Personally I would never make that swap. I think the 98-00 refresh did a ton for the car, inside and out.

Whats the drive to trade your 99? Is it rough?

 

keep in mind the 98-up cars had a different 1UZ engine and trans altogether.
VVTi and an extra gear is enough of a difference for me to want a 98-up more, for better gas mileage and performance. it does drive differently!
of course you also get the better amenities with a newer model.

read more:
http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html

 

the paint is fading everywhere on it, the front fender is destroyed, the hood is 2, I have to get 2 people to open it now. Transmission is starting to slip and it leaks oil everywhere. 325K original everything.

 

Yeah 325k its lived several good lives.

If you want another LS400, I would find a lower mileage 98-00.

 

And get the service records.No records,dont buy it.Wait til one with service records appears.Did i mention get service records? Do that,you will know if its been properly maintained.When these cars are maintained they are a whole different critter from one that wasnt.One is a very good car,other is a hoopty most likely.

Like buying from a neighbourhood with trash in the streets and bars on windows,or one with new cars and new RV's parked next to them.Who has the money to repair/maintain one.PROFILE the owner! You can buy the owner rather than buy the car and make out better just by buying from a moneyed owner.Ive ALWAYS profiled the owner and havent missed yet since I started.

No service records.no sale.IF you dont want a car with 10 gazillion hidden expensive problems. Its possible to get a good one without service records,its waaaaay more likely to get a good one with service records.

Also buy the very best you can afford.Repairs will kill you,start out with the best possible from the get-go.

recap....get service records.PROFILE the owner.

 

I'll also go back to my earlier advice on this....buy a 4 banger 80's toyo truck or car thats CHEAP,reliable and easy to work on.THEN get your Lexus.Walk first,then run.A lex with problems is EXPENSIVE,a 4 cylinder Toyo truck or camry/corolla or civic/accord is NOT,and everything is easily accessible.

Example,motor dies,just pull it and drop in a JDM used motor.Or tranny dies,same story.Not a deal breaker.Simple to do. CHEAP,easy and reliable.Good to go for YEARS after that.Oil leak?? Change pan or valve cover gasket.EASY.Not like your Lexus at all.All very good things.

There are a lot of things I want,but dont have.Maturity....the ability to delay gratification. Think about it.

 

 

I would not go backwards, find another 98-00 if you can that's in better condition.

 

98 - 00 always

 

as with the rest... 98-00 only. It's worth it to find a good one. Take your time and you will be rewarded. Good luck in your search.