Lsj or lnf
Senior Member
Joined: 04-16-09
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON
I've owned both, here's my take:
LSJ: I feel this car has great character. The supercharger whine is something I miss dearly. It doesn't pull as hard as my LNF but it is still plenty fun. This would not be a bad choice if you plan on keeping it relatively stock. Watch out for the timing chain tensioners on the earlier models though, they have been known to fail. Replace it as soon as you get the car.
LNF: This car is a tad more refined. The seats are much nicer looking and in my opinion, more comfortable as well. There is definitely more oomph from the motor, but its not profoundly more than the LSJ. I picked the LNF over the LSJ since I will be doing a relatively long commute to work. Annually, I'd save about $800 in gas, which more than covers the cost difference between an old LSJ vs. a newer LNF.
Around my area, all the LSJ's have high km's and are beat to ****. That also influenced me to get an LNF instead.
The LNF can make more power per dollar compared to the LSJ in terms of mods. It also helps that the axles and knuckles are stronger. However, the weakest link is still the tranny which is near identical between the two cars.
I don't track my car so I can't comment on the worthyness of the Brembos. For me, all I want are brakes that can lock up all 4 wheels.
For reliability, I firmly believe that the LSJs have the LNFs beat. The LSJ motor is a tank, especially when unmolested. LNFs are questionable, especially if you have a model affected by the porous block. On this note, you need to think about big repairs. Hopefully you can do your own work so an unexpected breakdown will not put you on the streets.
You're 18, I guess you just want a car to get from point A to B in style. Based on this, I recommend an LSJ over a LNF.
Option C, is to keep driving your base model until your finances improve. I don't know if you're living at home or whether or not you want to go to college. That should be considered before jumping the gun on an SS.
When I was 18, I was driving a base model until I got my first LSJ at 21. Im 22 now, have my LNF, and will be graduating with money in the bank. No car is worth slaving over a job for.
LSJ: I feel this car has great character. The supercharger whine is something I miss dearly. It doesn't pull as hard as my LNF but it is still plenty fun. This would not be a bad choice if you plan on keeping it relatively stock. Watch out for the timing chain tensioners on the earlier models though, they have been known to fail. Replace it as soon as you get the car.
LNF: This car is a tad more refined. The seats are much nicer looking and in my opinion, more comfortable as well. There is definitely more oomph from the motor, but its not profoundly more than the LSJ. I picked the LNF over the LSJ since I will be doing a relatively long commute to work. Annually, I'd save about $800 in gas, which more than covers the cost difference between an old LSJ vs. a newer LNF.
Around my area, all the LSJ's have high km's and are beat to ****. That also influenced me to get an LNF instead.
The LNF can make more power per dollar compared to the LSJ in terms of mods. It also helps that the axles and knuckles are stronger. However, the weakest link is still the tranny which is near identical between the two cars.
I don't track my car so I can't comment on the worthyness of the Brembos. For me, all I want are brakes that can lock up all 4 wheels.
For reliability, I firmly believe that the LSJs have the LNFs beat. The LSJ motor is a tank, especially when unmolested. LNFs are questionable, especially if you have a model affected by the porous block. On this note, you need to think about big repairs. Hopefully you can do your own work so an unexpected breakdown will not put you on the streets.
You're 18, I guess you just want a car to get from point A to B in style. Based on this, I recommend an LSJ over a LNF.
Option C, is to keep driving your base model until your finances improve. I don't know if you're living at home or whether or not you want to go to college. That should be considered before jumping the gun on an SS.
When I was 18, I was driving a base model until I got my first LSJ at 21. Im 22 now, have my LNF, and will be graduating with money in the bank. No car is worth slaving over a job for.
I've owned both, here's my take: LSJ: I feel this car has great character. The supercharger whine is something I miss dearly. It doesn't pull as hard as my LNF but it is still plenty fun. This would not be a bad choice if you plan on keeping it relatively stock. Watch out for the timing chain tensioners on the earlier models though, they have been known to fail. Replace it as soon as you get the car. LNF: This car is a tad more refined. The seats are much nicer looking and in my opinion, more comfortable as well. There is definitely more oomph from the motor, but its not profoundly more than the LSJ. I picked the LNF over the LSJ since I will be doing a relatively long commute to work. Annually, I'd save about $800 in gas, which more than covers the cost difference between an old LSJ vs. a newer LNF. Around my area, all the LSJ's have high km's and are beat to ****. That also influenced me to get an LNF instead. The LNF can make more power per dollar compared to the LSJ in terms of mods. It also helps that the axles and knuckles are stronger. However, the weakest link is still the tranny which is near identical between the two cars. I don't track my car so I can't comment on the worthyness of the Brembos. For me, all I want are brakes that can lock up all 4 wheels. For reliability, I firmly believe that the LSJs have the LNFs beat. The LSJ motor is a tank, especially when unmolested. LNFs are questionable, especially if you have a model affected by the porous block. On this note, you need to think about big repairs. Hopefully you can do your own work so an unexpected breakdown will not put you on the streets. You're 18, I guess you just want a car to get from point A to B in style. Based on this, I recommend an LSJ over a LNF. Option C, is to keep driving your base model until your finances improve. I don't know if you're living at home or whether or not you want to go to college. That should be considered before jumping the gun on an SS. When I was 18, I was driving a base model until I got my first LSJ at 21. Im 22 now, have my LNF, and will be graduating with money in the bank. No car is worth slaving over a job for.
