So I just sold my 96 black LS that I loved, worked to restore but was far from perfect (was offered a price I could not pass up).

So now I MUST buy another LS and have narrowed my choices down to the following, please help me decide whats the better value in your opinion.

Option 1
1997 one owner LS
174k miles
White with tan leather
Chrome wheels
Gold package (not a huge fan of gold emblems but they look good on white)
Heated seats
Traction Control
AC works perfect
Does NOT have nakamichi but its all stock
Book of receipts for timing belt and pump at 155 and battery and tires, plugs, distributor and wires all in Jan 14.

Paint is a solid 9 with only real blemishes on the fender from some rocks, but really nit picking. Leather is great also a 9 with just a few minor wear marks on driver side, passenger and rear look brand new. Tires are BRAND new with less than 500 miles on them.

Older gentlemen bought it locally in 1996 and just moved out of town. Car has been in storage since November 13. Will take 3600.


Option 2
1998 3 owner LS
153k miles
Black on black
Alloy wheels
Heated seats
Traction Control
AC works perfect
Does NOT have nakamichi but its all stock
Timing belt and water pump done last month at 154k
Tires are not brand new but in very good shape
I would put the paint and interior both at an 8. The 97 is nearly perfect, this one is very nice but has a few blemishes

Seller will let her go for 5600 but is firm there.

Since I owned a Gen 2 but only drove the Gen 3, I am torn. I am not sure there are many better Gen 2s on the road in the condition of the 97 but the 98 has more bells and whistles and lower miles.

Your opinions valued!

Edit... truth be told I am considering buying both... but I would still really love the feedback.

 

From your description of both cars I would say that they are not too far apart. I would take the 98 Gen 2.5( not gen 3) Agood detailer can correct paint issues and the interior as long as seats are not torn.

 

I'd go with the 98 if you plan to later go for straight Gangster.
If you want to afford coils and wheels right away, go with the 97.

 

Any car i purchase will stay bone stock and awesome!

 

Take the 98! A little more reliable and the front end looks better!

 

98 +

 

Get a 98-00. More power, more gears, more options. You can't go wrong. Keep in mind, I also have an 02 LS430. My 99 LS400 is a far better car than my LS430.....

 

why do oyu say so, doesn't the 430 offer more power?

 

Get them both and swap the 97 front end onto the 98 and have the best of both worlds....at least that's what I would do if I had the $$$$

They actually seem to be in great condition. Can't go wrong with either one. But buy the 97!!! LOL.
That way you can invest the extra cash into maintenance, improved sound deadening, quality sound system,etc....

Good Luck deciding.

 

98-00. More power, more gears, more gas mileage, more swag, etc. The only reason I'd suggest a 95-97 is because of aftermarket parts availability, but that's negligible.

 

Another + for the 98.

 

The white one.

It is 2k cheaper and has big service done recently and new tyres. And it looks really good in white.

 

IMO I own a 97 and ironically black on black 99. The 99 has more power and luxury options although neither is stock anymore, I'd say upgraded.

 

98-00, It's just that much better.

 

Yes. 98 plus is better.