Traded my '99 LS for a '04 LS430 UL, some Q's
06-05-09, 10:09 AM
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Traded my '99 LS for a '04 LS430 UL, some Q's
Hello. Yesterday I traded my trusty '99 LS400 for a like-new '04 LS430 Ultra. Unfortunately, the new car is black. Beggars can't be choosers. The deal was too good to pass up. I guess my parade might get rained on, but here's the deal........'04 was $27,000 (53k miles, clean title, no damage history) and I got $11,500 for my '99 (90k miles, also clean title, no damage history). More to the point, I paid $15,500 and my car. It sounded good at the time. But, the car is beautiful. So was my '99.
Edmunds and Kelly (for what it's worth) showed the '04 retail at ~$31,000, and the '99 with a trade value of ~$8,000. If that is trustworthy, I did pretty good.
Now, three questions for those in the know.......
1. Nav DVD, currently version 4.1. Any opinions on upgrading to version 8.1? Is it worth it? Does it add any functionality?
2. HID headlights. My '99 had a very sharp cutoff about 40-50 feet out. The '04 seems to illuminate everywhere, up in the trees, neighbors' yards, etc. I have not received an angry flash from oncoming drivers yet. May be it's normal. The auto level functions. I cannot tell if the automatic headlight turning (ala Tucker) does anything wothwhile. But I worry, 'caus I really care about other drivers.
3. Bluetooth. It pairs to both of our cell phones fine, but neither will transfer our contacts to the car. This means we can use the car's bluetooth to receive calls only, not dial out unless you park the car and dial manually. Is there a way around this?
Thanks for any information. Hope your weekend is a good one!
Gene
Edmunds and Kelly (for what it's worth) showed the '04 retail at ~$31,000, and the '99 with a trade value of ~$8,000. If that is trustworthy, I did pretty good.
Now, three questions for those in the know.......
1. Nav DVD, currently version 4.1. Any opinions on upgrading to version 8.1? Is it worth it? Does it add any functionality?
2. HID headlights. My '99 had a very sharp cutoff about 40-50 feet out. The '04 seems to illuminate everywhere, up in the trees, neighbors' yards, etc. I have not received an angry flash from oncoming drivers yet. May be it's normal. The auto level functions. I cannot tell if the automatic headlight turning (ala Tucker) does anything wothwhile. But I worry, 'caus I really care about other drivers.
3. Bluetooth. It pairs to both of our cell phones fine, but neither will transfer our contacts to the car. This means we can use the car's bluetooth to receive calls only, not dial out unless you park the car and dial manually. Is there a way around this?
Thanks for any information. Hope your weekend is a good one!
Gene
06-05-09, 10:42 AM
#2
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Hello. Yesterday I traded my trusty '99 LS400 for a like-new '04 LS430 Ultra. Unfortunately, the new car is black.
Thats not unfortanate. It might just be the classiest most sought after!!!
Beggars can't be choosers. The deal was too good to pass up. I guess my parade might get rained on, but here's the deal........'04 was $27,000 (53k miles, clean title, no damage history) and I got $11,500 for my '99 (90k miles, also clean title, no damage history). More to the point, I paid $15,500 and my car. It sounded good at the time. But, the car is beautiful. So was my '99.
Edmunds and Kelly (for what it's worth) showed the '04 retail at ~$31,000, and the '99 with a trade value of ~$8,000. If that is trustworthy, I did pretty good.
Now, three questions for those in the know.......
1. Nav DVD, currently version 4.1. Any opinions on upgrading to version 8.1? Is it worth it? Does it add any functionality?
Personally i wouldnt do it. You get a few more streets and POI's but thats it. Also if you upgrade you cant bypass the nav while your driving feature.
2. HID headlights. My '99 had a very sharp cutoff about 40-50 feet out. The '04 seems to illuminate everywhere, up in the trees, neighbors' yards, etc. I have not received an angry flash from oncoming drivers yet. May be it's normal. The auto level functions. I cannot tell if the automatic headlight turning (ala Tucker) does anything wothwhile. But I worry, 'caus I really care about other drivers.
Try this next time your driving at night and you get on or off a higway exit that has a really long curve look more in the direction of the passenger side headlight. Thats when i see it the most.
