I've been asking a lot of questions lately about whether i should get a new or used L and blah blah blah, sorry guys/gals but I just want to get a decent year L that doesn't have a lot of problems, so which year(gen 2 of course), i'm only 18 years old so I doubt i'll be able to get a brand new one unless somebody could tell me how to get the x-plan, everyone of you L owners are the smartest people I have ever talked to, I know some of you could help me out here, Thanks for all the help so far on my previous posts, very knowledgable people around here!!

 

If you can afford one, I'd get a 2001 L. It will have the improved intercooler(flows a little better) and the 90mm MAF that the earlier Gen IIs don't unless they've been replaced already by the previous owner. It has some other improvements too.

Mine has(so far) been trouble-free and I've got 27.600 miles on it. Just be patient and end up getting what you really want. Our 26 yr. old son is looking for an 02 out in CA.

Dan

 

Get a new one at invoice if you can't get x-plan.

 

Now i'd reccomend an 01 at least, but you have to think,,, most L's have been driven very hard upon sale,,, its a 380hp truck which has been very much so broken in by any owner. Also,,, th e01 has 3.73 gears, plus the new intake,, but if you want a newer L,, and want to pay money for a new one, see whats out there for 03, no gaurantees but you are looking to at least get a nice appearance package for what you pay for the L. The other L's are nice though, i've seen witnessed 00/99 L's drive faster stock then an 01/02 all the time at milan dragway. Just ask the Miloc Lightning owners about that one. as far as X=plan is concerned, look for any concact you can get,, ther are very many of them out there, i got mine from my salesman actually,, just asked him if he had any larger clientes with X-plans available, sure enough he made some calls and i went home for 27,500 gotta love it. Good luck no matter which way you go,, ,,,, if i were you and wanted an L right now, i would buy an 01 used for a good deal,,, most will say to break these engines in hard, so the hard miles by anyone else will not lead to many problems. L's are meant to be driven hard. I would look twords getting some sort of warrenty though,, hellps to have a warrenty added to the total price of your car loan when you have broken seals on taillights, and other small issues that may or may not pop up. I would say usualy they dont, but its always good to be covered no matter whay, you will feel great about your L. Gauranteed bar none. The only thing that could possibly make me happier if a more powerful L and thats all i have to say.

~Toast

 

Jimmy,just search around and don't get taken and don't get in a hurry.Find the best deal you can on a truck that has been cared for.Don't pay to much attention to color or year.I've seen some 99 and 00 trucks that have been pampered that will be less money than a 01 that was beat on.If it was me,Id try to find one that is bone stock.Check for obvious signs of removed mods.(pulley swap,driveshaft loop,boost bypass,etc.)That will indicate how the previous owner used it.When you find a potential buy,check the Carfacts on it to see what warranty work has been done and what the warranty status is on the remainder.

 

WE are some of the smartest people you have ever talked to?

Wow..you need to get out more..or go to college or something.

 

Looks like I'm going to be the minority here but, if you want something affordable buy a 99L. They are cheap and abundant. All you have to do is search for a good one. I know they don't have all the other things the 01s and newer have but with all that extra cash your going to save, you can mod it easily. As a matter of fact, I don't see too many 99s getting smoked by anyone. I also think the 99s are just about bullet proof. I don't here too many complaints about them.

 

Jimmy, ditto on all the above...Lots of good info there. I'd add that if you decide on a 99 or 00, make sure that you have the new intercooler package installed. If not, make it a condition of the sale. That's the one thing that could kill the engine. Also, I'd check the drivers side lower A arm to see if the infamous 'clunk' problem is present. If so, make sure it's fixed and aligned prior to sale. Otherwise, I don't think you can go too wrong no matter which year you buy. Best of luck with your search.

 

Thanks for all the help!! Now my question is:How much should I pay? What would be a good price for each year L? I'll be sure to take my time and look around before buying one. thanks!

 

I personally know a couple of people that have abundent problems with there 99's. All I can say is to do your research on the truck you choose.

 

I say buy a 99 or 00 stay away from 01 if you are going to seriously mod it as far as price it depends on mileage I saw a 99 sell 3 weeks ago for 25,000 with 15,000 miles on it but it was not raced most of the 99's that have problems have been beat to hell
you occasinally have a lemon I have a 99 and besides the recall on intercooler and the clunk has not given me any problems and I love it would not trade it for anything else but take your time and look around
Harry

 

Whats wrong with the 01's they are faster than 99/00 stock period .Go for 2001 get more for your money plus you will have original 373 gears/90mm MAF/alum drive shaft/new lights front /rear/signal mirrors,and the list goes on.Less you have to chop shop the truck up.So get the 2001 its a better improved truck .Plus most of the 99/00 owners make there trucks look like the 2001 or newer lightnings.And they do most all drive train and motor work upgrades the 2001 /02 come with them stock.Lets face it all lightnings are great but you get more for the money with the 2001 or newer. THANK YOU JIMMY