GS4K

I'm looking to buy a LS and I found this very nice 96 LS 400 with 110K miles. The guy was asking $9500 and the lowest I got him down to was $8500. Is this a good deal. It's a one owner car and in very good condition, I was really surprised with it's condition. Also he has the 02 Chrome LS Wheels on the car with new Michelin tires and the original Wheels have a brand new set of All Season tires (3000 miles on them).

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

That's a good deal. Do you get both sets of wheels? Who color is it? I found a 97 here going for $11K with 86,000 miles on it. It was in GREAT condition, only the seats were very hard. If you can get it for 8500, I say go for it.

CelsiorAUS

hold out, save up and get a 98 model

1996LS400

Has the timing belt / water pump been done? I would also recommend taking to the dealer to get it inspected. Chances are you might need to throw some more money at it like I did.

I got my 96 with 110k for $7,000 and he was asking $9,000 for it. It was what I thought was MINT condition. TB/WP was never done, all original plugs,wires, needed tires, needed strut ruds, etc. I put about $2k for everything and now it's tops.

That $9000 could turn into much more now or in the near future, just wanted you to be aware.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

i second this opinion

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

I change my opinion, save up for the 98...its basically the same, but with many upgrades, like a more powerful engine, navigation option, and like I said in anoth thread, they are the LAST of the 400s. Normally when a car has been around for 10 years, all the bugs are out of it by the last generation.

Blavatsky

98 - 00 LS for sure.

I honestly like the styling on the 95-97 a little better (I'm old school), but the extra options, VVTI engine, HIDs, etc make the last of the LS400s very tempting. I got a 99 LS400 w/ 117k miles (brand new brakes, TB/WP, replaced dash) for 11k$ after searching awhile.

DCLexus

I bought my car before I really knew what the differences were between the 95-07 and 98-00 years. If I had known, I probably would have waited for a 98-00. However, like Blavatsky, I do like the styling of the 95-97 a little better. That being said, I really do like my 96 (I bought it last month). It had 44k miles, brand new tires, looked like it was brand new inside and out and already had the 45k mile service done by the previous owner. Plus, I think I got a good deal. I paid $12,600 for it.

KilaWombat

iTrader: (1)

I've been looking for a 98-00 Ls400 also. I bought my 93 LS400 a little over a yr ago and looking to upgrade now. Anyone see any good deals on 98-00 LS400s in CA? I've been looking for one especially with black interior (clean insde and out) I've been searching for the past 2 weeks.

GS4K

Thanks for all the replies. The Timing Belt and Water Pump was performed and tune-up and brakes were just completed. I know what everbody is saying inregards to the performance difference between the 95-97 and the 98-00, I think it's 30 more hp and tq. But I can't justify paying $4K more for that.

The TB/WP is an issue for all the generations we're talking about. I can find a '98 with the same miles that didn't have the TB/WP replaced.

Are the 98-00 that much better? Remember I'm getting over $2000 worth of wheels/tires with this deal.

Are the 98-00 more reliable the the previous years? Doesn't sound like it, it's just newer.

One last note about the comment that the last year of the generation is the best year...I would agree with that statement if you are referring to the 98-00, that the 00 is the best year. And 95-97, that the 97 is best year so on and so forth.

I'm more confused now after seeing everybody's replies .

GS4K

Just looked at the link that shows differences between years. Looks like the 98-00 is 1.5 seconds faster 0-60 but only 3 tenths faster in the 0-400m. One can conclude that the UCF21 is faster off the line but the UCF20 is faster from a roll....

EastWind

what will make and seal the deal is the current state of the car in terms of it's up keep in maintainace. period. if he has all records, good deal. don't take word of mouth.

Pep

I agree... if the car has all records and runs/looks good, go for it if you like it. Just make sure the timing belt has been done before you buy it. That's the only reason I just picked up a 93, cause it was in good condition, all service done with receipts, and it was cheap. Plus it was driven by an old guy

steveski

Save up for a 98-00 if you plan on putting money into it. I have a 95 and am seriously considering a 2000 - I will swap all mods that will fit.

The 98-00 have VVT-i, side airbags and many more upgrades. You can pick up a top notch 2000 for under $21,000.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

hah, u can get one for <$16 if u know where to look