Lexushead

Needs your input for items to look for before I made my trip to test drive.
Top to bottom interests options (from Carguru within 150 miles of 55901)
2011 Lexus LS 460 AWD - $19,993 - can afford but........
2003 Lexus LS 430 RWD - $5,891 - Cheapest
2005 Lexus LS 430 RWD - $9,999 - Closest to me
2003 Lexus LS 430 RWD - $6,700 - In IA, 108 miles away but pictures looks nice.
Thanks.
PS, my last LS was 1992 LS400 which I let go many moons ago.

Johnhav430

I had thought that when considering a LS460, it should be a '13 or newer....

Do you happen to know the mileage of the vehicles you're considering? The only reason I like lower rather than higher, is there's a chance to do a tranny drain/fill. But it's generally thought that these vehicles can go 300k anyway...if everything is equal, I may be inclined to know more about the '03's based on price alone...

Daspyda

iTrader: (1)

'04 onward 430's have better engine/tranny...

Mbodall

There is a very thorough and exhaustive recent thread from someone here that has been debating between different year 430s and 460s, the pros and cons of the options and standard equipment within those years, as well as common problems with the 430 vs the 460. I, myself contributed a lot to that thread with a ton of info regarding the 430 vs the 460, and differences between the '01-'03 and '04-'06 430. Read through this thread and I'll bet it'll answer just about any and every question you have regard this...

Looking for my 1st Lexus 430...what year models are best?
Even though the thread title says he's just looking for 430s, again, the 460 is discussed ad-nauseam. Seriously. Take the time and read the whole thread. It's an absolute goldmine of information.

Lexushead

Thanks, I'll read thru that.

Bob04

Interesting. I know about the 6 speed tranny upgrade, but I always thoughts the engine was the same.

Johnhav430

Not 100% but I believe the engines are the same. When I began my search, I wanted '05's and not '06's, because the former had more HP and torque. Then I found the rating system had changed and the engines were the same....

2KHarrier

Minor ancillary differences between the years, almost not worth noting.

I noticed hardware around the AC compressor was slightly different between my 2001 and 2005. And there was something in the PVC line that was different as well. But the basic engine is the same.

Daspyda

iTrader: (1)

2003–2006[edit]

Designed through early 2002, the LS 430 update launched in September 2003 as a 2004 model.

The first radar (instead of previous lidar) sensor on a Lexus sedan allowed the new Dynamic RADAR Cruise Control to work in any weather conditions. The millimeter-wave radar technology also enabled the first Pre-Collision System (PCS) on a Lexus sedan (with partial autonomous braking only on the Japanese market Toyota Celsior version).[69] A "low-speed tracking mode" was added in 2004.[69] The low-speed tracking mode was a second mode that would warn the driver if the car ahead stopped and provide braking; it could stop the car but then deactivated.[89]

Introduced a new six-speed automatic transmission and revised styling.[90] The powerplant remained the same as before. Exterior changes included restyled front and rear fascias, light-emitting diode (LED) taillights, and different wheels.[90]

It debuted the first Lexus high-intensity discharge headlights for the high beam (Bi-Xenon), and also the first AFS adaptive curve headlights, which swiveled the projector headlamps in the direction of vehicle turns.

The interior received knee airbags, lighted rear-seat vanity mirrors, and new trim selections, including bird's eye maple wood.[48] New options included an updated navigation system, Bluetooth and a backup camera. A driver-programmable electronic key feature allowed the vehicle to detect the key fob in the owner's pocket and unlock the doors by touch.[91]

warminwisc

Ycur driving anywhere get "pictures of ANY defects" seats tires carpets closely. Any irregiular wear on tires, ask if there are any signs of repainted panels. Hold the salesman accountable, good luck they are getting to be old cars.

Bob04

I had forgotten all about that horsepower rating system fiasco.

XJSFan

The last year of a model year is usually the best. Try and find a late model 2006 LS with under 100K miles... Good luck in your decision...

Johnhav430

again this is me....if you can, get a 6/06 production as opposed to a 9/05 production (mine is a 2006 with a 9/05 production). Yes, I'm the type who if the milk says 7/25, or 8/1, I take the 8/1.

My buddy said he would take the older one to help the establishment rotate their stock. I say why should I do that....

4litre

iTrader: (1)

I would test drive both and make a decision from there.