CelsiorAUS

Hi all.

After regretting selling my 98ls400 I am back and am planning to buy an LS430 however my choice is between 2 at the moment.

In Australia the 01 model never came with Nav which is the main thing stopping me from buying this.. Anyway here are the 2 cars

01 White LS430 $30,000 91,000kms

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...d=11E3B9EFA26D

Looks the goods.. service history up to 70,000 (missed the 80k one and is now at 90k)

or

04 Black LS430 $35000 183000kms

http://carsguide.news.com.au/site/se...&vehicleType=3

The only thing is the high kms on the 04 model and the fact itwas used as a limosine. Assuming the conditions are similar what would you guys choose?

Im pretty confused atm because id love the whole nav/bluetooth unit of the 04

David M

The 04+ have the 6 speed tranny, plus many other improvements. If it were me, I'd keep looking for an 04+ and disregard the one you already found.

CelsiorAUS

I am scared to look because a low kms 04 model is around 60,000$ which is around double the other ones..

I guess the more you want the more you have to pay but that is definetely out of my price range.

DrJfrmLA

It seems Lexus brands are a great deal more expensive in Australia than the US. I bought an '04 LS430 last year with 25,000 km (12,800 miles) for 31,000 USD. I would hold out for an '04 or later as they are known as Gen 2.5 and have a number of running changes that make them more desirable. Two obvious ones are the 6-speed transmission and the adaptive HID headlights. There are others that are less obvious, including nav as a choice (my car doesn't have it). As you say, the more you want, the more you pay but you are getting good value for the extra money.

mafpolo

Buy the 2004. Too many improvements: better transmission, better navi with rear camera (yes it's important, as I found out recently), the stage 5 navi allows you to install & operate iPod units from sterring wheel & see the info on navi screen, newer body = better resale, and a younger car.

Take this from someone who chose a 2002 over a 2004.

Wish I could back & make my choice over again. Easy, 2004!!!!

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

yea, I switched 01 UL to 04 UL as well, never looked back again.

AlexusAnja

I was actually split between an '03 or '04 for a little while, but the new NAV, backup camera, 6 speed transmission, and LED lights got me. '04 all the way !!!!

David M

Mafpolo, simply get a newer one!

mafpolo

I can thank those financial institutions who hammered our economy.

Maybe Paulson will give me some bailout $$$$ to upgrade!!!!

CelsiorAUS

I really want an 04 Now.. Is the headlights different? and the front grille.

Do you guys think that 183000kms is too many for such a new car? After 5 years of ownership its going to be up to 300000kms and will be impossible to sell.

Here are my choices

01 90000kms $30,000
04 183000kms $35000 neg
04 60000kms $65000

What do I choose. Id really love the 04 for 35k and I am not worried about the kms except for resale.

CelsiorAUS

ok thats it I cant ***** out. Im buying the 04 model its too damn sexy

ikon_danny

I prefer the 04-06 over the 01-03 because the subtle changes appealed to me. It's really your choice because it's your money.

AlexusAnja

The lights are HID, fog lamps changed, grille slightly changed, and of course the LED tail lights, all add to a better "Refresh."

IF the 183K Km were UL and the 60K Km was ML, then I'd do the higher mileage one. If both same trim, and you can squeeze it, get the one with less kilometerage....

CelsiorAUS

Hmm imnot sure ifwe have UL in Australia. Can you guys please tell me whats in the UL package?

Bombsquad

Nah, I don't think we have the UL here, the guy I bought my es300 from had a 4 seater 2006 I think (which cost him 140k used!). There are a few LS430's up here in Brisbane for under 35k (incredible value!). I know what your saying, an 04 has everything u need, especially Navi. But you could get a very loaded 2year old IS250 for that, still under warranty. (and thats if you had 60k). Have you considered this car?

http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/...aspx?State=QLD

It's quite near my place, let me know if you need an 'agent' to have a look at some for you. It would be my pleasure!