Buying A 98+ Ls, Need Option Help!

Phisherman · March 11, 2004

Hey guys and gals,

This is my first post of many over here. I am looking to get a 98+ Lexus, but I want to find the perfect one at the right price. My questions are as follows: I would love to have the HIDs on a 98, are there other options that came with the HIDs in a package group? I would like to know if it has them without turning the lights on (I shop when the dealers are closed). Also, is it imperitive that I have the Lexus phone option to hook up my cell phone, or is there a kit to hook it up into existing wiring? I have a fair amount of experience with interiors and wiring, so if it can be done I'll do it.

Although I've spent $4500 modding my 4Runner, and I don't want to do anything to my next car, I saw the cell phone issue and just had to tackle it.

Thanks in advance,

Jim

silvermate · March 11, 2004

PM 99lsguy. he could probably tell you the options. or actually just wait it out and he'll probably reply

99lsguy · March 11, 2004

Here's a link to the 99 model....at the bottom is lists the changes made from the 98 so you can "sipher" from there...

All the 98's I saw had HID's and the wood package..it was so popular that most people got this option anyway...the wood steering wheel is nice! Lexus obviously took the hint and made the package standard for 99+

MY 99 has Auto on/off HID's. Just leave them in this position...

http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_detail/ls/400/1999.html

Welcome to LOC....Others will soon load you with vast amounts of information :D

99

99lsguy · March 11, 2004

PM 99lsguy. he could probably tell you the options. or actually just wait it out and he'll probably reply

It's like we're family around here :lol:

Silvermate knew who was watching!! :D

SW03ES · March 11, 2004

Welcome to the LOC!

Yep the HID lights are going to come with the wood wheel option. Most cars have it.

As for the phone, as of yet nobody has found a way to integrate a newer phone into the Lexus system...

1990LS400 · March 11, 2004

Here is a link to similar info on the Lexus site on the 98 LS:

http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_detail/ls/400/1998.html

When I first looked at this particular LS series in 98, I think HID was available separately as a $500 option as well as being a part of one or more packages. I doubt if you can tell if an LS has HID just by looking - maybe someone else can answer that. And I doubt that you will find many LS's sold after early 98 that do not have HID.

All LS (all Lexus cars?) come with prewiring for phones. If you have been following the "Integrated phone" thread, you probably are getting a good idea of the issues of hooking up a non-Lexus phone.

I'm still hoping to get my Nokia car kit interfaced with my Nakamichi audio at least to the extent that the radio mutes when a call comes in. I have run into several Lexus owners who have had phone installers or audio specialists connect their non-Lexus car phone car kit's mute wire to the Lexus audio system - but none could provide details of how it was accomplished. An owner of a 2001 RX300 on the Club Lexus forum said that he accomplished it by connecting the Nokia mute wire to the purple wire of his RX300's phone connector in the cargo area to the right of the jack. I was hoping that my 00 LS would have the same phone connector and wire colors but it does not.

Jim

Phisherman · March 11, 2004

Jim,

I have been following that thread, and I was hoping you had made progress! It's not that important, but as we all know it's the details that count.

Since everybody says HIDs are extremely popular, I assume the majority of the ones I look at will have them. I've only been able to look at one for sale and it had them. I'm having a really hard time finding these cars in my area, so I will more than likely have to run to Atlanta to pick one up at a good cost. That is, of course, after I sell my 4Runner. Any takers?

Jim