My 1993 lexus ls400 experience

[bigfootbryce]

I know. I know this is Gen 1/2 forum for Camrys. I've got an 89 auto 4 cylinder. 271k miles. I just wanted to express my thanks to the engineers at Toyota for making the 2.0 liter super easy (for the most part) to work on.

I came across a 93 ls400 that was for sale really, really cheap. I thought to myself, wow how could i go wrong with another toyota product if my 89 has lasted so well for so long?

I started to do some research on this Gen lexus. It is a v-8. more power. it is luxurious. better than my non moving automatic seat belts.

Bad to the bone stereo system. air suspension. rides like the first boat out on a windless day, etc. etc...

BUT- holy crap. did you know the starter is located in the valley between the heads?! Underneath the intake?! I can replace my starter start to finish in 20 minutes. Give or take a minute. Changing the starter would be a 6.5 hour job in the lexus!

The instrument cluster on that Gen lexus goes out. 1200 at the dealer or 275 to ship to a guy that fixes them in his garage. Another gauge always goes out. Another 250 to fix. The parts price difference is crazy high. 110 bucks for the spark plug wires.

I couldn't even see the alternator. There are two timing belts on the lexus. My head hurts.

So anyway, THANKs to the engineers who either talked to some mechanics on what would be relatively easy maint. or they just built it that way on accident. either way, thanks!

[atobe]

yeah the gen2 I4 is super easy to work on.. apart from the ps pump and timing belt.. yes the starter is under the intake for the v8 i have no idea why it's crazy.... heck even on the SC300/400 to change the plug wires you have to take off the intake too.

[TBayToyotaBoy]

Agreed, the gen 2 Camrys (even the V6s) are a breeze to work on. Truth be told, the gen3 I4 Camrys are a cinch too (as is my Celica, which shares the power plant). Time and again my friends are shocked at how easy all of my Toyotas have been to work on:

Oil changes (including filter): 10 min average
Alternator swap: 15 min average
Starter swap: 10 min average

Even my Honda/Acura driving friends are awe-struck when they see the alternator and oil filter right up front where you can service them easily. Cheers to the engineers who built cars I can work on in any weather!

[HomeGrown]

As bland as they are (to folks who don't truly appreciate the Gen 2 Camry), these are among THE absolute best cars that Toyota ever produced. I truly believe that the Gen 2 Camry laid the REAL foundation for Toyota's reputation of building a world-class quality product and really propelled Toyota into it's high-volume sales.

[TBayToyotaBoy]

Originally Posted by HomeGrown

As bland as they are (to folks who don't truly appreciate the Gen 2 Camry), these are among THE absolute best cars that Toyota ever produced. I truly believe that the Gen 2 Camry laid the REAL foundation for Toyota's reputation of building a world-class quality product and really propelled Toyota into it's high-volume sales.

True, all true. I would even be tempted to say that, on the basis of value (as based on initial vehicle price coupled with reliability), the gen2 Camrys and other Toyotas of that era represent the pinnacle of Toyota's achievements. The cars since have been great, but not quite as great...the unfortunate cosmetic blandness of these Camrys is a small issue for anyone who appreciates their iron-bound track record--which is now twenty years old and still legendary.

[HomeGrown]

Yep, it's pretty sad to think that the gen 2 Camry may well be Toyota's high-water mark.

[250for750]

I would LOVE an LS400. Instead I'm stuck with an ES250. Good luck with the starter problem.

[JMSports]

Originally Posted by HomeGrown

As bland as they are (to folks who don't truly appreciate the Gen 2 Camry), these are among THE absolute best cars that Toyota ever produced. I truly believe that the Gen 2 Camry laid the REAL foundation for Toyota's reputation of building a world-class quality product and really propelled Toyota into it's high-volume sales.

Except for the bodies rusting apart.

[Kingdom934]

Yea. My Gen1 is such a breeze to work on. Everything major or things that needs to be replaced often (i.e. oil filter) is in a good location. I take that for granted when I work on my Cressida and Versa...