Prospective LS buyer looking for opinions...

[ajbry]

Just looking to get some preliminary advice from all you LS experts around here. I'll be in the market for an LS soon (within a couple of months) after I finally get to trade in my 300M. After all's said and done, I'll have about $9,000 - 10,000 to spend on the LS...

I'm looking for some input regarding a couple of basic things to start:

- Is the difference between generations (2000-2002; 2003-2006) a sizable one? I'd love to get my hands on an 03 - I've seen a few in my price range with decent miles - particularly because I've read about the improvements and what not.

- But, would a 2001 or 2002 with similar mileage be generally as reliable? And would it be stupid to pursue a 2003 V6 as opposed to a 2002 V8, for example? For that matter, is there a tangible difference in quality and overall longevity between the V6's and V8's? I'm sure I could stumble across a 2003 V8 around $10K but the miles might be close to 80,000 or something.

Any other advice pertinent to these questions would be great...

Thanks in advance!

 

[rickztahone]

i would say to get a 03 or better. the first gen LS is more prone to having more problems. if your looking at 03 vs the 02 definitely go with the 03 V8 since the V6 uses just about the same amount of gas as the V8 and you get the extra horses. all in all, with the money you will have available i would say spend a little more on the car purchase and finance for a few thousands and get a good low mileage 03+ V8

 

[LsUnV2]

+1 I have a first gen and dont have any probs with it.. loved the car so much that i just bought a 04 LSE with 20k miles for 18k..... 2nd Gen seems alot more solid and for sure has more power.. Try surfing car sites. Thats how i found my 04

 

[rainjacks]

I think rickztahone just about nailed it. I haven't driven the V6, but looking at the numbers I like the V8 better. Go for the lowest mileage you can afford and get a Carfax.

 

[2000 LS]

Carfax helps but dont rely just on that though, I did a carfax on mine before I bought it and no where on there was there an accident indication. I found out after looking behind the panels in the trunk after having it for a few months that there is a whole new quarter panel, I had no idea. I would also look into getting a newer one (V8), they seem to have less problems from what I understand and good luck on the purchase.

 

[fissel1ls]

I too had a 300M before I bought the LS. Trust me, you will love the LS much better than the 300M.