It has been a year and one week since I purchased the LS, and I feel obligated to sum up my experiences and thoughts on the car, especially given the nature of almost every car forum. People will complain more than praise a vehicle.. it’s time to give back.
My LS is a 2003 V8 Sport black on black, purchased with 118,000km (currently at 130,000km). The exterior condition of the vehicle was good for the most part: some small rock chips on the front bumper, and minor paint chipping around the rear text. No scratches, damage, rust, etc. The interior was also good, apart from a broken ash tray (removed the spring to fix that). Mechanically, the car didn't seem to have ever been driven hard - everything worked smoothly.
I change my oil & filter every 3 months/5000km, and detail her as often as possible during warmer seasons to keep her in top shape.
Dependability/Reliability
So far, my LS has been very good in terms of its reliability. Apart from regular maintenance (oil, filters, plugs, coolant flush, etc), there have only been a few wear and tear items that I had to replace:
Other than having to get a boost once, I haven’t experienced any mechanical breakdowns.
Small problems that I experienced:
Comfort and Performance
As the LS is my first car, I have only driven a few other vehicles prior to it, so my opinion might be a little subjective. I feel that the car is extremely comfortable and quick, relative to my needs. My fuel economy was very good in the summer, but has suffered in winter, which is to be expected. I’m not too concerned with mileage though.
Winter Performance
Being Canadian, I had to touch upon this. At times, especially following fresh snow fall, the car struggles in snow when taking off. The winter tires I have on are Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3, which are marketed as a “high performance winter tire.” Perhaps the tread isn’t aggressive enough, but either way I could use some extra weight in the back. Otherwise, on plowed roads, slush and water the car has no problems at all.
Mods
Exterior
Interior
When I brought her home:
Now:
The LS is my first car, and it’s an amazing one. It looks great and offers lots for my needs, and I plan to keep it for as long as I can (I have extended warranty for one more year)
Cheers, and sorry for my giant post
My LS is a 2003 V8 Sport black on black, purchased with 118,000km (currently at 130,000km). The exterior condition of the vehicle was good for the most part: some small rock chips on the front bumper, and minor paint chipping around the rear text. No scratches, damage, rust, etc. The interior was also good, apart from a broken ash tray (removed the spring to fix that). Mechanically, the car didn't seem to have ever been driven hard - everything worked smoothly.
I change my oil & filter every 3 months/5000km, and detail her as often as possible during warmer seasons to keep her in top shape.
Dependability/Reliability
So far, my LS has been very good in terms of its reliability. Apart from regular maintenance (oil, filters, plugs, coolant flush, etc), there have only been a few wear and tear items that I had to replace:
- Stabilizer bar end-links - Moog: $180
- Coil #8 - OEM: Replaced under warranty
- Battery - OEM: $150
- Soon: complete brake-job all around, struts/shocks all around
Other than having to get a boost once, I haven’t experienced any mechanical breakdowns.
Small problems that I experienced:
- Leaking a-pillar (have yet to fix this, once it warms up)
- Message center buttons broke (easy fix)
- Trunk needed some minor aligning so that it wouldn't violently fly up
- Added friction modifier to PS fluid to stop squeaking
Comfort and Performance
As the LS is my first car, I have only driven a few other vehicles prior to it, so my opinion might be a little subjective. I feel that the car is extremely comfortable and quick, relative to my needs. My fuel economy was very good in the summer, but has suffered in winter, which is to be expected. I’m not too concerned with mileage though.
Winter Performance
Being Canadian, I had to touch upon this. At times, especially following fresh snow fall, the car struggles in snow when taking off. The winter tires I have on are Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3, which are marketed as a “high performance winter tire.” Perhaps the tread isn’t aggressive enough, but either way I could use some extra weight in the back. Otherwise, on plowed roads, slush and water the car has no problems at all.
Mods
Exterior
- Tint - 35%
- OEM HIDs, with GE Nighthawk Platinum bulbs for high-beam
- 6000K LED fogs - VLEDS
- LSE grille
- LSE Tail lights - Lamin-X
- 4” Magnaflow tips
- Debadged
Interior
- PIE iPod Adapter
- Light burl wood trim kit (only replaces the sport CF imitation)
- LED trunk light (was missing entirely when the car was purchased)
When I brought her home:
Now:
The LS is my first car, and it’s an amazing one. It looks great and offers lots for my needs, and I plan to keep it for as long as I can (I have extended warranty for one more year)
Cheers, and sorry for my giant post
