1997 Lexus Ls400 problems
The Lexus LS (Japanese: レクサス・LS, Hepburn: Rekusasu LS) is a full-size luxury sedan (F-segment in Europe) serving as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. For the first four generations, all LS models featured V8 engines and were predominantly rear-wheel-drive. In the fourth generation, Lexus offered all-wheel-drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase variants. The fifth generation changed to using a V6 engine with no V8 option, and only one length was offered.
As the first model developed by Lexus, the LS 400 debuted in January 1989 with the second generation debuting in November 1994. The LS 430 debuted in January 2000 and the LS 460/LS 460 L series in 2006. A domestic-market version of the LS 400 and LS 430, badged as Toyota Celsior (Japanese: トヨタ・セルシオ, Hepburn: Toyota Serushio), was sold in Japan until the Lexus marque was introduced there in 2006. In 2006 (for the 2007 model year), the fourth generation LS 460 debuted the first production eight-speed automatic transmission and an automatic parking system. In 2007, V8 hybrid powertrains were introduced on the LS 600h/LS 600h L sedans.
Development of the LS began in 1983 as the F1 project, the code name for a secret flagship sedan. At the time, Toyota's two existing flagship models were the Crown and Century models – both of which catered exclusively for the Japanese market and had little global appeal that could compete with international luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar. The resulting sedan followed an extended five-year design process at a cost of over US$1 billion, and premiered with a new V8 engine and numerous luxury features. The Lexus LS was intended from its inception for export markets, and the Lexus division was formed to market and service the vehicle internationally. The original LS 400 debuted to strong sales, and was largely responsible for the successful launch of the Lexus marque.
Since the start of production, each generation of the Lexus LS has been manufactured in the Japanese city of Tahara, Aichi. The name "LS" stands for "Luxury Sedan", although some Lexus importers have preferred to define it as "Luxury Saloon". The name "Celsior" is taken from Latin word "celsus", meaning "lofty" or "elevated".
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Common 1997 Lexus Ls400 problems
The Lexus LS400, produced in 1997, is known for its comfort, reliability, and decent power. However, like any vehicle, it has some common problems that potential buyers should be aware of. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on owner complaints:
- Engine Mounts: The LS400 uses special fluid-filled engine mounts that reduce vibrations in the car. Over time, they may collapse and fail, resulting in increased vibration. They are surprisingly expensive to replace on the LS 400 compared to the simple rubber mounts used on other vehicles.
- Timing Belt: The timing belt sets the timing for the entire engine, keeping the camshafts and the crankshaft synchronized. The 1UZ 4.0L V8 engine uses a timing belt because Lexus engineers determined that it would be quieter than using a traditional timing chain. Timing belts generally last for the life of the engine, whereas the timing belt should be replaced every 90,000 miles or 7 years. In addition, there are two timing belt idler bearings that must also be replaced with the belt. While the car is apart, it is strongly recommended to change the water pump too.
- Power Steering Pump: The LS400 has variable power steering, but with time and age, the seals and hoses of the pump may develop leaks. In this case, any leakage is likely to take out the alternator as it is located directly beneath the power steering pump.
- Exterior Lighting: Some owners have reported issues with exterior lighting, such as non-functioning side marker lights and taillights .
- Interior Electronics: The screens for the climate control and the clock do not work in some LS400s, and the trip odometer may not function properly. These are relatively easy fixes but may require some troubleshooting .
- Hood Struts: The hood struts on the LS400 may fail, causing the hood to not hold itself up. This is an easy fix but may require some attention .
- Transmission Failure: Transmission failure can present itself in several ways, most notably in a shudder or delay when shifting into another gear, grinding during acceleration, the car shaking, or a burning smell. Luckily, LS400 transmissions are about $500 on eBay, so if you do the work yourself, this problem won't break the bank.
- Suspension Components: Suspension wear is probable or even inevitable over 100k, and control arms and ball joints will likely need replacement. Check the cost to do it.
- Leather Seats: The leather seats can wear badly on the Lexus LS400, particularly on the early cars. Look for wear on the bolsters and any tears. The heated seats are also known to fail and are not really fixable.
When purchasing a 1997 Lexus LS400, it is essential to have the vehicle inspected for these common problems. If everything problem part has been replaced, you're golden. However, if the previous owner hasn't replaced anything, yet the stars align, and you find yourself forking over a few thousand dollars, it is best to be prepared and have some money set aside for these repairs.
