I'm a big fan of Lexus (thanks to the LFA) & I've found these sedans from the late '90s and early 2000s up for sale between Rs 5-8 lakh.

BHPian GreasyCarb55 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I've been scrolling around a few websites and seeing these Lexus GS and LS sedans with V8s from the late 90s and early 2000s pop up for sale between 5-8 lakh.

I know the Lexus/Toyota V8s are mechanically indestructible as they've not only seen used in luxury sedans and SUVs but also in heavy-duty applications like pickup trucks and they just keep chugging along for hundreds of thousands of kilometres without any major issues.

As a big fan of Lexus (mostly thanks to the LFA), picking up arguably the best V8 sedans ever built for the price of a new Baleno is REALLY tempting for someone like me. (This will not be my primary car).

So are they a good idea or should I just use the money for something else?

Here's what GTO had to say about the matter:

There's a reason why old luxury cars are priced on par with new hatchbacks. Because no one wants to buy them. The parts of any car have a finite life - including Lexus - and any comparisons to high mileage cars from the USA isn't futile, because our driving conditions + average speeds + small commutes + potholed roads are completely different.

Buying an old CBU like this is a big no-no. You'll be spending a lot of time in its upkeep and will have to source parts yourself. Different matter if you were considering a body-on-frame diesel SUV like the Land Cruiser or Pajero / Montero. Those are still doable, although I wouldn't recommend anyone buying a 10+ year car under any circumstances.

These old Lexus cars will be more reliable than a Mercedes or BMW of similar vintage for sure. But that's not saying much. It's going to cause you a lot of headaches.

Avoid.

Here's what BHPian GaryTSI had to say about the matter:

It is a subjective answer but it really comes down to your application and your environmental factors.

If you live in the NCR or any other major metro city, then I wouldn't suggest owning one simply because of the fuel and space constraints. Also, the NGT ban is something that is currently only applicable in the NCR but I fear that other major cities might adopt the same system which will render the idea of an old car to be useless.

If you already own a daily driver and a weekend/secondary car then it is still feasible to look for them but please do not buy an old Lexus as a primary car under the pretext of it being indestructible.

One more thing I would like to add is while they are cheap and reliable, their spares and servicing are going to be the polar opposite. The best chance is to import parts from their Japanese Toyota equivalent like the Celsior and Aristo but even then it's a painstaking process requiring a ton of money and time.

They are brilliant cars and there are plenty of examples to prove how great they are in terms of comfort (champagne glasses on the bonnet advertisement) and reliability (Matt Farah's million-mile LS400). The 1UZ on the 1st and 2nd gen are beautiful and even the LS430 which got the 3UZ has stood the test of time.

I was happy to once drive a 2nd gen LS400 around the block in Dehradun and there was nothing else like it, the seats were literal cushions and the V8 was silky smooth. If you really want to buy one, just ensure you have the money and patience to keep it going.

Here's what BHPian landcruiser123 had to say about the matter:

Okay as a project car if you're handy with tools and/or know trusted mechanics. If none of the two applies to you, don't waste your time.

That 20-year Lexus can't be your primary car.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Lexus has introduced the updated LS sedan in the international market. The car comes with a minor facelift and gets additional features.

While, the Lexus LS retains its spindle grille, the headlamps and tail lights have been slightly tweaked. On the inside, the car is now offered with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment head-unit that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The position of some of the switchgear including the buttons for the heated steering wheel and seats has also been changed. The LS also comes with Lexus TeamMate driver assist features and Adaptive Variable Suspension.

The engine options offered in the Lexus LS remain unchanged. The car comes with a 3.5-litre, twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that produces 410 BHP and a 350 BHP hybrid powertrain.

Media reports suggest that the updated Lexus LS could be launched around mid-2021. The car will compete with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and the Audi A8L.

A Lexus LS hydrogen fuel cell prototype has been spotted testing in the US. The images show the car with a Toyota Mirai and a Hyundai Nexo, which are both hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

The camouflaged car looks like it is based on the current LS, but the production version could be based on the LS facelift. The car could get a new front grille among other exterior changes. Changes and features specific to the fuel-cell variant are also expected.

The car is said to be Toyota's second attempt at a fuel cell vehicle. It is could be powered by an updated version of the powertrain used in the Toyota Mirai, which was introduced in 2014. The electric motor in the Mirai produces 150 BHP and 335 Nm and the car's total hydrogen tank capacity is 5 kg giving it an EPA-approved range of 502 km. This variant of the LS could get all-wheel drive as standard.

There's no word on the launch date of the fuel-cell LS. It is likely to be introduced in 2020 or 2021.

Source: motor1