mewhee

Hi All -

First of all, I'm relatively new to the forum so pls. forgive me if this topic has been discussed in depth previously (searched but couldn't find it). My question is, would you rather purchase an older year LS430 w/ less miles on it or get a later year w/ more miles?

Here's my personal take on the subject - since the LS430 had a relatively long 6 year run style wise - 2001 to 06, imo, there's little difference in looks. I've always sought out an older year of a model run in any of my cars w/ low mileage in order to get the most bang for my buck. Just purchased an '02, millennium silver, lux pkg, etc w/ only 41k So. Cal miles on it, not a scratch for well under $20k. The same car in an '06 could easily have been $10k more.

All that said, I also realize the downside of an older year as electronics and mechanical problems probably come more into play simply thru age.

Any thoughts ?

Will and the Furry Ones
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chance favors the prepared mind.
- Pasteur

amcdonal86

I would choose older with low miles. IMO, there is a large difference in looks between the '01-'03 models and the '04-'06 models. However, most maintenance in this age range is done based on mileage.

However, if it is an issue with warranties, then maybe you want to go for the newer car.

caddyowner

I live in the rust belt, so if I buy a local used car, I try to get one that has gone through the fewest winters - or gone south with a snowbird.

ThaWatcha

older with fewer mileage for sure. those are usually the ones that were taken care of or garaged, better chance of being well maintained as for as services go too.

AlexusAnja

Yes, the visual design of exterior were somewhat minor through the 6-year run, with interior basically the same (shifter and glove box only changes I can think of), but in the LS430's case, the powertrain was much improved from '04-'06, along with an upgrade in the NAV to incorporate the back-up camera.

In general, for a 6-year run of a vehicle where the 1-6 years appearance and mechanicals remain the same, I would take the older with lower miles(under 30K) versus the newer with higher miles (75K+) because if you're keeping for the long run, paying more for a "newer" model doesn't make much sense because you'll get more out of the older model.

Jabberwock

There are significant differences in the 04-06 that are a consideration but the 01-03 were also fantastic cars. If you can find older model with low miles with a correspondingly discounted price to a new model than that can be a really good value. The only caveat as previously posted is for Northern cars that have seen winters - rust trumps low miles - avoid rust.

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

I drove a 2005 not long ago. Drove about the same as my 03... might have been peppier because of the 6-speed and had a better Nav system and looked alot better. I've really thought about getting a 2006.

LexusJoey

According to what you stated, there's no comparison. $10k more for a 06 to a 02.
Having said that, there are a changes from 04 and up. Sunroof, rear window visor, cooled seats (all 3 are now standard). 6 speed auto. updated nav (of course you can spend $100-$300 to update the 02 nav. More angular headlights and fog lights. White rear blinkers. I'm sure there are more.

$10k is a lot of money. To me it comes down to what you want to afford.

mewhee

Hi Gang -

I'm the OP above and appreciate everyones' thoughts.

Think it's also up to the individual and various circumstances involved when making the purchase which fits ones' needs.

My better half DOES have an '06 so guess I'm in a little better position to make a comparison. Hers is fairly recently purchased and is absolutely stunning in Flint Mica w/ black interior, all the bells and whistles (some of which I wish I had on my '02), and is garaged so the color/vs sun factor isn't a problem. Mine, the '02 is parked outside making the Silver/Ecru combo almost a must here in So. Cal., what w/ the hot weather 9 mos. out of the year. Once she saw hers, it was love at first sight. We drove 250 miles round trip to get it.

Interestingly enough, hers has 68k miles on it and mine has only 41k, even though 4 years older. Mine also cost just short of $10k less, thus the topic header. In each case, it's what worked best for our individual situation(s). Guess we have both sides of the question covered.

Btw, and as an aside, this site sure is addicting! Thanks to all of you posters for sharing your thoughts on all things Lexus.

Will in the OC