Frank T

Just rolled over the first 500 miles in my new LS430. This car is all everyone says and more. Every time I drive it, I want to go on an extended road trip. Lexus quality and almost 21MPG in town. Easily worth the $52,995 I paid, including Chrome Wheels, and Gold Package.

LOTC

Glad you liked your purchase Lexus never dissapoints.

Helmar

I have a '99 LS400, which I bought new. This week (Hopefully), I'm picking up my '03 LS430.

There's only one thing I hate about my LS400.

It's given me absolutely NO justification for trading it in. Never a squeek or a rattle, let alone anything else mechanical. With 70K miles, It rides and handles just like it did when it was new.

In fact, only two times have I had problems, and they've both been flat tires....

I'm leasing my '03 for 2 years in anticipation of a major change in the LS line in '04 or '05. Anyone hear about these changes?

LOTC

Probably just a minor facelift, nothing major that I have heard of. Hopefully a bigger more powerful engine with more umph

oac3

rumors (?) of '04 says a 360hp V8 as well as optional engines... and a facelift

shhhh.... just a rumor I read on edmunds LS board....as a poster heard from his Lexus dealership.

Helmar: If it is true, I'd rather wait for an '04 and keep the '99, afterall it has been a flawless car so far. BTW, I have a '99 also with 70K miles, what is the dealer giving you for yours in the trade-in ? Just curious.

Helmar

I've thought about waiting, BUT......

I'm taking a 2-3 week driving trip around the US and Canada in June (Anyone want to join me in a nice new LS430?) and I REALLY want that navigation system.

The dealer said it was worth about 23k 4 weeks ago, but I suspect that when I actually bring it in later this week, it'll be somewhere around 20-22k.

Considering how great this car's been, someones going to get a really nice car.

1991 LS400

Great to see you are enjoying your new LS430 Frank! I must agree, LS430's are fabulous cars. I agree: every penny I paid for my 2003 LS430 is well worth it. The LS430 gets great gas mileage (even in the city), has lots of nice accessories, it is quiet, has some pretty good power, smooth, reliable and it is comfortable. Along that, customer service is great at the dealership!

I like the car so much, I'm thinking about picking up another 2003 LS430. As of now, my LS430 is a daily driver. I sold my old 1991 LS400.

I'd like a LS430 for a project car: a nice bodykit, wheels, coilovers, clean multimedia system, the works.

That's how much I am impressed.

1991 LS400 (LS430)

Frank T

I might have to do the same thing here. I got this one for my wife, and enjoy driving it so much she has hardly had it at all yet. As to power, I havn't pushed it to hard yet. I'll get a few more miles on it before that. But did try it in the power mode and it makes a heep of difference.

Helmar

Really?

On my '99 LS400, I can't sense any difference when I put it in power mode.

I'll be interesting to see how the '03 has improved this.

Frank T

I think I read that in the power mode it starts out in 1st gear instead of 2nd and that the shift points are at a higher RPM. Whatever it does it makes one he## of a difference.

LOTC

PWR mode only kicks in if you step on the pedal. It will do nothing if you just drive normal in PWR mode. Its basic function is to shift at higher rpms, shift a bit more agressively, and down shift quicker. Although you get a little less gas mileage, you will hardly notice it.

oac3

Like you, I have a similar US-Canada trip coming up this summer, but mine is in August tho'... Are you saying that you want an '03 just because of the Nav ? Don't get me wrong, I love the Nav in my '99 and think it is a great must-have feature in any luxury car. Anyways, a $20 - 25K trade-in value on a '99 w/70K miles (and Nav) seems kinda right up there according to KBB.