If the Lexus ends up not working out... (UPDATE)

"deprecated account" (savethei4s)
07/20/2016 at 15:35 • Filed to: None

here’s three other options I found. Give me pros/cons, things to look out for, etc.

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I’m kinda digging the Cadillac because Northstars sound absolutely amazing.

UPDATE: Also, this thing. It is 4 hours away but DAYUM.

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DISCUSSION (92)

For Sweden > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 13:42

STS how is this even a question

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 13:44

Holy shit the STS is cheap.

Brian Silvestro > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 13:44

auto

deprecated account > For Sweden
07/20/2016 at 13:46

It’s in a sketchy part of town and I’ve heard mixed reviews about it. Basically I’m not totally sure about the reliability of any of these, whereas the Lexus is renowned for being generally bulletproof.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 13:47

Another Lexus. Don’t give up hope!

deprecated account > FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem
07/20/2016 at 13:49

Yeah but it checks out with edmunds

Aaron M - MasoFiST > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 13:51

Another suggestion with an equal amount of expensive mechanical problems as the three you posted would be a Lincoln Mark 8...but the Lincoln is a two door. The engine is likely to be more stout than the STS, but the transmission and air suspension are not.

deprecated account > Brian Silvestro
07/20/2016 at 13:51

I can’t

drive

manual

I really want to learn but I have nothing to learn on. My friend has a manual GTI, but he has a full time job. Plus the SC400 is an auto anyway.

deprecated account > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
07/20/2016 at 13:51

Browsing Memphis craigslist makes you give up hope

Party-vi > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 13:51

The W210 E-Class is a shit box. The Cadillac should be pretty reliable except for the “new paint” thing. Not sure why a decade old car would need new paint already.

random001 > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 13:52

The only Lexus I’ve ever thought was a good looking car...

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 13:52

Within a month you will very much regret your purchase.

itschrome > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 13:53

get the 420 and a personal plate that say “blaze it” hahaha but no, no buy the STS because northstar.

For Sweden > Brian Silvestro
07/20/2016 at 13:53

Not Auto http://semo.craigslist.org/cto/5667599546…

Kinja'd!!!

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 13:56

Damn, comparable STS’ in Germany are almost double that price.

deprecated account > Party-vi
07/20/2016 at 13:58

Knowing the part of town it’s in it could’ve been used in a crime or something.

deprecated account > random001
07/20/2016 at 13:59

What about the Mk1 and Mk2 LS?

deprecated account > itschrome
07/20/2016 at 13:59

That’s what I’m thinking.

deprecated account > FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem
07/20/2016 at 14:00

I didn’t know anyone over there actually bought them.

For Sweden > Party-vi
07/20/2016 at 14:02

Because it was in a crash!

deprecated account > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
07/20/2016 at 14:02

Because of reliability issues or lack of 4Runner? Or both?

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 14:04

Not many did but they were officially sold here. My parents played with the idea of buying one but thankfully didn’t. Maintaining an American car in Europe is interesting.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 14:05

The Caddy will make you appreciate how well the 4Runner is put together, and the Mercs will cost you more to own possibly short term, than the initial purchase price.

random001 > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 14:07

Snoozemobiles.

deprecated account > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
07/20/2016 at 14:07

Yeah I kinda figured the Mercs would be maintenance nightmares. But the Caddy is well put together, just with cheap materials. I can deal with that.

itschrome > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 14:07

they are as reliable as the previous owner was on routine maintenance. The northstar is good for over 200k no problems if it’s been loved, the transmission.. It’s GM it could be good or it could be slipping at 130k, again very much depends on how well it was taken care of. these things go south fast and if you don’t stay ahead of it you are fucked. if they stayed up on maintenance and didn’t beat on it too much, or baby it too much your good. about the most solid thing on this care is this generation of northstar, they really drove it home on these. So sad it was also the end of the line for the northstar. 320HP (sorry not 340, unless he tuned it) with continuously variable valve timing on both the intake and exhuast (suck on that honda!) with a love to rev! giggity! I loved that northstar soo much, that chasis though... yeah, it’s not as responsive or sporty as you’d hope. Still a damned good ride.

