I'm itching to buy a 97 ls400, any ex-lexus owner in the forum?

[LAQ]

so a friend of mine has this ls 400 for sale that is absolutely stunning.i couldnt believe how quiet it was and love that instrument panel.

im keeping my 92q, but anyone had a ls400 before who can share some insights about the car?

[elwesso]

have you tried getting on some lexus boards?

[lessthanjakejohn]

q45tech services Lexuses, maybe he will see thhis

[qship96]

We have had a 91,03,97 ls400 as company cars.still have the 91-287000miles on her,great passenger car,not so much a drivers car,the 97 has 156000 miles,very reliable and a bit more of a drivers car,yet seems much more refined and isolated driving experience than my q.overall i like driving the q better,but the ls is a better car to ride in.

[qship96]

sorry,i typed in an 03,it was a 93 ls400 that we traded for the 97

[maxnix]

I think 98 is when they went to the largere brakes on the LS, and made other improvements. Maybe you need a ride in a second generation Q for comparison?

[Q45tech]

98 would be my choice as the new 5 speed AT and VVT and light weight makes this year the hauler. [Even faster than the 2002 LS430]. Massive brakes vs even 97 big brakes, whole different car totally redesigned for 98!

[PalmerWMD]

98 ls 400's are curently twice the prcice of 97 Q's..

Thats a big edge for the Q.

Fred..

[Q45tech]

Sounds about right since the 98 LS400 is still the same top of the line vehicle vs 97 Cima.

Edmunds says private party on a 98 LS is $23,000 sounds fair to me.

[PalmerWMD]

I just saw a 98 Jaguar XJR for $26,000

Fred..:drooling

[LAQ]

so in terns of mechanical side of things, anything particular that i should watch out for?

[LAQ]

fredare you looking for a jaguar? perhaps a classic like an 69 E-type?

[Jberger]

The 98 was a revision year and it has a few more TSB's than the 99. But if you're looking go drive a 97 and 98 back to back and you'll choose the 98.

All kinds of changes in that year, in addition to what Q listed, it's got xenon headlights, thicker glass, new AC system (according to my local dealer, it's a better version of the R134 system) and the car just handles better. It reminds me a the original Q in performance. Not to mention the upgraded leather, it's soooooo soft.

[EWT]

98 would be my choice as the new 5 speed AT and VVT and light weight makes this year the hauler. [Even faster than the 2002 LS430]. Massive brakes vs even 97 big brakes, whole different car totally redesigned for 98!

I've never examined them closely, but looking through the wheel, they appear to be the same brakes that came on mkiv Supras, which are the nicest brakes this side of Porsches. Thick 12.7" rotors with directional vanes and 4 piston calipers with a nice big pad. Even with stock pads, they work on a racetrack. If you wanted to have a real brake upgrade for Q45s, they would be a great brake setup to use.

[LAQ]

after debating , even in my sleep, i decided not to get the 97 ls 400.

the girlfriend talked me out of it. i hope she doesnt expect to get a ring instead. DOH!!!