General Lexus vehicle questions
 

Hello everyone. I'm brand new to Lexus forums and also a prospective '99-'00 Lexus LS400 owner. Cadillacs are my main point-of-interest and have been for quite some time. I know and understand their components, manorisms, design flaws, and on-board systems. I am hoping to be as well-versed in the Lexus arena, but I must admit that I am a tad bit overwhelmed. I just had a few general questions about the Lexus vehicle in general: Does the on-board computer have a readout for trouble codes or other diagnostic functions? All Cadillacs are equipped with such, which is why I am able to diagnose and repair problems myself. Does the factory or any other entity produce a repair manual or how-to guide for Lexus automobiles? I have yet to find any. Generally, how expensive is normal maintenance? For example, a Northstar V8 requires 8.5 quarts of full synthetic oil at every change and can get expensive in a hurry. Are there any major flaws brand-wide? Cadillac's Northstar system is notorious for oil leakage and head gasket failure. Any input is greatly appreciated.

RE: General Lexus vehicle questions
 

Everything is expensive on these cars. It is a high line car as a Caddy, but at least a Caddy can use some older parts that span a longer production run. For instance, on a 92 LS an air filter costs $16, most others are like 7. There are bushings everywhere in the suspension and all seem to cost $70 a piece or more. The upper control arms are $400 a piece OEM and only one other company makes them at 200 a pair on Ebay! The upper ball joint is integral to this piece and is not serviceable. The wheel bearings are 78 bucks a piece and use the hub as sort of a race, both need to be serviced if they go bad. The 90K service is about $1500 and can be over 4K. On the other hand, you can do nothing to these cars except add oil and gas and they will go 150k easy. Change the belt and they will go another 150, and so on. I have heard horror stories on the Northstar caddies too, build quality, motor, transmission, etc. None of these seem to be an issue on the Lexus badge. Just pricey preventative maintenance.