twestrope Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 I am beginning to consider getting a used LS. My budget can't handle a new 2004 LS 430. What would be the 2nd best year of the LS 400/430's ? What would be the best year if value was the primary consideration? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvmy98LS400 Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 Not all of us can afford a 2004...and not all of us want to tie up that much capital in a car. I'm fairly value oriented, being the product of parents that are Quakers and grew up during the Depression... For me, I like the 98-2000 styling much better than any LS year except the 2004, so that narrowed my decision considerably. I ended up with a '98 for $15, letting the previous owner take the $35-40K in depreciation. Granted, I don't have all the latest bells and whistles, but I got a quiet car with a great ride and everything I need. No one can tell it has 100K on it. And no car loan!!! The car will easily go another 100k. I can go buy a boat with the $35-40K I saved, and enhance my life considerably more than buying a 2004. Just make sure the car checks out: carfax, maintenance records. My 2 pennies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 If you are a do-it-yourselfer, the '90-'97 models are significantly easier to work on because they don't have the variable valve timing engine. Examples: changing the timing belt or checking the valve clearances is alot less complicated on the '90-'97 models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexus. Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 2001 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwallican Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 I LIKE THE '00. THE WOOD GRAIN WHEEL IS DEFINITELY AN UPGRADE!! I DONT THINK THE BODY STYLE IS MUCH DIFFERENT THAN THE 98 BUT I JUST LIKE THE IDEA OF PURCHASING SOMETHING NEWER. I HAVE A 96 LS400 AND I'M WAITING A COUPLE OF YEARS FOR THAT '04 LS430 TO DEPRECIATE. THEN I'LL SNATCH IT UP AND BE DONE BUYING CARS FOR AT LEAST 10 YEARS!!!! <_< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpf5911 Posted July 30, 2004 Share Posted July 30, 2004 I just got an '01. One thing you'll notice if you're shopping now, is that there are a lot of '01s on dealer lots that have just come off 36 month leases. So, you have a good selection of cars with three years of depreciation and something like 40k or 50k miles. Good luck! JPF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
90LS400Lexus Posted July 30, 2004 Share Posted July 30, 2004 I do not think you would be disappointed with a nice, low mile 90-94 LS400. No, they are not as advanced as the 95-04's, but they are still well-built capable cars, that offer grand luxury, bulletproof reliability. Be sure to check some of the trouble spots on these cars, as well as a Carfax. I am considering "upgrading" to a 93-94 LS400, or perhaps a 95-97 LS400. I almost bought a 98' LS400 for $15000, but was hesitant paying $15K for 6 year old car, even if it is a Lexus and I like the fact that my 1990 is paid for (paid for in full when I bought it). I have also been considering a 1980s Mercedes 300SD turbo diesel, 91-97 Toyota Land Cruiser, or a 95-98 Chevrolet Suburban / Tahoe SUV. Still have not made a definete decision on whether or not I will keep the 90 LS400. Aside from some minor flaws, it is still a great running car, that still gets a lot of compliments- which I think it neat, considering it is nearly 15 years old. Good luck with whatever you decide..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apsharp Posted July 30, 2004 Share Posted July 30, 2004 I was once told by a Lexus mechanic the 2 years for the most reliable Lexus LS400 is 91 and 93. I have a 91 and it's great, 170k and no problems other than replacing power steering assembly and radiator. I do beleive the 93's have a better brake system and wider tires! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexus598 Posted July 31, 2004 Share Posted July 31, 2004 I have a 1993 ls400 and love it ive had no problems with it at all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WileCoyote Posted July 31, 2004 Share Posted July 31, 2004 I got a 2001, exactly like someone posted, off lease, 41,000 miles, got a great deal, someone else took the hit! I looked over the 2004 brochure, and the 2001 is pretty much the same body style and interior. The 2004 has more high end tech stuff, but $70,000 was out of the question. I love my 2001, it has the ultra luxury package and driving in the commute has never been better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afaleti Posted July 31, 2004 Share Posted July 31, 2004 I would say a Black 99LS, I paid 22.3 You can also consider the 00LS4 ..... Edition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.jpg.00b008f265e99d7d6120b5e549b3fd10.thumb.jpg.19472090d3f0c8af2c0ed917c349221d.jpg)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.