LEXUSA

Thanks for the info. Most of what you have listed doesn't really matter to me at all. A smooth quiet luxurious ride with decent gas mileage and high dependability is foremost. I'll probably drive it to the point that its worth about $500 with fresh oil and a full tank of gas. I'm kinda hoping the resale value right now is down due to this "oil crisis" we are currently in. I usually buy or sell at the least opportune times, maybe this will be different.

A Corvette's aerodynamics do play a part in the mileage but not the 7-9mpg difference. The current Corvette is a C6, the C5 started around 99ish. The previous body style that started in 1984 is the C4. A C4 weighs close to 3700lbs, has a little shorter gearing than the C5/C6 and will still get around 30mpg on the highway at reasonable speeds of say 70mph. Gearing is so overlooked on cars that should get better gas mileage, especially those with V-8's that have the torque to turn taller ratios. I bet a big gain in mpg would be had if the rpm could be cut to 1,800 or so at 75mph. What kinda torque numbers do the later model 400's with the 5-speed auto make? It takes very little hp to cruise but tall gearing takes a decent amount of torque. Is the transmission in an LS similar to a Supra or Truck?

It is time for me to get another car. I have always liked the entire Lexus line and am impressed with the high quality and durabiliy. It looks like a '98 to Y2K LS400 is in my price range and definately in my "wants" range. Is there much difference, better/worse etc? I have perused the different posts covering buying one but any other suggestions or comments are greatly appreciated.

My first post as a "hope-to-be-soon-owner" of an LS400. A faulty thermostat that hangs open will cause two problems. 1, it keeps the ECU in warm up mode which is richer than it needs to be. 2, the engine will not burn the fuel as efficiently and will require more throttle input thusly more consumption. A K&N will only flow better if the paper filter it is replacing is too small or causes some restriction. This is usually more noticable at higher rpm/throttle openings unless the factory paper filter is large enough to accomodate the engine to begin with. A K&N will flow better per square inch than paper. Has anyone tried running 89 or 87 octane? If this engine has a knock sensor it should be able to compensate. Premium "Pump" gas is the least thermally efficient fuel you can run. I'd guess that the combustion chamber and compression ratio of the LS is not prone to detonation, the only reason to run higher octane. Premium "pump" gas kills perfomance and efficiency in the process of preventing knock/detonation. Is there a taller rear gear available? A friggin' Corvette gets mid to low 30mpg highway due to its tall final gearing. 350 to 420 horsepower/torque with no regard for economy. Sure it only weighs around 3,000 lbs but it also only turns in the 1,700rpm range at a 75mph cruise in top gear. What does an LS turn at 75mph?