And also I'm avoiding heavy mods so I can keep the car for as long as possible. I love the way current car is driving as is.
Last edited by no_ss; Mar 17, 2015 at 05:09 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Get down to the dealership that said the had the car still (today I called) and I get there and they told me "well it sold maybe 2 days ago but look at these other cars we have" they tried selling me a convertible 350z that looked like ****. I can't believe that bullshit. But the search for an SS continues.
Except you'd be done paying for one in a couple years, and the other one you'd be paying for many more years!
I tried.
And that sucks that the car was gone. Dealerships are the worst. Just a big group of liars. I despise them all.
New Member
Joined: 04-16-07
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
I have both, get the LNF. It will probably be a little harder to find and may have to drive out of state to get a low miles close to stock one, but its worth it. They are faster for less money and sound way better Imo. Brakes and handling feels way nicer also. You would definitely be happy with either coming from a base model, but I think for the price difference only being a few thousand more it's best to get the newer nicer car all around. Or you will end up with an lnf drive by you spinning at 50 hearing that bov and exhaust and be like damn I wish I bought the lnf!
hes making the point that youll go from already being finished with your payment now to another payment, for at least 2 years, but you will still own a cobalt.
but if you are dead set on a lsj, then get a redline. those are sold for dirt cheap. ive seen seriously nice ones go for 3-5 k. really, thats what the lsj cobalt should go for too, but too many dealers get their hands on them and try to sell them for laughable prices
but if you are dead set on a lsj, then get a redline. those are sold for dirt cheap. ive seen seriously nice ones go for 3-5 k. really, thats what the lsj cobalt should go for too, but too many dealers get their hands on them and try to sell them for laughable prices
Junior Member
Joined: 08-11-14
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: pennsylvania
My lnf was totaled. So I'm looking for another and find myself in a similar situation. IM 19 work Full time and I'm a full time student. I pay for all my stuff myself. I absolutely loved my lnf, but I did jump into buying. insurance is crazy high for guys our age on them so keep that in mind along with more expensive maintenance. I would recommend putting as big of a down payment as you can afford down. Km gonna save up for another lnf and put at least half the price of the car down. That way I'll have small payments for a short time.
Senior Member
Joined: 03-27-13
Posts: 515
Likes: 10
From: NOR CAL
If ur into going faster then most ppl on the steel get a lnf put 2k into it and smash. If u want a cheap car u can mess with like the average guy and and dont go mod crazy just want to mess with a fun car get a lsj. Fact is its cheaper atm. I had both I like the lnf but I'm looking to smash for real soon turbo upgraded lol😎 lsj takes a lot more work and time to make it, lnf fast with just a tune. Lsj is a good base for big power tho. Lnf u have to work with more for big power go figure lolol
Senior Member
Joined: 09-15-12
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 18
From: South Jersey
Senior Member
Joined: 03-27-13
Posts: 515
Likes: 10
From: NOR CAL
Yeah I pay 150 a month 2 years now almost paid off. Got a 10' 52k at 15k when it was said and done. Lnf are not much more then lsj these days if u make payments. Private party lnf cost more for the fact there newer and kbb knows all😉
I think I'm getting an LNF tomorrow. Just gotta see how this finances out
New Member
Joined: 08-13-14
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Mansfield, PA
Perfect. No need to do much more than that. If anything, charge pipes, catless DP, and HPTuners tune. And you will have yourself a solid car.
All the financial talk is great advice, but i'm sure as everyone else is that you know what you can handle and will be alright. Buy it and enjoy it. You seem have a good financial management outlook on things. Just keep the loan term as low as you comfortably can. Even if you don't pay additional money on principle, its better than paying a higher interest rate on a longer loan term for a 'shorter' monthly payment. My personal set point in mind, with my 800+ credit score, is 0% - 2% is what I should be paying, on a term no larger than 48 months.
All the financial talk is great advice, but i'm sure as everyone else is that you know what you can handle and will be alright. Buy it and enjoy it. You seem have a good financial management outlook on things. Just keep the loan term as low as you comfortably can. Even if you don't pay additional money on principle, its better than paying a higher interest rate on a longer loan term for a 'shorter' monthly payment. My personal set point in mind, with my 800+ credit score, is 0% - 2% is what I should be paying, on a term no larger than 48 months.
I'm on a loan with my dad and he has perfect credit score so it's a really low interest rate. And I don't really plan to do anything too crazy. I would be down for a hptune. But for the time being this is a really nice car and it's already fast so I'll probably just do charge pipes. Idk how much of a difference the catless would make though