Best year for the LS, and other questions

[joekitch]

well i've seen plenty of horror stories, and i'm sure all of you will say if it's well maintained there's no problem, but i'm not one to tempt fate regardless

that said, do the newer LSes have significantly fewer problems? i'm talking 2004 or 2005 models specifically.
i'm seeing coils fail. a lot. was this less of a problem on the V8 models?
what about the transmission? was there a refresh near the end of its production so there are less problems?

and some unrelated stuff;
-ever driven in snow with this thing? how bad is it considering it's a RWD sporty car?
-ever tried to tow with it? i figure this thing could probably tow up to 2000 lbs with proper brake controllers and a transmission cooler.

 

[mlara1129]

Search. Most, if not all, of your questions have already been answered in the past. You're not the first new guy to have those questions.

Otherwise welcome!

 

[jgscott]

I have a 2002 LS Sport V8 with 164k running great. Most post I have seen here say the 2005 - 2006 was best and had best improvement.

 

[chocolat1701]

the 2006 is the best of them all. the coils fail on any LS no matter what year you get but the gaskets on g1 (2000 -2002) fail constantly so when you do the replacement its best to do the updated gasket from Lincoln. the 2006 comes with the latest version of the coils I think they are motorcraft dg529 they still fail but it holds out a lot longer than the original. transmissions issues are the same on all years usually is the solenoid pack that needs to be replaced and a additive to be added to the oil.