1998 Lexus LS: trims, real prices & how to pick yours

3 builds left the factory as a 1998 LS, each a different combination of engine, transmission and body identified by the first eight characters of its VIN.

  • 1 main configurations
  • 1,120 vehicles built
  • 8 for sale right now

Which LS is yours?

Enter a VIN — the 17 characters on the windshield or the title — and we’ll match it to its exact factory configuration, typical price and equipment.

Works with any VIN — a different year or model takes you straight to its own page.

Pick your LS

Will it hold value?

A LS typically keeps about 26% of its price over 5 years — a 5-year-old one runs about $3,900 today.

LS depreciation by year →

Safety, in plain English

What JT8BH28F-W means

JT8 BH28F · W
JT8
the World Manufacturer Identifier Lexus registered — assembled in Japan
BH28F
together encode the LS line — Sedan, 4L 8cyl — as Lexus filed it, these five characters are read as one block, not letter by letter
W
in position 10 — model year 1998
9, 11–17
differ on every car: check digit, plant code and the serial number
2 rare configurations — mostly fleet, export or irregular VIN patterns. Fewer than 20 known vehicles each.

Already looking at a specific LS?

Paste its VIN — we’ll open that exact car’s page: its configuration, market position and every listing we’ve tracked.