StanVanDam

2001-2003 have a VSC OFF button, which disables VSC (for sideways skids) AND Traction Control (launching).

2004-2006 has a TRAC OFF button and only disables launch control - https://www.clublexus.com/forums/5749421-post33.html. This means VSC is ALWAYS ENABLED in 2004 and up, so you can't get sideways on purpose (for example, in an empty snow-covered parking lot).

2001-2003 have incandescent headlamp/taillamp bulbs, and they cost about 77 cents each FROM THE DEALER - https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...p-problem.html

2004-2006 have LED taillamp assemblies, and if certain parts of the LED grid fail, it's more difficult and/or expensive to fix ($200+ for the assembly).

2001-2003 have reflector HIDs, 2004-2006 have projector HIDs.

2004-2006 have the auto-swivel (left/right) headlamps, cooled rear seats+rear seat sill filters, SmartKey, factory backup camera, 6-speed transmission w/"lifetime" fluid, and Milliwave Radar Adaptive Cruise+Pre-Collision System (pre-loads Brake Assist/auto-tighten front seatbelts/auto-braking/etc).

2001-2003 Laser Radar is for adaptive cruise only, does not do pre-collision, and does not work in the rain or if the sensor lens is dirty.

As a 2002 owner, I'm quite happy I can disable VSC+TRAC at the same time and replace burned out body bulbs for less than 2 dollars each. I also really like the optional OEM chrome 17's and the grey bird's eye maple in 2001-2003.

It would be nice to have the 2004-2006 features, but I am perfectly fine without them.

warminwisc

I picked up my second after looking for 6 months when a Texas car dropped in my lap in Wisco. I agree with Jab that garaged saltless states are yur best finds but my last 04 driven daily skiing and all winter held up real well in the salt except for the chrome wheels. The headlight sensor on the back did rust and break.

Ya really see little variance on years for reliability on this forum, all bulletproof.

warminwisc

I picked up my second after looking for 6 months when a Texas car dropped in my lap in Wisco. I agree with Jab that garaged saltless states are yur best finds but my last 04 driven daily skiing and all winter held up real well in the salt except for the chrome wheels. The headlight sensor on the back did rust and break 200 some bucks plus install.

Ya really see little variance on years for reliability on this forum, all bulletproof.

gomboy60

I would recommend to steer clear away from one with air cushion/suspension, regardless of the model year. Even without them, the ride is superb.

2005 LS430 Cypress Green, ML

chunkyda

To me the older bodies are not ugly but the 04-06 headlights, turn signals, tail lights look better. In 2009 when I got my '05, the 06s were still holding at a premium as they were not many off-lease yet. Now the 05-06 difference has pretty much evaporated and condition/mileage rules. I am always leary of a first year model which was the 2004.

toddmorr

everyone seems to pay such close attention to the miles on these cars. I just wouldn't worry that much about it.....any LS well cared for at 100k miles is a perfectly reliable and acceptable ride. They are that good. As a matter of fact, i'd look for the 100k cars with good maintenance history....you will save a bundle compared to the 50k cars, and functionally and from a lifespan perspective there will be very little if any difference.

tahiles

Got any hard data to back this up?

All my research indicates that all years were drop dead dependable and finished first in J D Powers initial quality as well as dependability surveys.....

Had on 03, went for the 06 with Smart Key, Bluetooth and the color combo I wanted....

Flint Mica exterior, Black interior......oooooooooh BABY!

AJT123

FWIW to the OP, mine is an early model 2004 (manufactured late 03) and is now 10 years old with 105k. Other than the tranny recall, Not *one* single issue, never been to the shop for *anything* other than normal maintenance.

The recall was for a silly parking prawl IIRC, nothing reliability related.

The LS430 is as bulletproof of a car as you can buy. The LS460, not so much.

XJSFan

I always believed in buying the last year of a model... They usually have all the kinks out by then. LOL. Which I did, when I purchased my 2006 LS. I love it.

Jabberwock

I agree that a buyer should probably get the most recent model year if they have adequate budget and if they plan on driving the car for several years.

Having said that I think all the LS430 model years are an exceptional "sleeper" value across any year (2001-2006) and that any well cared for LS430 is going to be an extremely solid and reliable used car relative to its current price point.

It is not the perfect car mostly because it's such a boat - but I would encourage any car guy that loves great cars to own one at least for a few years.

XJSFan

I am so used to driving an SUV, so my 2006 LS430 seems just about right. LOL... It almost feels small to me. Handling wise, its night and day above any SUV.