Hi: Day four with the new to us '04. The Manual is like reading a "War and Peace" translation! The Window Sticker is something else. Luxury and Convenience Features Item #6, who in Marketing comes up with "Reverse Auto-Tilt Down Power Folding Heated Outside Mirrors w/Puddle Lamps"??????
What a fabulous set of wheels!

 

What's your problem with it? The mirrors are indeed "Reverse Auto-Tilt Down Power Folding Heated Outside Mirrors w/Puddle Lamps"...

 

Oh, no problem (I love em!), just an amazing run-on sentence!!!

 

Only 178 watts! thought our ML was more powerful.

 

The 178 watts is the standard, base stereo. The UL includes the Mark Levinson system, which is 240 watts.

 

Lavrish, how does your 2004 compare(indirectly, obviously) to your 1999? I had a 1998 LS and now own a 2006. Just interested in your opinion. Obviously something about the LS series brought you back to buy another... As for me, the 1998 had better gas mileage, the engine was just as quiet, and the ride was perhaps even softer than my 2006. The 2006 wins categories like technology, sportier appearance, better wheels, nicer woodgrain/dash layout and finish, and safety options. My 98 I swear had more torque and felt faster, not that I jackrabbit much if at all anymore. The 98 had a power steering leak that I fixed myself, and the 2006 so far only has an issue with the telescoping function of the steering wheel. You got an Ultra Luxury model.... any issues with the air ride, or even just comment on the air ride on the 04 vs. the 99 LS standard suspension.

 

I loved my 99. It was a great car and I really did not have to do much to it. My shocks were worn when I purchased it so I decided to lower the car with Tanabe springs and new kyb shocks. This changed the ride drastically. Handled great for a big sedan but I missed the smooth cushion ride.

Yes, my 99 got better mileage then my 04 but it was also lighter. The UL's are the heaviest of the 430's so I am sure this accounts for some of it. I actually traded my 99 in for my 04. I just wanted to upgrade to something newer and more refined inside. I love all the features of the 430.

I have not had any issues with my 430. It was a single owner and serviced at a dealer its whole life. The only thing that worries me a little is the air suspension failing. To overcome this, I purchased a lightly used set of 04 - 06 airbags off eBay for a great deal. Now I have a backup suspension in case I loose a bag or two. I like the air suspension a lot

The 04 SC430 wheels I put on it made it look a lot better too.

 

im kind of surprised the 99 had a smoother ride to be honest.

 

My 99 was not smoother then my 430. It did get better mileage and was maybe a little faster.

 

Even then 240watt doesn't sound like a lot BUT you do have to remember that its 240 watts @ high 10-12 ohm speakers which equates to a lot higher watts if it were say a standard 4 ohm setup.