e-man

Thanks for all the helpful replies guys. I read all of them, and really appreciate the input. I'll try to respond to a few of them in particular.

Sparky -- Grand_LS4 hit the nail on the head. There's an extra "something" associated with driving a "newer" used car, particularly an expensive one. I can't quite explain it in words, but here it goes. Basically, I'd feel funny about it because even though I bought the car used for less money than many people spend on a new car, there would be an assumption by most people (right or wrong) that you bought the car new, and an 04-06 LS costs around $65,000 new. I feel that people would look at me and wonder how I could afford a $65,000 car. In my company, I perceive that as a problem (even though it really might not be a problem). For some reason, I feel that the same reasoning would not apply with an 01 or 02. The truth is that most normal people probably couldn't tell the difference, but I could, and I guess that's all that matters.

Hey Henry. Long time no talk. Here's the million dollar question. Does the 04+ LS430 come in alpine silver? If not, I may find myself scouring the country for a low-mile 98 or 99 LS400. I'm sure you can you guess what color I won't be going with.

This is exactly my thinking. The 90k will cost around $1,500, and when you think of it, that's a small amount of money to spend to drive the car for basically as long as I want to. With most new cars (and high-end used ones), my monthly payment would be well over $500 a month, so the 90k service is basically 3 car payments. That's a small price to pay to drive the car for several more years. It will also buy me all the time I need to think through my options and make the right decision when the time comes.

Thanks Dave. That's the direction I'm leaning. I recently spent a nice chunk of change on new shocks and new tires for the 17s, so I'd like to get some bang for those bucks. Also, once I do the 90k, I'll want to get my money's worth there too. Realistically, I guess I would make the move 2 years from now (at the most), which would be January of 2009. At that time, the 04s will be 5 years old and the oldest year capable of still being certified.

Thanks again for everyone's input.

e

rominl

iTrader: (4)

lol, i knew you going to ask me. the 04+ i think they have the Mercury Metallic, which doesn't have the golden flake like the millennium silver anymore. i actually kind of like that silver (if i remember correctly)

e-man

Actually, I knew that already. I remember very well when the 04 LS came out in the new silver. I didn't know the name of the paint at the time, but it was clearly different from millennium and much more similar to alpine. Color definitely won't be a problem for me this time around. Phew.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

lol, good, don't make it a problem. we all remember how painful it was i am sure

HELLAFLUSH

iTrader: (1)

If you can afford the LS, get it!

DDLexus

Keep this in mind... your GS will depreciate a lot more when you hit the 100k mark on the odometer. At 90k miles you're not percieved as a "high milage" car. I'd say ditch the GS, save the $1500 maintenance and got an LS. If you want the '04 look, you'll compromise on the options due to your budget contraints. You could get a fully loaded Ultra with lower miles. This would keep you from spending too much.

Keep in mind, you can modify an '01-'03 LS to make it look more like the '04+. Here are a few tips...
1. Add some $30 exhaust tips
2. Buy some aftermarket tail lamps ($300)
3. Buy some eye brows for the headlamps that give the lights a more angled look.
4. possibly add some different wheels (5 spoke)

Other than thatm you'll be set for $5k-$10 less money. Right?

Good luck. I moved from a 1998 Pearl White GS400 to my 2001 LS430 few years ago. I drove the GS until it hit 86k miles and then sold for $18k. I plan to sell my LS this year (approaching 80k miles) and I'll probably get a Porsche. Lexus has been a great car to own with few problems.