3. Bluetooth. It pairs to both of our cell phones fine, but neither will transfer our contacts to the car. This means we can use the car's bluetooth to receive calls only, not dial out unless you park the car and dial manually. Is there a way around this?
I dont really use the bluetooth but i believe you can transfer the contacts. If not i know you can input them manually. I'm not sure but i know you can use the nav while driving when you do the override you might be able to use the bluetooth as well.....try it
Thanks for any information. Hope your weekend is a good one!
Gene
Thats not unfortanate. It might just be the classiest most sought after!!!
Beggars can't be choosers. The deal was too good to pass up. I guess my parade might get rained on, but here's the deal........'04 was $27,000 (53k miles, clean title, no damage history) and I got $11,500 for my '99 (90k miles, also clean title, no damage history). More to the point, I paid $15,500 and my car. It sounded good at the time. But, the car is beautiful. So was my '99.
Edmunds and Kelly (for what it's worth) showed the '04 retail at ~$31,000, and the '99 with a trade value of ~$8,000. If that is trustworthy, I did pretty good.
Now, three questions for those in the know.......
1. Nav DVD, currently version 4.1. Any opinions on upgrading to version 8.1? Is it worth it? Does it add any functionality?
Personally i wouldnt do it. You get a few more streets and POI's but thats it. Also if you upgrade you cant bypass the nav while your driving feature.
2. HID headlights. My '99 had a very sharp cutoff about 40-50 feet out. The '04 seems to illuminate everywhere, up in the trees, neighbors' yards, etc. I have not received an angry flash from oncoming drivers yet. May be it's normal. The auto level functions. I cannot tell if the automatic headlight turning (ala Tucker) does anything wothwhile. But I worry, 'caus I really care about other drivers.
Try this next time your driving at night and you get on or off a higway exit that has a really long curve look more in the direction of the passenger side headlight. Thats when i see it the most.
3. Bluetooth. It pairs to both of our cell phones fine, but neither will transfer our contacts to the car. This means we can use the car's bluetooth to receive calls only, not dial out unless you park the car and dial manually. Is there a way around this?
I dont really use the bluetooth but i believe you can transfer the contacts. If not i know you can input them manually. I'm not sure but i know you can use the nav while driving when you do the override you might be able to use the bluetooth as well.....try it
Thanks for any information. Hope your weekend is a good one!
Gene
Gay 10 characters
06-05-09, 12:21 PM
#3
Nice car...seems like you got a pretty good deal on your trade in.
Most people say it isnt worth to upgrade the nav....here is a link to some discussion on this.....
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...s-to-know.html
Most people say it isnt worth to upgrade the nav....here is a link to some discussion on this.....
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...s-to-know.html
06-05-09, 05:24 PM
#5
The phone should allow you to dial out as normal, even without contact in the NAV system. On my Moto RIZR, I dial out as if normal and once connects, the LS's phone screen kicks in and I'm connected.
I have the 4.1 also and have not upgraded the version yet. I might upgrade to 8.1 when it gets cheaper, but not right now. Beyond 5.1, you lose the manual ability to override the NAV while driving.
I have the 4.1 also and have not upgraded the version yet. I might upgrade to 8.1 when it gets cheaper, but not right now. Beyond 5.1, you lose the manual ability to override the NAV while driving.
06-05-09, 08:29 PM
#6
Lexus Champion
congrats on the ULTRA PCS!!!
I upgraded to 8.1, really like it because my home finally shows up along with newer restaurants (POI's). If you like to travel, it's worth the upgrade, but like other have said, you lose the manual override to input destinations as you drive.
Headlights are probably fine, especially since your car has clean history like you said. People just freak out when they see HID's IMO. Let them deal w/ it.
Only some phone's allow you to transfer contacts, just the way it is. What I do is call from my cell phone as I drive and the and the bluetooth will pick it up and allow me to use the hands free car speaker system. Good Luck!
I upgraded to 8.1, really like it because my home finally shows up along with newer restaurants (POI's). If you like to travel, it's worth the upgrade, but like other have said, you lose the manual override to input destinations as you drive.
Headlights are probably fine, especially since your car has clean history like you said. People just freak out when they see HID's IMO. Let them deal w/ it.
Only some phone's allow you to transfer contacts, just the way it is. What I do is call from my cell phone as I drive and the and the bluetooth will pick it up and allow me to use the hands free car speaker system. Good Luck!
