Which year is prefered for LS430, 2004-2005-2006?
05-20-17, 03:59 AM
#3
depends on what you want. most for the money would be a low mileage '03, more reliable than '04-'05. the 2006 are the best, but are priced that way. if I was looking for a bargain I would seek a well maintained 1 owner 2003. if money is no object then get a 2006 UL.
05-20-17, 04:36 AM
#4
Moderator
I concur. 06 models are the zenith of the 3rd Gen cars, but a clean 2003 would give you the most reliability due to it's more simplistic features.
05-20-17, 10:17 AM
#5
Much as I like my 04 (improved look, shiftable 6 speed, Sport better MPG), agree w/ an well maintained '03. Much cheaper but still a great car. Premium has useful options (better leather, parking sensors for instance). No Nav! Can upgrade the stereo w/o spending a fortune. Add better phone, sound quality, better NAV and (w/ Sony) better resolution. My 01 was bulletproof reliable.
05-20-17, 11:07 AM
#6
Seriously what is your budget?? Under a 100 k miles with a proven history you can't go wrong with any 04-06. I have been on this forum well too long and I see no extra repairs on 06's versus 04's and I would get a LS with the 04 and up upgrades. Having said that a well maintained 01 is gonna be more reliable than poorly maintained 06.
I have put 250k miles on 2 04's only real problems where a wheel bearing on ea 04. So my sub went but same sub on 04-06. Only makes sense the newer the LS the better but I think yur splitting hairs.There where few if any changes from 04-06 and the 04 updrade is what you should be looking for if ya have up to 12-15$ to spend to get one with like 80k miles if ya wanna look for a while. You can find em cheaper but thats about what you can expect tot pay for a solid one or two owner LS. My last 2 I was fortunate to be able to call prevoius owners which is a real bonus. I like buying from private party with a handfull of receipts and take it to the Lexus dealer they used for an inspection. Pretty **** I am but never take one in the shorts that I regret buying.
I have put 250k miles on 2 04's only real problems where a wheel bearing on ea 04. So my sub went but same sub on 04-06. Only makes sense the newer the LS the better but I think yur splitting hairs.There where few if any changes from 04-06 and the 04 updrade is what you should be looking for if ya have up to 12-15$ to spend to get one with like 80k miles if ya wanna look for a while. You can find em cheaper but thats about what you can expect tot pay for a solid one or two owner LS. My last 2 I was fortunate to be able to call prevoius owners which is a real bonus. I like buying from private party with a handfull of receipts and take it to the Lexus dealer they used for an inspection. Pretty **** I am but never take one in the shorts that I regret buying.
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05-20-17, 11:54 AM
#8
I just spent 20 minutes on the phone with this fella. Been for sale since February, t belt not done but water pump was, go figure that but solid older guy. Totally believe the guy it is without problems with regular service at Toy or Lexus dealers. Wife bumped into something backing out of driveway professionally repaired only accident. Funny guy also has a Touareg TDI like I do pretty rare cars. I did not talk price at all good luck with whatever u find.
05-20-17, 02:45 PM
#10
My comments were for someone with a small budget. Give me an 04-06 ML any day. Agree should be around 100k and full service history. Smart key, back up cam, parking sensors are great. Yeah ML stereo will cost money at some point (rebuild amp, blown sub if you replace). Maybe NAV screen. I looked at many private sales. Nothing good. Bought mine at a dealer (13k) after checking Lexus Driver's. Found it was a 1 owner, 100% dealer service car. Agree private purchase from actual owner is the best. Bought mine w/ 102k. It's the only car (and I've owned many) that I drive just for fun.
05-21-17, 07:54 PM
#12
Any 01-06 that has been well maintained and serviced can be a winner. I've seen 01s in better condition to a 2006. Mieage aside, it all has to do with how well maintained these cars are. ALL OF THESE CARS HAVE THE SAME BONES. Yes the 04-06s have bluetooth and back up cameras and upgraded headlights etc......however with regards to reliability....they are all excellent cars and one year is not superior to another other than upgrades and added equipment. All are superior cars. Pick any year and you may very well get a winner if you do your research.
05-21-17, 08:06 PM
#13
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...delCode1=LS430
East cost car but a camry XLE will cost ya prolly 5500. Alot of addons mentions regular servcie no mention of one owner.
East cost car but a camry XLE will cost ya prolly 5500. Alot of addons mentions regular servcie no mention of one owner.
05-24-17, 08:03 AM
#14
I have had both an 01 LS and an 04 LS at the same time. My personal preference is the 04-06 model. It has better power than the 01 with the 6 speed transmission, and the smart key option is hard to live without. When I drove the 01 I always hated the fact that I had to use my key to get in and out of the car and trunk. With the 04-06, your keys stay in your pocket all the time. Parking sensors are also standard on the 04-06 and have kept my bumpers scratch free.
As long as the car has been maintained properly, one with over 100k will drive identical to one with under 100k.
Also in terms of acceleration, I have tested both the 01 and the 04 with a Gtech pro, and the 04 was about .5 seconds quicker 0-60 with a good amount more torque at the start.
5.7 vs 6.2. Both of these cars have over 100k miles as well.
As long as the car has been maintained properly, one with over 100k will drive identical to one with under 100k.
Also in terms of acceleration, I have tested both the 01 and the 04 with a Gtech pro, and the 04 was about .5 seconds quicker 0-60 with a good amount more torque at the start.
5.7 vs 6.2. Both of these cars have over 100k miles as well.
05-24-17, 05:51 PM
#15
I have had both an 01 LS and an 04 LS at the same time. My personal preference is the 04-06 model. It has better power than the 01 with the 6 speed transmission, and the smart key option is hard to live without. When I drove the 01 I always hated the fact that I had to use my key to get in and out of the car and trunk. With the 04-06, your keys stay in your pocket all the time. Parking sensors are also standard on the 04-06 and have kept my bumpers scratch free.
As long as the car has been maintained properly, one with over 100k will drive identical to one with under 100k.
Also in terms of acceleration, I have tested both the 01 and the 04 with a Gtech pro, and the 04 was about .5 seconds quicker 0-60 with a good amount more torque at the start.
5.7 vs 6.2. Both of these cars have over 100k miles as well.
As long as the car has been maintained properly, one with over 100k will drive identical to one with under 100k.
Also in terms of acceleration, I have tested both the 01 and the 04 with a Gtech pro, and the 04 was about .5 seconds quicker 0-60 with a good amount more torque at the start.
5.7 vs 6.2. Both of these cars have over 100k miles as well.
I agree, The main reason I am looking for the 04-06 is the refresh. However, I'm finder it getting fairly hard to find a real nice one as these cars are really begginning to age, and repairs are costly. I already know what I have after the last 8 years and what I have repaired. I just know my car well. Buying another 13 year old+ car is a coin toss regardless of the LS430 heritage. Old is old, and rubber, and plastics, start cooking. You never know what's around the corner with the next repair. If I find in my travels an exceptional car fine, otherwise I might keep this car to my last days if it makes it. Peace of mind when you know what you have. Otherwise it can be a Pandora's box.
Last edited by Bocatrip; 05-25-17 at 02:25 PM.