'03+ LS questions and suggestions...

L

Last of a Breed

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I'm possibly looking to buy an '03+ Licoln LS (heard that 03's received some revisions and upgrades) or '01-'02 Eldorado for a daily driver. Now besides the RWD vs FWD argument, which one would be a better car in terms of everyday usability, mileage, relaibility etc? I really like the LS style, but have always loved the Eldo's. With the prices for both coming down, I'm thinking of picking one up to replace my current daily driver, though not sure if i want to make the financial commitment to buying another car. I'm just looking for some suggestions/experiences with these cars. If for the most part they are reliable and shouldn't give me too much trouble, then I'll probably lean towards buying one. Any help?
 
I had a '93 Eldo that I sold in order to buy my '00 LS. I like the styling and the looks of the LS, but nothing will come close to the ride and comfort of the Caddy. I loved it. That was pre-Northstar. I put 200k miles on the caddy with no problems. I don't know if the LS can take that? I'm 24 and was looking for a luxery car that was more "Sporty" that's why the trade. As for price to fix them, I would say they are about the same. Both are out of production too. I would buy another Caddy, I'm not so sure about buying another Lincoln. It seems that Caddies hold their value a little better IMO. If you're lookin' at the ETC, I would buy the Eldorado. Just my opinions on everything.
 
Yeah I'm just being torn from both sides on this one. I'm a GM man myself and have always loved Cadillacs as specifically the Eldorados, but I do like the LS's style and stance, plus it's RWD. I'm not sure if I'll just hold onto my current DD or not, but is tempting to to get either an LS or Eldo. Decisions, decisions...
 
Do you have a wife or g/f? If so get the caddy, if not and you want one, get the LS. I bought mine at 58,000 miles and got an extended warranty. Coil, transmission solenoid, parking brake solenoid, and radio and nav unit screwed up two months after I bought it. Radio and nav was prolly my fault. The warranty paid for it all and has paid for itself. I now have close to 65,000 and the car runs great and doesn't give me any problems except making my g/f jealous when other girls check it out.
 
I would go LS, the Eldo is nice but to me it looks funky. I am not a four door guy but I got the LS anyway cause it is amazing looking and driving aswell. I have had mine about a year and half now(today is the last day its mine, sold it, signing over tonight) and have had no problems. I bought it w/ 28K miles and now it has 40k. Only selling cause my mind changes often(hence all the cars in the last 6 years). I still love the car and may just get another one, possibly 2nd gen if the price is right.

If you want to be noticed, the LS is a good way to do it. Even w/ all of 'em running around here I still get alot of attention from passer by's or on lookers. Never fails that I have some chick looking at it at a stop light, as I am pulling into a parking lot, at the pump(many comments) and while depositing my check. But the attention can get annoying mainly cause I have a g/f and have to just dream lol.
 
Looks like you guys are swaying me over towards the LS:D So what about the revisions and upgrades for '03+? Is it that significant that I should avoid the 1st gens? Also, any common problem areas for them? Looks like I just have to find a good eal near me and I'm sold!
 
I dunno about the 1st gen LS's but the problems I've had with mine seem to be about the norm for 2nd gen. I'd prolly try to find the 2nd gen to get the extra hp and a few styling changes that look good.
 
TheRebel said:
I dunno about the 1st gen LS's but the problems I've had with mine seem to be about the norm for 2nd gen. I'd prolly try to find the 2nd gen to get the extra hp and a few styling changes that look good.
Click to expand...

And what problems would these be? Hopefully nothing major.
 
the problems I listed in the previous post are the only troubles I've had, but get you a good warranty and you won't have anything to worry about.
 
Be forewarned. In order to own an LS you must be prepared for very expensive repairs if they should happen. The car may be cheap on the lot but even service stops can break the $400-500 range. This is a JAGUAR engine and parts are expensive.

Now the 03's and up had significant changes like...
-Engine completely redesigned upping HP from 250(ish) to 280(ish)
-Drive by wire throttle (some like it...some hate it)
-Redesigned front and rear appearance
-Warmed over interior changes (wider center console/deleted park brake handle)
---that's just a few of the many changes.

Now the 02 and unders have more room for modification (however the 03's are catching up). I personally prefer the look of the 02 and under non LSE and the 03 and up LSE. Stay away from 00's and 03's if you can. These were the years with the most problems. Not all...but some.

Just me rambling...hope it helped.
 
Ok thanks. Well hopefully with an '04 and up, I'll still have the remaining warranty and I'll probably get an extended one too. So I'll just avoid the 03's then.
 
Yeah...the 03's are not terrible by any means. It's just that with so many changes they were the ones that needed some of the bugs worked out.
 
FreeFaller, when you say service stops costing up to $400-500, you mean just diagnostic and analysis right? Or that for even simple repairs, it could cost up to $400-500?
 
Other than the headliner and whirring noise in the steering, both of which have been corrected in mine, what other "problems" does an 03 have?
 
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