While at the dealership recently for 5k maint. on my '04 LS430 I picked up the '05 LS430 Sales Brochure book. Later at home I compared the book page-by -page to the '04 LS430 Sales Brochure book I had. I could see NO differences in any of the specs or the body styling. I mean Nada!. Knowing that CL subscribers are sharper than a "mosquitos' D..k" , does anyone know of any differences? Am I missing something?? Appreciate any comments.

 

18inch wheels are now standard.

Now can we trade cars?

 

I believe 18" wheels are available as an option without the Sport Package on all '05 LS430's, but have not been made standard.

Mike

 

I also didn't see any differences between the '05 and '04's, which is why I last week bought one of the last '04's from one of my local dealers.

 

I revisited the '04 & '05 LS430 Sales brochure booklets. The specs/body styling appear to be exactly the same, including the 18-in alloy wheel descriptions, i.e., available only as an option with the Euro-tuned Sport Suspension. Again, I could find no differences in styling or specs. between the '04 & '05. It's hard to believe that a new model has been introduced without some changes, even if they are only cosmetic. Anyone, especially you Lexus insiders (Sales, Techs, etc.), please reply if you are aware of any changes. Thanking everyone in advance.]

 

Yes, I can confirm the only difference is now you can get the 5 spoke "18 wheels on all LS430's, last year it was only available on the EuroTuned Sport Package car.

 

Thanks for the rescue, they were about to eat me alive

 

I too just picked up one of the last '04s. I worked the 18" 5 spoke wheels from an '05 out on the lot onto my car. Dealer had no problem with the swap request. Except when the savvy buyer of that '05 notices there are now 17" wheels on his car. But that's not my problem!! I just thought the 5-spokes looked much better than the stock wheels.

 

that is correct.. the 18" wheels came standard on my 05 Ultra Luxury Black on Black

 

DeniskaGS4, if you got the ultra lux, then you also got the air suspension, right? On the sticker, are you sure there was no mention of the 18" option?

Guess the Lexus brochure is not correct.

My moms is looking to pick up an '05 LS430 Custom Luxury (since she is jealous of my dad's '01 Ultra). She didn't like the Euro suspension on the '04 she test drove, but I agree that the 18s look much better than the 17s. I'll be thrilled if she gets the 18s, no Euro package standard. Nice.

 

I took my '04 in yesterday and there was an Ultra on the floor with the 5 spoke 18" wheels. On the window sticker they are shown as a $1999 option.

 

Amazingly enough, in 04 Sport Package 1 which includes th 5-spoke 18" wheels and more was just $220.

 

I forgot to mention that they were chrome plated.

 

18" wheels are are on most of the cars now, but are NOT standard. 220 for polished, and 1900 for chrome. 17's are still standard. I believe the 05's ALL have smartkey (standard option, if you will), where as the 04's were hit and miss.

 

'04's got smart key in jan.