Buying an LS ? ? ?

[Balkins]

Hey Buds,

I'm interested in purchasing ANOTHER LS-V8. I once owned a 2000 LS v8 and ran it up to bout 150k. The Car never gave me any real problems, but i sold it a several years ago because i was concerned bout the mileage and tranny issues that are common. ABOUT ME: I'm no Mechanic but i'm not afraid to get dirty and do some basic mechanical. I've changed value covers, coils, intake manifolds, plugs, coils, basic mechanical parts, etc.

Anyway, its a great looking Ride and for the $, i don't think there's a competitive car out there in this class. AND NOW, I see this forum and I am interested in PURCHASING another LS.

What are some of the things to look for when shopping for a LS-V8? ;

• -How can you tell if Tranny is going?
• -What about Engine issues....what should i be looking for?
• -How's the A/C holding up on these cars as they go over the 10 yr mark?
• -What is the Best Year of the LS?
• -What about the Sport Package...what's different about it?

Appreciate any constructive input you can give...and thanks for your Time!


~B (fla)

 

[grizzlyls]

Welcome back;

Alot of your questions can be answered by all the stuff in here, but to start

- If you are not getting tranny codes with the check engine light, issues will be obvious like slow shift, hard shifts etc. Be aware that most all the time the transmission has not been serviced, so even if it seems fine you should do a basic flush and change.

- Go second gen 2003+ and you will miss most of the engine issues

- My 2001 had a leak on the compressor but worked fine. I replaced it so it didnt fail and cause massive issues.

- 2005 or 2006 likely to have the least miles on it but see above on engine

- last one I will leave to others, but imo if you have choice go sport

Be prepared to spend some coin to get things up to par after purchase. I bought a cherry 2001, and the owner provided all receipts and hand written monthly notes about the car. If you can get to that level, you can deal in confidence. Still for example, i have done:

Transmission control system rebuild (solenoid and valve body)
A/c Compressor replace
1 window regulator replace
and the time bomb Upper timing chain tensionor - thus why you should go post 2003
All COPS, Plugs and valve gasket
Replace all fluids, and Tstat housing is now Jag aluminum

Good Luck

 

[joegr]

...

• -How can you tell if Tranny is going?

...

You can't. You can only tell if it is working okay now.

...

• -What about Engine issues....what should i be looking for?

...

The 1st gen V8 (except for late 2002) is bad about the timing chain tensioners failing.
The V6 (both generations) is apparently also subject to timing chain failure, but not as much as the 1st gen V8.
All engines and generations will have cooling system failure eventually. All the plastic parts need to be replaced every six to ten years.
All engines and generations tend to have the coils go marginal between 60K miles and 100K miles. Some more, some less.

...

• -How's the A/C holding up on these cars as they go over the 10 yr mark?

...

Compressor failure is common. Often it is just the control valve seal. Also, DCCV failure is common.

...

• 
  *]-What is the Best Year of the LS?

...

2006

...

• -What about the Sport Package...what's different about it?

...

Bigger anti-roll bars, stiffer shocks, less chrome, 17" wheels, oil cooler, ...

 

[Balkins]

Thanks Buds....!

I'm going to stick to 2nd Gens which look like (03-06).

*Just doing some online shopping...and i see that some of these LS's don't have a Sunroof (wat da)???
*...no sun roof...is that typical or uncommon on 2nd Gens???



~B

 

[joegr]

It's an option for either generation. I feel like there were more sold with than without, but I don't have anything to back that up.

 

[1LoudLS]

the only few LSs I've seen with out sunroofs were base model V6s (like my old LS) no sunroof seems to be fairly rare as far as options go.

 

[Hawk03]

My V8 didn't have a sunroof and I was glad, I'm not a fan of them.

 

[1LoudLS]

I don't use mine often, but when I do, it sure is nice to have.

even before I got the 2nd gen, my 00's ceiling always looked real odd with out one there.

 

[izzy]

the only few LSs I've seen with out sunroofs were base model V6s (like my old LS) no sunroof seems to be fairly rare as far as options go.

My 2000 V8 Sport doesn't have a sunroof.

 

[izzy]

~B

What part of FL are you in?