jayclapp

Depend. Like all new technology gadgets, once you get used to them you can't live without them! In this case I would have a very hard time.

lexusdog

iTrader: (1)

You never know. My buddies dad has an 06 LS and a Corvette and said he beats the crap out of the LS more than he does the Vette. Just because they are older doesn't mean they don't like to step on it occasionally.

Yeah the smart key is just better for me. The key is not bad, but a bit antiquated at this point.

lexusdog

iTrader: (1)

Exactly. Well said!

tallcaguy

The problem w/ a smart key? LOL, now expect my other cars to unlock the same way! It's one of those "really don't need it" options but it sure is handy.

Johnhav430

depends what one is looking for, for me, when I still do searches, I don't do anything but 2006. The only reason imho to look for older of course is price. But I'm looking for that showroom quality which may or may not exist. I liked that one that was circulating, the CL with a custom dash (cherry was it?). Look closely at a well cared for car, and you see wear on the outside front seats, potential wear around the GPS screen, etc. Figure age is the enemy if one is looking for the aesthetics. If we agree these cars do 200k easily, and possibly well beyond and even 300k, if it's transportation one wants, it could be argued older is better due to price. Guess I feel I'm past looking for a $5k beater, $10k beater, etc., so I just filter out all but 2006....there's really no reason I should be looking, but I still do. If anything, I really should be looking for a brand new car, not another LS430....well, I'm starting to lose that bug of having more than 1, which is a good thing. It's sort of like buying things you think are good value, only to have them spoil or you never use them. How many cars can one person drive, right?

XJSFan

The last year of a model is usually the best... 2006 rules. LOL.

Johnhav430

I agree because there is an underlying assumption that these cars last forever....I don't think 300k is a given, but 200k is unless I'm wrong. Still, age like with anything else, is an enemy. 2006 is no spring chicken! Is a person looking for the nicest within reason, or something cheapest but usable, that would affect the decision. Let's face it I don't need another LS430, but if I happened to see a mint 2006 CL with that optional analine interior and not cherry, who knows, I might just take the money out of the bank and buy it, just have nowhere to put it....

warminwisc

I get tons of crud from my wife for collecting powder and all mountain skis. I gotta tell her it could be worse to collect LS's. lol. Interesting thing today about smart keys. Drove across town prolly 25-35mph maybe 7-8 miles to a local watering hole for a fish fry to meet my buddy. parked looked for my smart key to lock her up irritated walked behind the trunk to open passenger door to see if it slid off the seat and there the SOB key ring smart key was on top of my roof sunroof it had not moved since I left work and slid some weekend work into the passenger seat, whew lucky!!

Fish

iTrader: (26)

06 UL since there were only about 106 made?

LS430inDE.

LOL @ collecting LS's! I'm so with you. I find myself window shopping on Ebay all the time! I've been helping the GF shop for a new to her car. I suggested to her she gets an 06 LS, after selling her 06 Accord! She got pissed, although she LOVES driving the LS. We test drove numerous 2012+ ES 350's but all the talk & shopping has been put on hold since I'm taking such good care of her V6/leather Accord EX, even though it has 180k miles!

Warm-----can you imagine if the key slid off the sunroof!!!? As soon as you shut the LS off, it would have been parked there until you were able to get another key! That was a close one!!...although I'm sure you'd hear the key if it slid off to the left or right. If it slid back, you'd still hear it and it would hit the trunk, and if it slid forward, you'd SEE it, lol. Not saying that was an easy situation, but wow did you luck out!

So, my answer for which year is most desirable to have/buy for the Gen3 LS's would be 2006 Custom Luxury!

Johnhav430

Someone just mentioned getting a used '04 with 20k, and the transmission had been replaced per the service history....imho to not have any issues I would avoid 2004. One couldn't have known back then so what they hey if it needs a new tranny it needs it, but now one does, my .02.

tallcaguy

430's made from 7/29/03 - 1/1/04 were recalled for transmission replacement. Made during that time? Brand new transmission which is probably identical to an 05-06. If it's made after that, no history of transmission problems (other than a simple software reflash). Yes a really nice example of an 06 is the gold standard . However, there aren't many 430's w/ 20k miles! If it's an 04, it doesn't really make much practical difference.

Johnhav430

This is cool info, basically the beginning of the 2004 model year....I'd extend it all the way to the end. It's kind of like a Michelin recall where it covers certain weeks of production, which is bizarre. So if your tires are from week 33, not 32, your dry rot is ok? (this is true, not making it up)

The BMW 335i is like that with a subframe issue, 9/06-3/08. Personally, I wouldn't just go to 4/08 because they say so, I may skip until 9/08 when the 2009's started production, that's just me. It's hindsight in real life...

tallcaguy

I like my 04 but it's never shifted higher than 3nd gear. Redlines at 32 mph. Lousy gas mileage. Can only shop locally. Freeways aren't an option. Is this something a dealer did so I'd trade it for a 460? I hear there's a fancy software fix. Wonder if I'd have all 6 gears? Also when I put it in park, the car just rolls forward if it's on any kind of slope. I only park on level road. Maybe it's time to look for an 05-06

warminwisc

Ya had it slid onto the street off my roof I live 50 miles away and my wife was out of town. At least I was at the watering hole!! They have like 15-16 craft beers and 100 in bottles. Since then I actually drank my last beer getting too old to keep drinkin psoriatic arthritis asymptomatic A Fib, but cheers anyway!!!