1st Gen TL did not have transmission problems. It was using the C32A engine that's carried over from the legend. It's a completely different car than the 2nd gen TL that's plague with problems.
Obviously the LS400 is the more desired car because it was sold as a full-size luxury car while the TL was a semi-luxury car (in today's standard). However you need to test drive both car because having a Lexus nameplate doesn't always mean it's better. Both car drives smoothly, and despite the TL having a 3.2L V6 only, it's about as quick as the 1st gen LS400. Your can forget about FWD vs RWD because these cars are not meant to be raced around the track. They're cruisers and when you're cruising, wheel drive configuration does not matter.
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Honda Acura 1998 2.5 L