Hi there, I have 2 LS400's, a 97 purchased when it was a year old & now at 272k miles. The other is a 2000 purchased about 8 years ago & now at 58k miles. Both are well taken care so they're in great shape & like new condition. My oldest son also loves the LS400's so I gave him the 2000 a few years ago but I still drive it occasionally whenever he brought it home. For years, I've noticed the 2000 when driving, whenever I let off the gas, the car decelerates a lot slower than the 97 so I often have to slightly apply the brake to keep a safe distance from the car in front. My question to the 98-00 owners is do you also experience the same thing like I do & if so, is it because of the drive-by-wire? Please let me know. Thanks.
400fanboy
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May 27, 2026
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I've never driven a LS earlier than 1998, so take that with a grain of salt.
But I feel like the 400 has quite a lot of "coast" if you're below about 60mph. Unlike more modern cars which like to keep the torque converter completely locked up and will engine brake a bit more. Above 60, the wind resistance really starts getting to it and I find it has an easier time keeping pace with most traffic.
97 vs 98 also got a new 5 speed transmission and throttle body. That change in gearing and maybe some re-tuning has an influence as well.
But I feel like the 400 has quite a lot of "coast" if you're below about 60mph. Unlike more modern cars which like to keep the torque converter completely locked up and will engine brake a bit more. Above 60, the wind resistance really starts getting to it and I find it has an easier time keeping pace with most traffic.
97 vs 98 also got a new 5 speed transmission and throttle body. That change in gearing and maybe some re-tuning has an influence as well.
My 97 "coasts" the same as other automatic cars or may be just a tad more. The 2000 is very noticeable so I think it must be by design drive-by-wire.
Quote:
I think its more to do with what 400fanboy states; "97 vs 98 also got a new 5 speed transmission and throttle body. That change in gearing and maybe some re-tuning"Originally Posted by Superfast1
My 97 "coasts" the same as other automatic cars or may be just a tad more. The 2000 is very noticeable so I think it must be by design drive-by-wire.
They way they are going to behave is different because its basically a different transmission and a different throttle body. That alone be fundamentally different.
I'm aware of the 5-speed transmission on the newer 98-00. In addition to the 2 LS400's, I also have an 02 Mercedes CL500 & 03 Mercedes E500 & they're both 5-speed but they don't "coast" like the 2000 LS400, that's why I think it's inherited in the Toyota's drive-by-wire design.
Would love to hear from the 98-00 LS400's owners if you're also experience the same thing. Thanks.
Would love to hear from the 98-00 LS400's owners if you're also experience the same thing. Thanks.