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Is a 2002 LSE worth buying?

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Posted by: T_Rav

I am interested in buying a 2002 LSE and have some questions concerning the year and model. I have heard from others that the 2003 LS models had some problems due to the mechanical upgrades. I was also told that I should buy a 2002 or 2004 and higher model of the LS to prevent dealing with possible problems. My opinion is that if the previous driver took care of the car and engine, that it should be in good driveable condition. As well all cars sometimes have some problems regardless. Anyways, the LSE I am thinking about purchasing is priced at $14,500 with 55k in mileage. I dig the body style and dual exhaust as well as the smooth handling and power it offers. I was very impressed the way it ran when I test drove it. I would love to hear some insight from previous owners and in hopes of helping me decide. Are there any possible mechanical problems that I may run into? I have always wanted a LS and I don't wanna purchase a vehicle that I am gonna regret later down the road. Please help me, I am confused and in need of some insight. Thanks.

Posted by: tagliato22

many people here state the 04s and up have the fewest number of common problems. regardless though, it seems most people still love their ls's. i agree with you that a large factor with car problems is how the vehicle has been treated (abuse, changing fluids, other maintenance).

the most common problem for the ls seems to be the coils (which cost about $50 each- changing them is not too difficult). investigate this car thoroughly. i think you could probably get that price down a little though.

are all lse's v8s?

Posted by: rickztahone

that sounds like a good deal for a 55k 02. i would go for a gen 2 but i still think if the previous owner did in fact take care of it then there shouldn't be that many problems down the road but be ready to whip some cash out if something does happen as some parts are somewhat expensive to replace

Posted by: aaronearles

Is that really a good deal on a 2002? I love the looks of the 02 LSE, but for 14,500 I think I'd pony up another thousand or two and get a second gen. You can probably even get your hands on a late 03 for that price.

That LSE does look good though doesn't she.

woot, 100th post!

Posted by: LongIslandLSE

yes it worth it, bought my 02 lse and have no problems. I did get mine a little cheaper though. If u maintain a car then u should have less problems than most cars. Get an extended warranty if u r worried, thats what i did,4 years 48k.

Sorry for the shorthand typing from my iphone

Posted by: eastcoastLS

14,5?? you can get an 2003/04 v8 50k miles for that price...may not be an LSE though.. no first gen is worth more than 12k if you ask me. Either buy an 02 or an 05/06 V8.. seem to be most dependable...yeah i would also test drive the car multiple times as well. and i'm pretty sure the 02 LSE either came in v8 or v6

Posted by: NYC LS8

My friend's 02 V8 LS has had numerous problems....and it was like a 30,000 mile car when he bought it last year. It was in the shop 5 out of the first 8 weeks he owned it.

The one good thing about the 2003s is that some early model year '03s are covered by Ford for coils/valve cover gaskets for a total of 10 years/100,000 miles.

That said, I would go for a second gen LS. It's newer, more features, better looking interior....although I like the styling of the first gens a little bit better.

Good luck.

Posted by: EmpireSix

Quote:

Originally Posted by T_Rav

the LSE I am thinking about purchasing is priced at $14,500 with 55k in mileage.

Keep looking, I picked up my 2002 LSE with 80k miles for 8,900 and the only issues I have had are the wiper sensor, and I cracked my "fuel/status/reset" thing when I pushed it in once.. but tahts just a super glue trip away from being fixed.

Posted by: 04SCTLS

The of course the 03+ V8 cars have 280 hp vs 252 for the 1st gens due to variable valve timing and adding a CAI and an SCT tune will put that up to 300hp.
Personally I would pass on a V6.

Posted by: 02LSE96LSC91SE84TC

My 02 LSE has been good to me. Oil changes, a/c filters, front brakes around 63k rears around 79k...thats all I've had to do. Alot of the problems were worked out by 02 with the Gen1s. Gen2s have there own problems with some of the new things but being newer fewer.

Definately want a V8.

Posted by: T_Rav

Thanks for your input guys. I am planning on taking another look at it this weekend. If anyone else had some additional info please leave a post. Thanks.

Posted by: HyeLifeLS

I would do an 02 LSE over 03. Looks better IMO.

LSE did come in V6 also, there was one V6 manual LSE here I remember. 14,5 is a little high right now for an 02 LS, but if you really like that particular car then maybe they can lower the price a bit.

Also, what color is the car? Silver LSE seams to be rare, more black LSEs I see.

