We are buying a 2004-2006 LS430 for sure as soon as the right one comes along. We are expecting our second child this October so I am hoping to have this secured around June/July. Found a single owner Lexus serviced 04 and took the mrs. today for a test drive. One thing I did not know and was a huge plus for her was that the bottom of the front seats slide back. She's a shorty. Didn't know the rear sunshade automatically retracts in reverse and then back up in drive.

I plan on paying cash for it but this one was basically $18k which is higher than I want to pay. Mileage was 74k which was good and the fact that its single owner Lexus serviced is almost worth the extra few hundred. Overall the car blew us away. Our 2003 Mercedes E--class is a joke compared to the comfort and space the LS provides.

We def want the rear side curtains for the kids, rear sunshade, and navigation. Just felt like making a quick thread to show my appreciation for this model after finally driving it. I know I can secure one around 13-15 if I hold tight. Cash transfer in the bank no payments and straight to Airrex for the first mod.

 

Good luck - be patient and I hope you get a good one.

 

I don't know the regional prices in N. CA, but I think you would have to look a long time to find an '04-'06 UL (which is the only 430 that has the rear side curtains) with <80K miles for that low price.
There are several sources for current prices - one I have had good luck with is AutoTrader.
Check it to get a ballpark idea of prices in your area (unless you are willing to travel to pick up the car).
Have it checked out by a good Lexus tech before buying it, and be aware of the (relatively few, but somewhat expensive) potential maintenance issues.

 

Thanks - I am def taking my time on this purchase. There were a few that came along but I wasnt $$$ ready.

Yeah I hear ya bro. The side curtains would be ideal but not a deal breaker in any way. If we find one with verifiable Lexus maitanence higher mileage wont scare me away either. My GS sold at 168k and my SC daily is just shy of 200k right now.

This will be my last big purchase for awhile so I just want to be completely happy with it. I found a few good sites for sourcing and yes I am def willing to fly out to the east coast for the right one. ^_^

 

I purchased my 06 ML a year ago with 28k on the clock. I did pay a LOT for it, but have no regrets-perfect car.
Find the one you want and have the windows tinted for the little ones! I gave my 97 LS400 to my daughter and son in law for reliable and safe transportation for their family. They used a pet blanket under the car seats to protect the leather-works GREAT! You will love your 430!

 

I do plan on tinting all the windows but with a lighter 35 or 40% ceramic tint. That way it will keep all of the actual heat out of the car without having to black out my windows. Cost a little more but i've had it before on another car and its a game changer in the summer heat.

I have car seat mats that act like a cuffed tray on the bottom and then like a shield for the top of the seats. They work really well at keeping the seats in shape free from any indentations of the actual car seat. But... Your tip might be better because there have been some spots that my lil girl claimed as her favorite targets.

If I have to hold out till aug/sep I will but then it'll be full pressure to make a move and thats what I'm trying to avoid. Baby is due Oct 3rd so I'd rather make a patient thoughtout purchase in June/July and hit all the fluids or anything that needs to be addressed. Sept/Aug will be crazy enough just getting the final touches at home all set.

**** side note - the other vehicle that was being considered but is no longer in the picture was a 2006-07 BMW 5 series. This would have been a selfish purchase with a hefty maitanence cost that I just don't wan to put my lil family through. Love the looks but every single post seemed like it was issue after issue... Trolled the forum and after a month of reading I was scared straight. I'd rather have reliability and comfort knowing that the LS will last 400k any day. Please don't disown me I never cheated I just looked

 

If maintenance costs for a concern, I'd stay away from the ultra luxury and it's air suspension. They are a big expense waiting to happen. I wanted the side shades too after having them on my 460, but didn't want to risk a possible huge expense with replacing those air shocks. I might be wrong, but I think they are about $1200 each.

 

I found the Custom Luxury to be just right. Just got 2005 with 54k miles and Lexus service records for $19,750 in Feb. for price comparison. One owner Central Florida. 32904

 

That's a pretty good deal for that car. Beats the hell out of a new 4 cylinder Camry for the same price.

 

750 each air shock + install for my local mechanic. I am very familiar with the $1200 per shock typical price though. I replaced my front 2 @ 123k on my '05.

 

Yes it seems that the side curtains will be out of our purchase. Since i will be eventually moving over to an airrex setup there is little to no sense in getting the UL trim. Given the few differences it would make my hunt a little easier with th UL set aside. The curtains were a wish list but i'm sure the kids will survive without um.

 

Good luck on your search...
I found my O4.. I think it's a CL about 1.5 years ago. Has the rear shade, NAV, parking assist, but no radar cruise.
Had 48K miles on it when I bought it.. one owner for $17.5 from the owner, not the dealer. Put the ceramic tint and and it looks great. This is in the DFW area.
Good luck with your search... you're starting early and time is on your side.

 

Both the CL and UL could be delivered either with or without DRCC. If the car was built with PCS, the DLCC system was replaced by DRCC, otherwise, it came with DLCC.

If you are curious about which package your car has, see the PDF doc in post #84 of the thread:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...y-package.html
It is in the FAQ stickies.