So what LS do I want?

LaserSVT

LaserSVT

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So I kinda like the LS much to the dismay of the Mark section and have kinda been thinking of one for a daily driver. I just installed my blower on my 98 LSC and its great fun but I just ruined the daily driveability of the car. It rides great and tons of power with no running issues but thinking about more freequent oil changes and bloer maintenence as well as the 15 mpg I get now.... well that 104 mile drive 6 days a week can take its toll.

I know very little about the LS other then I see a million of them around.

I know the second gens are better but I dont need performance... much. I cant cruise an Accord or Camry every day and want the luxuries my Mark has spoiled me with but I need well over 20 MPG.



Please dont start with the "Use the search!" cause damn, im lazy and its my birfday. :p


So can I get a good reliable one for under $5000? Is the V6 one OK since I only want a daily cruiser? Is the LSE that much more special? What issues to I look for and what breaks often/hard to find?

Thanks all.
 
laser.gif
 
If you just want a decent DD I'd go for the V6 unless you find a killer deal on a V8. You can find alot of LS's in the 5k-7k range.
 
03-05 V6 with lower trim/options can be found in that range easily.
 
After my computer learns my engine I get mid 20's MPG with my v6 manual. I say the computer thing because I've done a lot of work to my LS and have reset the computer many times, I'm probably overdoing it...

My opinion is the the first gen LSE doesn't look better then the non-LSE models other then the quad exhaust. I think it takes some of the lines I like about the body and moves then in a way that doesn't work for me.

The v6 seems slightly more reliable and might last longer then the v8 version, this is debatable though. If you get a manual version and it has more then 100k miles then you better save to have the clutch changed because it will need to be done.

You could probably find a second gen v6 for $5,000 or less if you look hard enough.

The v8 and v6 fuel economy doesn't seem to be too far off, but the price is usually much better on the v6.

Also, your LSC looks sweet, do you drive with the bags that low?
 
No, thats the lowest setting. I ride about 2" higher then that.
 
jolinc01 said:
If you just want a decent DD I'd go for the V6 unless you find a killer deal on a V8. You can find alot of LS's in the 5k-7k range.
Click to expand...

i bought mine for 4K although it came with and still has hail damange lol but yea i wish i had the second gen center console in my gen 1
 
I have an 02 V6 LSE and havent really had problems with it.

it will get better mpg then the v8

the body kit looks better then the ls too

congrats on mark, sounds like fun with that much hp
 
Mechanicboy said:
After my computer learns my engine I get mid 20's MPG with my v6 manual. I say the computer thing because I've done a lot of work to my LS and have reset the computer many times, I'm probably overdoing it...

My opinion is the the first gen LSE doesn't look better then the non-LSE models other then the quad exhaust. I think it takes some of the lines I like about the body and moves then in a way that doesn't work for me.

The v6 seems slightly more reliable and might last longer then the v8 version, this is debatable though. If you get a manual version and it has more then 100k miles then you better save to have the clutch changed because it will need to be done.

You could probably find a second gen v6 for $5,000 or less if you look hard enough.

The v8 and v6 fuel economy doesn't seem to be too far off, but the price is usually much better on the v6.

Also, your LSC looks sweet, do you drive with the bags that low?
Click to expand...

Do, you reset the computer by just disconnecting the battery?
 
I have a V6 and 2 V8s. The mileage difference is negligible, around 1-1.5 miles per. IMHO, don't base your decision on that. The V8 has the message center (not available on the V6 which has your basic "idiot" lights) and most of the optional stuff on the V6 standard. In the 2nd gen models there is no V6 sport package. If the SST shifter is important to you, you would have to find one and install it in the V6 (not an option) and you would "lose" D4.

If all you ever plan to do is commute and are set on the LS, a 2nd gen V6 would be the way to go, IMHO. If you ever plan on taking family trips in the LS, you will want a 2nd gen V8. The extra power will come in very handy with a full load and/or towing a small trailer.

Check Auto Trader and use "any distance" for the search. With your $5K budget you're probably looking at a high mileage 2000 LS.

Here's a V6 and a V8.
 
No sports package, wtf do I have then?
Click to expand...

LS4me said:
In the 2nd gen models there is no V6 sport package.
Click to expand...

obviously a 1st gen

whatever your choice, make sure you have someone there to inspect it... I've seen more than my fair share of problems with my 2005 V8 @ only 60K with me being the original owner and know plenty of others with the same headaches
 
LS4me said:
No sport package on the '03-'05 V6 LS. The '01-'02 LSE does have the sport package.
Click to expand...

The '00-'02 manuals all have the sport package also.

The OP also said that he wants an LS as his DD and says his VIII rides great so having the sport package might not be his highest concern as the non-sport would have a smoother ride for DD duties.
 
LaserSVT said:
So I kinda like the LS much to the dismay of the Mark section and have kinda been thinking of one for a daily driver. I just installed my blower on my 98 LSC and its great fun but I just ruined the daily driveability of the car. It rides great and tons of power with no running issues but thinking about more freequent oil changes and bloer maintenence as well as the 15 mpg I get now.... well that 104 mile drive 6 days a week can take its toll.

I know very little about the LS other then I see a million of them around.

I know the second gens are better but I dont need performance... much. I cant cruise an Accord or Camry every day and want the luxuries my Mark has spoiled me with but I need well over 20 MPG.



Please dont start with the "Use the search!" cause damn, im lazy and its my birfday. :p


So can I get a good reliable one for under $5000? Is the V6 one OK since I only want a daily cruiser? Is the LSE that much more special? What issues to I look for and what breaks often/hard to find?

Thanks all.
Click to expand...

Buy mine, its for sale and has most items everyone does to them
 
Mechanicboy said:
The '00-'02 manuals all have the sport package also.

The OP also said that he wants an LS as his DD and says his VIII rides great so having the sport package might not be his highest concern as the non-sport would have a smoother ride for DD duties.
Click to expand...

I forgot to mention. All manuals have the sport package.
 
For around 5000 I would try to find a nice and clean 01-02 V6 sport. Manuals are harder to find especially in good condition. Also if you gonna use it for daily commute and the traffic might be a problem too so I would get an auto. There are plenty for sale. Find a clean one with colors you want and enjoy the better reliability, decent power, good economy, good comfort and great handling.

I like first gen looks a bit better then second gen. Also chances of finding a good second gen example for that money is less.
 
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