Are the changes to the 2004 model worth the premium $ over an 2003. For comparably equiped cars with Nav and Mark Levison and mileage under 50k I am seeing 2003 LS430 for $27k -$30k at the dealer auctions. The 2004 LS430s with similar equipment are going for $31k to $34k. For those that have owned or driven both, what are your opinions. I plan to keep the car for the next 6+ years or so. Thanks

 

I traded my 01 for an 04 recently...I think between the styling and the 6 speed gear box makes the 04 a better riding car IMO.

The swivel lights and better navi is also a plus...

Mike

 

i would choose 04 over 03 any day as long as it's not the very early ones with problems.

6 speed auto is much faster and more responsive. the newer style front and rear ends are also more aggressive imho. overall i think it's a better car

 

I like the much sharper looking front end/headlights of the 04 a lot better, plus the new 6 speed auto transmission, I think it's worth the price difference.

 

Better styling tranny smart key bluetooth and good for lexus visible twice tailpipes.By far and away a better veh and the difference of 3 to 4 grand and 1 year newer is a no brainer

 

Projector lights... LED's rear, rear vanity mirrors, smart key (really cool), backup camera. As well as those mentioned above.

 

lol, the list just keeps on getting longer and longer

 

dont get an 04, get an 05, history tells us that 04's are unusually trouble prone for some reason

 

Are the 04s that bad in terms of relability or was it just a few of the first ones. Even on the ones that were bad, once the obvious problems were fixed was it still standard Lexus quality. Or are there still nagging problems. The 2004 is starting to look like the easy choice versus the 2003.

 

They just had small issues, thier transmissions were recalled, and replaced. IF I were you, I would perfer a later build (if given the chance).

But nothing serious. The major change was the 6speed, and it was replaced, nothing to really think over twice.

 

I have an '04 bot the day after Xmas, 2003. It had the fuel pump and tranny recalls, as well as problems with the driver's side mirror. All of that was fixed early on and the vehicle has been fine ever since. I would not hesitate to get even an early '04. I will say that mine only now has 35,000 miles on it. But the mileage rate will increase now that my daughter is driving and our 3rd car Honda CR-V won't be available to me as a "putter-around" vehicle.

 

NOTE: early '04 didtn have smart key.

 

What would be considered an early build 2004? Anything built in 2003. When were the major problems discovered. Would anything built in 2004 be safe from these warranty recalls. Since I will be looking at 3 year lease returns, come January 2007 these should be cars that were hopefully built in Dec 2003 and later. When were the 2004 Ls430s first built, August, September, October 2003.

With the 2004 smart key, does one just push a button to start the car or is there a key to turn. I am loving the 2004 more and more. At the Riverside, CA auction a good shape lower mileage 2004 LS430 base with no NAV or anything sold for $29,000. Prices are coming down here at year end.

 

sweet looking ride.

 

Was the air suspension a stand alone option in 04 or only offered in one of the packages such as the "Custom" or "Ultra" ?

My 95 LS has it and I'm not sure I would trade up without having it again.

Thanks.

Pat