CanadaCraig Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Hi Guys!! :) There is an 'all-new' car for model year 2004 that is surprisingly similar in SIZE to the first generation LS400. So much so - that it almost seems more than just a coincidence!! [although it probably is] Can you guess what car I'm talking about?? Here are the 'stats' for the first generation LS400 and the 2004 'Mystery Car'. Lexus LS400 [Mystery Car] length .............196.7" [196.0"] width................ 72.0" [72.8"] wheelbase.......110.8" [110.2"] front track..........61.6" [61.8"] rear track...........61.6" [61.4"] The 'Mystery Car' is 2.8" taller [58.5" vs 55.7"] and 232 lbs heavier. [4,090 lbs vs 3,858 lbs] The 'Mystery Car' has the same size tires as the '93 and newer LS400's. [225/60-16's] And it even has an 'electroluminescent instrument cluster'!! [among many other features] Before clicking on the link - see you if you can guess what the 'Mystery Car' is. Mystery Car Road Test Here's the link to the car's specifications. [on the manufacturer's homepage] Standard features and Specifications Hopefully some of you will be as amused by this as I am. I guess I'll have to re-think what I think I hear the name of the 'make' of this car!! Craig!! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToddLS400 Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Ummm, it's all right but why would you spend 35K on this new when you could get a '02 LS400 with 30K on it for the same price. The slightly used Lexus has much less depreciation (mainly because of the used car factor) and better overall quality by quite a bit. I just can't see this Korean car manufacturer making a impact in the luxury car market? The V6 should be putting out much more power than 200HP for the weight of this car. 230HP is very attainable for a V6. This car is a pig with a little engine. Personally I would buy a Hynudai Sonata or Grandeur XG before this car. Sonata interior: Grandeur: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaCraig Posted November 25, 2003 Author Share Posted November 25, 2003 Hi ToddLS400!! :) Good Points!! But do you want to know what's ironic.... Hyundai OWNS Kia!! [and DaimlerChrysler OWNS a significant 'chunk' of Hyundai!!] That $35,000 MSRP is the Canadian price - by the way - so it's probably more like $28,000 or so US. I can't see myself buying a NEW Kia anything [or Hyundai - for that matter] but USED?? Chances are that $35,000 Amanti [as unfair as it may be] will most likely be worth close to $20,000 CDN two years from now. Now that's not bad - if you ask me. And you'd still have 3 years warrantee left!! You're right - of course - about the engine. It should make more than 200 h.p. But then again - the 'all-new' 3.5 litre V6 in the 'all-new' Chevrolet Malibu only produces 200 h.p. So maybe that's the best 'yesteday-technology' can do. So.... were you surprised by what the Mystery Car turned out to be. Craig!! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hammo400 Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 I'm with Todd ! There are V6's on much lighter cars pulling 260BHP (new Acura sport sedan). For Hyundai to have a car this heavy with such little "OOOMPH!" is sad. It would be passed on the highway by a MINI ! There's only 1 Lexus - the way Daimler Chrysler builds their Benz's today is also a joke. I'd rather have a '92 LS400 with low miles than a new S500 ! For that matter, I'd rather have an older Lexus than a newer one- just something that carmakers do to a successful car line once it has achieved "celebrity " status. They know people with buy it for the name / status and can cut corners without fear of loss in Sales. Newer Lexuses have more flash and less substance- perfect example, New RX330 - the plastic center console rattles in the '04 model ! Sheesh! I guess I'm not a NEW car guy. It boggles the mind to watch 15-20 % fly out of your wallet the minute you drive the new car off the lot. For those that find good quality older LS models, well done ! Your patience has been rewarded ! '97 is a good year - surpriseingly - for ALL cars. This will be my next LS400. In 2006, I'll look for a good SC430. In 2 years, for the price of 1 new LX470, you could have excellent pre-owned Lexus-certified SC430, LS400 and RX300 if you wanted. The defence rests ! G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VBdenny Posted November 26, 2003 Share Posted November 26, 2003 It may be a good buy but it is so damn ugly! all humpy rounded and stuff. I'd rather have my car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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.