Actually, 2001-2003 versus 2004-2006? The 2001-2003 models are sometimes quite a bit cheaper than the 2004+ and the 2004+ is what we've been focusing on, but finding them in anything but black and gray is nearly impossible. We've been searching for 5 months now. Oh yes, we want the ultra model. I'm just wondering if the 2004+ are that much better. Can you guys who have both generations tell me what you think, please?

Thanks.

 

I just went through the entire process and settled on the 2005 UL. The 6 speed transmission and better looking exterior sold me on the 04 and newer.

 

They're both nice cars but i'd go for the 04+

 

04+ for sure. The six-speed transmission is great on the highway, plus it is just a better and more contemporary car. There are some incredible deals on 05's now, as they're coming off lease right when everybody is spooked by gas prices. Just make sure to run both Carfax and Autocheck if you're not buying CPO. I found a fair number that had Unibody damage reported on Autocheck. Carfax doesn't always catch this. I got a 2005 Custom with about 40K in pristine condition for $28,500, which is pretty good in the Bay area. Sticker was $66,000 just 3 years ago. It had been faithfully serviced every 5000 miles by the dealer, and was a local Bay area car. This car could pass for brand new!

Steve

 

Personally i've got an 04 and i heard nothing but raves about it. Annnd I have nothing but raves to give about it!! I say go for it!

 

if your going to vip it, i would go for a 2001 since your going to change the ride quality. but if your going to leave it stock and daily it, 04 seems nicer in every aspect. but i probibly wouldnt pay more than 25k for it.

 

Depends on your personal taste. I for one, love the front end of the 2001-2003. I like the bubblely look for the headlights, although I <3 the rear red/clear leds of the 2004+. So, I just did a trunk conversion and now have the right LS that I wanted The interior features of both changes are pretty much the same. In 04+ you loose the second glove box but thats about it. The ULs on the 04+ have the ML tweeters in the door armrest instead of the 2001 ULs hidden under the speaker cover. The motor gets a 6 speed tranny in 04+ instead of a 5 speed on the earlier models. To me, I really couldnt tell the differance between mine and my friends. Overall, it all boils down to personal preference, but in my eyes the only differances are asthetic.

 

The 04 trans is great but not as smooth when hunting for gears in the lower range. The 5 spd was fantastic. Kind of reminds me when they went from the 4spd in 98 to the 5sp in 99. Some transitions are a little rough. May have been taken care of in the 05. My 0.02

 

I have had both 01 UL and 04 UL, I would choose 04+ anyday, even there is a big price difference.

 

I had an 04 LS...Now i have an 03 , honestly my 03 seems more smoother in shifting and has no rattles whatsoever, my 04 had few rattles from the dash...They both have minimal differences!!!

 

It's completely up to you. If you're considering seriously modifying your car, with wheels etc, I would say the older LS would be alright if you want to save the money. However, if you're going to do minimal modification, the 1st generation LS430 is really starting to look outdated, whereas the 2004+ models still feel pretty new looking.

 

04+ looks more agrssive

 

04+ or bust!

 

Racinstyle, I'm agreeing with you. I was about to sell my '03 to my brother and buy an '04 or '05, but the more I look at the cars the more I am liking the '03 just as much, or close enough that it isn't worth the hassel to trade them out. Nothing wrong with the looks of an '04 of course, and they look a little more modern. But also a little more conventional with those headlights that look a little more like all other headlights nowadays, which is the slightest bit negative IMO. If I didn't already have an LS I certainly might buy an '04+, but I'm thinking that there's waaaay too much obsessing over the minor differences, and most of the people who do it are those of us here on this board. In fact, I'll bet that 98% of the population has never even noticed that there are two different versions out there. IMO, the wheels are far and away the big cosmetic difference to the general public (early model 16" wheels just make the car look very weak, and the 17's aren't too much better), and exhaust tips are next. Both of those items get changed on mine anyway. '01-'03 FTT! (For the Tie)

 

Get the 04-06 if it is your first LS. Keep your 01-03 if you already own it. The changes are to minor to trade up a few years!!!!

My 01 still gets quite a few looks, still looks "brand" new, so I'm bias. I will never give up on a good thing. Especially when it is in perfect condition. But the 04 front end & rear end does look good (not enough to trade in) but looks good.