Updated 04+ Lexus LS: Worth the Price of Admission?
Does the added tech and better performance of the 2004-2006 Lexus LS justify the steep price difference over its predecessor?
Used car values can be a funny thing. Some cars are underrated and absolute bargains. Others, well, not so much. Enthusiasts can easily drive up the value of a particular model just as easily as its attributes can. And people’s preferences for cars like the updated 2004-2006 Lexus LS can drive prices so high it makes you wonder if its worth it.
So while shopping for a new ride, Club Lexus member Bhubb18 decided to do the logical thing and ask the folks in our forum if they think the costly upgrade to an 04+ Lexus LS is worthwhile.
“I currently drive a GS 300 and I’m looking to go even bigger and baller-er. I’ve been eyeing up LS 430s for a while now, been checking the forums daily, and seeing what cars are going for what price locally
Anyway, I was pretty set on a silver / grey / black 04 model with a black interior, but they seem to be going for 12k+ AUD.Today I spot a 01 LS 430, burgundy with black interior – 95K km, and cheaper than most! Given it’s the older model and it still has the same 5 speed as my GS 300, which isn’t the end of the world. What other features am I missing out on? Australian models seemed to not get the full range of options. Am I better off waiting for a more expensive facelifted model?”
As you might imagine, whether or not it’s worth upgrading to the newer LS is a matter of personal preference. The LS is a great car regardless, but as bloomwcjkl points out, it depends on which features are or aren’t important to you.
“My 01 (silver/black interior) doesn’t have rear parking sensors, backup camera, headlights that turn with you, cooled seats and probably a few other features. It has 16″ wheels instead of 17”.
None of that extra stuff interested me when I drove the 01 vs an 04 that was for sale.
The 01 had more miles, but it didn’t justify the $5k price difference. I went with the 01. I like that it is slightly lower tech, but still has the features I care about.
The 01 still drives like a dream. The previous owner had done front/rear brakes, plugs/wires, new tires, timing belt, synthetic oil change and then sold it to me.”
The lack of technology isn’t always a bad thing, either, as tallcaguy notes.
“Had an 01 Base. Great car and ultra reliable. Simple means (hopefully) fewer repairs. Can also upgrade the stereo easily w/ something high end that includes good NAV. The 5 speed is invisible. Those are the reasons I’d choose an 01-03. They are a real bargain.
I bought my 04 for the 6 speed, Sports Suspension, facelift and color combo. Manual shift, better gas mileage, feels faster, handles better. Now? The Smart Key is pretty cool. Back up cam IS useful. So are the sensors. ML audio a mixed blessing. Cooled seats useless. JMO but the 18’s look better. Same with design update but only an LS owner would notice the difference.
If you want a nice car, buy an 01-03 and upgrade. I plan to keep mine for years so paid extra to get pretty much exactly what I wanted.”
The 04+ Lexus LS isn’t just all about technology, of course. It also looks quite a bit more modern, which as FatherTo1 notes, can make the extra cost worthwhile.
“We went with an 06 for all the reasons tallcaguy stated. The 04-06 doesn’t look as dated as the 01-03, even to non-Lexus enthusiasts. I’d rather get an LS 400 than an 01-03 LS 430 if I couldn’t swing an 04+. The 01-03 provides a very comfortable ride, especially on 16s but it does lean a lot more in turns, which is expected. The 04-06 feels more planted and less floaty while still providing a supremely comfortable ride.”
In addition to more modern looks and tech, you get a bit more speed with the newer 3rd gen LS as well.
“After having three 04’s and one 01, I would say go for the 04-06,” lexusdog adds. “The look of the car as well as the 6 speed is well worth it. My 01 not only seemed slower but I g-teched all of the cars 0-60. The 01 was consistent 6.1-6.3 where as the 04’s were consistent at 5.6-.5.8. It doesn’t sound like much of a difference but it was noticeably to me. The parking sensors and the smart key were also a nice option that I grew accustom to as well.”
All of which are compelling reasons to choose either version of the 3rd generation Lexus LS. But we’re curious to know what you think about the two! Head on over here and chime in with your thoughts on whether you’re better off sticking with the bargain early cars or spending the extra cash for something a little newer.
