kihayes

Hi! I am new to forum, and having a HARD time trying to make a descision on purchasing a new - used car.

I currently have 95 V6 Honda, 188K mile..my son turns 16 in 2 months..giving the car to him.

I have had a 91, and 92 camery v6, and a 92 Acura Legend (my favorite to date so far)

So I was looking the the $7K MAX range for a used Acura; less than 120K miles. Turns out, with that price range, I'm looking at 99-01 TL's which from research were great cars, but ultimately, have bad trans problems.

I have come to find the 96 LS400 with 115K miles for 7500 (was asking 8670); and the 98 ES300, 140K miles, asking 7600, but think I can get down to 7K. I realize the LS is v8, but from reports, its about 1400 for gas a year while the ES is 1100 a year. To me, not to bad of a difference if its worth it.

I do alot of intown driving while I go to school PT, work FT and have 2 teenage kids. I want a car that will at least last me 5 years.

So you veterans out there...what is the best choose for the money?

steveski

Welcome to CL. Not to take anything away from the ES (nice car) but the LS is such a better car IMO that's in a totally different class. Biggest factors for me:

The LS has a V8 RWD versus the ES has a V6 FWD.
The LS is quite a bit larger than the ES.
The LS is smoother in every category.

One drawback:
LS requires high octane fuel.

What you need to verify on the LS - was the timing belt changed? It must be changed before 100k miles. If it has not been changed it needs to be ASAP.

kihayes

I was meaning to ask that. If not changed, what is the cost of the PARTs for that? I have a mech that would change it at a fair price if needed. Does it have to be Lexus brand or can it be Camery or a generic version?

JBrewster

$7500 is too much for that car. It's probably worth +/- $5500 depending on condition and what maintenance has been done. The last year hasn't been kind to the value of these cars.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

LS in that year is 5500-6500 depending on miles, and is imho a much nicer car than an ES300/330.

kihayes

Really?! Is that what the blue book value is showing? The dealer did start at 8670 So I really was thinking I was getting a heck of a deal for 115K miles!
Everything I've looked at has been 7K or over for the Lexus's around here.

Thank you so much!!

Anyone around Springfield Missouri have one for sale????

vietunit

iTrader: (5)

I'd have to say LS not only because I own one but it's simply a much better car. Stats and numbers already show that but take a ride in both and you will notice a difference very quickly.

Get the LS

bighairjer

I have owned both of those exact cars. I recently picked up the 96 LS and have to say, I love this car! The ES was a great car as well, but we traded it on a LandCruiser. Steveski's comments were spot on, and I would add that the drive quality and road noise for an LS is unsurpassed. I am getting about 24 MPG mostly freeway driving, which is phenomonal for a V8. GO LS!

smokincigs

I would take the LS any day over an ES. ES is a great car, but not in the same catagory. I have a black with black leather 1998 with navigation, new michelins, timing belt changed, transmission flushed and serviced with toyota fluid, rear dif serviced, and chrome lexus wheels that I would sell you for $7500.00 134k miles. Im in Oklahoma.

GKLCPA

You're right, the economy has really pushed used car prices down a lot. I'm seeing a number of 430's selling for less than 18K

kihayes

Thanks for all your advise. I think I will go with the LS. I hesitate now because of the price from what I'm hearing.

Do.Man

LS imo is the better car. just keep searching bro..

oofer

I owned a 94 es and currently own a 95 ls. There are some things I miss about es, such as its sportier and more aggressive looking design.The 98(2nd generation) is particularly nice. I also miss the sound of the es when you hit the gas pedal-nice growl!
However, the ls in a class of its own.Super smooth and quite and even less of a driver's car than the es.Good luck.

3UZFTE

Es = v6 growl... Ls = v8 growl... We stands for entry sedan, ls stands for luxury sedan. Es is nicer in the winter as it is front wheel drive, where as the ls is more fun in the spring, summer, and fall. Me personally, I drive a gs430 all year round in Minnesota, no issues just don't like going up slippery hills, to bad all v8 rwd's didn't come with an LSD. I guess you could say I'm impartial to v8s.

JBrady

Not to insult any ES owners but please...

The difference in the 2 cars is huge. $20k difference in price when new. LS is flagship LS = luxury sedan, ES = economy sedan. ES is an upgraded Camry. There is no USDM Toyota equivilant for the LS. The level of refinement, fitment, engineering, luxury, performance... no comparison.

I have had a 96 LS and a 99 LS, both purchased CPO. Drove a number of ES models during service. Everytime without exception when getting into the ES you could feel the downgrade in every way. Upon getting back in the LS the feeling was a very strong upgrade.

Ex GF had a 99 ES. She needed a new engine and tranny at 135k. Heard more than a few of the Toyota V6 engines having sludge buildup problems. Heard of more than a few LS engines going over 300k mostly untouched.

Safety... again, no comparison.

Gas mileage... surprisingly close.

The only thing similar about these cars are they both have a Lexus badge.

Used cars always require service. If you go to a dealer you will pay through the nose. Regardless of car you choose find a quality mechanic you can trust OR learn to turn your own wrenches. Great luck and get an LS...

BTW, the offer above on the 98 LS by smokincigs may be well worth checking out. 98 models have the 290hp VVTi engines, 5 speed transmissions and that much more refinement over the 95-97 models.