i was just wondering if anyone else has has to make this decision. I am leaning between each one. I like the ammenities offered in the ultra luxury package, but is the 6 speed woth the extra money over the 5 speed? The body lines are also a little more appealing on the 04, but I'm not sure if i will miss the features of hte ultra lux pacake. Best case situation is that i find a 2004 with the ultra lux package in my price range.

The point of this thread is to get people's opinion on what they would choose in the same situation, and hopefully get input from someone who was in the same situation and what factors influenced them one way or the other. I'm looking to spend under $30k if possible and since htese cars seem reliable at high mileage, mileage isnt really an isue, but reasonable miles are perfered.

 

Tough decision, and comes down purely to personal choice. If you don't need the extra gadgets... then buy an '04. Ask yourself if your really need the rear seat controls (which I've yet to enjoy ) or the suede headliner.

I personally love the projectors on the '04, and the smart key over many of the features found on the ultra. So if you ask me, headlights + 6speed + smartkey + forth gen navi and blue tooth, backup camera are better then a pre-04 Ultra.

Make sure the '04 you look at has the smart key... they didnt all come with it.

 

Everything GrandLS4 said I agree with. Search for an 04 that was made in 2004, not fall 2003. There were a couple of recalls for the early 04 models.

On top of everything else mentioned, you'll have a car that's THREE years newer. The 01 is now 6 years old - why sink 25k-30k into a car that old? I'd pay no more than $23k for a average miled Ultra 01.

 

would go for the 04,,

ultra is nice but yet to enjoy all those extras,,

with what I know now if I could have selected only certain items in the Ultra package I would have eliminated several but they all came as a package,,

 

For me, this is not an easy decision. The 04 body definitely looks a lot better and the fact that it is much newer than the 01 make it very attractive. But after owning the 02 LS430 non-UL for about a year, I sure do wish I have backup camera. I also wish I have the rear seat controls as I, from time to time, have people sitting in the rear seats. And the color of the UL wood trim looks better than the non-UL's.

ฺีBut I'd go for the '04... just because it's newer, looks better and have less chance of expensive maintenance charges...

 

I went through this same thing when I was trying to figure out what I wanted. I came to the decision that seems to be the way that people are going, the 04. I just decided that the extras on the Ultra were something that I would never use much and the air suspension was something that I did not want to hassle with if it every had a problem. But the extras on the 04 will be something that I will use.

 

Bottom line is a no brainer....if you can get a 04 for the money you are looking to spend, get the 04. If you only have a certain amount working with, get the 01 ultra. Everyone can give you an opinion (I would like to trade up to a 05 or 06, but will wait till money is right and go for a 07) but at the end of the day, they are not giving you money to purchase the 04. Do what your heart, mind, and wallet tells you.

Be patient....that is also important!!!!