Hello members, I’m currently deciding on which LS430 to purchase and need some help I have my choice down to 2. 2002 ultra luxury $6k 101k miles. The other 2005 I’m not sure what package it is but it has backup camera, Bluetooth, Navi, keyless entry for 8k 100k miles. Can you guys help me on choosing? Thanks!

 

2005 hands down

 

Assuming they're equally maintained and all other factors remain the same, I'd opt for the 2005. The 2004+ cars are vastly improved including the six-speed automatic (better fuel mileage) and a bunch of little touches that all add up in the end. Keep in mind we're still talking about cars that are 13 years old at the minimum, but I find the little bits and bobs of the 04-06 cars help make it feel less dated.

 

If you have access to the VIN you can enter it on https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers and see what packages it has. I'd go with the latter too as long as the record is clean.

 

Given the OPs choices, 2005.

Honestly as a general rule, newer is better as even the newest possible LS430 would have been made 6/06, with the majority of 2006's 9/05. So even using 6/06, the cars are coming up on 13 y.o., at the newest, or more likely, a 2006 is 13.5 y.o. So a 2005 is 14.5 y.o., and so on...2002 17.5 y.o. Would anybody really want to spend 6k on a 17.5 y.o. car unless it's a classic? Carfax is pretty harsh for values, but that's what I would start with if buying, meaning as a buyer, I want the harsh numbers. As a seller, of course, I want the inflated numbers we see online....my .02

 

Assuming that the condition of the cars is comparable, the only way the 2002 would be preferable is if the air suspension has been replaced (either by conventional or new air) and the 2 grand price difference is critical to you.

 

Make sure you factor what sort of 'life' each of the potential choices has led. Lots of factors, check the service records.
I would recommend the 05, it's what I drive and I love it. Mines a UL and I really like the air suspension, no issues. The car truly wakes up handling wise when I flip that switch. Others state they feel no difference at all on their cars. I assume they have problems, my wife does not even like to drive and the 2nd thing she does when she drives the LS is flipping the switch to sport. First thing is pushing the 2 button on the door, so she can reach the pedals.

We hear of lots of issues with air suspension, in my opinion there are lots more that have no issues. No one complains when it works.

 

Can’t be said enough. Work history and records. #1 deciding factor for any purchase even more so than a car that has low mileage without records. I just looked at an 05 LS430 with no records that was an absolute rag and had only 72,000 miles. Needed everything! What a pig! Work history and records!!!!

 

The two best used cars I have purchased both had excellent and very complete service records. My LS was serviced every 5 K without fail. My old Porsche 928 also had excellent records, and was relatively trouble free. I just did my first oil change, I never seen cleaner oil at a change interval.

 

I have a 200 ultra luxury and would opt for the 2005 if both equally maintained.

 

You cant go wrong either way. I have a 2001 UL it currently have 151K, and I have NEVER had 1 problem with it. but the 2005 has a some more up to date technology and gadgets that were not available in 2002. So the 2005 would be my choice.