Oh and besure to check the suspension, these are MagneRide equipped and 130k on a 10 year old car, yeah I bet that’s not so fresh. Which also means really, realy, really expensive(like 600 just for the strut or shocks not including other parts or labor) so be weary as hell of that!

Amoore100 > itschrome
07/20/2016 at 14:10

Don’t the Northstars have head gasket issues or was that just a myth, or was it fixed in these later models?

deprecated account > random001
07/20/2016 at 14:16

Or good potential sleepers! Hey, you can’t hate since your car is the 2nd coming of the 1st gen anyway.

itschrome > Amoore100
07/20/2016 at 14:19

Oh very much not a myth but was fixed in all post 2001 northstars. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER EVEN THINK ABOUT THINKING ABOUT BUYING A PRE 2001 NORTHSTAR WITH OUT DOCUMENTED HEADGASKET FIX. EVEN THEN PREHAPS RE CONSIDER.

sorry for yelling but it needs to be said very loudly. haha post 2001 northstars are soooo nice. I have seen soo many 200k+ post 2001 northstar engines it’s not even funny. It’s kind of amazing the rest of the car held together that long. it’s a remarkable engine, even in pre 2001 form if you can ignore the head gasket issues (WHICH YOU SHOULDN’T!). of all the Cadillac’s I have owned I have never had a single engine issue, as I either sold the car before the head gaskets blew, bought fixed ones or owned post 2001 northstars. It’s never the engine that fails you. transmissions, electrics, rust, overly complicated and expensive suspensions, but never engines. Those where some fucking great engines! minus the pre 2001 head gasket issues.

random001 > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 14:20

I’m sure that I have no idea what you are talking about.

deprecated account > itschrome
07/20/2016 at 14:22

Anything is sporty/responsive compared to a 4Runner. And as for the suspension, could I just swap out the magnetic for a conventional system?

itschrome > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 14:27

yeah, they sell the kits. I’ve drive a converted one and if that’s your plan just don’t buy one. all that car has going for it is the northstar and that suspension. in good working order it’s bar none the best you can honestly get. You’ll turn a tight, smooth, flat ride into a roly poly bumpy ride with half the confidence as the magneride. basically ruins half the appeal of the car.

deprecated account > random001
07/20/2016 at 14:29

Everyone says that the Genesis is pretty much a reincarnation of the original LS400.

deprecated account > itschrome
07/20/2016 at 14:29

So would you tell me to get the car or not?

itschrome > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 14:36

My advise is to look into it and have some one look over the real good and make sure it’s in good shape. if there are suspension issues walk. if there are rust issues, walk, if you check the oil and it’s low or really dark or smells funny, walk. basically the same as any used car but with extra caution.

Amoore100 > itschrome
07/20/2016 at 14:36

Haha, point taken. I have always been drawn to the Northstar (just the name alone sounds enticing) and the fact that it’s often a transverse V8 increases the weirdness factor. Granted, it ain’t no Yamaha design, but they seem pretty nice in their own right.

random001 > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 14:37

I’m just messin with ya. But I still don’t like any other Lexus but the first gen SC.

Did the Sc400 ever come with a manual? But it did have a V8, right?

deprecated account > random001
07/20/2016 at 14:38

It did have a V8, but never a manual. Someone on here has one with a swapped 350Z 6-speed though.

random001 > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 14:39

Sigh. I wish the Genesis had a manual. Maybe I can swap a C7 7-speed in there somehow.

deprecated account > itschrome
07/20/2016 at 14:39

Ok, thanks for the tips! Anything in particular that would show suspension issues other than a harsh ride?

deprecated account > Amoore100
07/20/2016 at 14:40

Speaking of Yamahas, I did see a 2006 XC90 V8 on cl for $6200 when I found these.

