Extended Service Plan? (+ other questions)

[kmac1914]

Okay, i'm finally getting ready to pull the trigger and get an LS. I'm trying to get an 02 or an 03, and i had a few questions:

For anyone with an ESP--is it a worthwhile investment? I'm thinking that since i'll be buying it from out of state, and the LS has a few issues, it'd be good to be able to take it to a Lincoln dealership where i live.

Is the V8 that big of a diff from the V6? I really had my heart set on a V8 (i wanted that SelectShift), but if i settle for a v6, i'd more likely be able to afford an 03--plus, i'm not even sure you can get an ESP on an 02, even if it has less than 50K miles on it.

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[Fla02LS]

If you can get the ESP its absolutely gonna save your butt with the LS. Well worth every penny you'll spend on it. As far as the different years and models, i had a '02 V6 for about a year and traded it in for a '05 V8 about two weeks ago. First off, the V6 will get better mileage than the V8 regardless of which year. I got 22 mpg consistantly with the V6 and i now get 18 mpg with the V8. I drive about 500 miles a week and its the same route so the mileage comparison is pretty accurate. The '00-'02 V8 gets a little worse mileage than the '03+ V8 though. The difference in driving between the V6 and V8 is HUGE. Its not so much that the V6 is slow as its the V8 makes its power alot more effortlessly. Next, there is a big difference between the 00-02 model and 03+. The '03+ is alot more refined and has alot of nice options that the older LS doesnt have. With that in mind, i would only recommend getting a '03+ that still has some factory warranty on it and get the ESP. If you have to get the V6 model to save money than thats fine, you'll have more fun with the V8, but the V6 is perfectly fine for normal daily driving.

 

[decibels5]

i only bought the drivetrain warranty. BUY IT ALL. its the little expensive things that go wrong with the ls. great looks, performance, and power with the repair tag to go along with it. and shop around. 02 an 03 go for about 15 to 22 depending on mileage and area. if you are patient, like i wasnt you can get an 04 or maybe even an 05 for high teens to the low twenties. ive seen many after i bought mine for a great price.