97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

Besides the cosmetic differences, which is preferred over the other? I noticed the 04+ have a 6spd. auto.... how smooth/reliable is that versus the 5spd? Anything else that needs to be noted that would make certain model better then the other? Thanks.

Also, did only the UL ones come with air suspension?

LEX012006

All depending on your personal preference. Both vehicles are basically the same. Some cosmetic differences (single glove box vs. dual, LED tail lights vs. halogen bulbs, 18" wheels vs. 17" wheels, different headlights, & 6 speed trans.) but driving dynamics are the same. But 04-06 come with a keyless system, not available on 01-03.

Some of the 04's had a transmission recall. And

UL comes with air suspension. Some swear by it, others stay away (costly to repair.......if it breaks, not common though.

GOOD LUCK on your whichever one you choose!!!!!!!!!!

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

what was the recall for in the 04's? was it completely fixed in 05?

Gibenstein

Oh man I would love to have the bluetooth feature (04+) but man the price difference between a 01-03 UL vs a 04+ UL is a pretty decent chunk of change. Also that keyless entry is pretty sweet I think. But I was certainly happy when I only paid 15k for my 02 UL. I think I will take the time to press a button instead of spending a couple more grand for it to open it self.

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

can anyone chime in about the 05 models? any tranny issues on them?

AlexusAnja

That's like saying, why buy a food processor for $100 that chops, dices, and slices when I can just buy a $5 knife and cut it myself? It's just different. You won't know what you're missing, until you've used it. Yes, I can save a ton of dough by buying a '01-'03 right now compared to an '04+ but my advantages are:

1. mileage, hey, I want to put on as much of the mileage on as I can. I don't want someone else putting on 70K on the vehicle not knowing how they maintained the vehicle. With 30K or less, a lot less damage can be done.

2. bluetooth, you don't really think about it until you've actually used it and the convenience of not having to take your phone out of your pocket, not having to hold it, not having to dial. Just say a command and dial out.

3. LED tail lights do offer a very slight (milliseconds if even) safety advantage to regular incand. because they activate faster and give the driver behind you just that little bit faster indication that you're braking.

4. for '05, I gain the headlamp washers in the CL trim, but lose the rear massaging chairs, so it's a tradeoff I can live with.

just MHO.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Rear massager's never came with the CL package by the way i any 01-06 LS by the way.

Gibenstein

I certainly would have loved to have the 04+ but my means over power my wants But I do enjoy getting in back before class to get my massage on .

AlexusAnja

Really? Then the Lexus library is lying to us then. In their 2002 library, they show the CL as coming with rear recline and massaging. So then there really is no reason to get an earlier LS430 then....

KILLERGS4

lexus goofed...

http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_library/LS/2002.html

only Ultra has rear recliner etc...

04 beats 03 in every way!!!
04 also has headlight washers w/Ultra

Dx3

iTrader: (13)

Sorry to go a little OT - but when I used to sit in the back for the massagers, it felt more like just vibrations that actually massaging I didn't ever find it overly relaxing...

Jonny

KILLERGS4

that may be true, but it's better than notthing...

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Ultra had headlight washers since 01.

Btw, headlight washers came with the CL package as well.