octechgeek

iTrader: (2)

First I want to thank you in advance for taking your time out to input.

So here's the deal, I'm in the market for an 02-06 LS430 and want to go VIP stance on the car, but have a few questions:

- Is it a waste of money if I go for the Ultra Luxury package since suspension will be removed?
- What package would you recommend?
- What should I look out for when buying an LS?
- What normally goes out when it's 100K miles?

thank you,
OC

sajack

I'd be more interested in getting a pristine car than whether or not it has the lux. pkg. I bought a std. LS430 that had never been dirty underneath, interior showed no wear, carpet had never been dirty. It had a spotless service record. To me, those are the things that count.

caddyowner

Suggest you just keep searching and reading threads as all of these topics have been thoroughly discussed.

I would start by deciding whether you want an 01-03 or 04-06 model.

jayclapp

Best of all worlds, buy the above with the UL package!

jwillis123

I am partial to the 2004-06: I like the headlights much better; the lines on these cars are sharper. Go for a good clean car with a good history over the different packages available. Unless you are riding in the back quite a bit I would not focus on the UL. My 04 has the Modern Luxury package so I cannot comment on the ride difference although I am beyond satisfied with the ride quality on my ML.

The biggest complaint I have heard on these incredibly well built cars when they age is the power retractable mirrors failing. $750+ if you give the dealer free reign on that repair. If you service the car on time you should not have the major expense and issues you typically experience on the German competition.

jwillis123

Lexus calls for a new timing belt at 90K miles. Depending on whether you let the dealer talk you into a new water pump at that time you are looking at $900-$1400. You can get it done at a Toyota shop bare bones for around $600ish.

sajack

My Lexus dealer recently replaced my timing belt for $340 labor + the cost of the belt. They checked everything out and didn't try to sell me anything else. John Harvey Lexus of Shreveport, they have my business.

Jabberwock

well said - ditto - only thing I'd add to clarify - you will have to compromise on TWO or more of the following when buying a car in the used car market - 1. Color 2. Condition 3. Options 4. Miles 5. Price - if you get 4 with no compromise consider yourself very lucky, no way to get all 5 unless you have a horseshoe up your *%*$.

I personally focused on options, condition, miles, price and color in that order (but I wanted base premium model only).

jwillis123

Dude! I might drive to Lexus Shreveport when mine is ready for the timing belt! In Tucson you are usually $1000.00+ to get that done...

sajack

Most Lexus dealers' service departments aren't swamped with business like Cadillac dealers, etc. are. I suspect with the economy like it is, that a lot of dealers will negotiate repair charges if you approach them properly about it. This was a "special" that the Shreveport dealer was running. There is no reason a delership can't compete with independent repair shops, especially if they have trained techs that are sitting idle. I have never seen cars stacked up around a Lexus service dept.

BigBoi94

The UL package is a great package with some nice features but make sure that's what you want your car to have. Since your going VIP you will be taking the air suspension out. But if money is not a option go for it.

C8V6C

I went with the UL package since it has the factory air...i have been getting awaywith a data.controller, although it is slow, it gets the job done.

If you already have plans to run aftermarket air, i would skip the UL since the price will probably be $2-3k difference with a comparable non UL vehicle. Unless it's a great deal of course

2lucky

I hit the lottery, and sure enough immediately went bowlegged!