As I mentioned in another post, I test drove a '05 UL w/ 20K mi on it this morning.

Choice 1-UL: Mfg date was Jun 05, so one of the last 05's made. It is immaculate (like new) and was apparently garaged its life and seldom taken out and owned by people living in a retirement area in the desert. Paint is immaculate other than a small rock chip near the grille, interior is perfect (not even wrinkles on the outer side of the driver's seat). No window tint added. Had all the scheduled service,

Choice 2-CL: The '06 CL has 30K mi (had the 30K service done), was made in Sep 05, so one of the first '06's built. Front bumper shows some rock damage and a tacky paint repair job w/ peeling clear coat in one area. Salesman agreed it should be resprayed. It also has dark tinting which I don't like. History shows it was driven on So. CA freeways (hence the rock dings). Salesman says that can be removed. Otherwise, the condition is very good, it had all the recommended maintenance.

Salesman says both cars will be about the same price (UL build date is only 3 months earlier than the CL, but on paper, that's 1 model year in additional depreciation). To me, it seems the UL is the no brainer (I live in AZ, where the independent rear A/C is a definite plus; don't care about the other rear seat gadgets or air suspension (couldn't really feel a difference on rough pavement between the CL & UL supensions), but my wife or myself (one of us) always sits in back to accompany/entertain my 3 yr old so one of us can enjoy the goodies. The only thing that worries me is the suspension failing (will buy the 6 yr/100K mi CPO extension).

What are your recommendations? I have a 03LX w/ hydraulic suspension that at 82K mi is so far reliable. I know this suspension, if it fails, can be replaced w/ OEM Toyota (Landcruiser) or aftermarket suspension easily for $1200 in parts. Has anyone replaced a UL suspension w/ the ML/CL coil setup?

 

seems like the 05 UL is better deal IMO. if you get extended warranty, you don't need to worry about suspension issues, at least out of pocket $$$. Good luck on the 05, 20k, thats nice!!!

 

UL for sure!

 

I would also go with the UL, given its condition and your plans to enjoy the back seat amenities. It would nice if you could find a car at a different dealership for some competitive price pressure. Say that you are deciding between the more expensive Lexus and a 2 year old CPO Cadillac DTS Performance.

 

def if you are going to actually sit in the back seat or anyone sit back there for that matter it would be nice to actually have those amenities actually get used (unlike mines).

do you plan on putting aftermarket big wheels on or the datasystems controller asc680??

 

Yes, can be done no problem. There's a thread on here about it. Congratulations on the purchase!

 

Back seat will get used on weekends (hopefully by me!. No controller planned...all bone stock. The mods are all to my LX.