So I've got an original 89' LS400 that has been dead nuts reliable, but I just found out my wife's pregnant and am thinking about something newer and even more safe. I have been doing allot of searching around for info on these (3rd gen? UCF 20 II.) Please tell me any and everything you know, problem area's, average selling price, did the 97'+ have side airbags?, etc. Any thought are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

95-97=non-vvt-i, UCF20 I (before m/c)
98-00= vvt-i engine, UCF20 II (post m/c)

98-00 has side air bags

the rest of the stuff you can search for.

 

One of my LS 97's had side air bags (the Coach Edition) and is a very strong and solid car, probably the "most reliable" I ever owned. (now has 247K)
BUT my 99 LS seems to be an excellent, quality built car also, probably more fragile than the 97, but softer riding and very smooth.
So for me, I have both, I drive the 97 and my wife the 99. (I have to keep turning off the VSC light, havent found the problem so far, "everything" effects it according to the "posts")

 

An excellent summary of the differences is at http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html

Side curtain airbags weren't available until the LS430. The side airbags in the later LS400 deploy from the outboard sides of the front seat backs.

IMO, the most important safety feature introduced during the LS400's eleven year run was VSC (vehicle stability control) in 1998.

 

I thought the '97 had air bags in the front seats.

 

With a new addition on the way...I would look at newer cars. As nice as these were in the day and still are, an LS430 is the next step up and the 460 another. I've been pondering a change myself for the more recent safety updates.