When I bought my 98 LS400 I did a large amount of homework on the car, ensuring my money was well spent. I have put 20,000 miles on my car with zero issues. Great ride, gas mileage etc. LOVE this car. Daughter loved it so much we picked her up a '91 with low miles just last week. My question is that whenever I check into the forum people are posting problems with their cars. I know no automobile is perfect; maybe I am freaking out. Should I anticipate long term problems with these cars? All previous research suggests otherwise. Thanks!

 

There aren't a lot of folks who start threads because "hey, nothing happened today!"

Others have had great luck but older LS are getting to the point where they need some added maintenance.

 

Good point. I should also assume these owners are hyper sensitive to the needs / issues of their cars and share their ideas/'stories etc rather than drive them into the dirt. I am just a little paranoid after buying another used one,stories with the ECU, dashboard, various other issues. I am sure I bought a good car though. Will take everything with a grain of salt. Cheers!

 

there is a world of difference between your 98 and her 91 .... 90-92 were the starters with several problems 93 & 94 were better but not a lot, 95-97 were tough as nails not a lot of trouble, but some ... and 98-2000 cream of the crop (only my opinion) and I have had 12 LS 400 models sell the 91 and get a newer one if possible or read the stickies at the top of the forum..
cant afford a 430, at 80+ & social security I'm scared to spend anything

 

it's inevitable that problems will arise as with age. it's only a matter of time when you will experience a problem, but most of the time it has been covered here already. lots of problem threads are repeats of similar issues already mentioned, but seems unique because not all cars are created equal.

maintenance is normal and should be done routinely! for now, just enjoy the cars...until a problem comes. then you know where to come for advice!

 

The older the car the more problems are bound to happen... for the price delta I'd follow the above advice and go with the newer 98-2000 model. Just that much better and newer car.

 

Well already bought the car and yeah, I wanted her to have a 95 or above but the price point was out of reach. I think an older year will be ok. Entry level, good car, something you can have for 4-5 years providing a 5-7,000 miles/ year window. I think if she can get 50,000 miles with no major issues, with a t/belt water pump changeover, then win. Not a forever car but something that will last. Any problems, I know just the forum to consult. Thanks again

 

I have a '90 with just a bit over 200k miles. The car runs good as new. Body and interior wise... meh. Needs some work. I'm slowly restoring the body/interior. These cars will run forever and are more reliable than 90% of the cars out there so long as you do your regular maintenance. I just picked up a '99 yesterday with 134k. Love these LS's

 

Coming to this forum and seeing problems posted is analogous to going to the doctors office and being surprised to see sick people. Most people don't post here unless they have a keen interest in their LS, have a problem, or just too much time on their hands...like me! ;-)

Welcome pmarr!

 

The main reason I chose a '98 over an older model were the side air bags - and the 290 HP, VVT-i engine, of course...

 

good point!

 

Remember the LS with 900K that came through here recently? As soon as I saw that I knew I would be keeping mine forever.

 

ME TOO CLIPSTER, my 99 has 189k on it now, looks and runs like new and it will be my wifes car when I am gone...

 

Billy.. quit talking like that. You're not going anywhere...
I would have kept the white one also had been making the same choice.
Love that pearl white.

 

THANKS, I am not anxious, but I AM ready