What are the most common problems with the LS400?
These are the common problems for the old LS400's: Starter, ps pump, alternator, ECU's caps, tranny, tranny's mount, flexdiscs (1 at the tranny & the other at the rear axle), strut bars & flex EGR pipe so ask the current owner if they've been changed along w/ the timing belt/water pump but for $800, you can't expect ...
What is the life expectancy of a Lexus LS 400?
A: You should be able to reach 200,000 miles in that car if you really take care of it. The LS 400 is a very reliable luxury sedan, but you should consider changing the timing belt because of its age.
How reliable is the LS400?
This is the most reliable car on the planet. There's multiple examples of these cars going 250, 300,000 miles with no issues. All you need is brakes, tires, gas, and oil changes, and that's it. And these things will run forever.
What is the highest mileage on the LS400?
The million-mile Lexus LS owned by auto journalist Matt Farah has finally lived up to its name, with the 1996 LS 400 reaching 1,000,000 miles this past week. Farah purchased the LS used for $1,500 USD with 897,000 miles on the odometer in 2014, with the plan to break the million-mile mark.
1997 Lexus Ls400 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Ls400 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Tires problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Lexus Ls400 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Lexus Ls400 complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Lexus Ls400.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-15
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CRASH CAUSED BY POOR WET TRACTION OF GOODYEAR INTEGRITY TIRES. ACCIDENT WAS PRECEDED BY NUMEROUS INSTANCES OF LOST LATERAL GRIP AND SLIPPING UNDER NORMAL ACCELERATION IN NORMAL DRIVING.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-13
- VIN: JT8BH28F6V0
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: VEHICLE DOES NOT START WHEN HOT. STARTER DOES NOT TURN. VEHICLE WAS NEVER RECALLED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 98V016000. MY CAR HAS A PRODUCTION DATE OF 7/97. CUT OFF DATE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN WAS 6/97. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE REPAIR OF THE MAGNETIC SWITCH IN THE STARTER. A NO START CONDITION EXISTS AND A FIRE CAN RESULT IF THE SOLENOID SHORTS OUT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-09
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: AS I WAS DRIVING, MY VEHICLE STARTED ACCELERATING ON IT'S OWN. WHEN I HAD PREVIOUSLY CHECKED THE SPEED ODOMETER IT SAID 50. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STARTED GAINING SPEED. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL AND THE SPEED KEPT ACCELERATING. I PRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK! THE VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING. I SAW A SIDE ROAD AND TURNED ONTO IT. I KEPT TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND IT KEPT GOING. I THOUGHT TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND IT SLOWED THE VEHICLE CONSIDERABLE, BUT IT KEPT MOVING. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. I KEPT PUMPING THE BREAKS WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON AND THE CAR WAS STILL MOVING. IT FINALLY STOP, BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL ACCELERATING. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND THE MORE THE ENGINE ACCELERATED. I PUT BACK IN DRIVE AND IT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO OR WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN TO THE VEHICLE. I TOLD MY SONS TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. I TURN THE ENGINE OFF, THE CAR JUMPED AND I RAN AWAY FROM THE CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL SMOKING. I CALLED 911. THE CAR STOPPED SMOKING AND REMAINED IN PLACE. MY HUSBAND CAME AND STARTED THE VEHICLE IT ACCELERATED AND HE PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND IT STOPPED. I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND PARKED IT. I AM NOT DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND THIS IS THE REASON THAT I HAVE NOT ENTERED A VIN NUMBER. *TR
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-31
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8BH28F4V0