06-05-09, 08:36 PM
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u need a phone that can transfer contacts via bluetooth.i have the iphone so it didnt work with my phone.but i used an old phone i had and put my sim card in there and then transfered it that way now all my contacts are in the cars memory so when someone calls there name shows up and if im not moving there # shows up also
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06-05-09, 09:54 PM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
Congrats on the new ride. I can't answer any of your questions but I was wondering how you liked the new car as far as how it drives when compared to the '99.
I, too, have a '99 and am considering a used '04-06 LS430 in the future.
From a driving standpoint was it worth the upgrade?
Even with 153k on my '99 it still drives great and for me it's a perfect blend of comfort and decent handling without being harsh.
I, too, have a '99 and am considering a used '04-06 LS430 in the future.
From a driving standpoint was it worth the upgrade?
Even with 153k on my '99 it still drives great and for me it's a perfect blend of comfort and decent handling without being harsh.
06-06-09, 12:41 PM
#11
Lexus Champion
Headlights
Congratulations, I know you'll enjoy this car.
Regarding the turning of the headlights with your steering wheel angle. You can't check this out while stopped by turning the wheels with the lights on. The turn system operates when the vehicle speed increases above 6 mph and stops when the speed decreases below 6 mph.
Hard to tell when driving in a lighted area at night such as where I live.
Regarding the turning of the headlights with your steering wheel angle. You can't check this out while stopped by turning the wheels with the lights on. The turn system operates when the vehicle speed increases above 6 mph and stops when the speed decreases below 6 mph.
Hard to tell when driving in a lighted area at night such as where I live.
06-06-09, 06:50 PM
#12
Faster than that...
Congratulations, I know you'll enjoy this car.
Regarding the turning of the headlights with your steering wheel angle. You can't check this out while stopped by turning the wheels with the lights on. The turn system operates when the vehicle speed increases above 6 mph and stops when the speed decreases below 6 mph.
Hard to tell when driving in a lighted area at night such as where I live.
Regarding the turning of the headlights with your steering wheel angle. You can't check this out while stopped by turning the wheels with the lights on. The turn system operates when the vehicle speed increases above 6 mph and stops when the speed decreases below 6 mph.
Hard to tell when driving in a lighted area at night such as where I live.
The two sides do not pivot the same number of degrees. I think it pivots about 15 degrees turning left and 10 degrees or something turning right. If it's darn enough outside and you go around a sharp enough turn to trigger the full pivot, you'll see a distinct shifting.
Anyway, continued fun with the LS.
06-06-09, 07:21 PM
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1. Nav DVD, currently version 4.1. Any opinions on upgrading to version 8.1? Is it worth it? Does it add any functionality?
2. HID headlights. My '99 had a very sharp cutoff about 40-50 feet out. The '04 seems to illuminate everywhere, up in the trees, neighbors' yards, etc. I have not received an angry flash from oncoming drivers yet. May be it's normal. The auto level functions. I cannot tell if the automatic headlight turning (ala Tucker) does anything wothwhile. But I worry, 'caus I really care about other drivers.
3. Bluetooth. It pairs to both of our cell phones fine, but neither will transfer our contacts to the car. This means we can use the car's bluetooth to receive calls only, not dial out unless you park the car and dial manually. Is there a way around this?
2. HID headlights. My '99 had a very sharp cutoff about 40-50 feet out. The '04 seems to illuminate everywhere, up in the trees, neighbors' yards, etc. I have not received an angry flash from oncoming drivers yet. May be it's normal. The auto level functions. I cannot tell if the automatic headlight turning (ala Tucker) does anything wothwhile. But I worry, 'caus I really care about other drivers.
3. Bluetooth. It pairs to both of our cell phones fine, but neither will transfer our contacts to the car. This means we can use the car's bluetooth to receive calls only, not dial out unless you park the car and dial manually. Is there a way around this?
2. Try turing off your fog lights. Those throw a lot of glare up. The head lights have a very strong cut off like you mentioned so they should be good (unless they are not light up properly or the autolevel funtion is screwed up).
3. My phone won't transfer the list either. I've had the car for 8 months and havn't taken the time to play with it. Phone still works great with the bluetooth, and if I need to make a call I use my phone to dial the number. Hasn't been enough of a hassle to make me manually type it in.
