Any suggestions on buying an LS??

jcavz24x · 01-16-2004, 12:38 AM

I am looking into buying a Lincoln LS. I was wondering if there were any years to specifically look for after 2000. I am looking for the best style V8 that is not known for a lot of problems. Any tips or help at all would be great.

Chris

CGGorman · 01-16-2004, 08:25 AM

They're all basically the same until '03 when LOTS of changes were made. If I had a choice, I'd do a '02. The cam chain whine was eliminated and the valve covers don't seem to develop the leak that the '00 & '01 do. They also had a slight bump in power due to a revised airbox.

If you get an earlier one, make sure they check the pass. side valve cover for leakage and when you test drive it make sure you run it hard (near redline) for a while and then sit at idle with the blower running to see if you can smell burning oil. That's the tell-tale sign of a leak. It's a common little leak and they will know about it at any LM dealership, but they also will bank you not finding it. It's not a concern for durability since it's such a small leak but it stinks.

Bottom line, NONE of the LS had/have engine problems other than those leaking gaskets on the early V8s.

MercCougarXR7 · 01-22-2004, 09:10 PM

So that's what that burning oil smell is all about. Never read enough on LLSOC.com to hear about it.

Oh well, nothing I can't live with.

Early 2000 LS's had a few nice features that were discontinued later on in 2000 and newer, such as adjustable headrests, full size spares, 3.58 gear ratios, and a kickass Alpine? (or Audiophile?) system.

I'd love a 2003+, but budget says I can only afford a used 2000. But I'm very happy with mine

.

Russ Engs · 01-24-2004, 12:39 AM

Why not consider looking for an 02 or earlier LS V6 manual which came standard with the sport package (17" wheels, suspension mods, etc.)? They're quite rare, almost as fast as the LS-V8, cheaper to buy, and a lot more fun to drive. They're also very reliable and don't suffer from some of the problems that the early auto trans V8's had. My 2001 has close to 65,000 miles on it and, except for a rear window fix, has never seen the inside of a repair shop! It still looks and drives like a brand new car and is the most dependable car I have ever owned (and I've owned many over the last 30 years).

jcavz24x · 01-24-2004, 01:29 AM

I just realized how many different type of LS's there are... I want to get the 8 cyl...

What are the different models and differences in each model?

Chris

MercCougarXR7 · 01-24-2004, 11:01 PM

Lots!

I'm not going to go into much detail, even a base model LS is pretty loaded.

V8's can come as a base, or have sport models (suspension upgrades), or premium models (interior upgrades), or premium sport combos.

There's wheel choices, transmission choices (all V8's are autos, but some have the "SST" option which lets you pick and hold your gear). Chrome options or the lack there-of, depending on wether you get a sport or not.

I prefer an 8 over a 6, but no matter your choice - you'll be in a very nice car that you'll love.

jcavz24x · 01-25-2004, 06:13 AM

Anyone know of any big LS forums so i can learn more about them?

Chris

CGGorman · 01-25-2004, 10:09 AM

www.edmunds.com (20,000 LS-related posts) & www.llsoc.com (50,000 LS-related posts)

jcavz24x · 01-26-2004, 04:03 PM

Do you 2002 and 2003 have the same Horse Power?
If not, what are the engine differences?

Chris

jcavz24x · 01-26-2004, 04:03 PM

For the v8 that is

giveortake · 03-17-2004, 01:36 AM

Car is junk dont do it.

CGGorman · 03-17-2004, 02:14 PM

THAT's enlightened advice!

sheepsoup · 03-31-2004, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcavz24x

Anyone know of any big LS forums so i can learn more about them?

Chris

As far as I'm concerned, LLSOC is the absolute best in LS chat. Check it out, and I think you'll be very impressed with the amount of info. you find.

As far as the difference in power between the 2000-2002 and the 2003
The earlier models have 252 BHP and the newer ones have 280.
If you get a pre 03 you can throw an aftermarket exhaust and Cold Air Intake on it for a nice gain. I highly recommend these cars, and I have had absolutely zero problems out of my 2000 V8.

buzzer96 · 08-17-2006, 12:28 PM

Better have a good road service. You will be towing your LS in to the shop. Have had major problems with mine. I love the looks and when it runs it runs great. My LS stays in the garage all the time. It is truly pampered. It has failed me many times right now it won't start. Any one want a 2000 LS V8 cheep let me know. I am done with this one. As soon as I get this problem fixed I am going to get rid of it.
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