Phil

Mine is on order, with UL, and the dealership cannot even tell me if there are ANY changes to the '02 430. I know they didn't make any changes to the body, but thought they may tweak this gadget, add that gadget, just SOMETHING to make it my worthwhile buying an '02. Anyone have any clue?

Thanks, Phil

WBP

Just took home a 2002 LS430 yesterday. I don't believe there are any changes for 02. They now have the 'custom luxury' package available, which is what I got.

I spent 2 months comparing cars, bmw740il, Q45, MB, etc. This is one great car....

Phil

WBP - Thanks for info. What is the difference between UL and Custom UL? Must get a little extra something in Custom?

If you don't mind, what did you pay for yours, out the door? I am wondering if I am really getting a good deal or not.

You gotta be one happy guy. I am just beside myself waiting for ours to come in!

Thanks. Phil

WBP

Hi Phil,

The 'Custom Luxury' package is a step down from the UL package. It basically includes everything except the back seat 'stuff'. I really didn't want all the back seat controls, massage, recline, etc. In '01 Lexus never built a 430 with 'custom' package (or at least that's what I was told). On the price, I paid $5000 off MSRP. It took a while to get that price and I didn't get it from the local dealer. I had to drive an hour and they told me that the main reason I got the discount was they were trying to steal business from the big dealer (that I went to first). I tried 3 other dealerships and they wouldn't touch the $5k off price on an '02. An '01 I think I could have gotten $7-8K off a UL package but the other dealerships were offering only modest (~$2K) off '02 models.

Hope this helps a bit.

Phil

WBP - Regarding the price, that is where I am at. The dealer (130 miles north of us, and the only other dealer in Oregon is 250 miles north) won't budge too much off MSRP. I am paying 70 + change (out the door) for 430, UL, Upgrade Interior, Chrome Wheels, Gold Package, Trunk Mat. I think that is it. A hell of a lot of $$$, but, then again, a hell of a lot of automobile. I bought a '90 LS 400 when then came out and had it for 5 years. This is my first one since then. I am so looking forward to it. They are just fantastic cars.

I also looked at other makes, Cadillac STS (would you believe it?), MB, and Q45. I could just about be happy with any of the three, but since I have had such a positive experience with Lexus, I gotta go back! One thing I look forward to upon getting it, is putting layer upon layer of Zaino on it. Trouble is, we ordered pearl white (wifes choice), so it won't shine up as good as a dark, like black cherry (that I wanted, but gave her her choice because she agreed on the Lexus : ) .

Enjoy your ride! I know you will.

Phil

WBP

Phil - i think the fact that I'm in the SF Bay area has helped on price. There is LOTS of competition here. I think there are 8 dealerships within 50-100 miles so it's easier to negoitate.....although I was very suprised to get much of a deal on a '02.

Hope you get yours soon....I've only had this car 2 days and absolutely LOVE IT... I really thought I was going to buy a BMW 740iL (or maybe 540i)....sort of caught up in the 'driving machine' stuff....but in the end I think I made the right decision. The ls430 doesn't handle, etc., as good as the bmw but I think I really like Japan's diffinition of luxury a bit more that Germany's.

ST430

Phil - ThHis is from Toyco's press release (seen on the front page of ClubLexus);:

Lexus’ flagship LS 430, which is the best-selling luxury sedan in its class, will have a 0.37 percent price increase of $200 for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $54,405. For 2002, the LS 430 is available in an additional color, Platinum Blue Metallic.

So there seems to be no discernable change besides the price and the availability of a new color.

WBP - Welcome aboard fellow Silicon Valley'ist! If you see a lowered Sport Edition Black on Black LS430 riding around the Bay, that's probably me! See you around!