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Which one would you have? Please be objective; not just looks. Take into consideration everything that is different. (gauges, engines, lights, controls, brakes, etc.) I tried to find examples of each that are similar so far as having heated seats and no navigation. This is research for me. I am really struggling to decide on keeping my 97 Coach or getting a 2000. Thanks!!!
Last edited by armadill0; 03-15-17 at 09:19 PM.
Reason: add coach trunk badge pic
For my personal reasons, simpler motor, simpler transmission. Less worry about repairs with the same luxury and almost the same gas mileage. In my personal opinion, the style is virtually the same, why take the risk with the 5-sp tranny and the vvti motor? Not enough reasons for the risk in my assessment.
I've gotta say, I'm quite surprised at the polling so far. I thought for sure it would be the 2000 by unanimous vote. I specialize in the 95-97 so I'm a bit partial to them as I know every nut and bolt on them but I would love to have a nice 2000 like that. I think the VVTi and 5 speed have proven to be pretty reliable.
After reading this thread: " 97 vs 98-2000 reliability, etc." I've decided that selling my 97 to get a 2000 is the way to go. One feature that is probably not important to most but would be quite helpful to me is the child seat anchor points. I have a 3yr old son, and I'm the primary chauffeur. All the cars I have put his seat in with only a standard seat belt to secure it, do a poor job of keeping it in place. If I had looked through this forum before buying the 97 Coach, I don't think I would have. It's super nice though. My wife really likes it, and the boy sure likes playing with the car phone. (That is massively retro coolness!) This is the first V8 vehicle I've ever owned and the sound at 6k rpms is glorious!
You can install the anchors in your 97. The anchor points are already there you just have to purchase the bracket for less than $20 from the dealer. There is one for each of the 3 back seats.
I liked my 2000 LS400 Platinum as much when I sold it in 2014 as when I bought it in 2003 and might have kept it as an occasional driver if I had more garage space. I forgot its trim code (SG?) but it was the same variation (with Nakamichi) as the one you are looking at.
well over the years I have had SEVERAL of BOTH... so I choose 98-2000 hands down, reason = soft riding & quiet, love the vvti and 5sp and will NEVER (I'm 83) have anything else..
Although VVt-i adds some complexity, I've never seen any recurring issues with it on the forum or otherwise. The problematic EGR on non-VVt-i engines, especially if you live in a smog/sniffer state is something much more likely to cause issues with your knuckles and/or wallet. VVt-i engines also do not normally suffer from ECU problems like earlier years.
I was crushed when I contacted the dealer that had that silver 2000 platinum series and they told me it was sold.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Keep it coming
they seem to have changed a few things under the hood of the 2000, my 1999 has a different intake and no engine fan fluid container, does this have the tow package or is every 2000 like this?
anyway i'd go with the 2000 for pretty much every reason that's already been stated, not that the 1997 isn't a great car
03-15-17, 05:17 PM
Poll: Special Editions-97 Coach vs 2000 Platinum
(That is massively retro coolness!) This is the first V8 vehicle I've ever owned and the sound at 6k rpms is glorious!
