Hey all, I'm working on getting a new car within the next 4-5 months or so and am sold on buying a Lexus. The only issue is, I cannot decide between selling my current car (01 Infiniti Qx4) and getting a gx470, or keeping it and getting an 06 gs430, 07 gs350, or an ls430 between the years of 2004 and 2006 and therefore, am trying to gather as much information as possible between those models and making an informed decision. Currently, I am leaning towards purchasing either a gs or ls and keeping my SUV. Are there any major differences between 2004 and 2006 for the ls430 I should be aware of and major issues as well? What are the pros and cons of getting one with the ultra luxury package vs without it (i.e. what did the ultra luxury entail?) Also, being a fairly large vehicle (full size sedan) is the 4.3 liter 290hp V8 enough? Does the LS feel underpowered at all? Any simple performance mods to push it over 300hp? My goal is to spend under 30k, maybe even under 27k, with a decent set of miles; does this seem realistic or hopeless? Being a Lexus, I know reliability, fit and finish are top notch. Would I be asking for trouble by not purchasing an extended warranty? I know these are a lot of questions but I figure this is the best place to get real answers from real Lexus owners. Any advice and/or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

I hate to be "that search guy" but all of your questions have been answered a myriad of ways. Check the FAQs and search your topics. You will learn more than you planned. Also, welcome to the club and good luck.

 

the gs is a sporty the ls is classy its up to wat kind of image u want

 

True true... but we LS owners love to talk about our cars and how great they are... so here I go

1. there is no feature difference from '04-'06, except for some additional colors and matches, etc. '04 started with the 6-speed transmission (issue noted in #2), gen. 4 NAV with backup camera, bluetooth.

2. only two recalls if I remember correctly for 2004 (early production) and it was some issue with transmission not engaging park correctly, and then another recall for I believe a minor item.

3. All I can about Ultra is that it adds above the Custom trim:
a. air suspension (just extra money later on, if you will keep the car a long time) which allows for adjustment of ride height
b. rear seat massage and radio control, along with tilt
c. rear door sunshade (manual)
d. fridge box
all this for about $3K extra.

4. As far as power goes, it's not the 290hp here, it's the 320+ ft*lb of torque that's important. Torque is what matters and the LS I think has more than enough. It's not snap your neck fast (5.9s to 60 mph) or as responsive as a BMW, but "it's fast enough for the old man..."

5. Warranty, depends on how much and what you get. I would say you should not encounter any engine or transmission issues (big bucks) any time before 200K, so depends on if you think say $2K is worth the insurance to hope that nothing $2K breaks.

These are my views... and what I know...

 

The 2006 LS has an improved Radar Cruise control, as the sensor was moved behind the Lexus Logo and protected by plexiglass. Whereas the 2004 has it under the bumper and easily clogged with bugs and damaged by rocks.

 

Not correct...

PCS only is radar behind logo... PCS is only available on an Ultra...

all others are laser cruise on the bumper

 

Exactly, and just to add, PCS was available from '04.

 

2006 also had satelite radio for an option i believe.

 

Also not entirely correct, the PCS system was an available option on the Custom trim as well, but did not see any in my search for the Custom, although I wasn't looking for it as an option.

 

Thanks for the clarification, my relatives 06 has PCS and of course now it makes sense why their sensor is behind the logo.

For what its worth, I don't like the plexiglass square over the Lexus logo, but I can appreciate the value, as I had my radar sensor replaced once already due to rock damage.

Now that my 2004 is out of warranty, I have taken the advice of others and cut my own plexiglass sqaure and mounted in front of the sensor, but behind the bumper to protect it.

 

Cool, you should put pictures and let the forum know how it works for you compared to the unprotected way.

 

Ah, thank you for the education!