Hey all, I'm looking to get into a Lexus. A little background: I'm a combat vet w/a constantly sore back, and the '92 Wrangler doesn't make a very comfy daily driver. I'm in school training as an automotive technician, and we work with Toyota. I've been largely impressed with the quality of their vehicles. I'm not a fan of the FWD platform, so I've been drawn to the Lexus RWD offerings. I would like a strong, reliable platform as a daily driver, that will put up with spirited driving. Just today a mechanic told me to go for the inline six. Can anybody give me a good rundown on these cars? Is there a "better" year, engine, trans, etc? Also, I'm more inclined to a timing chain over a belt, but let me know the real deal here. I would say my budget is probably 12k or less, so brand new is out, but I'm not opposed to getting an older model if they are better. Thanks so much!
Please help me pick a Lexus!
- Thread starter czlexus
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The 1UZFE EGR Delete Kit is available for sale here.
XR8tt
Active Member
Welcome to forums...
Have you checked here ??
http://www.lextreme.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=21
Have you checked here ??
http://www.lextreme.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=21
The flagship of Lexus has always been the LS model. All LS cars are V8 powered. While the inline 6 found in the 1992-2000 SC300 and the IS300 responds the best to turbocharging without boost it just will never have the smooth torquey effortless cruising of the V8s.
I have a 99 LS400 and before that a 96 LS400. I have driven between them nearly 200k relatively trouble free miles. Smooth quiet and relatively powerful. Soft suspension that will hold a corner far quicker than expected. Do some research here as there are changes by model year mainly
1990-1994, 230hp (250hp rated 230hp actual) 4 liter V8, rwd, timing belt, 4spd auto, 8.0 seconds 0-60mph, 150mph top speed in theory
1995-1997, 260hp 4 liter V8, rwd, timing belt, 4spd auto, 7.0s 0-60mph, 149mph top speed limited, would do 155mph unlimited
1998-2000, 290hp 4 liter V8, rwd, timing belt, 5spd auto, 6.3s 0-60mph, 149mph top speed, limited, would do 160+mph unlimited
2001-2003, 290hp 4.3 liter V8, rwd, timing belt, 5spd auto, 6.3s 0-60mph, 128mph top speed, limited, would do 160+mph unlimited
2004-2006, 290hp 4.3 liter V8, rwd, timing belt, 6spd auto, 5.9s 0-60mph, 128mph top speed, limited, would do 160+mph unlimited
For the money a clean 1998-2000 may be your best bet.
The 2004-2006 is very sweet especially the sport model but these will be way above your price point.
Don't let the timing belt worry you. Smooth, quiet, durable with 90k change intervals and last roughly 130+k miles on those that ignore service.
From a comfort level the seats in the 2001+ LS430s are the best.
I have a 99 LS400 and before that a 96 LS400. I have driven between them nearly 200k relatively trouble free miles. Smooth quiet and relatively powerful. Soft suspension that will hold a corner far quicker than expected. Do some research here as there are changes by model year mainly
1990-1994, 230hp (250hp rated 230hp actual) 4 liter V8, rwd, timing belt, 4spd auto, 8.0 seconds 0-60mph, 150mph top speed in theory
1995-1997, 260hp 4 liter V8, rwd, timing belt, 4spd auto, 7.0s 0-60mph, 149mph top speed limited, would do 155mph unlimited
1998-2000, 290hp 4 liter V8, rwd, timing belt, 5spd auto, 6.3s 0-60mph, 149mph top speed, limited, would do 160+mph unlimited
2001-2003, 290hp 4.3 liter V8, rwd, timing belt, 5spd auto, 6.3s 0-60mph, 128mph top speed, limited, would do 160+mph unlimited
2004-2006, 290hp 4.3 liter V8, rwd, timing belt, 6spd auto, 5.9s 0-60mph, 128mph top speed, limited, would do 160+mph unlimited
For the money a clean 1998-2000 may be your best bet.
The 2004-2006 is very sweet especially the sport model but these will be way above your price point.
Don't let the timing belt worry you. Smooth, quiet, durable with 90k change intervals and last roughly 130+k miles on those that ignore service.
From a comfort level the seats in the 2001+ LS430s are the best.
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