462whpGTI

Are there any major differences or reliability issues between these model years?

any issues w/ getting the 1st year 1998 model?

are they all drive by cable?

which ones are easier to mod?

do any of them have any head sludge issues?

any feelings one way or the other on which would be a better option?

ElitistK

iTrader: (4)

98 seems to experience more problems than 99-00 (door actuators). Other than that, you still need to do the regular 30-60-90k servinces to keep it running. There's also a TSB on 98 but i forgot what it is.

462whpGTI

yea, I think I'll have to jump right into the 90k mile service with the cars I'm looking at.. and I'm sure as a lexus it will be reliable, I just want to hedge my bets as much as possible and get something that'll be fine all the way up to 150,000 miles

Lubs

My memory is a little shot right now, but there is an adjustable part of the steering mechanism that was added in mid-99 or 2000. If I recall correctly it reduces the dead spot and tightens the steering a bit when adjusted. Try a search, it's been discussed at length elsewhere.

My 98 doesn't have door actuator problems. It's reliable and I would recommend the car to anyone interested, but I would encourage the 01+. Although they're almost identical, the tails, cluster, steering wheel, additional wood, etc. etc. add a lot to the car and keep it fresh. Albeit you would only be a few mods away from that look anyway.

If you're set on the 98-00, I would recommend you try to find a 99 or 00 over the 98. A car that's a year or two newer surely has a year or two more left in it. Again, you won't be disappointed in a well-kept 98 either. Best of luck in your search.

Lubs

I decided to refresh my memory on the steering adjustment matter. It's referred to as the steering pretensioner or rack guide adjustment. Apparently early 98s used an older style pretensioner that wasn't adjustable with the turn of the hex nut. You can find more info here:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-2nd-gen-1998-2005/55801-do-you-have-a-vibration-at-highway-cruising-speeds-mine-s-fixed.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=210644

This is certainly an issue you will want to look into before making your purchase. Take the car for a cruise and check for steering wheel shake from the range of 55-85 mph. On my car it occurs at 55-65 mph. This is common, and a pain in the *** to be frank. Don't fret because it can be fixed/minimalized and some cars suffer more than others. Just be wary of early 98s with that shake because as rominl states in the last link - early 98s cannot be adjusted and will likely require more work.

salimshah

In used car market, the most important factors are care (maintenance) and abuse. I would weigh these above anything else.

Every thing eaqual, I would lean towards the newest model-low milage.

On '98 check to see if you open the rear door, the light comes on.

98' doe snot have head (side) curtains .. it does have side airbag though.

Salim

Shawnmack

My 98 is pusshing 130k the only proble i've had was when I tried to clean the engine and got water in one of my spark plugs. Thats th only promblem I've had but I do maintain service.

Black_GS

In engineering, first year models often have better individual parts (because market timing is more important than cost), but later models often have better intergration and more efficient (can be lighter too due to lighter parts). After first releases, manufactures then fix defects, at the same time, cut cost.

So, there wouldn't be much different for years 98 to 00 (same version).