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This will be my very 1st post. I'm familiar with various car forums. Usually there is a New comer's section, to ask newb questions, but did not find any here. So here goes.
Just a little background about my car history: My first car was a 03' Jetta when i was 20 years old. After couple of years moved to a e46 m3 and soon after to a e60 M5 in my mid 20's. Soon i realized that a e60 m5 was not the car to daily (repairs on that car after 70k miles, is just insane) and soon traded that in for a Civic si. I've been driving it for 3 years now and have done some considerable amount of modifications to it which is now a pain to daily drive, especially in LA traffic.
I've always liked the look of the LS series, and now seriously looking to buy a 1995-2000 LS 400 within the next couple of weeks. I know that 2000 LS models received a face lift, but that is out of my price range ($3500), So, I've been looking at some decent condition 1995-1997 LS models and have the following questions,
1. The cars i'm looking at are over 120k miles, Is that too much ?
2. What are some problem areas i should look for when i inspect these cars?
3. How is the reliability of these to drive till around 250k miles?
Looking forward to contribute to the forum. Thanks.
Here's couple of pics my si, to get things started..
This will be my very 1st post. I'm familiar with various car forums. Usually there is a New comer's section, to ask newb questions, but did not find any here. So here goes.
Just a little background about my car history: My first car was a 03' Jetta when i was 20 years old. After couple of years moved to a e46 m3 and soon after to a e60 M5 in my mid 20's. Soon i realized that a e60 m5 was not the car to daily (repairs on that car after 70k miles, is just insane) and soon traded that in for a Civic si. I've been driving it for 3 years now and have done some considerable amount of modifications to it which is now a pain to daily drive, especially in LA traffic.
I've always liked the look of the LS series, and now seriously looking to buy a 1995-2000 LS 400 within the next couple of weeks. I know that 2000 LS models received a face lift, but that is out of my price range ($3500), So, I've been looking at some decent condition 1995-1997 LS models and have the following questions,
1. The cars i'm looking at are over 120k miles, Is that too much ?
2. What are some problem areas i should look for when i inspect these cars?
3. How is the reliability of these to drive till around 250k miles?
Looking forward to contribute to the forum. Thanks.
Here's couple of pics my si, to get things started..
The 120k would be no problem. And I would think you could get some very good models out your way as you live in a pretty much low rust state. The problem would be the age. 20 year old cars have problems, period. If you are willing to work on them yourself, it won't be that much of a problem. These cars can go above 300k miles. The common failure points on this car are very well detailed in this site. Good hunting.
I started looking at all other threads. So, leaks are mostly brought up as a common issue. And not being slammed or on heavy wheels that could have done damage to struts.
Yes, I can do most common maintenance my self, and replace parts unless it needs a lift to a considerable height to be worked on.
Are there any motor oil burning issues with these models?
I started looking at all other threads. So, leaks are mostly brought up as a common issue. And not being slammed or on heavy wheels that could have done damage to struts.
Yes, I can do most common maintenance my self, and replace parts unless it needs a lift to a considerable height to be worked on.
Are there any motor oil burning issues with these models?
Engines if taken care of are pretty much bullet proof. Lots of power steering, valve cover leaks. Many times a power steering leak will take out the alternators that are right below them. I pulled the valve out of my power steering unit. Just put in a bolt to stop the leaking.
Engines if taken care of are pretty much bullet proof. Lots of power steering, valve cover leaks. Many times a power steering leak will take out the alternators that are right below them. I pulled the valve out of my power steering unit. Just put in a bolt to stop the leaking.
Thanks. I'm still looking extensively.
Most that are left under $3500 are 1991-1997 models. Trying to see if i can get a 1998-2000 model.
Looks to me, other than the horsepower, the 2 versions are the same right?
There are huge differences in 89-94 (1st generation) and 95-00 (2nd generation) models. 95+ cars are bigger, lighter, more powerful, with many common issues from the 1st generation resolved. 98-00 are "post-facelift" aka "Post minor-change" 2nd generation cars. They have much more power throughout the RPM range, are much more efficient than earlier cars, much faster, and safer. Safety specifically refers to the addition of side curtain airbags (actually added in '97 pre-facelift cars) and Vehicle Stability Control (different from the traction control in earlier cars).
there are several buyers guides, i highly suggest you read through the FAQs posted at the top of the forum. Main issue to be aware of when buying higher mileage cars is to thoroughly research, and make sure to factor in the 90k mile timing belt/wp service. 95+ cars are interference so a failure of the belt, idlers, or similar will lunch the motor.
There are huge differences in 89-94 (1st generation) and 95-00 (2nd generation) models. 95+ cars are bigger, lighter, more powerful, with many common issues from the 1st generation resolved. 98-00 are "post-facelift" aka "Post minor-change" 2nd generation cars. They have much more power throughout the RPM range, are much more efficient than earlier cars, much faster, and safer. Safety specifically refers to the addition of side curtain airbags (actually added in '97 pre-facelift cars) and Vehicle Stability Control (different from the traction control in earlier cars).
there are several buyers guides, i highly suggest you read through the FAQs posted at the top of the forum. Main issue to be aware of when buying higher mileage cars is to thoroughly research, and make sure to factor in the 90k mile timing belt/wp service. 95+ cars are interference so a failure of the belt, idlers, or similar will lunch the motor.
Wow, I really appreciate this. Thanks, will do as advised.
Currently a 98 and 99. Just picked this one up in Napa for $2,000. 230,000 but runs and drives better than most new vehicles. Best build quality of it's day and they are fast fast fast. You'll love it
So, here's another question for you guys. I went and looked at a 95' LS400.
At idle, if i press the gas and rev up the car till about 2k-3k rpm, the car shakes side to side lightly? Motor mounts? Or something other than that? Serious?
Be sure to compare any earlier years to a 98-00. From your pics above you may prefer something with some zip. The 97 I had ran like a top but the 4 speed tranny just didn't have that low end zip that the 5 speed does; they are very quick for a 3800 lb luxury sedan for sure.
Currently a 98 and 99. Just picked this one up in Napa for $2,000. 230,000 but runs and drives better than most new vehicles. Best build quality of it's day and they are fast fast fast. You'll love it
10-23-16, 12:37 AM
New Member, need some questions answered.
