Jamlive

Looking to pick up a Lexus for a work vehicle since my all original 93 accord with 90k on dash got tboned by a drunk driver 😒. I've gotten many recommendations on a Lexus. I have a Subaru Outback I'll be selling and insurance check from my accord and a 2010 cammed Ss for my weekend toy. The objective of this car is to use it strictly for work and hauling my daughter around. I drive 50k miles a year for work. I need something comfortable, reliable, and safe pending that I get hit again. Which year Lexus would suit my purpose. Is a certain year more reliable than another in the 400 market. What mileage range should I be looking in? Or would it be worth it to just save and go ls430 instead?

dicer

Probably the newer is the better and parts availability etc. Billy likes his newer one.

Stereorob

98-00 is the generation to look for. the 1st gens 90-94 are good too but there getting so old now they are at the age where they need to be watched over. then you have the early second gen 95-97, which has harder lines than the 98-00 but are also getting up there in age, and are sort of like the "bastard middle child" of the Ls400 model run. just as reliable as the others but doesn't seem to get much love because no wood wheel or VVT-i

Legender

Depends on how much you want to spend. Most here would recommend the 98-2000 model year as it has the best mileage, most improvements over the others and should have the least amount of miles. However, it will be a bit more expensive. The later model year could run you anywhere from $3k to $6k (asking price). If you want to spend more you can move to the next body style, 2001 -2006 and pay a bit more for less miles and near the same reliability. I'd drive both and see what you like. While they are both LS models they do drive/ride differently, thus the passions displayed in the forums. Personally I do prefer the later model 400 over the 430, but I do have both. Good luck to you in your search and think you'll find it a step up from the Honda.
Just beware, once you get a taste of the LS ride, it's hard to go back to something else.

Stereorob

forgot to mention, the 95-97s are the best value/buys currently. there old enough now for some folks to be scared of them, but still are not old enough to be scary, plus clean examples are not totally unobtanium, and values have finally deprectiated as far down as they are going to go and have leveled off. that's what id go for right now

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

yep most of the folks here will recommend a 98-00 model. i myself have a 97 and slightly regret i was one year away from a much better model. you drive a lot, and these car are much more reliable than the next generation (from my experience) so you're on the right track. they shine on the hwy, and get decent gas mileage too, esp the 98-00 models which have an extra gear compared to the older siblings.

sorry to hear about your accord. i still have my 92 accord coupe, though not at 90k, i understand its charm very well. such a shame for that loss! and i know insurance will probably just give you pennies for it (hope not).

pmarr

I have a 97 and 98. I would choose the 98-00 hands down. Better mileage, quicker, HID lights. Definitely look for a well kept, privately owned vehicle with a paper trail. Fantastic cars