagged with everything but it needs new control arms and bushings and it has 190k on the clock. Should I do it?
Do you think that 6 months - 1 year is enough to build a ls400? Thank you.