2002 UL vs 2004 base vs 2004 UL
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 914
Likes: 70
From: CA
1) UL with PCS
2) UL without PCS.
They started making them with PCS in late model 2004's. They weren't available in the beginning. Most UL's came with PCS, so it's fairly rare to see one without the plexiglass Lexus logo coverplate up front that indicates it has PCS.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 251
Likes: 4
From: Land of Oz
Amusingly - and confusingly - Lexus often references it as "Radar" cruise either way, and at least on 04+ the dash says "Radar ready" regardless of which technology is present (strictly speaking, radar uses radio waves. Laser-based systems are "lidar").
All ULs will have one system or the other depending on whether they have PCS or not and it doesn't make any real difference to the driver.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 832
Likes: 8
From: CA
Yes, it IS confusing, and thinkin has it right when he says that Lexus makes their little contribution to the chaos by calling both DRCC and DLCC by the term "radar" on the instrument panel display.
Let's see if we can clear it up -
For '04 to '06, LS430s were available either with or without the PCS (Pre Collision System) option.
I understand that PCS was not actually installed on '04s until around Jan '04, though.
None of the other packages (Base, Premium, or Modern Luxury) allow PCS.
UL and CL without PCS had DLCC (Dynamic Laser Cruise Control).
UL and CL with PCS had DRCC (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control)
DRCC and DLCC do about the same thing, but use different sensors.
DLCC has a "glass eye" in the lower part of the passenger side of the front bumper cover.
DRCC has a rectangular plastic shield surrounding the Lexus logo in the center of the grille.
From my research on Auto Trader, I would say that approx. 25% of '05 & '06 UL cars have PCS, but YMMV.
Let's see if we can clear it up -
For '04 to '06, LS430s were available either with or without the PCS (Pre Collision System) option.
I understand that PCS was not actually installed on '04s until around Jan '04, though.
None of the other packages (Base, Premium, or Modern Luxury) allow PCS.
UL and CL without PCS had DLCC (Dynamic Laser Cruise Control).
UL and CL with PCS had DRCC (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control)
DRCC and DLCC do about the same thing, but use different sensors.
DLCC has a "glass eye" in the lower part of the passenger side of the front bumper cover.
DRCC has a rectangular plastic shield surrounding the Lexus logo in the center of the grille.
From my research on Auto Trader, I would say that approx. 25% of '05 & '06 UL cars have PCS, but YMMV.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: OR
As an owner of a UL LS430, I think you would be better off with the 04 Base model. The UL's air suspension is expensive to replace unless you plan on swapping it out to coilovers or steel spring/struts. The Mark Levinson stereo is garbage as well and the sub/amps tend to go out a lot.
With the money you save on the base model you could swap the OEM radio out with a newer aftermarket one with navigation, bluetooth, and a back up camera. If you're into modding cars you could put that extra money towards future mods or maintenance.
With the money you save on the base model you could swap the OEM radio out with a newer aftermarket one with navigation, bluetooth, and a back up camera. If you're into modding cars you could put that extra money towards future mods or maintenance.
The ML was one of the primary reasons I was looking at models w/ the Nav. Otherwise I wouldn't even want Nav since I already have an aftermarket tom tom.
The way I understood it, you couldn't retrofit the equivalent of the ML system because it has more speaker locations.
Does the Mark Levinson go out because of electrical issues? Weak speakers getting blow w/ the volume too loud? or something else?
The ML was one of the primary reasons I was looking at models w/ the Nav. Otherwise I wouldn't even want Nav since I already have an aftermarket tom tom.
The way I understood it, you couldn't retrofit the equivalent of the ML system because it has more speaker locations.
The ML was one of the primary reasons I was looking at models w/ the Nav. Otherwise I wouldn't even want Nav since I already have an aftermarket tom tom.
The way I understood it, you couldn't retrofit the equivalent of the ML system because it has more speaker locations.
I think the ML may have more speakers over the base stereo but I can't say for sure.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,682
Likes: 304
The speakers have issues from being poorly made and age. Not sure about how the amps fail. I do know from posts on this forum, aftermarket speakers are not always compatable with the factory amp and can cause havoc to the amp on top of it's fragility.
Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 200
Likes: 33
From: PA
Love my 02' UL.
I was in the same boat three years ago when I bought my car. Choice was between a UL with 102K and a base model 03' with 77K. Same color scheme. The 03' was cleaner but they wanted $18K. I picked up the 02' for $13K from a Lexus dealer and could not be happier with the car. I put 82,000 miles on her so far and here are the repairs I have completed.
* 90,000 service (done by Lexus during purchase - we split costs)
* Battery
* Brakes
* Tires
* Oil
* Air Filter Changes
* Y pipe replacement
with the exception of the Y pipe repair which cost me $200 (did the work myself) all else has been normal wear and tear items.