Posted by: SPSully

I have a lincoln dealer (we all know they are the most expensive) selling a 03 Black on black lse with 63k for 13gs. I talked to him about the car, before buying my 01. He has the maintenace record from the previous owner who bought the car and retired in 05. It has been driven to fla in the fall and back to NH in the spring. I got him down to about 11 (11,250). Long story out of nothing, but that 55k mile one isnt that rare, you can either get it for less or just find another one.

I paid 8,500 for my 01 LSV8 sport with 68k

Posted by: HyeLifeLS

Quote:

Originally Posted by NHLSV8

I have a lincoln dealer (we all know they are the most expensive) selling a 03 Black on black lse with 63k for 13gs. I talked to him about the car, before buying my 01. He has the maintenace record from the previous owner who bought the car and retired in 05. It has been driven to fla in the fall and back to NH in the spring. I got him down to about 11 (11,250). Long story out of nothing, but that 55k mile one isnt that rare, you can either get it for less or just find another one.

I paid 8,500 for my 01 LSV8 sport with 68k

There was no 03 LSE, maybe it's an 04? Or it's a regular LS?

Posted by: infamous amos

I have an '02 LS V6 with 72k and I'm thoroughly happy with it. But, mine's a manual so it still has some get-up. I have not had any major problems, engine drives like it's brand new.

The 02s are notorious for ball joint replacement though, just be prepared. Also, you should be able to get the price lower. The LSE may be rare, but it's still 5yrs old.

Posted by: scjmc

My 02 LS8 has been a great car. I bought it with 19K and now have 67K. I have had to make a few repairs (I do all work myself), but am very happy with the car. No matter how well the car was treated you may still have problems with valve cover gaskets and coils. You may want to check the lower ball joints also.

Posted by: free139stylz

Warning you now dont buy an LS they are nothing but trouble!!!! There nice cars and got a little speed to but they are junk!!!!! If you dont listen consider warned unless your getting a new ls with warranty its not worth it

Posted by: NateRW21

$14.5?!?!?!?! Highway robbery

And don't listen to Mr. Scorned above... My 03 in the year I've owned it only needed a throttle position sensor and valve cover gaskets. If you get a late production 03 and up, you won't have the valve cover gasket issue.

There is NO reason to spend $14,500 on an 02 LS, I don't care what the miles are, or if it's an LSE. You should be able to pick up an 03-04 with miles that are about the same or a bit less for no more than $14,500 if you look around. Then if you just MUST have the LSE appearance package... talk to Ken (LSKoncepts) and order a kit! There were over 500 improvements to the Gen II; it is by far worth it to get the Gen II

Posted by: 02LSE96LSC91SE84TC

I don't consider some of the changes in the 03ups to be improvements, just different and many consider the 03up less sporty in styling.

You should be able to get a 02 for less than that like people have stated perhaps 3-4000 less than similar equiped 03.

The LSE package is a whole lot less to have getting a car already with it than converting...a whole lot less. Not to mention its a original then. Not like they are so rare that they can't be found and seem to be worth 1500 more than a non-LSE, that may be decreasing but maybe not.

I choose a 02 LSE over a 03.

Posted by: pagan_blood

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02LSE96LSC91SE84TC

I don't consider some of the changes in the 03ups to be improvements, just different and many consider the 03up less sporty in styling.

You should be able to get a 02 for less than that like people have stated perhaps 3-4000 less than similar equiped 03.

The LSE package is a whole lot less to have getting a car already with it than converting...a whole lot less. Not to mention its a original then. Not like they are so rare that they can't be found and seem to be worth 1500 more than a non-LSE, that may be decreasing but maybe not.

I choose a 02 LSE over a 03.

Posted by: JattGary

I would go with 02 LSEEEEEE
I LOVE THIS CAR

Posted by: NateRW21

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02LSE96LSC91SE84TC

Okay, some of the "improvements" were mearly styling... But, the 03-up has beefier ball joints, VVT and more reliable elctrical. I'd be hard pressed to believe that with 30 more HP it's less sporty...

Either way, I still wouldn't pay $14.5k for an 02...

NADA value on a FULLY LOADED 02 LSE w/55k miles is $16,700; clean trade in $14,050. Our cars are routinely going for $4k under book value.

My mint condition 03 had 60k miles on it when I bought it a year ago; paid $14k... now with 80k miles (yeah, I drive... A LOT)... it's worth a whooping $15,725. See where I'm going with this... it's still "worth" more than i paid for it and has an additional 20k miles. It booked out at a shade under $18k when I bought it.

