jsb1990

My budget I doubt will stretch to a 2000.

Immaculate 1996. Just within my budget. What advantages would the earlier 1996 have? Some posts I read suggest Lexus cheapened out in the 98 to 00 models.

Your thoughts please.

J

YoshiMan

Advantages of the 96: In my opinion of course:

Glass headlights that don't fog over

Simpler electronics and wiring than the newer ones (meaning less electrical options, like automatic windows on all 4 doors)

No VVT-I parts to break (but at about 40 less horsepower)

only two ignition coils as opposed to 8

Cable operated throttle that is simpler if you are afraid of the other ones.

No expensive computer chipped keys (at least for 95's, not sure about later ones)

Advantages of 98 and ups:

More refined interior (wooden steering wheel inserts baby!)

40 more horsepower due to VVT-i

5 speed transmission (which ultimately means better gas mileage too)

trip computer and driver information display in the instrument cluster

automatic windows on every door.

More fancy features, like HID lights and such.

Radio antenna is inprinted in the glass as opposed to the stupid power mast in the rear quarter panel that likes to break.

-------------------------------------

I'm sure there is more stuff that I am not thinking about, but having never owned a 98+ this is about the best i can think of off the top of my head. Other than the plastic headlight housings, they certainly didn't "cheap out" with the 98+'s!!

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

this dosent sound like cheap-out to me:
1999 LS400 factory specifications from website.
Beneath the elegant exterior of the 1999 LS 400 lies the thundering force of a 290-horsepower V8 engine. It also features sophisticated safety features like Vehicle Skid Control (VSC).1
The 1999 Lexus LS 400 has retained the features refined in the 1998 design. Additional modifications include daytime running lights, and it now meets Transitional Low-Emission Vehicle (T-LEV) certification for all 50 states. The 1999 LS 400 is also available in a new color: Mystic Gold Metallic.
PERFORMANCE
• 0 - 60 mph acceleration 6.3 seconds4
• 1/4-mile acceleration 14.8 seconds4
• Top track speed 149 mph5
• Fuel consumption 19/25 mpg city/highway6
• Aerodynamic drag coefficient 0.28
1998 ratings 6.4 and 14.8, 3890 pounds.
2000 ratings 6.4 and 15.0, 3890 pounds.
DIMENSIONS
• Overall length 196.7 in
• Width 72.0 in
• Height 56.5 in (55.9 in with Electronic Air Suspension)
• Wheelbase 112.2 in
• Curb weight 3,890 lb
• Trunk space 13.9 cubic feet
• Fuel-tank capacity 22.5 gallons
ENGINE
• 90º V8, aluminum block and heads, Transitional Low-Emission Vehicle (T-LEV)
• Horsepower at rpm 290 hp @ 6,000
• Torque at rpm 300 lb-ft @ 4,000
TRANSMISSION
• Five-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). Overdrive fifth gear, auto-select shift program, engine/transmission networking, flex-lockup torque converter
Selected Standard Features
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
• Driver's and front passenger's airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)2
• Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags (SRS)2
• Three-point seatbelts front and rear, fronts with height-adjustable anchors, pre-tensioners and force limiters
• Vehicle Skid Control (VSC)1
• Daytime running lights
• Strong cabin structure with front and rear crumple zones
• Side-impact beams (front gusseted)
• Rear-window defogger with auto-off timer
• Variable intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle
• Halogen headlamps with integrated foglamps
• Electrochromic rearview mirrors, outsides with defoggers
• Vehicle theft-deterrent and immobilizer system, with in-key transponder
• Four-wheel ventilated Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• First aid kit
• Tool kit
LUXURY & CONVENIENCE
• Multi-information display with drive computer
• Multi-adjustable power front seats
• Power windows with auto open/close feature with pinch protection
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with interior air filter and smog sensor
• Lexus Memory System to control power driver's seat (except lumbar), outside rearview mirrors, driver's shoulder belt anchor height and steering wheel
• Leather-trimmed seating surfaces and interior
• Walnut interior trim
• Wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift ****
• Three-way programmable transmitter to activate garage door, driveway gate
• Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column with automatic tilt-away
• Power door locks with driver's two-turn unlock feature
• Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors
• Sliding left and right sun visors, center sun visor
• AM/FM/cassette seven-speaker 195-watt (max power) audio system
• Multifunction remote entry system
• Retained accessory power
• Dual-compartment center console with accessory power outlet and Lexus Cellular Phone storage capability
• Floor mats
• Headrests for all seats, including rear-center
AVAILABLE OPTIONS
Premium Package
• In-dash, six-disc CD auto-changer
• Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close, pinch protection and sliding sunshade
• High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
Nakamichi Audio System Package
• Lexus/Nakamichi 280-watt (max power) Premium Sound System
• In-dash, six-disc CD auto-changer
• Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close, pinch protection and sliding sunshade
• Heated front seats
• High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
Navigation System Package
• Lexus Navigation System3
• In-dash, six-disc CD auto-changer
• Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close, pinch protection and sliding sunshade
• High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
• Heated front seats
Individual Options
• Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close, pinch protection and sliding sunshade
• In-dash, six-disc CD auto-changer
• Nakamichi Audio System Package or Navigation System Package
• Electronic Air
• Heated front seats (requires Premium Package)
• Lexus Chrome Wheels
• All-season tires (no-cost option)




