1996 vs 2000 LS400
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 271
From: Kansas
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.
Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 127
Likes: 1
From: Oakland, California
It may be because the 1990-1994 LS400 has a substantially smaller interior than the 1995-2000 LS400 and much shorter side windows. It also has a lower seating position. I had a 1990 and a 2000 LS400 parked side-by-side in the garage until I sold the 90 in 2003. My 2000 LS400 interior seemed huge compared to my 1990 LS400 and the 2000 drove like a much bigger and more substantial car. My 2000 LS400 is far more similar to the LS430 than to my old 90 LS400.
2. I think thats it, you hit the nail on the head. I rode in my cousin's 1991 LS400 and it felt significantly smaller than my 1998. I kinda liked the feeling though, because while mine is spacious and feels like a castle inside the cabin, his felt more like a comfy condo...not to much real estate/square footage...okay bad example but you probably catch my drift. I also drove it around the block and it felt more tossable...smaller cars in general will usually feel like that but it was way different feeling when I got back in my 1998.
I guess when it comes down to it I tend to prefer smaller cars but still retain the luxury aspect. For example I'd choose an E class over a S class, 5 series over a 7 series. So the first gen LS400 is something I would pick over mine in terms of feel.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,402
Likes: 117
From: Colorado
It may be because the 1990-1994 LS400 has a substantially smaller interior than the 1995-2000 LS400 and much shorter side windows. It also has a lower seating position. I had a 1990 and a 2000 LS400 parked side-by-side in the garage until I sold the 90 in 2003. My 2000 LS400 interior seemed huge compared to my 1990 LS400 and the 2000 drove like a much bigger and more substantial car. My 2000 LS400 is far more similar to the LS430 than to my old 90 LS400.
Back when I was merely a forum lurker, and was hooked on the LS as my potential first car, I wanted a '94 model mainly due to its more brutish looks. While I did get a '99 (and so commenced my forum membership) I had no complaints, aside from the color. Hell, I was grinning ear to ear when my father pulled up at the bus stop with it.
That being said, it's mainly a toss up between looks and technology, but I'd say go with a '98-00 and try to avoid air suspension altogether, as maintenance ends up being a pricey ordeal. If you have any plans for modification of the sound system, I'd say avoid models equipped with Nakamichi audio and/or Navigation system as well.
That being said, it's mainly a toss up between looks and technology, but I'd say go with a '98-00 and try to avoid air suspension altogether, as maintenance ends up being a pricey ordeal. If you have any plans for modification of the sound system, I'd say avoid models equipped with Nakamichi audio and/or Navigation system as well.
Last edited by Sc0pe; Oct 21, 2013 at 10:35 PM.
I was sorta in the same boat on deciding between a 97 and a 99 LS I found to buy. Ultimately I went with the 97 because:
- it was cheaper
- personally I prefer the look of the 95-97 frontend
Now that I've owned it, become a forum member and did a bunch of research I will say that is seems there's slightly more of an "aftermarket" on parts for the 98+ LS's. Of course I'm mainly talkin exterior parts seeing as mechanically they're basically identical.
Another thing I like is that it seems that most people on here have the 98+ so to me I prefer to have the older one be a lil different I guess
A minus on the 95-97s is everytime I think I see one on the road it turns out to be a Toyota Avalon...
- it was cheaper
- personally I prefer the look of the 95-97 frontend
Now that I've owned it, become a forum member and did a bunch of research I will say that is seems there's slightly more of an "aftermarket" on parts for the 98+ LS's. Of course I'm mainly talkin exterior parts seeing as mechanically they're basically identical.
Another thing I like is that it seems that most people on here have the 98+ so to me I prefer to have the older one be a lil different I guess
A minus on the 95-97s is everytime I think I see one on the road it turns out to be a Toyota Avalon...
Last edited by TMAdash1; Oct 22, 2013 at 08:06 AM.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 651
Likes: 12
From: KY
I do feel offended by Jeremiah87's racial slur C word here. It is not funny at all.
Last edited by neurocity; Oct 22, 2013 at 06:48 PM.
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Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 127
Likes: 1
From: Oakland, California
P.S. My apologies for offending anyone.
Last edited by Jeremiah87; Oct 22, 2013 at 07:50 PM.
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