Suneet

I'm looking at two cars:

04 LS430 with 75K miles, $22K
02 LS430 with 50K miles, $22K

Which would you buy? What improved in the 04 besides bluetooth and the 6spd tranny and some styling?

AutoCoutureSC

iTrader: (8)

both the same price? get the 04 no doubt.

Tee

Ditto!

I love my 04, i think you will enjoy the added features and 6 speed tranny.

JemmyTran

I have an 01 and now want an 04. its a big difference

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

04 all the way!!!!!

airtime

Got to get the 04. 25k miles difference is not really that much if you intend to keep the car for a while. Newer years in most cases always trumps the older.

LSGarry

Yes, but why is the asking price the same for both cars?? Perhaps the history of each car should be checked first to confirm that there have not been any accidents etc. with the cars. I'm suspicious of a newer car with such a low asking price. The '02 price seems about right but not for the '04 even with the additional miles.

SH212

the 02 is a little bit high if you ask me,
but you also have to look at what kind they are
being the 02 can be UL and the 04 not

but i would definitly take the 04 being that front end is much nicer than the 01-03 and also with these lexus mileage deosnt even matter

i would love the 04 but im only 17 years old and dad says im spoiled enough driving a lexus cause back in the day he had to drop out just to help his dad pay for food ( and then the speech begins!!!!!!!)

rominl

iTrader: (4)

on the 04 make sure on the nav software upgrade and the tranny ecu upgrade, that's the problem i have with 04

for the price, i think 04 makes a lot more sense

ErseOne

Different dealers? Colors? Did you drive either one? Like someone stated before, did you check carfax? GL

TRC

If the 04 has a navigation system, then it will also have a backup camera, and bluetooth capability for your cell phone.

The 04 also has self turning headlights that help you see around the corner more easily when making a turn. The tail lights are red and clear and have led brake and parking lights.

The fog lights and front air dam are a little better looking too.

The best thing about the 04 is the smartkey technology. The smartkey technology allows you to lock and unlock the doors and start the engine without having to take the key out of your pocket. This a real convenience.

LSorBS

I've seen both generations of LS430's driving right next to each other, in IMHO, the late models really are a lot better looking- maybe I'm just a sucker for exposed exhaust pipes :P

KILLERGS4

no brainer, go w/04! 02 looks really old now IMO.

denroll

But if it's an '02 Ultra vs an '04 "stripper," then there's more of a dilemma. The six speed and updated looks would be the plus, but if it lacks nav, then you miss out on the whole cool tech stuff and ML stereo, plus all the Ultralux goodies like air suspension that makes it a dream to lower and raise, sweet rear seats, double pane glass, suede headliner, etc. Call me crazy, but I would (and did) choose an '02 ultra over a "base" '04.

Suneet

I'm looking at an 04 base. I don't want the nav in the 04 because I want to do a full aftermarket audio setup including nav and bluetooth. I'd love to get an Ultra, but I don't think it works with my budget. I'm looking at a 04 now in Cali that is asking for 24, I wonder if I can get him down to 22.

If I get the 04 base, I'll install my own nav, and I'll be looking at the Tein CST + EDFC combo for suspension

Have people had any success with mods to increase the steering feel? On my LS400, the combo of suspension and bushings managed to stiffen up the steering quite a bit.