I'm not new to Lexus, but I don't currently own one. In the past I had an SC300, GS400 and LS400. Since I sold my LS400 in 2000, I have bought a couple of other cars and now want to return to Lexus.

I have been negotiating for an '04 LS430 with Smart Access and Premium Package with an MSRP of $58,599. I can buy the car for $54,650. The car is due at the dealer's on June 26, but I am wondering if I shouldn't wait for an '05. While I think the price for the '04 is good for mid year, I'm wondering if it's not low enough for the end of the year. What do you think? If I decide to buy an '05, how much over dealer's invoice would be reasonable to pay? I also want to drive an LS430 with the Euro suspension to compare it to the standard setup. Can anyone give me some feedback on that issue?

Thanks for any feedback you can give.

Mike

 

Hi there

I think you can get more feedback by going to www.edmunds.com

You need to create an ID name and password before using their forums.

I am currently driving a 2004 GS300. Two to three years from now, I would like to buy an LS430 (hopefully a new model will be out by then).

I drove my grandfather's LS430 and it is like being inside a five-star hotel.

Good luck with your purchase.

-Donald

 

I'm not sure about the pricing question, but I would assume that your would get a better price at year end on a 2004 model than you would now. With all of the changes from 2003 to 2004, you wouldn't expect there to be much difference between a 2004 and 2005.

I have the Modern Luxury model with the Euro Tuned Suspension. I found the drive to be much more to my liking than the standard suspension. The car is cetainly somewhat harsher over bumps, but not uncomfortably so. It has much less roll while cornering than the standard suspension and that is what made up my mind for me. The ETS cars also have 18" wheel with five spokes vs. the standard six.

The bottom line on the suspension is that you have to drive cars with each before making a decision and see which one you like more.

Good luck with whatever you decide. You won't go wrong with an LS 430 in any configuration.

 

wait til the end of the year if you can (easier said than done when you have something in your mind that you want), but it will payoff as you've suggested.

 

i don't think there is going to be any major changes on 05, so if the price for 04 is good i would just stick with it. i don't think you will get more price break with the 05

 

I saw this post at Edmunds.com and thought it may be of interest:

"Got a list of changes for 2005. For the LS the first arrivals (in port, not at dealer) will be 9/7. Only changes will be 18" wheels and tires for all configurations, and the availability of all season tires for 18" rims.
No change except pebble beach edition to SC, no changes at all to LX.
Big addition of options and accessories to ES (arriving 8/4)
new engine 270HP VVTi and sport package for GX (12/8)
RX gets 4th GEn Nav w/bluetooth, HID and AFS packaged topgether but separate from sport pkg, dropped Black Forrest/Gray and Blue Mica/Black (9/2)"

Mike

 

mike

i am in auto business..and i am expressing this based on LA's retail scene(which is one of the most competitive in the usa)..with the price that you are quoted for an 04, you might as well get the 05. not sure what kind of pricing your dealers have; but the 04 that willl arrive in June will take a cost hit in several months

 

mike you gotta trust this guy, he knows what he's talking about

 

I really do appreciate the advice. I had come to the conclusion that maybe in mid-year, the price I was quoted was reasonable, but not at the end of the model year. Thanks for confirming that for me. I figured the discount on the '04 would have to be at least $6-6500 for me to consider it. The dealer wanted no part of that, so I walked and will wait until the '05 arrives.

Mike

 

no problem..and romi, thank you for the kind words

 

MikeP, that is great information. Thanks!