jcnova100

Hi All,

I have a 2005 LS 430 my wife drives and she loves it. I am thinking of getting a 2001 or 2002 LS 430, from a couple I've seen online. There is one 2001 that looks particularly nice with barely 50K miles plus its been meticulously maintained. I also like that its being offered by my local Lexus dealer, as I surely feel more comfortable buying from a Lexus dealer than a fly-by-night used car dealership.

My question is whether Lexus did any refreshes on the LS430 from '01-'05 (either in looks, features, performance etc.)? For some reason, I vaguely remember reading somewhere that they improved the LS in some ways for either the '03 or '04, in some kind of mid-cycle refresh. Anyone have any idea if I am correct about this? And, if so, does anyone specifically remember what was done?

Thank you!

Gene01

They '04 model year brought a number of changes:
Front and rear appearance
6-speed transmission replaces the 5-speed one
Different interior colors, etc.
and more.
These changes were introduced on MY 2004 cars (at least for the US market).

FlaPhil

You'll find what you need here:

http://www.newcartestdrive.com/revie...&ReviewID=2762

Jabberwock

LS430 released in its original form for model year 2001-2003. There was a model refresh for 2004-2006. Not earth shattering but some well thought out changes to some parts of interior, exterior and mechanical (like going from 5 speed to 6 Speed AT starting in 2004).

XJSFan

Buy a 2006 LS and know that you are getting the best LS 430 model year and one of the best cars ever made. LOL...

CA2WALS430

the body style/LS430 model was 2001-2006
yes, some changes in 2004 as folks have noted.
here are some I noted in my shopping:
2004 got back-up cameras on non-UL
rear window shade on non-UL
2004 got Euro sport package with 18" wheels option
2004 got high mount rear door tweeters

2003 non-UL got seat coolers as well as heaters

vipmikey

01-03 04-06 are where the changes were made. 04-06 front ends are completely different, a bit of a more sharper look. 04-06 rears are also completely different though the outer tail lights are the same size. And I believe the seats are changed up a bit, im not too sure if its either UL or if its from the change. Other than that 04-06 also gets stock 18" wheels and other minor little changes such as 6 speed transmission and more variety on interior pieces i believe.

warminwisc

You can't have champagne taste on a MD 20 20 pocketbook. How much is the 01 with 50k? What package? It is older but these cars are IED proof.

JffGRY706

04 mid cycle was the sealed transmission, no service ever ha ha ha

AlexusAnja

04-06 the backup camera was on all LS with Navigation. It was integrated into the screen. Not sure why someone said it was on non-UL.

yeskay

xjsfan: can you elaborate more. why 2006 in specific to buy.

Thanks

KING

iTrader: (1)

Well the 2006 was the last model of the LS, which means it should be the best version of the car.
What differentiates it from '04 an 05' is the sealed Automatic Transmission. I don't know what good that does, might just mean that this transmission is so good you'll never have to change the fluid

Gene01

The sealed automatic transmission (using WS fluid) was introduced in the '04 MY (in the US market).
There were very few and very minor changes between '05 and '06. (I don't have my book right now).

The backup camera is included on Modern Luxury and Custom Luxury as well as Ultra Luxury.

XJSFan

I have always believed that the last year of a model is the best. Hopefully by then the manufacturer has all the bugs out...

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

This may be somewhat true XJ but really 04 - 06 are the same car. The 04's have a few more issue with audio related problems. Front speakers cones and ML subs. If you find an 04 with low mileage vs an 05 or 06 that is not as nice then take the 04. You are not loosing out on anything.