Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

01-03 had the 5 speed. 04 - 06 has the 6 speed. My 04 has all those options. The only difference really in 05 they went to a radar cruise instead of laser cruise on the 04.

airchomper

There are a ton of differences between the 05's and the 04's.

It seems like every TSB we see is for the 2001-2004s, and some TSBs are just for the 2004s. That 6 speed transmission went to the LS430 before any other car, and it had some teething issues. There were two TSBs for the 2004's transmission, and none for the 2005/2006. It's obviously not a glass transmission, but the A650e is better understood, easier to service, and didn't have any issues in the 2001 LS430 because the transmission came out two years earlier in Japan.

Off the top of my head, the 04's have the old style lower control arm bushing issues, the mark levinson amp issue, and the telescoping steering wheel issue.

Obviously most LS430s are very good cars, and there isn't a bad year. But the 2000 LS400s and the 2005/2006 LS430s really are the platinum standard of Lexus quality.

And the market doesn't really price the 2005s higher than 2004s, but both are priced a grand or two higher than the 2001-2003s.

and my point is that the pricing difference between the two generations buys you a timing belt, and addressing all the issues that might crop up.

aypues

This is not correct. The only models that got radar have PCS, which started in 04 ... I have one. There is a plastic square over the Lexus logo on the grille which is how they catch the radar bounces. All other models have laser.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Correction, most of 04s don't have pcs. I believe it was only offered late in 04. When was yours built? There are very little differences between the 2004 through 2006 models.

aypues

I think it was 1/2 way thru the '04 model year but very few LS430 of any year 04-06 have it. It was only available on Custom or Ultra Luxury selections.

KING

iTrader: (1)

^^Guys made some really good arguments.
Just my 2 cents and what I would add, is you have to know that 100k miles on a Lexus, and especially the LS430, are not the same of it as if it were on another car.

For example, a Ford Crown Victoria after 100k miles is all wobbly, clanky and just loose all around, but the LS430 would still seem brand new with a dead silent cabin, if it was taken good care of of course.

Comparing it to another luxury car in it's range, I think would even be a better comparison. I can proudly say that around this globe, a 2006 LS430 with normal maintenance and care can be in better shape than all the Mercs and BMW's from the same year.

We are not giving out facts that you should write down, these are just best assumptions we can make as owners of these cars, and what good care it showed us, before we showed it, her, the LS430.

Healfdane

Thanks, guys, this has been very helpful.

I have a more specific question (maybe I should start a new thread?)

3 cars i'm in the preliminary stages of looking at: 2006 ls430 $13k/150k miles vs. 2006 17k/100k miles vs. a 2005 $11k/180k miles. I don't know about the service records yet, but that's likely something that'll happen when I'm on the lot looking at the car, before I pull the trigger. Lexus's don't stay around long in Norcal before they get bought, so I'd like to be ready to make a decision on the spot, based on my gut and the service records. Also, I have to travel 50+ miles to find these, so it's problematic to get a pre-purchase inspection.

XJSFan

I would pursue the 2006 17k/100k miles and see if you can get it for under $16K... Last year of any model is always the best. I have had a lot of new cars and my 2006 LS430 with 82K miles still feels and drives like a new car.

designdude

iTrader: (1)

Ironically, I just bought an LS 430 this past week. I was actually looking at some older Mercedes models (CL500 and E-series), along with the newer Audi A5 and A6. For comparison, I went to CarMax, and as I was walking around I came across a showroom perfect 2003 LS 430, silver with black interior, 73K miles, for $16K. CarFax report showed all Lexus dealer maintenance, and it was breathtakingly beautiful. They even offered an additional 5-year, 50,000 mile warranty (up to 125K miles) for another $1500. i wasn't even considering this car, but the design lines were awesome, and it is a statement car. And, it's a Lexus.

Further research shows it has NOT had the timing belt replaced, but everything else is spot on. I have no idea if I could have found a better deal, but frankly, I don't really care. Up until now, the best car I have ever owned was a 1988 Acura Legend L Coupe. I drove it for years, only sold it when I got a company car (only to get laid off a year or so later - ARRGGG!).

My recommendation to a prospective buyer - don't look for a deal, look for a car that has been well cared for. And, when you find one, buy it.

Jabberwock

Well said...words of wisdom.

warminwisc

If at all possible, records in the glove box, sneak a peek at the title if not changed yet, oil stickers on the windshield to call the most recent garage call the previouse owner. Mt last two LS's I have been fortunate to do so. Very, very few probs in 200k miles. The engines and tranny's are bomber

Healfdane

Thanks, all, for the advice. I ended up getting a '99 LS400 with 85k for $8.5k; with good maintenance records. So far, so good, mechanic I had look at the rubber parts said they look good.

warminwisc

A ton of differences between 04 and 05, no.