97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

Hey guys, just wanted to hear teh general feedback about the reliability of the 95-97 models vs the 98-00.

Would not mind either vehicle. I am aware of the drivetrain upgrades on the 98+ etc.

Looking to possibly pick up one of these. Base model is totally fine, don't really need NAV or any extra gizmos. Just a smooth, reliable vehicle.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Both reliable with a slightly different set of maintenance age situations to handle. In the main section click <views> and you'll see the frequent discussions between the LS members. By far would be the ECU on the 97 and older.

Stroock639

at this point it would really just come down to how well each was maintained, but both are totally rock solid. and as RA40 just did and as many threads will tell you, the capacitors used before 98-99 are more prone to failure. can't go wrong with either though, but the 98-00 is quite a bit faster while getting better mpgs.

Scraape

i'd get a 98-00 if it were me, but maybe i'm biased

Banshee365

In reality the 98-00 have more complexity therefore more that can fail by its nature. They are both very reliable and you question really boils down to a car by car basis.

Avoid nav in the 98-00 as it sucks and isn't updatable anymore. Also, Nakamichi sound systems in the 95-97 sound awesome but are no longer repairable. The pioneer still is.

Stroock639

a major difference from 97 to 98 in terms of how the engine worked was the introduction of electronic throttle control, but even though it was now electric there's still a physical cable running from the pedal to the "accelerator pedal position sensor" and if that fails there's still a mechanical backup. either way, you'll always be able to open the throttle valve somehow, whereas in later cars with no cable you're screwed if that system goes

98-00 still had nakamichi btw, but yes as you stated it's still possible to get parts for the pioneer, but the now defunct nakamichi will be very difficult

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

Yeah in my 03 GS430 (that I purchased from my brother) I think the throttle is all electric.

The first thing my brother did when he got that car way back when was put an electronic throttle controller in it so you can adjust the response time on it (the stock setting is pretty laggy).

Thank you for the responses guys. I'll start looking for one of these around spring time and end up getting whatever cleanest car I can find, not really concerned with what year as long as its 95+

Definitely going to fly out to the "warm" states to find a clean rust free one.

Losiracer2

I would say 95-97 due to it having less electronics to fail and the engine is a bit more simple (no VVTi system), and having the 4spd auto vs. 5spd which by then had already a 4 year track record in the first gen LS400 from 1990-1994. I think servicing the 95-97 would be less too since the cam seals are easier to replace compared to the 98+ where you have to remove the camshafts and its more labor intensive. Plus I think 98+ had traction control standard, my 97 has it optioned where it doesn't so that could be another possible failure down the road if something goes wrong.

anesthesia

The 98-2000 were at the pinnacle of Lexus engineering, probable the most durable, most well engineered vehicle ever made, trust me you will be happy with 98-2000

Stroock639

hmm... i've always thought the response on mine was very good, certainly better than any present day car i've driven. there have even been threads started where people complained it was TOO responsive lol... i think it's called "electronic throttle control surging" or something, it's on this forum and usually gets bumped every now and then

Stereorob

95-97 owner here with a 95. ive had my car for going on 4 years now and its been absolutely rock solid since day one. never had a single major problem with it that affected drivability. ive had multiple Ls400s and the 95 I have now is by far the most solid out of all of them. I know the 95-97s are kind of that bastard neglected middle child that nobody seems to love, but you get the updated body style of the newer but the reliability and technology as the 1st gen, with less crap to break. its been a dream to own and a blast to drive. I beat it pretty hard and it doesn't mind it one bit. it had 103k when I got it and its standing at just over 205k now. the 95-97s don't have the upgraded stuff the 98-00s have, but they are easier to work on and have more chisled lines. I like them!

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

I also prefer 95-97 (have a 97 myself) but that's besides the point. which is more reliable? generally the new car will be more reliable so 98-00 but yes more stuff to break due to more, etc. the motor and power trains do differ and I can say that they 95-97 models are slightly easier to work on because of this. I'm no mechanic but I do my own maintenance. the timing belt change is slightly more complicated on a VVTi motor (98-00). the transmission on the 98-00 could be better or vice versa. it really comes down to how well the previous owner took care of the car.

check this out!
http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html

djamps

The mature ODB2 system, added power, extra gear and elimination of the problematic EGR was a huge factor in my decision to purchase a '98. They also do not seem to suffer from the ECU cap issues nearly as much. Mine are all original and no issues.

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

Is there any notable difference in the 98-00 models or are they pretty much all the same?

What features were specific to just the Platinum Edition (aside from the wheels)?

valex

I think wood steering wheel and HID headlights were an option on 1998, and standard on 1999 and 2000.