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 LEXUS LS400 IN CA ON THE 605 FWY, WEST TOWARD 210 FWY, ALL SYSTEMS ON THE CAR LOCKED (STEERING WHEEL, BRAKES, GAS PEDAL) AS I WAS CHANGING LANES. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR AND AFTER SPINNING SEVERAL TIMES RAN INTO THE CENTER DIVIDER. I WAS VERY LUCKY NOT TO GO OVER THE DIVIDER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND BE KILLED. I SUSTAINED NECK AND HEAD INJURIES AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT I SURVIVED AND THAT NO OTHER CARS OR PEOPLE WERE INVOLVED. EARLY IN 1998 I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND TOOK THE CAR IN TO LEXUS ON 2/24/98. THE RECALL WAS FOR A "STARTER PLUG PROBLEM". I TRUSTED THAT AFTER THE REPAIR I WOULDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY LEXUS. IN FACT, JUST OVER A MONTH LATER I HAD THE ACCIDENT AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED. I VERY HAPPILY DROVE LEXUS CARS FROM 1992 UNTIL THE ACCIDENT AND THEY WERE MY FAVORITE CARS. I HAVE 2 FRIENDS WHO HAD THE SAME MALFUNCTION WITH A 1996 AND A 1997 LEXUS LS 400. I FEEL IT IS MY DUTY TO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION TO MAKE SURE IT'S INCLUDED IN STUDIES AND HISTORICAL DATA THE NHTSA KEEPS. I HOPE THE INFORMATION WILL BE PUT TO GOOD USE TO PREVENT FUTURE ACCIDENTS, INJURIES AND DEATHS, REGARDLESS OF THE AUTO MANUFACTURER. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEMS TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING ARE PROBABLY HAPPENING WITH OTHER AUTO MANUFACTURERS. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-13
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JT8UF11E9M0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: A FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED VIA LETTER. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT 1 WEEK PRIOR TO THE FIRE, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED, THE RADIO DIED AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPER DIED, THE PROBLEM WAS THEN DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY ALTERNATOR. AN INVESTIGATOR CONCLUDED AFTER INSPECTING VEHICLE THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN OVERCURRENT AT THE ABS CONTROLLER VOLTAGE CONDUCTOR, THE 10 GAUGE CABLE IS UNPROTECTED AND HAS 12 VOLT, OR BATTERY, POWER POTENTIAL WHEN THE ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING AND THE ENGINE IS IN THE OFF POSITION, AN OVERCURRENT WILL EVENTUALLY PRODUCE SUFFICIENT HEAT AND METL THE CONNECTOR THAT WAS SECURED TO THE BRACKET ON TOP OF THE CONTROLLER UNIT, ONCE THE PLASTIC MELTS, A DIRECT CONNECTION BETWEEN BATTERY VOLTAGE AND GROUND IS ATTAINED WHICH PRODUCES A SHORT CIRCUIT AND THE RESULTANT FIRE. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FRONT BRAKE SHIMMY. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A ROUGH IDLE. *SLC
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-08
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8BH28F1V0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER COLLISION AT 50 MPH, AND BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS AND SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *AK TOYOTA'S LEGAL DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED THAT THE DIRECT FRONTAL COLLISON FORCES WERE BELOW THE THRESHOLD FOR DEPLOYMENT, IMPACTING THE SOFTER PORTION OF THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE VEHICLE, AND WAS NOT A DIRECT FRONTAL IMPACT, THEREFORE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, TWO PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT. *TT
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
- VIN: JT8BH28F4V0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS WEARING OUT. THEN, SHIFTED THE TIRE TO RIGHT FRONT AND WEARING CONTINUED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR ALIGNMENT. MECHANIC TOLD HIM THAT HE COULD DO THAT BECAUSE BALLJOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BALLJOINT ARE MADE FROM SUBSTANCE THAT WOULD WEAR OUT AT CERTAIN MILEAGE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-17
- VIN: JT8BH28F9V0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AND HEARD AN EXTREMELY LOUD GRINDING NOISE, DEALER HAD TO SAND ROTORS TO REMOVE RUST. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT8BH28F7V0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: NEW TIRES WERE NEEDED AT 20,000 MILES. *YC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DASHBOARD INDICATORS LIGHTS WORKING IMPROPERLY, ILLUMINATING WHEN NO PROBLEMS ARE FOUND.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: REAR VIEW MIRROR SENSOR CREATES PROBLEMS IN VISIBILITY DUE TO DESIGN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-10
- VIN: JT8BH22F6T0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD IN THE ENGINE AREA. ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE WAS BURNED OUT. *AK MR. DAVIS WROTE IN SAYING THIS IS NOT HIS VEHICLE, NOR HAS HIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS DESCRIBED, HE HAS NOT FILED ANY COMPLAINTS. *SLC
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT8BH28F6Y0
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DOORS NOT DESIGNED TO BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE, TRAPPING PASSENGERS WHO ARE LEFT IN VEHICLE.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT8BH28F0V0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: COTTER PINS ON THE UPPER FRONT 'A' FRAME WERE UNDERSIZED AND RUSTED.
