I'm buying an LS430 and as they are extremely rare here in the UK I've got a bit of an ultimatum....

Black '02 model with cream interior, rear headrest screens, 77k on clock, Lexus FSH
or
Silver '05 model with black interior, bone stock, 113k on clock, Lexus FSH


Black is my fave colour for the LS by a looooong mile. And as I intend to 'VIP' it a little, black makes more sense. However, can I really do without all of the updated bits that the 04 has such as the 6-speed and LED tails?

 

I would get the '05. If you look at the front and rear fascia, they are entirely different. The ucf31 is much more attractive.
I have 105k on my 04 and you wouldn't know it unless you look at the odometer. It has a better gear box as well and other little differences in the interior

 

You can do without as I do with my 02. Since you said your going vip route you can do a facelift if you must and get red/clear tails for 01-03 ls. But I must say if I knew everything I know now about the two models I would have waited and got a never style one 04-06 ls. Sum it up 02 facelift like $3000-5000 extra, or silver 05 painted black your color $?.

 

get 05. end of.

btw, please don't confuse UCF30 and 31 - these are NOT related to year !

 

" But I must say if I knew everything I know now about the two models I would have waited and got a never style one 04-06 ls."



Tell me about it. I bought a mint 01 Ls430 outright last year but wished I would have just used the cash for an 04 and took a small $5000 car note. The 04+ facelift look sooo much sleeker from the side compared to the 01-03. I tried convincing myself that there isn't much of a difference. I've been pricing out parts to do the facelift but It just makes more sense to upgrade to an 04 and hope it is as reliable as my 01.

 

Go with the 05, it's nice to have the extra gear.

 

Thanks for all the feedback guys. My gut feeling was to go for the '05 as I think I'd always be wondering what I'm missing out on otherwise.

Silver it is then I guess!

 

good choice, I had both and 04+ is much better.

 

05 for sure. rear headrest screen are pretty inexpensive now a days so its really up to the color preference.

 

I ended up buying the silver '05 one. Mostly because I realised that the LS won't fit in my garage, and if I go for a black one I'd be out there cleaning it every few days knowing the crappy UK weather.

I think its had all the options ticked as its got the perforated leather interior (black) and also the radar sensor on the front. The air suspension was a bit messed up though as the front was higher than the rear, but I managed to sort that out by adjusting the sensors behind the wheels.

Now I just need to sort out some decent wheels, drop it on its ***, get some tints. Sorted

 

Cool - congrats on your new ride!

 

Welcom in LS world


Denis.

 

Enjoy jthe experience!