CHANGES MADE TO THE 1999 LS 400
Standard Features:
• Adoption of driver's-side outside mirror tilt-down feature
• Floor mats standardized
• Wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift **** standardized
• Daytime running lights
• Meets Transitional Low-Emission Vehicle (T-LEV) certification for 50 states
Optional Features:
• New exterior color: Mystic Gold Metallic
1Lexus Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) is an electronic system designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control under adverse conditions. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditions and driver steering input can all affect whether VSC will be effective in preventing a loss of control. Please see your Owner's Manual for further details.
2The Lexus driver's, front passenger's, and front seat-mounted side-impact airbags are a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). The driver's and front passenger's airbags are designed to inflate in a severe frontal collision. The side-impact airbags are designed to inflate in a severe side-impact collision. In all other accidents, the airbags will not inflate. To decrease the risk of injury from a deploying airbag, always wear seatbelts, sit upright in the middle of the seat, and do not lean against the door. Do not put objects in front of an airbag or around the seatback. Do not use rearward-facing child seats in any front passenger seat. The force of a deploying airbag SRS may cause serious injury. Please see your Owner's Manual for further instructions.
3The Lexus Navigation System is designed to assist in locating an address or point of interest. Discrepancies may be encountered between the system and your actual location. Changes in street names, road closures, traffic flow or other road system changes may affect the accuracy of the mapping software. Rely upon your common sense to decide whether or not to follow a specified route. Detailed coverage not available in every city. Optional periodic geographic updates available at an additional cost. See your Navigation Owner's Manual and your Lexus dealer for further details.
4Motor Trend, December 1997. These performance capacity figures are for comparison only and were obtained with prototype vehicles by professional drivers using special safety equipment and procedures. These should not be attempted on public streets or highways.
5These performance capacity figures are for comparison only and were obtained with prototype vehicles by professional drivers using special safety equipment and procedures. These should not be attempted on public streets or highways.
6Preliminary mileage figures determined by Lexus. See your Lexus dealer for details.

LScowboyLS

to me, the biggies are:

● much more power
● much improved theft deterrent system
● much improved vehicle stability control system
● side air bags
● no more silly distributor caps, rotors, or spark plug wires - ugh!

PS - a '98 is practically the same car as a 2000, but might save you a few bucks and squeeze into your budget and give you all of the advantages listed above!


these were posts made by stupid people, that is not true whatsoever, the only single thing I can think of is the switch to plastic headlights was a cheapening, but a very minor thing compared to the huge advantages listed above.

Jeremiah87

I have a 1998 but almost bought a 1996.



I didnt even know at the time the 98 was updated but I am glad I ended up with it. The integrated antenna (no power mast to go bad), more horsepower/better gas mileage, refined interior (I have the wood trim/Nakamichi sound) etc.

In my opinion you can't go wrong with any year LS400....but I prefer the latest ones.
What I do wish I had was the glass headlights...as mentioned they wont fog over and I like the way they look over the plastic.

While were on the subject...I saw some dude on Craigslist selling a 97 LS400 saying that the 97-98 LS400 was the one to get because of the "German motor"....his ad was on point but that part made me go WTFBBQ. Anybody know anything about that or is the dude on one lol.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

it all depends on the final result if you will be happier with a a cleaner older model, vs a subpar newer model. to me a cleaner older model will always win over since finding that gem is always difficult. i will always spend the extra coin to get that cleaner model.

dc893

I would guess that MOST of the members on here would want the 98-00 over the 90-94 or 95-97.

Jeremiah87

I'm cool with my 98 but I actually prefer the looks of the 95-97...just wish it had the 98+ motor and integrated antenna.

BTW is the 98-00 longer wheelbase than the older LS400s? It feels like the 96 I drove was a bit shorter while the 98 I have now feels bigger/longer (length wise).

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Wheelbase is unchanged and is same from 95-00 at 112.2 inches.

YoshiMan

The guy is a douche. All LS400s are pure Japanese (thank the lord!)

dc893

hahahahaha

LScowboyLS

not after some of the guys on here keep putting these crummy Chinese parts from Autozone et al on them, rather than seeking out a good deal on the real OEM part online!

Jeremiah87

Thanks for the clarification, how about the 1990-1994? I dunno why but it always seems like the older LS400s are smaller than the updated 98+. Especially the very first generation....they seem like Acura Legend/RL size but it must just be an illusion depending on view point/angle. Because my 98 sometimes looks huge and other times it looks camry sized.

Jeremiah87

Figured, the LS400 looks very European though. LS460 looks more Japanese because of the xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx headlights.

dc893

Doesn't sound racist in any sort of way. LOL