im still looking around at a slow rate at the LS430's. I dont know a lot about them other that the one at the dealer is $69,800. So i was just wondering if there are any real differenced in say 01-04 models. From the pictures on e bay they body looks the same.

So i guess the question is, is there anything i need to know about they last few years?

 

On the Lexus website they have a model library that tells you changes from year to year

http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_library.html

Select the model and year, then you'll see a "Click here to see the changes made to the 2002 LS 430" that lists what's new for that year compared to the prior. It isn't always all inclusive but is a good start.

For example
http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_detai...2.html#changes
Changes Made To The 2002 LS 430

Optional Features

- New exterior color Platinum Blue Pearl
- New-design 16-inch alloy wheels


http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_detai...3.html#changes
Changes Made To The 2003 LS 430

Standard Features

- 17 x 7.5-in alloy wheels with 225/55HR17 tires[11]

 

thanks ill go check that out.

 

Good link, thanks. However I'm not competely sure of the usefullness. For example, the changes for the 2004 LS are:

Standard Features:

- 17 x 7.5-in alloy wheels with 225/55HR17 tires [16]
- Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
- Wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift ****

I think we all know there were a lot more changes, including styling changes, or did I just not spend enough time on the site?

 

Yep, I noticed that one too. I suspect they haven't fully updated it.

 

Here's a quickie:

01-03 Basically the same vehicle all 3 years

04 - Slight styling changes to the headlights and tail lights, dual exhausts pipes in tha back under the bumper.... inside you get improved navigation system (more POI, better user interface), back-up camera, "smart key" access to every door and the trunk, keyless start, another transmission gear for even quicker "pick-up", and according to some a supposedly a noticeably smoother, quieter ride (don't know how the heck this baby can get better in that category but I guess it is possible).

I'm sure I'm forgetting something

Personally, i really like the exterior tweaks made to the '04 model... to me it makes an already classy looking vehicle look a bit more aggressive and sportier.

 

thank you for all the info. ill go see if there are any used 04's yet

 

how about technical differences between 95-97 LS's? I could not find that.
Thanks.

 

I don't think the CPO Library goes back before '98. Off the top of my head, the '97 offered a limited Coach Edition with special wheels, perforated upholstery, paint colors, and badging. I think the '97 was the first year to have side impact airbags, as well. The 95-96 are pretty much identical, from what I can recall...

 

Thanks for the info! never knew side airbags came on 97's.
I believe the 96 used OBD-II and a different sounding horn then the 95.

Anyone have anything else?
Thanks guys.

 

Well I didn't want to make a new thread, and this was the best my search brought up- but I wanted to know what all would have to be done to change the apperance of a '01-'03 LS to that of a '04+. From my understanding so far, the headlights and taillights would have to be changed- I cant really notice any thing else different from the pics I've seen.

Would body modification be necessary for the '04+ headlamps to fit? Is the hood/grill different? Are the front and rear bumpers different? The trunk?

Thanks, any help is appreciated.

 

Biggie for me, '04 and after have rear seat vanity mirrors

Before that, the '01-'03 I think have Lexus Link available (which has since been discontinued, with a sunglasses holder replacement option); Lexus Link came with an audio recorder.

 

I'm not certain, but I think that the sheetmetal is "edgier" on the newer models than on my '01. I can't be more specific, but it looks like the sheetmetal on the rear has sharper creases.

 

The difference in appearance during the 2004 "redesign" is:

New front fenders, new hood, new grill, new headlights, fog lights, new front bumper and for the rear; new tailights, new rear bumper, new exhaust pipes, and new trunk lid. The 17" wheels were redesigned and 18's were optional.
The "L" and Lexus emblems and badges are a different size as well.

The doors, glass, roof, and the rear fenders were unchanged since 2001.

 

The 2004 model also added a six speed transmission.