Junglequac

Hello,
Have spent the past weeks lurking as I deliberated both selling my Lexus LX470 and purchasing my older brother's 2005 UL LS430.

Mostly want to say this place is a fantastic resource and while I stuck mainly to IH8MUD for all things pertaining to my LX, obviously with the LS, my time will be spent here.

It is Crystal White with I believe it is called Ecru interior. Furthermore, it is one of the Radar Guided/Pre Collision equipped models. Has 92,000 miles and I make the 3rd owner.

Thankfully it has been comprehensively maintained both prior to my brother's purchase and since. I do wish it did not have the gold package, but....

More photos to follow and I shall be getting rid of the front plate.
Best,
John

bmore430

Looks very clean. Is it an ultra or custom luxury model?

What's your plans for her?

KING

iTrader: (1)

Looks gorgeous, this color is beautiful. Love the front plate too

Junglequac

Thank you both! It is an Ultra Luxury. As for plans, I have much to learn here about what can be done. Definitely want AD2P or whatever BT streaming standard is called so that is forthcoming.

Legender

That is one sharp looking car. Love that color combo. Congrats on the purchase and welcome to the club. Keep us posted on your progress.

2KHarrier

Nice looking LS. Welcome aboard!

MERKEDLS

Looks like it is in fantastic shape.

I'm with you on the gold accents....hate em!!!!

But that is the best exterior color in my opinion so you have a great base to start with. Just keep it maintained like your brother did.

Junglequac

Hello,
Well a few days in, I must say I am utterly blown away. Going from a 1999 Lexus LX470 that was setup as an overlander with oversized BFG A/T KO2's, no running boards, etc, I just do not think it is possible to have a larger dichotomy.

Prior to driving it, from much of what I have read, I was half expecting an optimized Lincoln Town Car, never been so happy for that not to be my experience. The most pleasant surprise is without a doubt the steering.

I had forgotten just how much difference it makes when unencumbered by both driving the wheels and steering. My LX470 was a true AWD and thankfully no front drivers since my TL well over a decade ago. I also happened to drive a LS460 and prefer the 430. Well might be the EPS in the 460. I know some manufacturers do impressive things with electric power steering, but have yet to be as impressed.

The seats are up there with the Volkswagen Phaeton. Just an excellent all around design.
I am also quite grateful that the original owner used Llumar window film. While my prior experience was with Huper Optik, Llumar is likewise stellar.

The only thing I miss from my LX470 is the aftermarket AV setup I had. (Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX H/U), dual JL Audio component speaker sets, JL Audio 300/4 and a 1000/1 to drive the JL 12W7 Prowedge.
Sadly, I seem pretty stuck on this one, but adding a quality subwoofer/amplifier is eminently doable.

Car is in utterly amazing shape and I will add more pictures tomorrow. Truly feel blessed to have this car and pretty cool that it has only been in two families since purchase and has a complete Lexus owners history.
Best,
Quack

2KHarrier

Good to hear the positive feedback. As an owner of 2 LS's I understand where you're coming from.

My big concern at this point is what to buy when I'm looking to replace them someday...

Junglequac

Tell it. It is a shame that the 460s (to me at least) do not engender the same excitement. I actually could have purchased a 2007 LS460 within $300 of what I paid for my 2005 UL, but the 460 had a spotty service history to put it charitably and the paint was starting to oxidize to my great shock.

2KHarrier

Same here. I spent a little over $19,000 on my 2005 2 months ago and I've seen 2007's and 08's in that price range. Granted, my LS only has 49K on the odometer, which drove the price up.

dudley9007

What did you give for her?

Tom57

Very nice and somewhat rare example of fully loaded LS. It's interesting that it's a 2005 UL and the wheels are 17" size - those wheels are actually more common on the '04s. The 17" wheels are a great ride.

jdudeski

Very nice LS!

Junglequac

Hello,
It was my understanding (definitely could be wrong!) that the only 18's offered on the 2005's are the ones equipped with the Sport Package which you cannot get in tandem with UL.

The ride is so beyond amazing that it makes it fun to drive to the store. These are just awesome cars and thanks to getting an amazing return on my 1999 LX470 ($12,000 with damage to the back passenger door), it only cost me a few thousand Dollars more.