06-06-09, 10:50 PM
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Thanks for the replies. I think the trade from the '99 to the '04 was worthwhile. The additional toys help a lot, shoot, my '99 didn't even have heated seats!! Compare that to the Ultra. Otherwise, nice as the '99 is/was, the '04 is much nicer in every respect.
I do have some gripes, and I do understand that nothing is perfect:
1. The cooling feature in the seats is poor. I see now that this has been much-discussed.
2. In spite of separate temperature controls, setting the rear seat temperature also changes the front seat temperature, and vice-versa. Why call this a dual unit?
3. The park assist is seeing things. Many false alarms. I turned it off. The sensors are clean, and the system is not complaining about any faulty or otherwise offending sensors.
4. The Bluetooth could be implemented better. At least it could allow you to enter contacts manually. Geez, if can't even work with a BlackBerry!!
The HIDs are definitely aimed high, and I know not why. I took it to Lexus and they wanted $220 to aim them properly. I declined because I had read in the owner's manual that it is a 2-screw adjustment for vertical alignment. I got home and set to work, but couldn't find those 2 screws anywhere, on either side. So there it sits. I am going to call my independent Lexus guy and see what he says.
All in all, I love both the '99 and the '04. I would say that if you are happy with your '99, stay with it and save your money. In my case, my wife and I looked at an UL a couple of years ago and wished we were in the appropriate tax bracket to take it home. When I stumbled into this deal, I couldn't resist it. Especially since my wife wanted to go for it. That is amazing all by itself.
I will try to attach a couple if pics of my orphaned '99. If anyone is interested in a perfect '99 with fresh 90k service, both strut rods new, near-new Michelin Primacy tires, and more.......see Auto Trader, Dave Russell Motors, Portland, Oregon.
Sorry, apparently can't attach pics to a reply. If anyone wants to see the '99, let me know and I'll put them in a new post.
Gene
I do have some gripes, and I do understand that nothing is perfect:
1. The cooling feature in the seats is poor. I see now that this has been much-discussed.
2. In spite of separate temperature controls, setting the rear seat temperature also changes the front seat temperature, and vice-versa. Why call this a dual unit?
3. The park assist is seeing things. Many false alarms. I turned it off. The sensors are clean, and the system is not complaining about any faulty or otherwise offending sensors.
4. The Bluetooth could be implemented better. At least it could allow you to enter contacts manually. Geez, if can't even work with a BlackBerry!!
The HIDs are definitely aimed high, and I know not why. I took it to Lexus and they wanted $220 to aim them properly. I declined because I had read in the owner's manual that it is a 2-screw adjustment for vertical alignment. I got home and set to work, but couldn't find those 2 screws anywhere, on either side. So there it sits. I am going to call my independent Lexus guy and see what he says.
All in all, I love both the '99 and the '04. I would say that if you are happy with your '99, stay with it and save your money. In my case, my wife and I looked at an UL a couple of years ago and wished we were in the appropriate tax bracket to take it home. When I stumbled into this deal, I couldn't resist it. Especially since my wife wanted to go for it. That is amazing all by itself.
I will try to attach a couple if pics of my orphaned '99. If anyone is interested in a perfect '99 with fresh 90k service, both strut rods new, near-new Michelin Primacy tires, and more.......see Auto Trader, Dave Russell Motors, Portland, Oregon.
Sorry, apparently can't attach pics to a reply. If anyone wants to see the '99, let me know and I'll put them in a new post.
Gene
06-07-09, 01:28 PM
#15
Congrats on your 2004 UL. Its a twin of my car.
For your headlight aiming question. See my thread on how to here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...eup-w-pix.html
For your phone issue, it's common. Find or borrow a Motorola Razr and use it to transfer your phonebook to the car.
For park assist, test by having someone block off each sensor one by one at a time to see if one is causing your problem.
Lastly, which part of Washington are you at?
For your headlight aiming question. See my thread on how to here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...eup-w-pix.html
For your phone issue, it's common. Find or borrow a Motorola Razr and use it to transfer your phonebook to the car.
For park assist, test by having someone block off each sensor one by one at a time to see if one is causing your problem.
Lastly, which part of Washington are you at?