I'm looking for an 04+ with low miles with no navi because of the problems I hear about them and plus, an aftermarket double din looks 10x better than the stock one and you can have more features. I was really hoping to find one with the ML system but I guess they don't make them with non navi LS, how would you compare this to some cdt audio components?

 

Since you're looking for '04+, that would be Gen IV Nav. and I don't find it too bad. Just a PITB with the override button pressing for version 5.1 and later. Quality of ML system is really good, but not FANTASTIC.

The only version with no NAV is the base... and base is base...

 

I think... please advise if this is correct... that 2004 was a re-design of the front headlights and bumper as well as the rear tail lights/trunk. Minor changes.
In 2005, the rear tail lights were changed to LED. Correct? 2004 didn't have the LED tails.

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/4695803-post2.html

 

Well... the "redesign" of the bumpers and trunk lid were due really to changes of the lights (i.e. headlight, fog light and tail light) rather than a change to the bumper per say.

As for LED, 2004 was first year of the LED tail lights. That's for sure because I have it on my '04.

 

BRO---did you ever pick one up???

 

There is a nice VIP style LS430 on the Maryland craigslist. You probably know this but simply search in Bing or Google "craigslist Lexus LS430".
Also there is a LHDrive LS430 for sale that you can have shipped from Japan at this cite... http://www.japan-partner.com/Auto/10...-for-sale.html
It doesn't cost that much to ship a car and you can negotiate the price. Only thing is that you can't see it. You have to make sure they take detailed pics of the ride.
Cheers,
Ian

 

Dude, are you Bill Gates? Shipping a car domestically is not that much, couple of hundred to a thousand dollars depending on from where to where you're shipping. Shipping international is several thousand man. A car from Japan to US is going to run about $5K-7K, with Ocean freight and all your certificates and stuff. That price alone is the difference between getting a 2004 or 2006 LS.

I would not even look international. $5K to ship a car you've not seen or driven. Even if you use an independent appraiser, you're expecations might be different than their's as to what is consider damage or not.