Does anyone know what the changes are for 2005?
How much of a discount do you need to get on a 2004 to make it worth not waiting for a 2005?
I usually keep a car 1-2 years.

 

If you only keep 1-2 years, it almost always makes better sense to buy the newer model year car. The depreciation at the end (of a 3 year car) will be more than the savings upfront (versus what will become a 2 year car).

On the other hand, if you keep a car until the wheels fall off, it's the other way around...the savings upfront will offset any miniscule difference between an 8 year old vehicle with 100,000 miles or a 7 year old vehicle with 100,000 miles.

 

quote:

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Originally posted by MikeP
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."

 

Burk:
May I know where you got the info that the only change for 2005 LS430 is only about the wheel/tires? I searched thru edmunds.com and couldn't find anything.

I too am trying to make a decision whether I should wait for a 2005. What changes or new in 2004? Any changes in price? When can it be delivered? Any room for discount or I have to pay MSRP??

Or when 2004 was out last year, when did they release the info and when did the first shipment make it to the customer? Any discount off MSRP?

 

DEREKC:
I was just quoting what MikeP had posted elsewhere in the forum. Try posing your question to him. Good luck!

 

Scott-
Try a free email subscription to http://www.autospies.com - They usually have information & pictures of cars before they come out for the new model year. I was able to view pictures of the Toyota "Celsier" which is what they call the LS in Japan.

The website listed out all of the new changes even before the dealer received the information. I helped out my dealer's sales manager and provided him the info I found on autospies.com -

With all the changes & additions to the '04 LS, at the same cost as the '03, I heard the only difference to the '05's will be wheels & tires and maybe a few additional colors to choose from.

Raja

 

Prior to buying my '04 LS430, I was undecided whether I should wait for the '05 models also. My main concern was resale value in 3 years, which is when I plan to trade. I compared the current resale values of an '01 LS430 and an '02 LS430 and saw there is about a $4500 difference. I used the '01 & '02 to estimate what an '04 & '05 would be worth in 3 years. I figured if I could buy the '04 for $4500 less than the '05, the overall cost of ownership would be the same.

As for the changes for the '05 LS430, my salesman said he checked with Lexus NA and was told 18" wheels would be available as an option without the Sport Package. He also said there could be an estimated 3% increase in MSRP. I was told the dealers should have more information by mid to late August and the '05 models should start arriving at the dealers around mid to late September. Because of the price I was offered for the '04, the potential increase in MSRP of the '05 and the possible reduction in the value of my trade, I decided to buy the '04. Good luck in your decision.

Mike

 

If you only plan to keep it 1-2 years, get the 05, the depreciation of the 04 is likely to more than offset the lower initial price you pay for a 04 instead of a 05.

 

Correct me if i'm wrong but isn't the LS going to be remodeled in 06??

 

Total redesign due in the fall of '06 as a '07 model.

 

Brickhead

I just sent you a PM

 

MikeP:
Bought your LS430 yet?? I read your other postings and both you and I are on the same boat - debating whether to wait for a 05. I did some test-drive and talked to my local dealerships here in Northern California and I learned some news. The 2005 will be there in three weeks - around the first week on Sept. There is no change at all except the 18" rim option will be available for even non-sport version. There is a $300 price increase. Dealerships already stop getting the 2004 and I called a few places and they have only 1 or 2 in stock.
One thing I want to point out. Assuming the options and mileage are the same, a 2001 LS is about $2500 cheaper than a 2002. You mentioned $4500 difference. I think you didn't include the mileage adjustment when looking at the value on kbb or edmunds.
If that is true, and dealership will need not give good discount on the 05's, then 05 should be over $5k more than the 04 model as of today (Mid August), then it makes sense to go with a 2004, don't you think??

I am getting the UN package (UL plus the Precollision that they force us to have in Northern CA) and I am waiting for their answer for my offer of $63000 ($69K+ out the door). Is that a good price? Did you buy yours yet??

Anyone who bought your 2004 LS last year around August/Sept time frame? May I know how much you paid for yours??

 

MikeP:
I reread your last posting. Looks like you bought it. That is a good decision. I am sure you are enjoy this world's best car.
Derek

 

As you saw, I did buy an '04 on 7/26. I don't think I got an extremely good price, but I do think it was a fair one. My car had an MSRP of $58,600 and I bought it for $54,000. Waiting for the '05 models had too many risks for me. I knew there was going to be a price increase, but didn't know how much. I also figured my trade could be worth a little less by the time the '05 arrived. The dealer had the exact car I wanted and if I held out until my salesman got specific information on the '05 models, I might not have been able to get the exact '04 I wanted if that was my decision.

After owning the car for a month now, I am real happy with my decision. The car is an absolute dream and the dealer has been terrific to work with. In my opinion, there's nothing that comes close to the refinement, comfort and performance, all in the same package, as the LS430. It won't be a bad decision whether you decide to buy the '04 or '05. Either way, you'll end up with a car that will pleasently surprise you each time you drive it.

Mike

 

Right.
Lexus or walk. I am with you.