IsraelRX

I read in a different forum that the LS suffers when it comes to resale value.
Can you guys confirm this?
Is it really that bad?
How much worst is it than say an S-Class or 7-series?

MikeP

You can check resale values at nada.com and kbb.com, but I'm pretty sure the LS has a higher retained value than either the S-Class or the BMW 7 Series.

Mike

vedro

That's not true. I've done some of my own research to see how LS models compares to the reset of the luxury sedan market than it come to the resale value. LS is the best than compared to BMW and Mercedes. I've looked at 2001 models for Lexus, BMW and Mercedes and compared 01 MSRP to the latest auction sales. On average German models depreciated by a half after three years of ownership, while LS dropped by 40%. I relied on Manheim auction prices as of August 2004, since Manheim is the largest car auction in the nation (Manheim's data is the most accurate since they provide prices of actual sales, unlike KBB and NADA, which provide hypothetical numbers).

For instance 2001 Models:
.................MSRP..............Manheim (as of Aug-04).........Down
LS430:....$54,205..........$32,100.................................... -40.8%
740I:........$62,900..........$30,200.................................... -52%
S430:......$70,800..........$36,500.....................................-48.4%

unrealii

Here's an article by usa today. http://www.usatoday.com/money/2004-02-24-residual.htm

It seems like the 7 series and teh s430 are in the same class as the LS

asleep

It really depends on whether you get the Ultra-Lux package or not. An LS430 with navigation(non-ultra) holds its' value as well as/better than any other luxury sedan.

cschow

What about Ultras? I'm guessing Ultras take a bigger hit on depreciation?

asleep

Yeah. The Ultra-Lux is an option package(darn expensive one ) and options tend to lose a disproportionately higher percentage of their value compared to the base.

unrealii

That is because it is probably not a popular option among used car buyers. I'm sure most people buying a used LS would want navigation, so the value of the navigation would depreciate less than the Ultra Lux package.

asleep

Agree. Pre-owned LS430s with navigation are bringing a good premium over non-navigation ones.

OneOfOne

well the ultra lux for 2001 cost 68 grand and I paid 39995 for mine.