Looking to buy an LS430 , I have found some nice 2002-2003's , I know the 2004 has a bump in Hp and little better mileage. I need to drive them and compare and have not had the time, Is there a big difference 2003to 2004?
should i just go with the 2004 & up over 2002-2003 ?

 

I think you should compare the two for peace of mind and reserach sake, I would go 04 + since you asked and there are some great prices out there on 04 +. Here are the differences between the two.

The Lexus LS 430 benefits from substantial engineering upgrades for 2004 that significantly improve what was already a superb luxury car. It's quicker and more sophisticated than last year's model.

Model year 2004 brings major changes to the LS 430: revised styling, suspension refinements, safety improvements, and mind-boggling technology. A new six-speed automatic replaces last year's five-speed for improved acceleration performance without sacrificing fuel economy. There are more airbags than ever before (eight) and a system that tightens the seat belts before a crash. There's a tire-pressure monitor, a backup camera, headlights that swivel for seeing around corners, and Dynamic Laser Cruise Control that maintains a set following distance to the car ahead. With Bluetooth and SmartAccess, you can unlock the doors, start the car, drive off, and make hands-free phone calls without even pulling your key or your cell phone out of your pocket or purse.

The front fenders, hood, headlamps, fog lamps, grille, front and rear bumpers, trunk lid, and rear combination lamps are all new and the front combination lamps (signal/parking) have been redesigned. The standard 17-inch wheels have been redesigned and new 18-inch wheels are available with the Sport Package, freshening the profile. These changes clearly upgrade the appearance for 2004, giving it a more substantial look and more presence, but few are likely to say, "Ohmigosh! It's the new LS 430!" Perhaps most noticeable to other motorists are the newly exposed dual exhaust tailpipes, which protrude from the lower edge of the bumper and project a look of power and performance to those in your rearview mirror. New LED brake lights are brighter, light up quicker, last longer, and draw less current, plus they look neat.

The navigation system is improved for 2004 with more datapoints (5.6 million vs. last year's 785,000).


In the end you need to make the choice best for you.

 

From the official specs wise, the '04-'06 did not increase in HP or mpg. They remained at 18/22 I believe, but real world driving did yield better results for the later models because of the 6 speed transmission and cut the 0-60 time from 6.3 to 5.9s.

The real big kicker for me going with '04 was the backup camera on the NAV, and the refined engine/transmission combination. All the other changes were cosmetic for the exterior.

 

I've owned an '03 and now an '05, both perfect condition cars. In addition to what others have posted above, here's something I wrote a few days ago when a similar subject came up: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/5037663-post7.html

 

Thanks so much for the info , just what i was looking for , Thanks

 

scroll down, http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html

 

WoW! It amazes me how they managed to keep the look of the instrument cluster gauges virtually the same between 90 and 06. Talk about familiar environments!