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Jun 1, 2002 | 08:51 AM

raywayne

Thread Starter

Driver School Candidate

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

From: California

Help to a Newcomer

I'm new to the "Lexus World" and have a couple of questions. What year and model is the one that has the older ES300 & LS400 look & shape, but has no chrome script i.d. on the trunk or taillights?Is the straight-six a good engine?How about the V6? I really like the look of the ES300 but HATE front wheel drive, so by default I'm forced to look at GS300 because I"m not really interested in a V8, unless I have to, to get the preferred drive train combo, but not thrilled with the look of the GS300.I already have a MOPAR muscle car, so I have to own my own gas station already.I've interviewed many Lexus drivers and they ALL rave about having minimal to no problems.This car is for my wife who isn't very hard on cars, so from what I gather, it should last forever. Thank You.

Last edited by raywayne; Jun 1, 2002 at 08:53 AM.

Jun 1, 2002 | 09:28 AM

whitels

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 1,580

Likes: 19

From: California

The one with no model badge on the trunk is the LS400 from 90-94. This is a V8, rear wheel drive. Will last you forever, even if you drive it hard. Price is right nowadays. Really solid body.

You don't like FWD so ES300 is out of the question. I agree that the looks of this car is awesome, especially the 97-01 models.

The GS300 has the I6 engine but you're not thrilled with it's design. Putting on a spoiler changes the look somehow.

All Lexus engines are trouble free (even the ones on the RX which I'm sorry to say was dirtied by a few people not giving the engine the required oil change).

Last edited by whitels; Jun 1, 2002 at 09:30 AM.

Jun 1, 2002 | 09:57 AM

wwest

Lead Lap

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 770

Likes: 0

From: woodinville WA

Wait..

Just a minute there !!

T/L has admitted in writing to a new design change to prevent sludging in the engine prone to sludging.

THe new GS300 version is one beautiful car.

Jun 1, 2002 | 12:38 PM

blue wax

Lead Lap

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 779

Likes: 0

From: International

the 1st Gen is a beautiful car..... !!!!!!

2nd Gen a lil'less nice LOL..... ( looks a bit 2 german 2 me)...
but yeah, kits can change looks a lot really.......

your wife will be thrilled with that gs 300...nmmmmm.......

hahaaaa

yezzzzzzzzzzz

Jun 1, 2002 | 02:28 PM

LexusRules

Lexus Champion

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 4,681

Likes: 2

From: International

Quote:

Originally posted by blue wax
the 1st Gen is a beautiful car..... !!!!!!

2nd Gen a lil'less nice LOL..... ( looks a bit 2 german 2 me)

haha u might regret saying that...

haha

Jun 1, 2002 | 03:15 PM

whitels

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 1,580

Likes: 19

From: California

Re: Wait..

Quote:

Originally posted by wwest
Just a minute there !!

T/L has admitted in writing to a new design change to prevent sludging in the engine prone to sludging....He

Yes, T/L admitted to it and the redesign is meant to increase the engine's tolerance against sludging even with continued use of old oil. The redesign - porting larger oil holes in the cylinder head - specifically would allow faster draining of oil back into the crankcase for cooler operation.

If oil is regularly changed, sludging should not happen. The oil breaks down after some time of use and once in that state, is not able to withstand hotter temp and fries - which then forms to gel or sludge. My brother has a 98 Sienna (same engine) that now has 92,000 miles and with good maintenance still has no sign of sludging.

Jun 1, 2002 | 03:43 PM

biggie27

Pole Position

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 2,019

Likes: 1

From: International

I would say the best way to choose is to let your wife drive the car, the GS300 is a very nice car to drive, if she still doesnt like it, look into a 98-00 LS400 if money was an issue, they are by far the most comfortable cars you will ever ride in, and the interior noise, well there is no noise