1996LS400

I'm considering upgrading my 96 LS400 to a 98-00 model. I was hoping some members can give me the pros and cons if any to help boost me up to take the plunge.

Thermactor

iTrader: (1)

Why sell yourself short? For not much more, you could find yourself a 2001-2002 LS430.

1996LS400

I was looking to put in maybe another $4-5k.

1996LS400

double post....

sonyman

Why bother? I don't think it's worth upgrading from a UCF20 --> UCF21. Either go for a UCF30/UCF31 or don't bother.

1996LS400

I think you guys just set my thinking in a different direction with the LS430. I'm going to look a little deeper. And with such an upgrade I may be able to put a little extra cash for a bigger upgrade.

litesoarer

if it's about performance (VVT-i, and 30 more HP), and the car has HID's then sure it might be worth it.

1996LS400

That's where my original thinking was. From my homework I might even be able to get away with maybe even putting out like an extra $2k to go up to 98-00.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

post m/c UCF20 is a fairly different car to drive from a 95-97. def. worth the upgrade price and if u know where to sell/buy, shouldnt cost you much.

UCF30 LS430s START around 22k for a car with decent mileage and full service history. And they dont look as nice as the 98-00's.

sonyman

Yes but the interior is 99% the same and the body is 95% the same, the suspension is the same, etc. It's a very similar car. Not to mention the fact that you may be inheriting someone else's problems.

sonyman

Bull**** they don't look as nice. Don't inject your bias. Keep it objective.

litesoarer

it's subjective..


but i agree with PD, i like the 90-00 body much more than the 01-06.

LS400_Fan

Here ya go, these are all the things i wish i had in my 96 that i know a 98-00 "can" have if you get the right options:

1) All windows are "auto" down
2) 290hp vs 260hp
3) 5 speed vs 4 speed tranny
4) Navigation
5) HID lights
6) Woodgrain steering wheel / shifter
7) Trip computer
8) Ability for C-Best settings

Those are the all the ones i can think of and to be honest, i wish i had EVERY ONE (cept maybe number 8) but i didn't want to spend the extra cash. Maybe i'll upgrade in a few years. Right now i have 96 and i love it.

1996LS400

I hear you on the love for the '96, I love mine too! I like the styling of the head lights a little better on the 98+, they look a little more updated to me.

Thanks for the list, that's what I was hoping for, a comparison of benefits. 1-7 are all big pluses for me. What is #8 "C-Best" settings?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

buying a car is not a purely objective process.

you dont want the navi

wood/leather steering wheel and shift ****, along with the HID all became standard for '99.