nugx

So just to start - what's so wrong with the 96? I have read a lot here in this forum saying they would prefer a 99 with more miles to a 96 with less, and things of that nature.

Well, I am currently in the market for a mid/late 90s LS400 and the two best options I have are a 96 with 82k on it and a 99 with 108k on it. The 99 doesn't have the super cleanest interior and has a ding here and there, but it has about a third less miles for a third less money.

The 99 is pristine in and out, has more bells and whistles (and no air ride) but has a third more miles for a third more money. It also needed some brake work, it's AC recharged and the arm that moves the steering wheel up and down automatically on ignition got stuck when I first drove it, but pushing a bit on the top put it right into place.

Aside from these three issues (which the dealer has out to be fixed now) I thought it was a nicer car. It was cleaner, had a better paint job, interior and package on top of being 3 years improved on the 96.

The 96 is an overwhelming value but the 99 just seemed a little more plush. Also, the 96 had only one owner while the 99 had two. The downside to this is that it was a corporate car while the 99 was a personal car. So it has ~25k less miles on it, but it could have had a few dozen different people drive it in its time, while the 99 was likely the be driven by two handfuls of family members. The 96 drove perfectly, so aside from having few dings and a scuff or two it doesn't need to be fixed to drive like a charm. The 99's brakes were a bit bumpy on the left side.

Both have a clean Carfax and were driven under 10k a year. Is the discrepancy in mileage that big an issue? I know 25k is a lot, but is the difference worth what the 99 offers over the 96?

So what's the hate on the 96? Would I really be shooting myself in the foot by choosing a 96 over a 99? Mind you, any Lexus is a major upgrade from what I am currently driving - a 96 Chrysler Cirrus V6.

Your advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

x98LS400x

I don't know much about the LS400 yet because I just bought mine two weeks ago, but I do know that the 97 has 260 hp while the 98 has 290. They both are rated for the same fuel economy.

Given that my 1980 Corolla's engine ran perfectly, always passed smog, and never burnt an ounce of oil after 250k miles and Toyota's commitment to quality and reliability I don't believe the extra miles on the 99 are a big deal at all, but the appearance of the interior and exterior due to the care of those who've been driving the vehicle is. The 96 has had more time to sit out in the weather and for the plastic parts to dry out and turn brittle.

I'd go for the 99 based on these factors alone. I could have gotten a 1995 for cheaper than my 98 but I went for the 98 because it's newer. The 98 I just bought has 226k miles on it and it looks and runs great. The only two issues is that it gets 20 mpg and there's a slight shaking in the steering wheel sometimes when coasting down the freeway at 60 to 80 mph. I'll figure those things out and fix them soon enough. Right now I'm leaning towards new front wheel bearings and a new temperature sensor.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

not hate, but they are very different cars to drive. the 98+ cars are facelifted with many changes to the interior, safety, steering, styling, and most noticeably the engine/trans (which gets a LOT more power).

you need to read up.
http://www.lexls.com/info/

LSproject

To me, the 96 is more appealing. The boxy front end and headlight matches the car's body, as the 99 round front end seems to fit better on the 3rd gen. The 99 does have the VVT-i, which gives it more power, and better mileage i presume? But its also going to be more of a hassle to do maintenance with the VVT-i.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

and why would that be...?

the 98+ make more power, get better mileage, and are faster (thanks in no small part to the better trans as well as the reworked heads+vvt-i)

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

Bad advice:But its also going to be more of a hassle to do maintenance with the VVT-i.
I have owned/driven several of both models... the 95-97 (I think) are a little stronger built, but the 98-2000 has the looks I like, a more comfortable ride, a better transmission, and is not any more trouble than the others. I have had to repair the starters on two of my 99's, not on the 3rd yet. but I also had to do my 97. So just buy the one that appeals to you, and it will make you very happy..... the upkeep/problems will be about the same....

Oh, I did have to clean out the "oil control valves" on the 99 vvt I just replaced, but it took about an hour and no money...

Kansas

A great comparison of the various generations of the LS is at http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html

Although the 98-00 LS looks more like the 95-97 LS, mechanically (in my opinion) it seems more like the 01-03 LS430. For me, the most important features the 99 has and that the 96 does not have are vehicle stability control (VSC), self leveling HID headlights (optional but on probably 99+% of the 99's) and side air bags followed by the 5-speed transmission and the substantially more powerful engine.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

Since the '99 has 108k, the timing belt and water pump have probably been replaced which is a give or take 1k job anyway. Since the '96 has 82k on it, it probably has yet to receive this service.

Also, 1-owner cars can be either a good or a bad thing. That one owner could of either babied it it's whole life, or neglected it it's whole life, where as if there's two owners, there's a lesser chance that the car was neglected the whole time.

To sum it all up, go with the '99.

deanshark

The 96 w/82K probably didn't have the T-belt job done b/c it's the 90K mile service and that's about $1500-$1800 at the dealer, about $7-800 if you do it yourself. They probably got rid of the car for that reason. I would still go with that one b/c being a corporate car it was more than likely taken in to the dealer for any tiny repair, and all services on time. It probably only had 1 or 2 people driving it, unless it was a rental car. (check what kind of corporation it was) The 99 w/108K also might not have had the T-belt done and could be up for sale for that same reason. You can check the VIN #s on the Lexus dealer site to see what kind of work has been done to them, if it was done at the dealer. If you decide to get either one of these and the T-belt hasn't been done you need to do it very soon b/c if it goes it's gonna cause major damage and you'll be looking at changing the engine. Good luck with your choice.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

Any updates?

Cope

I would go with 99! Better engine/trans more power with great gas mileage. VSC on 99 is big to have. I think 98/2000 are just better looking cars.

cf3232

From what I have read so far i would go with the 99. I just bought a 98 with 133K on the dial changed the engine mounts, trans mounts, and fixed numerous other little issues and I am supremely happy with the car. It has great power, ride is as smooth as can be. I also suggest either car you git to change the engine mounts and trans mounts to new. You will be so pleased with the results. Plus I like the styling of the 1998-2000 over the previous years.

Good luck and let us know how everything ends up.

Wanderson

If it were my choice I'd focus on the condition of each car. At that age the mileage difference isn't significant between the two, 50k city miles is closer to 100k highway miles in terms of wear & tear. I'd focus on condition and maintenance records. And I'm a firm believer that most times a 10+ year old clean pristine car is usually one that's been serviced properly. And check to see if either has had the 90k service done, that's an expensive trip to the shop, and if the PO shelled out for that it's a good bet they did all the other maintenance as well. The extra tranny gear & horsepower is great but I wouldn't give up condition for it, these cars are too expensive to maintain when they've been abused all their life.

acidfire52

There is nothing wrong with the pre-98 models, just nice upgrades in the newer ones.
I think the pre-facelift looks nicer. And still has plenty of power.

UZ214

i would take the 99- no brainer