splogue

My 2002 LS430 came with an ashtray in front between the seats rather than a storage compartment. The dealer wants $200 USD to swap out the ashtray for the compartment.

Is there a way I can do this myself for less? Does anyone have the compartment rather than the ashtray? Is the compartment useful, or should I just live with the ashtray? Nobody in my family smokes, so it seems like the compartment would have been better, but if it is of limited usefulness I guess I can get over it! Just thought I'd check and see what experiences others had.

Thanks,

Sean

LS007

I swaped out my center ashtray for the storage compartment in 02 LS. The part is about $200 retail. Maybe it's so expensive because it has a lighter plug w/flip cap The only real difference between the storage campartment and the ashtray is the lighter plug moved to the top of the compartment with a cap labeled 12V/120W. The inside is velvet lined with more storage space. If you remove the ashtray part from the original ashtray campartment it's not a bad storage compartment (fits most cell phones). If you go for the larger storage comparment you can replace it yourself. The entire center wood trim panel is pop'ed up with 4 clips under each corner. The two rear clips are pretty easy if you use a flat tip screwdriver that has been taped. The front two are a bit more difficult. Just remember the console comes straight up (don't pry it from the back or you will break the clips - voice of experience ). The ashtray is removed with 4 screws under (2 of them a requiring the plastic to be bent a little to access).

Hope this helps you,

splogue

Thanks for the quick reply! Sounds like it isn't worth replacing, but I like the idea that if I ever wanted to, I can just buy the part and replace it myself. Or, I could just take up smoking!

Sean