I love the UL. It rides like a dream (much better than base model IMO). Many features that I really enjoy. Love the Dynamic Crusie.
I was in the same boat three years ago when I bought my car. Choice was between a UL with 102K and a base model 03' with 77K. Same color scheme. The 03' was cleaner but they wanted $18K. I picked up the 02' for $13K from a Lexus dealer and could not be happier with the car. I put 82,000 miles on her so far and here are the repairs I have completed.
* 90,000 service (done by Lexus during purchase - we split costs)
* Battery
* Brakes
* Tires
* Oil
* Air Filter Changes
* Y pipe replacement
with the exception of the Y pipe repair which cost me $200 (did the work myself) all else has been normal wear and tear items.
I love the UL. It rides like a dream (much better than base model IMO). Many features that I really enjoy. Love the Dynamic Crusie.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 251
Likes: 4
From: Land of Oz
Regarding air suspension, not everyone realizes it not only gives a smoother ride, it makes the car quieter due to the extra mechanical isolation. That coupled with the double-paned glass on the UL (which is also on the CL) make the UL ride like a ghost.
Sport mode - which really does cut body roll and improve transient response - and height adjustability are other benefits I enjoy all the time, and it is terrific to have the rear a/c unit on hot days. The air purifier, side shades, rear seat massager/console/etc are a bonus and push the car "over the top".
I appreciate that some don't want the extra complexity and I don't think you can go wrong with any package LS, just know there are real advantages to the UL.
Sport mode - which really does cut body roll and improve transient response - and height adjustability are other benefits I enjoy all the time, and it is terrific to have the rear a/c unit on hot days. The air purifier, side shades, rear seat massager/console/etc are a bonus and push the car "over the top".
I appreciate that some don't want the extra complexity and I don't think you can go wrong with any package LS, just know there are real advantages to the UL.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 107
From: AZ
Regarding air suspension, not everyone realizes it not only gives a smoother ride, it makes the car quieter due to the extra mechanical isolation. That coupled with the double-paned glass on the UL (which is also on the CL) make the UL ride like a ghost.
Sport mode - which really does cut body roll and improve transient response - and height adjustability are other benefits I enjoy all the time, and it is terrific to have the rear a/c unit on hot days. The air purifier, side shades, rear seat massager/console/etc are a bonus and push the car "over the top".
I appreciate that some don't want the extra complexity and I don't think you can go wrong with any package LS, just know there are real advantages to the UL.
Sport mode - which really does cut body roll and improve transient response - and height adjustability are other benefits I enjoy all the time, and it is terrific to have the rear a/c unit on hot days. The air purifier, side shades, rear seat massager/console/etc are a bonus and push the car "over the top".
I appreciate that some don't want the extra complexity and I don't think you can go wrong with any package LS, just know there are real advantages to the UL.
Regarding air suspension, not everyone realizes it not only gives a smoother ride, it makes the car quieter due to the extra mechanical isolation. That coupled with the double-paned glass on the UL (which is also on the CL) make the UL ride like a ghost.
Sport mode - which really does cut body roll and improve transient response - and height adjustability are other benefits I enjoy all the time, and it is terrific to have the rear a/c unit on hot days. The air purifier, side shades, rear seat massager/console/etc are a bonus and push the car "over the top".
I appreciate that some don't want the extra complexity and I don't think you can go wrong with any package LS, just know there are real advantages to the UL.
Sport mode - which really does cut body roll and improve transient response - and height adjustability are other benefits I enjoy all the time, and it is terrific to have the rear a/c unit on hot days. The air purifier, side shades, rear seat massager/console/etc are a bonus and push the car "over the top".
I appreciate that some don't want the extra complexity and I don't think you can go wrong with any package LS, just know there are real advantages to the UL.
I loved the sport mode too.
My 04 UL with PCS gets no complaints from me, I've had the car for 2 years and can't remember anything serious going wrong with it. Just took it in for her (0k service and everything checked out as it should, no worries, no problems...Mine has almost 100k on it also, the last 40k of which I put on the last 2 years...still smooth, although the RADAR Cruise slows down before I'd like it too, lol...
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 251
Likes: 4
From: Land of Oz
I'd also mention that some of the most common (and not cheap!) trouble spots of the LS430 span all packages down to the base - retracting mirrors, power tilt/telescope steering, trunk struts, etc.
If you want the absolute least possible trouble you are probably better off with a Base or Premium, but it is a very different car at that point.
If you want the absolute least possible trouble you are probably better off with a Base or Premium, but it is a very different car at that point.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 271
From: Kansas
Have you adjusted the "vehicle to vehicle distance setting" to medium or short by toggling through the three settings with the DISP2 switch on the right side of your steering wheel? Three arcs in the cluster display = "long"'; two arcs = medium; one arc = short. It's explained in your owners manual.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 251
Likes: 4
From: Land of Oz