1997 Lexus Ls400 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1997 Lexus Ls400.
- Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE TERMINAL FOR THE STARTER MOTOR MAGNETIC SWITCH, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT CAN OCCUR IF ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE LIQUID, SUCH AS ROAD SPLASH WITH DEICING SALT, ENTERS THIS AREA.
- Consequence: A STARTER MOTOR NO-START CONDITION OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE CAN RESULT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE MAGNETIC SWITCH.
Negative 1997 Lexus Ls400 car reviews
Positive 1997 Lexus Ls400 car reviews
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Hey there! Just wanted to share that my car is still running like a true champ! Can you believe it has over 200,000 miles and still looks and performs awesomely? I'm confident it will reach 250,000 miles with no problems, and my ultimate goal is 300,000! Don't you think Lexus should reward long-time car owners who have reached major milestones like 200K, 250K, and 300K+ miles?
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I really love my 97 Lexus Ls400! It handles great and is comfortable on both long and short rides. The parts are cheap because it's a Toyota, and the leather is still in great condition for a 23-year-old car. Everything works perfectly, and it's equipped with side and front airbags, making it a safe choice. It handles well in all conditions thanks to its traction control. It's a reliable car that will last a long time. By the way, you can use regular gas and a gas cleaner once every two thousand miles, and it will still run like new. I've owned new BMWs, Jags, Range Rovers, and other luxury cars, but the 97 Lexus Ls400 is the best and always turns heads. You can't go wrong with an Ls400 from 97, even in 2020!
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That's great to hear! It sounds like you've had some experience with luxury cars, but the Lexus really stands out as the best one you've owned. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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I have owned several fancy cars and this is the second Lexus I have owned and I have loved both of them. The first was a GS300 and it was wonderful. It was a little smaller than the LS 400 but still a great car to drive. I will continue to drive them because they are great looking and driving cars.
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Ok, this is something very different than what I have ever experienced. I love how my car rides. I just bought it a day ago and have been reading reviews, which have been very helpful. If you have any advice or comments, please feel free to share. I enjoy reading your feedback!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Lexus Ls400 problems:
Buying an LS400: Common Problems to Look For? - ClubLexus ...
Mar 5, 2018 ... LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) - Buying an LS400: Common Problems to Look For ... ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion ... My 97' had all the vacuum ...
What Are The Most Common Problems With Ls400?!?!?! - 90 - 00 ...
Jun 23, 2005 ... So I was hoping that this forum might contain a recommended maintance guide.. www.lexus.com was no help unfortunately. Others future newbies, as ...
Considering 95-97 LS400, common issues? - ClubLexus - Lexus ...
Oct 10, 2015 ... - Power Steering pump leak, followed by the power steering high pressure hose leaked, and now it looks like the rack may be going as I still ...
1997 Lexus LS400 Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Top 1997 Lexus LS400 Problems · Higher Mileage Cars May Develop Noises in Front Suspension. 52 people have reported this. 18 · Automatic Transmission Shudder ...
Common Issues And A Ls400 Buying Guide - 90 - 00 Lexus LS400 ...
Jul 25, 2004 ... ... 97), not the 2.5(98-00). the procedure can be found on Lexls.com. I went ahead and changed the radiator and the fan clutch also. For my ...
Other years of Lexus Ls400
Are you having problems with your 1997 Lexus Ls400?
Emory Emard 2024-07-28
I have had a few issues with my car recently, including needing new O2 sensors and brakes all around. More recently, I have had to replace the transmission and motor mounts, and I have also noticed an oil leak. Despite spending $3000 on the car and only driving it around 30 times in the 3 months I have owned it, I am confident that I can address these issues and get my car running smoothly again.
Jon Smitham 2024-04-12
UPDATE: I sold the car in 2006 for $6,000 at a dealer's auction with 120,000 miles. Since the 2004 review, there were a few issues that came up. Firstly, a crack opened up on the top of the dashboard. Secondly, the electrical components in the dashboard failed intermittently, requiring complete replacement eventually, according to the Lexus dealer. Lastly, I scraped the driver's door on the garage pillar, which required $1,500 in repairs and replacement of metal wainscoting. Unfortunately, the new wainscoting did not match the weathered texture on the other 3 doors and stood out. Replacing the wainscoting on the other doors would have cost an additional $2,000. Overall, it was a very costly car and did not hold up as expected. I originally purchased it from an auto broker with 45,000 miles for $35,000. I had hoped that the car would hold up better.