LS430 2004-6 newbie buyers help/advice?
02-07-07, 07:31 PM
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LS430 2004-6 newbie buyers help/advice?
I am new to this forum and have recently started to look for an 04-06 LS430 with plans to buy no earlier than 6+ months from now during which time I get more familiar with what I'm looking at. I hope that this is not a redundant post but I'd appreciate advice/input from owners (or lookers) of the last generation LS430 to help me, ahem, choose wisely:
*Is there any substantive differences between the 04, 05 and 06 MY?
*Are there any particular issues or quirks of the last gen LS430?
*Are there any colors, interior or option combinations that are uncommon, more expensive or limited to ONE model year 04-06?
*How would I check the Navi DVD version in a particular vehicle?
*While I realize that it's only a WAG, what is the approximate spread between a base LS, a Navi LS, a ML LS and an Ultra? in other words, is a navi worth $2k more or $4k more over a base and is an ultra $5k or $10k over a base? assuming values for 04-06 right now at this point in time...
*Any CPO feedback? The lexus CPO has some potential downside to me as it is non-transferable and runs for 3 yrs from purchase date (or 100k) so I'd guess that the best idea would be a low mileage vehicle that is near the end of the original 4 year lexus warranty in order to have ~3 years of coverage.
*What oil change intervals are being used since the factory recommended oil is organic (not synthetic); 5k, 7.5k or when the oil service light comes on?
*Is there a way to check for service history with VIN thru Lexus prior to purchase?
I live in Houston and see lots of black, silver and some white LS and less of all other colors. My local dealers seem to be more expensive than other Texas dealers and I wonder if I should broaden my search to other sunbelt / saltfree states or are there places I should avoid, like Katrina Autoplex in New orleans. Any reasonable advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
*Is there any substantive differences between the 04, 05 and 06 MY?
*Are there any particular issues or quirks of the last gen LS430?
*Are there any colors, interior or option combinations that are uncommon, more expensive or limited to ONE model year 04-06?
*How would I check the Navi DVD version in a particular vehicle?
*While I realize that it's only a WAG, what is the approximate spread between a base LS, a Navi LS, a ML LS and an Ultra? in other words, is a navi worth $2k more or $4k more over a base and is an ultra $5k or $10k over a base? assuming values for 04-06 right now at this point in time...
*Any CPO feedback? The lexus CPO has some potential downside to me as it is non-transferable and runs for 3 yrs from purchase date (or 100k) so I'd guess that the best idea would be a low mileage vehicle that is near the end of the original 4 year lexus warranty in order to have ~3 years of coverage.
*What oil change intervals are being used since the factory recommended oil is organic (not synthetic); 5k, 7.5k or when the oil service light comes on?
*Is there a way to check for service history with VIN thru Lexus prior to purchase?
I live in Houston and see lots of black, silver and some white LS and less of all other colors. My local dealers seem to be more expensive than other Texas dealers and I wonder if I should broaden my search to other sunbelt / saltfree states or are there places I should avoid, like Katrina Autoplex in New orleans. Any reasonable advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
02-07-07, 07:54 PM
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Welcome! I'll try to share what knowledge I have. Other members - please correct any mistakes I make here.
There is no difference between 04-06. Best source of info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_LS
Consumer Digest shows some minor differences in areas between 04-06. Everything is "Excellent" across the board except for the following:
2004 - Transmission is Good
2004 - Fuel System is Very Good
2004 - Electrical System is Very Good
2004 - Climate System is Very Good
2004 - Body Hardware is Very Good
2004 - Power Equipment is Good
2004 - Audio System is Very Good
2005 - Electrical System is Very Good
2005 - Power Equipment is Good
2005 - Audio System is Very Good
2006 - Excellent for ALL
Interior color combo question - not sure - others can probably answer better
Modern, Luxury and Ultra Luxury (AFAIK) all have Nav. No need to "check" it. It's either there or it's not.
Most use Synthetic (as do I). Even with Synth it's good to change every 3-5K.
Good question on asking about service history. CarFax sometimes shows this, but the best way is to probably call your local dealer and get buddy buddy with the manager and have him look the car up via VIN.
Good luck with your search!
There is no difference between 04-06. Best source of info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_LS
Consumer Digest shows some minor differences in areas between 04-06. Everything is "Excellent" across the board except for the following:
2004 - Transmission is Good
2004 - Fuel System is Very Good
2004 - Electrical System is Very Good
2004 - Climate System is Very Good
2004 - Body Hardware is Very Good
2004 - Power Equipment is Good
2004 - Audio System is Very Good
2005 - Electrical System is Very Good
2005 - Power Equipment is Good
2005 - Audio System is Very Good
2006 - Excellent for ALL
Interior color combo question - not sure - others can probably answer better
Modern, Luxury and Ultra Luxury (AFAIK) all have Nav. No need to "check" it. It's either there or it's not.
Most use Synthetic (as do I). Even with Synth it's good to change every 3-5K.
Good question on asking about service history. CarFax sometimes shows this, but the best way is to probably call your local dealer and get buddy buddy with the manager and have him look the car up via VIN.
Good luck with your search!
02-08-07, 06:49 AM
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What about AUX input and SAT radio?
Just to clarify about the NAVI - is there a way to check the VERSION of the software on the DVD (trunk mounted) via the screen? I kinda get which cars have the NAVI and which don't but how can you verify that you have the latest DVD??
Does the LS come with AUX/Ipod input? I have used Denison Ice*Link in my BMW - any similar aftermarket interfaces?
What about SAT radio - I prefer XM or am I limited to Sirius for a 'factory-like' install?
Does the LS come with AUX/Ipod input? I have used Denison Ice*Link in my BMW - any similar aftermarket interfaces?
What about SAT radio - I prefer XM or am I limited to Sirius for a 'factory-like' install?
02-08-07, 07:39 AM
#4
Just to clarify about the NAVI - is there a way to check the VERSION of the software on the DVD (trunk mounted) via the screen? I kinda get which cars have the NAVI and which don't but how can you verify that you have the latest DVD??
Does the LS come with AUX/Ipod input? I have used Denison Ice*Link in my BMW - any similar aftermarket interfaces?
What about SAT radio - I prefer XM or am I limited to Sirius for a 'factory-like' install?
Does the LS come with AUX/Ipod input? I have used Denison Ice*Link in my BMW - any similar aftermarket interfaces?
What about SAT radio - I prefer XM or am I limited to Sirius for a 'factory-like' install?
Shawn
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