Amoore100 > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 14:42

Yeah, but that’s a mom bus. Granted, it’s a great engine, but the XC90 doesn’t really need it, I think the T6 is enough. The V8 in the S80, though, makes it a proper European land barge and sounds good as well

deprecated account > random001
07/20/2016 at 14:43

I would research it on forums. Usually a good place to start. That would be pretty awesome.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 14:43

Are you just looking for pretty much anything cool that has a V8?

deprecated account > Amoore100
07/20/2016 at 14:45

All the S80s on there were older T5s and T6s. And personally I think the XC90 is a sweet car.

deprecated account > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
07/20/2016 at 14:45

maaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyybe

Brian Silvestro > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 14:47

if you don’t know how to drive manual why don’t you buy a manual car

get a 5-speed SC300, it’s the better one anyway

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 14:49

Price range?

deprecated account > Brian Silvestro
07/20/2016 at 14:49

Beats me

And no because V8

deprecated account > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
07/20/2016 at 14:51

$5000 max purchase price

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 14:58

Infiniti M45/Q45- kinda tough to find, but unique and cool. Those VQ motors are pretty solid too.

Lexus LS400- I feel like they’re easier to come across than the SC400s, and prices are pretty reasonable on them. I actually really like their simplistic ‘90s boxy styling.

Fox Body- plenty out there, parts are cheap, the people who like them seem to really like them

Panther platform- people seem to like them a lot (no experience with them myself)

Trans Am WS6- they go fast in a straight line

The top two are my picks, because I like Japanese cars. But all of these should be fairly easy to find, in your price range, fairly reliable (to my knowledge on most at least. Not real familiar with the WS6’s reliability), and they all have V8s. Happy hunting!

itschrome > Amoore100
07/20/2016 at 14:58

it was designed for transverse use, only later adopted to RWD configuration. It’s a real hoot of an engine! if you ever get the chance to drive one do it! but don’t be shy you’ll want to dig into that throttle! people assume old people car slow because they feather the shit out of their throttles but I assure you will giggle like a girls the first time you open her up and take it to red line! she loves to rev, rev fast, rev hard!

itschrome > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 15:03

clunking noises, harsh ride. Turn the car on and try to push up and down. the magneride should push back, if you can really bounce it I’d be concerned. Also if a corner rides high or low that’s a bad sign. try some good turns with decent angle of attacks, she should stay pretty flat.

Amoore100 > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 15:06

Oh no, I’m not knocking the XC90 in any way, I just feel like the modular inline engines are better for daily use since they are more efficient and reliable.

TheHondaBro > Brian Silvestro
07/20/2016 at 15:06

SC400 is best because V8.

deprecated account > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
07/20/2016 at 15:22

I’ve been looking at LS400s as well, though like the infiniti and Panther, it’s hard to come by a clean one here. Same with the other two, but they’ve been questionably modified by rednecks rather than hoodrats.

robbicus > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 15:22

The Caddy could be fun... At least as far as reliability and cost-to-own, its a no brainer vs ze Germans.

deprecated account > itschrome
07/20/2016 at 15:22

Sweet! You’ve been realy helpful! Thanks!

deprecated account > Amoore100
07/20/2016 at 15:24

The Yamaha sound would be enough to make me not give a damn.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 15:24

Yeah. Out of all of them I’d got for an LS400. Usually owned by old folks.

I’m biased though, because I really want a drift missile LS400 lol

deprecated account > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
07/20/2016 at 15:27

Yeah LS400s are great. Thoughts on this? http://jacksontn.craigslist.org/cto/5672566518…

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 15:47

The Cadillac has head gasket issues.

On the other hand, it’ll still be far more reliable than that era of Merc.

Milky > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 15:49

Just be patient and get an SC. Its the best.

Then do this easy exhaust mod.

deprecated account > Milky
07/20/2016 at 15:50

You know I want to. Although the BMW wagon is now very tempting.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 15:51

I wouldn’t call it well put together.

deprecated account > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
07/20/2016 at 15:54

It’s not the worst though

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 15:58

I like it. Although not a very detailed CL post, but that’s the norm. Contact ‘em and check it out. haha

Amoore100 > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 16:17

True, true...

finn's arm > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 16:18

Seems a little on the higher end. Does not look like it has the dog divider or trunk privacy screen.

