Best year for the LS400?
07-20-13, 09:23 PM
#1
Best year for the LS400?
I currently drive a '01 GS430 and the wife keeps asking me to pick her up an LS400. I know performance wise the 98+ are tops right? My question is about quality and reliability. Are all of the LS400's pretty consistent as far as quality/reliability no matter which year you pickup?
07-20-13, 09:55 PM
#2
My vote goes to 2000 as they are the most refined of the bunch and the newest. It will be easier to pick up a low mileage 98+. Plus, gas mileage is better with the 98+ vvti. I may be selling mine soon as I am seriously looking at getting an LS430. Mine only has 81K miles. PM me if you are interested.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 07-20-13 at 10:07 PM.
07-20-13, 10:05 PM
#3
Lexus Champion
98-2000 are the best of the bunch, but no more reliable really, just many improvements in power, theft protection, skid avoidance and other safety features and a few other areas
however when it comes to selecting between 98, 99, and 2000 models, there isn't enough difference in those three years to even be worth mentioning. - Just find the creampuff - garage kept, never wrecked, babied car from a private owner in any of those 3 years.
however when it comes to selecting between 98, 99, and 2000 models, there isn't enough difference in those three years to even be worth mentioning. - Just find the creampuff - garage kept, never wrecked, babied car from a private owner in any of those 3 years.
07-21-13, 07:22 AM
#5
Lead Lap
98-2000 are the best of the bunch, but no more reliable really, just many improvements in power, theft protection, skid avoidance and other safety features and a few other areas
however when it comes to selecting between 98, 99, and 2000 models, there isn't enough difference in those three years to even be worth mentioning. - Just find the creampuff - garage kept, never wrecked, babied car from a private owner in any of those 3 years.
however when it comes to selecting between 98, 99, and 2000 models, there isn't enough difference in those three years to even be worth mentioning. - Just find the creampuff - garage kept, never wrecked, babied car from a private owner in any of those 3 years.
The following webpage has a partial list of what changed over the years: http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html I noticed that it doesn't show the redesign of the steering wheel tilt/telescope system that was implemented midway through the 2000 model year.
Also note that many 1998 LS400's arrived without self leveling HID headlights while virtually all 99-00 had them even though they were still "optional". The halogen headlights on the 98 LS are very good but I would miss the self leveling feature.
Having driven a 90 LS400 from new for 13 1/2 years, I suggest that the 90-94 be avoided like the plague for their poor headlights alone. Also avoid air suspension on any model year.
Durability of front suspension components improved as the model years progressed.
If you want particular features like heated seats, be sure the car you buy has them - they can't be added later ... at least at costs that most could swallow.
Edit: One - no two - more things! Avoid navigation on the 98-00 - it was considered awful even by 2003 when I bought my 2000 LS and, when they fail, the HVAC control may go with it. Also, although I love the Nakamichi audio system in my 00 LS, be aware that they usually cannot be repaired due to lack of replacement parts. Plus, if you want to convert to an aftermarket audio system, it is much easier to do with the standard Pioneer audio system.
Last edited by Kansas; 07-21-13 at 11:06 AM.
07-21-13, 07:46 AM
#6
I agree with Kansas, just to mention one, 98 originally came with the old style tilt&tele gear (easy fix) and then modified to a newer type that was a real problem and then (2000) updated.. much better. many 98 & 99's were updated but not all.... just something to think about..
07-21-13, 10:55 AM
#7
Kansas, Billy, thanks for taking the time to give some great advice! So I should be able to give the vin# to the dealership and they can tell me exactly what options are on the car, correct? I've heard bad things about the factory air suspension. I see a lot of '95 and '96 available. There's only a few 98+ for sale around here, mostly cause the owners never want to get rid of them lol. Thanks again.
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07-21-13, 12:20 PM
#8
Even better. Join the Lexus Drivers website and you can put the vin number in and see the dealer service history for yourself. Other websites will show you the options a model has by vin number. Of course, Car Fax and Autocheck will show history as well.
https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lex...serviceHistory
https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lex...serviceHistory
07-21-13, 01:06 PM
#10
Lead Lap
A VIN number does not include information about options although a Lexus dealer "may" be able to tell you by looking up the VIN - but will more likely blow you off for wasting his time.
Modify the year in both places in the following URL and you can see what options were available on the LS from 1990 through 2005: http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2000/2000LSspecs.pdf This should allow you to tell how any LS400 or LS430 is equipped.
There are a few errors in the lexus.com option lists, e.g. rear heated seats were never available on any LS400 sold in the U.S. although they were available or standard in many other markets.
Modify the year in both places in the following URL and you can see what options were available on the LS from 1990 through 2005: http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2000/2000LSspecs.pdf This should allow you to tell how any LS400 or LS430 is equipped.
There are a few errors in the lexus.com option lists, e.g. rear heated seats were never available on any LS400 sold in the U.S. although they were available or standard in many other markets.
07-21-13, 02:04 PM
#12
Lexus Champion
The following webpage has a partial list of what changed over the years: http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html
1999
- The wood shift **** became standard equipment.
- A few engine refinements.
- Steering column was slightly refined.
- The daytime running light system became standard equipment. This is basically the same system the Canadian models had been using for years.
- A blank mode was added for the instrument cluster where no cruise information appears.
- A change was made to the reverse shift function linked to the outer rear view mirrors.
2000
- Three tether anchor brackets for mounting the CRS (child restraint system) are provided.
- ORVR (on-board refueling vapor recovery) system was added to the engine.
- A brake assist system was added to ensure for enough braking force in emergencies.
- The seat memory system was slightly changed.
- The wood shift **** became standard equipment.
- A few engine refinements.
- Steering column was slightly refined.
- The daytime running light system became standard equipment. This is basically the same system the Canadian models had been using for years.
- A blank mode was added for the instrument cluster where no cruise information appears.
- A change was made to the reverse shift function linked to the outer rear view mirrors.
2000
- Three tether anchor brackets for mounting the CRS (child restraint system) are provided.
- ORVR (on-board refueling vapor recovery) system was added to the engine.
- A brake assist system was added to ensure for enough braking force in emergencies.
- The seat memory system was slightly changed.
07-21-13, 02:22 PM
#13
LOL Lavrishevo, if the pickings around here keep looking thin, I might just have to take a trip down to GA! The main thing I'm staying away from is the factory air suspension. The other quirks such as steering column, headlights, I can live with/deal with. I've also seen some decent priced/low mileage LS430's around but honestly, I like the 98 - 00 body better.
07-21-13, 03:21 PM
#14
Lead Lap
07-21-13, 03:24 PM
#15
http://www.lexus.com/contact/
I'm sure they can give a lot of information if you have a VIN if you call.
I'm sure they can give a lot of information if you have a VIN if you call.