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Just though I would say hi! I traded in my Mazdaspeed3 today for a 2004 LS430 Ultra Luxury with 99,000 miles. It is in very good condition and had quite a bit of the maintenance (including timing belt at 90k) done at Lexus/Honda dealers. I guess I have finally outgrown the my ricerboi days and wanted something a little smoother riding than my MS3 with a somewhat harsh suspension. This is a bit of a transition! This thing is glorious. I dont mind driving it a little slower (even though its not much slower than my mazda) because its so darn comfortable to be in. The interior is VERY nice. The last owner apparently had the drivers seat reupholstered though it looks stock so I dont know where they had it done so well and all the other seats look almost unsat in. So far everything seems to be in good working order other than the steering tilt motor which is failing. I will get it in position and probably just leave it so I am not real worried about that honestly. Anyways, hello to everyone!
Just though I would say hi! I traded in my Mazdaspeed3 today for a 2004 LS430 Ultra Luxury with 99,000 miles. It is in very good condition and had quite a bit of the maintenance (including timing belt at 90k) done at Lexus/Honda dealers. I guess I have finally outgrown the my ricerboi days and wanted something a little smoother riding than my MS3 with a somewhat harsh suspension. This is a bit of a transition! This thing is glorious. I dont mind driving it a little slower (even though its not much slower than my mazda) because its so darn comfortable to be in. The interior is VERY nice. The last owner apparently had the drivers seat reupholstered though it looks stock so I dont know where they had it done so well and all the other seats look almost unsat in. So far everything seems to be in good working order other than the steering tilt motor which is failing. I will get it in position and probably just leave it so I am not real worried about that honestly. Anyways, hello to everyone!
Welcome aboard! As many on here have experienced, you will find the ownership experience to be a little different that what you may be used to. Car looks very nice and it's always a plus to get good service history.
Last edited by 2KHarrier; May 21, 2016 at 05:34 AM.
Welcome to the club and yes, quite a difference from the Mazda line. I keep the Miata for when I want complete top down and fast corners, but the Lexus is the noble ride of choice.
Congrats on the low mileage find and appears to have been well cared for.
I upgraded my stock stereo to a new head unit in my 04. If you have the plain jane stereo like me, you need a special adapter. Ping me if you need the details down the road (pun intended).
Also for the steering, I think you can grease the mechanism to help it along.
Hi. I'd appreciate details on where to get the special adapter. Tx
I dont have specifics here at work. But you need to find the Beatsonic adapter to the car. Its pricey at $250 but its the ONLY way the stock amp and stereo will work-2004 specific. So get that (its crimp and play).
Then you need an adapter extender ?15 feet, it goes across to passenger side and to the trunk (see youtube to remove back seat). You also need the antenna adapter (Metra) that plus into the fin on the roof.
Theres a Metra install kit with the bezel and picket to replace the CD player.
I bought a Pioneer AVIC 5000. I love it but its not Appleplay wireless ready.
Also buy a set of nylon car interior tools to avoid tearing up your panels.
Somehow I think any Lexus LS430 could outrun any Mazda Miata. Slam the accelerator on your Lexus some time and see what I mean.
I think it would take all stock Miata's for sure. My MS3 had similar power to the Lexus but was considerably lighter. 0-60 is still pretty close though. From what Ive seen online the LS430 appears to have slightly more top end though. Mostly what Im giving up is cornering and agility, but eh, I got motorcycles for that.
Congrats and hope you like the new ride. I have an '04 with 235k miles (bought in 2008 with 70k miles) - it runs exactly the same today as it did when I bought it. Just do the regular maintenance and it will treat you well. If you have a Toyota dealership in your area, consider taking it there to save some $$ on labor costs- especially for routine things (it's Toyota parts anyway). I am lucky that 2 mechanics at my local Toyota dealership are Lexus platinum certified mechanics, so I have done "bigger" repairs there and saved a fortune compared to Lexus pricing.
Our 2004 LS UL is possibly our last car. We also have an SC430 for weekend rides but for long haul cruising the LS is magnificent. I also refuse to give up my adaptive air suspension. I'll eat the repairs, it's worth it (and so far I've had no significant issues).
New 2004 LS430 Owner