Invinciblejets > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 16:24

Forgot those caddys were getting cheaper now I like it.

But honestly stick it out for the SC if that's what you really want.

Milky > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 17:04

Its a wagon so its cool. But after maintaining this Mercedes(parts car) I’m going to back Japanese. That SC I had took beating after beating and never complained.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 17:15

2.2 Generation Ls400 is always the answer.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > random001
07/20/2016 at 17:48

Fight meh

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 17:50

Don’t forget the GS400 if you have your heart set on a V8. Smaller and lighter than the LS but with the same engine.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 18:04

I wouldn’t buy any of them.

If I wanted a nice larger RWD car on a sub-$5000 budget, I would be more inclined to get one of these:

1994 Buick Roadmaster

http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/5692350651…

2000 Lincoln Town Car:

http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/5691191239…

1996 Lexus LS400

http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/5650423230…

2006 Infinite G35
http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/5690753719…

2007 Dodge Magnum

http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/5682572095…

2000 Lexus SC300

http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/5672930397…

random001 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
07/20/2016 at 19:53

Challenge accepted

deprecated account > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
07/20/2016 at 20:42

Those are quite rare

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 20:44

True. I’d say SC400, can’t go wrong with Lexus (not that I’m biased in any way). Or at least less wrong than the Bimmers and MB’s you’re looking at.

deprecated account > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
07/20/2016 at 20:46

Yeah I think the Benzes are out for sure but I love the BMW. Plus that would take care of the 4Runner’s utility aspect.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > random001
07/20/2016 at 20:49

Kinja'd!!!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > deprecated account
07/20/2016 at 20:50

So you have a 4Runner? Are you keeping it or trading?

random001 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
07/20/2016 at 21:07

Eternally stupid ass grill, silly non-functional stupid ass vents everywhere, snoozefest, beige mobile,s and old, same old, over hyped.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > random001
07/20/2016 at 21:16

The door is that way ->

deprecated account > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
07/20/2016 at 23:56

Yup, a ‘95. And I have to either trade or sell it. Most likely the latter.

random001 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
07/21/2016 at 06:28

I mean, most of them don’t look bad, but they don’t look great either. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the Genesis is some paragon of good design. It also looks ok, but it had a V8, room, and most importantly a warranty better than a Lexus for the price of a Chevy Cruze, so I couldn’t really find a reason not to get it.

But you have to admit, that damned grill is just awful...

Though still not as bad as that buck-tooth beak thing Acura uses...

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > deprecated account
07/21/2016 at 10:03

My fear is BMW reliability. The 1UZ of the Lexus is bombproof, BMW not so much.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > random001
07/21/2016 at 10:08

The Lexus grill is awful on sedans/SUVs, but on LC and RC F it works. I’m a fan of the old GS’s (not that I’m biased at all) but the LFA is a real stunner.

And yes, your Hyundai is a fantastic deal. It’s handsome if a little bland, but the R Spec design helps.

random001 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
07/21/2016 at 10:11

The LFA looks good, but I think it was way overhyped, or way overpriced. Pick one or the other.

Funny thing about the R-Spec is that literally the only differences that you can see are the R-Spec badge and the stitched R-Spec floor mats. No other design changes unless one opted for the black/machined finished wheels, which mine thankfully did not have.

deprecated account > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
07/21/2016 at 10:19

Just looked up the specs too. 528i only had 190 hp/210 tq.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > random001
07/21/2016 at 12:55

If anything, the LFA is over hyped. But that V10 wail...

I see the Genesis as the modern equivalent to my gen GS. The GS300 is the normal genesis, but the GS400 is the R-Spec. Subtle differences but far different in a straight line.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > deprecated account
07/21/2016 at 12:56

That’s kinda pathetic. My car even has 220hp which I consider slightly above adequate but not fast.

deprecated account > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
07/21/2016 at 13:01

Yeah. That made me kinda sad. But if I find a 540i wagon I’m pulling the trigger pretty much regardless.