Help me w/reasons to upgrade from 96 to 98-00
05-21-07, 04:12 PM
#31
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There are no double din kits for LS400s, you will have to either fabricate your own or get bent over and have a shop do it for you. Makes it significantly more expensive.
05-21-07, 06:18 PM
#32
I just recently bought a 99 LS400 with 47K miles on it. The first car I was looking at and almost bought before I found the 99 was a 97 with 67K miles. The reason why I personally spent the extra 5K was mostly for the updated front end and looks, but the biggest part was the VVT-i 290 HP engine and 5-Speed tranny. My SC400 had the older 4-Speed tranny and it was okay, but the 5-Speed is better IMHO. Plus all the little upgrades that others mentioned already. HID headlights are another thing that make it work it for me.
05-21-07, 07:05 PM
#33
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The reverse happened with me. I had a choice between my 96 with 37K miles and a 99 with 84K miles. Checking carfax, I discovered that the 99 had been in an accident and decided to take the low mileage 96. Also, I figured that I had longer to go on the timing belt change with the 96. For me, these cars are so good that any improvement over the prior generations is marginal.
I drove a 460 during the past year. To be sure, it's a nicer vehicle than my LS, but the changes are still marginal differences in my view. Lexus just did such a good job on the initial generations that I just think it's increasingly hard for them to outdo themselves.
I drove a 460 during the past year. To be sure, it's a nicer vehicle than my LS, but the changes are still marginal differences in my view. Lexus just did such a good job on the initial generations that I just think it's increasingly hard for them to outdo themselves.
I just recently bought a 99 LS400 with 47K miles on it. The first car I was looking at and almost bought before I found the 99 was a 97 with 67K miles. The reason why I personally spent the extra 5K was mostly for the updated front end and looks, but the biggest part was the VVT-i 290 HP engine and 5-Speed tranny. My SC400 had the older 4-Speed tranny and it was okay, but the 5-Speed is better IMHO. Plus all the little upgrades that others mentioned already. HID headlights are another thing that make it work it for me.
05-22-07, 10:00 PM
#34
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actually metraonline.com sells double din kits for the LS400, got one for my '98 to fit my new sony stereo. The kit's not listed on their site, you have to call 'em.
05-23-07, 04:14 AM
#36
Yes, I'd like to see how this kit looks. Is this the one with the metal brackets? Or is it all plastic like the regular metra kits? I need one so I don't have to fully custom make my own. I rather modify an existing one than do everything from scratch.
Also, can you post the part number that was on the bag? My friend's shop carries metra so if I have the part number he can simply order it for me.
Also, can you post the part number that was on the bag? My friend's shop carries metra so if I have the part number he can simply order it for me.
05-23-07, 09:40 AM
#38
I actually think the the 98-00 LS400 feels more solid than any of the other LS's. I've driven an 03 LS430 and thought it rode a little nicer and quieter, but I just didn't feel like it was as stable. The 460 is about the same way, it just feels so light, maybe it's just bacause its so fast.
I love my 99 LS400 and love the timeless look it gives, but there will come a time where I know I will need a different car.
I love my 99 LS400 and love the timeless look it gives, but there will come a time where I know I will need a different car.
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