LSOmar

Hey looking to get my first LS and wanted a few opinions on which one i should get
the first one is a 91 ls400 with 210 kms the only problems im aware of is that the drivers seat has an electrical issue aswell of the trunk and the tranny doesent go into reverese other than that its in pretty good shape. I can get a used tranny for about 200 but i need to pay someone to install it btw i can get the car for 600 and it comes with a set of is250 rims aswell as stock

second car is a 94 with 240km dont know to much about it but it runs and drives good and is in decent shape i can get it for 1200

those are my 2 options as of right now because im on a tight budget. Ill try and get some pics of them up later today.
thanks for the help

DerekD1010

iTrader: (1)

I wouldn't even mess with a car that has preexisting electrical issues let alone needs a new tranny. I would check out the 94 and see when the last time the timing belt/water pump,starter,ps pump,alternator,battery has been replaced as well as other repairs. IMO on a budget like that I would save up more money to buy a newer LS with lower miles and less chance of having issues because it is costly and time consuming to fix. Also noted you should be doing preventative maintenance of your own when you buy the car too.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Tranny problems, no way.

Losiracer2

With the relatively low amount of money you can find a 95+ LS400, I would shoot for those. They're a bit bigger interior wise, have better brakes, better looks and parts would be more plentiful since they're shared from 95-2000 for the most part, other than exterior lights and fenders. I've been seeing more and more 95+ LS400s in the yards, which is good for me since I won't have to use as many aftermarket parts on mine. Recently picked up a Coach interior and trim from a low mileage 97'

I picked up my 97' for 2700 a year and a half ago which had $1000 of recent maint. and parts put into it, but I've seen some that need some minor TLC, nothing major, for about 1500-2000.

Cars that have electrical and tranny issues are a sign of neglect and abuse. Since I've got almost 300k on mine with all original parts (engine and tranny), they should easily last that long with even basic maintenance.

LS400UCF20

The 89-94 had some electrical weaknesses compared to the newer ones but they are still very reliable. The 95-2000 are bulletproof but out of those years the ones to get in my opinion are the 98-00. They have the variable valve timing which gives them 40 more hp for a total of 290 hp, a 5 speed transmission versus the 4 speed, a more modern front end, antenna built into the rear glass, auto windows, available HID headlights, side airbags, Vehicle Skid Control, trip computer. The only minus that I can think of with the 98-00 is that the headlights are plastic.

Banshee365

Ditto to the above posts. The LS400 is one of those cars that's generally better the later they get. Get the newest you can afford. I like the 95+ but the really early ones are built insanely well as they were just starting out. The fit and finish on the first ones is really hard to beat. Maintenance and general condition are your main factors for purchase, over year. Condition and maintenance come first.

I would avoid air suspension and NAV units on the 98-00 cars. The NAV units are no longer supported and they kinda suck by todays standards anyway.

LS400UCF20

Banshee is right, avoid the air suspension models and the nav units. The LS400's are so smooth that there is really no need to deal with the hassles and high repair costs associated with air suspension cars. I also agree that the early cars were very well built but they are very difficult to find in very good condition and with low miles.

Spartan536

From what I have been told the air suspension models were only slightly better in ride comfort over the gas shocks and springs, and they cost a small fortune to replace. In fact I can get a set of 4 KYB comfort shocks and springs for the same price as 1 air suspension replacement, I think they average $900-$1100 per piece last I checked.

As for transmission issues, the LS400's powertrain is excellent, extremely well built, but does require standard maintenance to attain its rather legendary status. If the reverse gear is shot, and you are having some electrical issues, sounds like you are in for a rude awakening in terms of repairs due to what sounds to me to be like general neglect, check the transmission fluid on it, if it smells like burnt toast and looks black or blackish, stay away!

If you are looking for a low mileage 1991-1994 LS400 (the 1993-1994 models seem to be the most coveted) try looking on the internet and don't be too afraid to travel to test drive one, if it costs you $300 in gas to test drive a low mileage well conditioned LS400 that will last you for years, then would it not sound like a good deal vs only buying local and getting a potential lemon?

driftsucky

I would pass on both of those. I can't speak on year as the only reason I wanted a >96 is because 96 and below cars don't have to go through emissions testing in NY state. And not that I neglect stuff, but I don't always wanna spend $400 on a random sensor that has no redeemable value in the real world lol. But, knowing all of that stuff and things, maybe a front end swap of some sort would be in order.

fastegg

I wouldn't look at an LS that has problems period. My advice is if an LS400 is what your looking for, then look for preferably the later model ones that has no problems at all. You will pay more for it but if you get one that has been looked after then you will get years of trouble free motoring. My '98 has 305,000km and runs and drives like new. Every single thing on the car works and it is so smooth and quiet. You will NEVER regret getting a well looked after one... however, you get what you pay for.... meaning if you get a 'cheap' one, then you'll end up with a 'cheap' one and you may regret it..... Go on, spend some more money... It will be the best thing you ever bought.