daryll40

I was at the dealer today and am seriously thinking about buying a remaining '03 LS430. The deal is an even $5000 off of a $57852 sticker. Plus they'll give me the true "trade-in" value for my '02 ES300 ($27,500 with 10,000 miles) based on Kelley Blue Book.

Is this a good deal? If I wait for an '04, I'll not get that much in trade for my '02ES. And the discount will probably only be about $1000...plus there is supposed to be a $1000 price cut.

What would all of you do? Money isn't really an object, but I am very value conscious and 5 grand more out of pocket is an issue for me. ON THE OTHER HAND, if I keep the car 3-5 years (45,000-75,000 miles) will the additional depreciation of the '03 vs the newer "refreshened" '04 make the newer car the better buy overall?

Daryll40, Pittsburgh

serie1926

You are "very value conscious"???

If this is the case, why would you consider trading in an '02 model ES?

daryll40

I guess that's a reasonable question. And the answer sort of contradicts my original statement that I am value conscious. The answer is because I had a 1990 LS400 and a 1992 LS400 (both new) and they were the best damn cars I ever owned. I was fool for not sticking with them or newer LS models since 1993. But I have realized my error!

Last year I bot an ES300, after driving Mercedes' for years and putting up with the constant repairs (even under warranty, they were always a hassle). That being said, I love the ES but it merely whetted my appetite for the "real" Lexus again. But I guess that even though I admit to blowing money here, I still try to get the best deal possible. And it's just not clear to me if the '03 with the proposed discount is a better deal than an '04 without. At SOME price the '03 IS the better deal...it's just tough trying to determine that price so I ask here.

As to trading in an '02, I paid $33500 (got $2500 of that sticker) for the "year end" '02ES300 exactly a year ago this week. Car has 10,000 miles. The dealer is giving me an honest $27,500. 6 grand deprecation ain't bad for a one year old car that is actually two model years older. If I had bot the '03 ES300, I would have paid about $2500 more and gotten about $2500 more now...a wash with less cash out of pocket. I am just wondering if doing that (buying the "year end" '03 LS430) is the way to go. The difference is that the LS is having a "model refresh" while the ES did not.

darchtop

<plus there is supposed to be a $1000 price cut. >


Please explain what you mean about a price cut.

Also, I hear lots of references from former Mercedes-Benz owners that they were a hassle with service problems. What all did you experience?

I am leaning towards purchasing a 2004 LS-430, but the Mercedes does beg to be considered. I sure don't want to spend all that money and still have a hassle....

I have rarely ever heard of anyone not thrilled with their Lexus.

daryll40

Yes, the dealer reports that the '04 will sticker for about $1000 less than the '03. That's a fact.

As to service hassles with Mercedes...it's not that the service department of the dealerships are bad, it's just that the cars constantly need something. And that was BEFORE they dropped to 25th in quality as per J.D. Powers. The Lexus, in my humble experience, is about the most hassle-free vehicle ever built.

mink92890

thats a good deal $1000 off the sticker in the 04 u get a 6 spd backup cam better nav some might have smart key. many new features arent in the old one. if u want the absolute most technology i would go for the 04. but if u dont mind having an older model u should go for the 03

USLEX

I don't think Daryll is going for the fully decked out LS based on the MSRP he gave. That price is the base with climate control seats and moonroof I think. (On a side note, I think the Lexus dealers all got together and decided not order alll LS's with those 2 options to "encourage" Toyota/Lexus to make it standard (at least the moonroof anyway). I was told I would never be able to find an LS without the sunroof.

That said and to address the post, if money is no object then by all means get an '04 UL package.

However, you stated you are value minded so I will take the liberty of pointing out some key questions you may want to ask yourself:

• Is $3000 (considering you said the '04 MSRP will be $1000 less and you would get a discount of $1000 additional off MSRP) enough of a value to sway you to get an '04? I think so. This is not even considering your trade which I think $6000 is a lot of depreciation for a 2 year old vehicle. My '02 Odyssey (paid full MSRP!) depreciated $3000 in 2 years.
• Does the 6 speed tranny and smart key on an '04 worth $3000 dollar difference? This would be my key consideration for me. The smart key is not a big deal to me but that tranny would be.
• Exterior changes matter to you much? For me, it looks essentially the same. Nearly identical profile.
• Depreciation? I am not concerned so much about since I plan (hope) to keep this awhile and not trade in every 3 - 4 years as I did with my other vehicles.

I bought my LS at the end of July 03 with 2.9% Lexus financing and a got a better than $5000 off MSRP price. I don't have regrets for not waiting for an '04. The only thing I find appealling about the '04 is the new tranny.

Good luck on your decision.