Looks like its time to upgrade my 93 LS 400. I am looking for a 430 so I am wondering if any one year is better than the other or maybe a certain year to avoid? I know normally its better to wait for the second year of a new model. Any input is appriciated.

 

It's always good to wait for the 2nd year, so all the kinks from the first get smoothed out, but for the LS430's it was more the 1st year of the 2nd cycle. The only thing that the LS430 was recalled for were a faulty transmission flash or something, and fuel pump, both affecting early 2004 model years. You'll need to check the VIN to make sure not affected and if so, that the recalls were done. It required the replacement of both items.

Other than this, nothing really stands out as being an abnormal issue or anything worth huge consideration. Just a few here:

1. if you get the double pane glass (on CL and UL trim), there is the hazing of the adhesive once the car gets old. Does not seem to affect EVERYONE... thank goodness

2. UL air suspension leaning, might be perception than reality, I don't know as I don't have a UL

3. little gremblins like windows not working, battery draining, etc. but there's so much electrical in modern cars, surprised the battery doesn't drain on every car.

As for years to get, I would definitely get '04-'06, as if has the improved 6-speed transmission for smoother driving, better fuel efficiency, and minor exterior changes that make it look more modern.

Anyway, happy shopping and good luck finding your LS.

 

I purchased my 04 UL in Feb 2007 as Pre-Certified with 21,000 miles. It was manufactured in Nov 2003 and both recalls had been previously done. The car has been nothing but a dream (my second Lexus and I expected nothing else).

Just my experience and opinion.

 

Is there anything wrong with your LS400?

 

No the inside is wore out but the body is nice and the engine is tight.

Just looking to upgrade. I found a 04 today with 121k miles for 15k. Not sure if it all that of a great deal with the high miles and being an 04 model. What was the first year for the 430?

 

Make sure you the timing and water pump has been changed and see what service records are availiable for it. You will be in good shape should you choose to go 04-06 there are all worth getting.

 

My advice is to take a close look and test drive an '01-'03 and an '04+. See what you think about the different look and feel. Looks wise, revised headlights are the main thing, but the tail lights are different colors and the general look of the front end is very slightly different. There are also some different paint color choices available for the two versions. I've had both versions ('03 and '05) and while I do prefer the looks if the '04+ version, there's one mechanical thing that I like a good bit better about the '04+ version, and that's the transmission and its shift pattern. The '01-'03 is more luxury-oriented and the shifts happend very early and are extremely smooth, even in "power" mode. The '04+ has an additional gear (6 vs. 5) which I suppose makes part of the difference, but it's also programmed so that it'll hold a gear a little longer in easy to moderate driving, and it seems to be set up for a slightly more "sporting" feel to the transmission (again, this is in "power" mode which is my preferable setting for either).

Other than the above items, and *possibly* (I'm still not sure about this one) a very slight difference in the sound of the Mark Levinson systems if you get a trim level with Navigation and ML sound, I frankly don't think you'd notice a significant difference between the two. I will also say that just comparing MY two examples, I believe the '03 had a couple of characteristics that I liked better. For one, the doors closed better on the '03. They were like freakin refrigerator doors -- you could just give them a gentle push and they'd close and latch. The '05 requires a slightly more deliberate push to get them to close and fully latch (not stop at the safety latch), and consequently I still find myself having to re-close a door a couple times per week. Some of the higher trim levels have automatic door closers, and I would have said they were completely unnecessary on the '03, but I wouldn't mind having them on the '05. Strange, but true. The other thing is that I think my perforated leather was of a little higher quality on the '03 than the '05 -- a little softer and more supple. Neither car is supposed to have the special leather (semi-analine) but the '03 just seemed a little higher grade.

Anyway, bottom line is, it depends upon what is meaningful to you, but don't rule out an '01-'03 if the headlight treatment and the transmission changes aren't significant to you.

 

$15k for that many miles see,s way out of line to me. I bought my '02 with 49k miles about 6 months ago for $16.5k. Took a some time and patience, but there are deals out there to be had. I bought mine off eBay and though I trusted the seller's rating and never saw the car before taking delivery, you can get the car's history thru the Lexus website if you have the VIN. Mine had always been serviced at Lexus and had no damage history.

Keep looking, you'll find something with much lower miles for the same price.

 

2 months ago I bought a 2004 Ultra Luxury with 103k and all records from the original owner for $14,000 (black/Black)