If you want it... don't pay over $13k for it...

Posted by: 02LSE96LSC91SE84TC

Quote:

Originally Posted by NateRW21

I agree its to much to pay. Only the low mile super clean 02s should still get over 10k. 03ups will hold thier value better for a little while longer being the last model made, this will fade and it will take a big drop soon as the first Gen did. I just think right now a 02 being the most reliable of the first Gens is a great buy, you can get them cheap compared to a 03up that is still holding its value slightly better.

I thought the 03ups had a softer suspension...being less sporty.

The interior gauges, seats, and materials to me are less sporty.

The center console on the Gen2s is boxy and SUV like....IMO. Electric Ebrake?, not to sporty.

The brushed trim stuff never looks right on the several different ones I've seen being mixed with the wood really looks odd and the other models look cheap. I know ours has fake wood but to me just looks more fitted and balanced.

****TBW is never sportier than a throttle cable****

28hp is the best thing about the Gen2 but Gen1s respond good enough to the few mods available to match and even beat it.

Oh yeah the tail lights are cheap looking. I know thats really ones opinion but at night they are really boring compared to Gen1s.

That said its not that I don't like Gen2s, I just don't see 500 improvements and just consider it different styling compared to Gen1s.

Posted by: NateRW21

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02LSE96LSC91SE84TC

I thought the 03ups had a softer suspension...being less sporty.

The interior gauges, seats, and materials to me are less sporty.

The center console on the Gen2s is boxy and SUV like....IMO. Electric Ebrake?, not to sporty.

The brushed trim stuff never looks right on the several different ones I've seen being mixed with the wood really looks odd and the other models look cheap. I know ours has fake wood but to me just looks more fitted and balanced.

****TBW is never sportier than a throttle cable****

28hp is the best thing about the Gen2 but Gen1s respond good enough to the few mods available to match and even beat it.

Oh yeah the tail lights are cheap looking. I know thats really ones opinion but at night they are really boring compared to Gen1s.

That said its not that I don't like Gen2s, I just don't see 500 improvements and just consider it different styling compared to Gen1s.

I like the tail lights... except that the interior (trunk lid) "lights" don't really LIGHT up.

The same mods on the GEN I's... put on the GEN II's give the same improvements... which means still a better platform when looking at power alone...

TBW... I must admit, I don't love the delay between pedal down and engine coming to life...

I love the way my car's interior is trimmed out... I've got the sport with the "brushed aluminum" and zero wood... I thought the fake wood of the Gen I's looked horrible...

Center console... I like the lay out more; bigger compartment, better cup holders...

Electronic E-brake... I don't have an issue with it. I kind of like not having a big lever hangin out next to me, or a third and very impractical pedal at my calf...

Seats feel the same to me, gauges... never paid attention, materials... seems a bit more refined; if that means less sporty, so be it...

I didn't keep my factory springs in long enough to comment on the factory suspension feeling/performance... She's about perfect with new sport shocks and eibach's though.

But all of that just goes to show you difference in taste.

I do recall the 03-up picked up 1mpg, doesn't suffer from the VCG issues (atleast not to the extent Gen I do), doesn't have the electrical gremlins, faulty window regulators and shoddy alternator problems of the Gen 1's... and in addition, they ditched the hydraulic fan, which is a huge PITA. Also improved ball joints. Those ARE improvements. How much that matters to you... well, that's your call. (If I liked the Gen I's better, I'd be willing to do the work... but some people don't do the work themselves and that might be an issue)

Posted by: NYC LS8

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02LSE96LSC91SE84TC

****TBW is never sportier than a throttle cable****

Someone should tell Ford that about the Mustang.

Posted by: 02LSE96LSC91SE84TC

Gen1s seem to get more from intake and exhaust mods it seems, probably similar gains from the Xcal. If they picked up the same amount I think we would some 14.0 timeslips from Gen2s but we don't. Stock for stock I think they are about .3 apart, I'm right on top of Gen2 bests with my Gen1 with less gear.

Thing is not alot of people race these things to really tell.

Posted by: NateRW21

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02LSE96LSC91SE84TC

Gen1s seem to get more from intake and exhaust mods it seems

Thing is not alot of people race these things to really tell.

Obvious on the exhaust side; apparently that third cat is the big issue for the Gen II... would be interested to see some dyno results with it removed.

And I agree...