Thing to look for when actually looking to buy?

[JoshMcMadMac]

I am going to look at a 2005 LS V8 tomorrow. I searched, and found a bunch of "what to look for" threads, but none of them really help. They are full of folks regurgitating problem areas, and a handful of thread hijacks (mostly by Pete).

What I would like to know is what specifically can be looked for before purchasing the vehicle. I can do the run-of-the-mill stuff like checking fluids and thoroughly inspecting the car, but is there anything particular the LS to check on? Noises to listen for, random parts to check, something to test for on the test drive, etc.?

Thanks!

 

[djknowledge]

for starters....
1.the control arms or sway bar bushing noise which is a hollow thud usually in the front end of the vehicle.
2. misfiring of the coils...if it doesnt when you buy it....it will shortly after..
3. check the undercarriage for rust...
4. is the transmission a firm rough shift....if it is its normal however if it is delayed and just plain sloppy all around or from parking to reverse....either the solenoid of the tranny is necessary or a reflash might fix the problem..
5. check for any leaks in the front. dust usually accumulates where the fluids have dried.

not really much else other then regular maintenance and other craP that is annoying but doesnt take much to fix...how much r u buying it for...

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

for starters....
1.the control arms or sway bar bushing noise which is a hollow thud usually in the front end of the vehicle.
2. misfiring of the coils...if it doesnt when you buy it....it will shortly after..
3. check the undercarriage for rust...
4. is the transmission a firm rough shift....if it is its normal however if it is delayed and just plain sloppy all around or from parking to reverse....either the solenoid of the tranny is necessary or a reflash might fix the problem..
5. check for any leaks in the front. dust usually accumulates where the fluids have dried.

not really much else other then regular maintenance and other craP that is annoying but doesnt take much to fix...how much r u buying it for...

Great insight, thanks! He said that when the weather got warm a few weeks ago, the HVAC would no longer switch off of the floor. He took it to the Lincoln dealer, which he usually avoids. His words were that a $400 "diverter valve" went bad and he spent $600 to have it fixed. While he was there, the guy told him about a recall on the coils, and supposedly they were all replaced. So, it seems like two of the big issues were just recently addressed.

Is there any good way to provoke the front end noises, or the transmission laziness?

 

[djknowledge]

yea....for the noises....drive slowly over bumps without accelerating...if that makes since lol you gotta give it some gas then let it cruise at a fairly low speed like 10 to 15 miles per hour and go over some bumps...if you dont feel a thud or hear a hollow noise you should be ok...even tho if it doesnt do it now it eventually will...but thats an issue with all cars...the thing we have done with the ls is actually pinpoint the problems so we can deal with them...where buyin some other cars you pretty much are out in the blue...as far as the tranny goes switch the gears and see if there is a drastic delay in it....especially form going from drive to park to reverse...