I had 150K miles on my LS and loved every minute of it. My brand new Firestone Affinity tires (front passenger) had a sidewall blowout on the way back from Vegas. We were going 70 when it blew, wifey lost control and we crossed from the middle lane and hit the concrete center divider in the front, spun and tapped the back and then finished the 360 hitting the front again. How nobody blasted us is beyond me. We both walked away and our little Diamante gave its all for us. The airbags deployed and did their job but we both had bruised chests for a couple weeks.

So much for my tale of woe. I want to replace it and wondered what year to get. I like the VRX handling but I prefer the leather and steering wheel radio contols of the LS. I really don't like the looks of the 2002-2004 but would get them as long as the wheels look like the 2000. Did the suspension change at all in 2002? I've noticed that Tire Rack shows more struts and coils for 2000 than 2002. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

PS - While it was a great car, I did have the requisite heater leakage problem ($1,000) and went thru two antenna fixes.

 

Do your research and go shopping on cars.com, autotrader.com, etc. as well as looking up direct links to your local dealers and lots.

You can then go into someone local if you want with a better understanding of competitive prices on what you want that are within a hundred miles or so. Print out the ones that you like and take those with you if you shop local and deal on those prices. Many times these online sites have a free (no subscription) carfax report on many of their offerings. Always ask for a carfax report from the dealership if you are interested in a certain car. They will provide it for free. If not go somewhere else.

Enjoy finding your new perfect (used) car and I'm glad you both came out safe and alive from your mishap.

 

You could have stolen my name....if I had thought of it. Thanks for the input. I'm all over Autotrader and Car.com. I ran into one yesterday that showed $3,999 on the site but the guy said it read $7,999 on the lot. I called because there was a disclaimer that said "TMU". Research says that's a bad thing.

PS - After we win the Lotto tonight I'm thinking GS350 for me and LS 450 for wifey.

 

I bought mine from a private person (one owner). He advertised it at $6,999. I got it for $5,000 cash after showing him comparison prices and cars. He did provide a carfax report that proved it was his only and showed the maintenance etc. I took it to a shop who inspected the engine and major systems. He told me the A/C didn't work anymore (I had to install a new clutch) and the vibration in braking meant the front rotors were warped. I put on some new performance rotors and all is well now.

If you want a really fun (and cheap) sporty car to drive consider a used Spyder.

Best of luck on your car hunt.

 

The suspensions are all the same on all models; all parts are interchangeable and the only diference between the VRX and other models is it has a spoiler, Lukey mufler and slightly stiffer springs and shocks, but it still is not a handling car by any means, compared to an upgraded suspension kit from Whiteline.

 

I had done the K&N filter, Eibach springs (slightly lower not full low) and KYBs at about 50K miles. From the post below it looks like the KYBs were a bit of overkill if they were the same OEM struts. I also did slotted rotors and ceramic pads which worked out pretty well.

I guess this next go round I might just go with the springs, rotors and pads when needed. It sure did handle great, even at 150K miles.

 

hey i need the ecu out of the car if you still have it? the heater core fragged mine. let me know d.verrinder@verizon.net

thanks in advance