Jabberwock

I agree 2001-2006 LS are stunning cars, and likely the best mass market factory built cars ever manufactured from a mechanical and quality point of view. I remember in 2001 when they came out with the new gen LS I decided I was going to buy an LS someday when I could afford it. I finally quit having to pay college tuition/room and board for 2 kids this fall. It took until 2009, and I bought a used 06 but I got there and I could not be happier making the move from my old Acura RL to Lexus LS.

btw - when you look up FUGLY in the dictionary it shows a picture of the current Acura RL and TL models. Acura needs to fire its entire styling department.

caddyowner

I stopped by a Lincoln Mercury dealer this morning where they have an 03 black/black premium edition (cooled seats only option) with about 57K on the clock. The car drove perfectly but I couldn't see many styling queues because it was covered in heavy frost. I like the availability of the the birds eye maple with the black interior - very nice contrast. But, I will still be looking for a newer CPO LS430.

Here's the 03:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

Here's an 05 I drove also. Very nice, but still looking for CPO and not black:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

I also stopped at a Cadillac dealer and test drove a couple low mile (under 12K and 19K) 08 DTS CPO units. Both interiors were more worn than either Lexus and the detail job was disappointing. It looked like they covered most of the interior with ArmorAll, leaving goopy stuff on the wood. One of the DTS units had a slight shimmy, a common problem with some cars on this platform.

DrJfrmLA

I know one from the other, but I couldn't tell you the differences that make you notice that they are different. I can just tell a facelift model from an earlier one. My wife has an '04, and it looks more "tightly wrapped" around the wheels than the earlier versions--more creased looking, maybe.

It's the same with the facelift on the W220 (S-class from 1999-2006) Mercedes. You notice they are different, but you probably could not say what is different about them (I have an '04 W220--a facelift model too).

Po-tay-toe, po-tah-toe.

Cheers.

LS617

I've been looking at the LS430 for about a month now and can pretty much tell the difference between the 01-03 to the 04-06.

1st - the 01-03 wheels come standard 17' vs. the 04-06 have standard 17' but there's an option for 18' 5 spoke
2nd - the 01-03 headlights are smaller/shorter at the top part of the light. the 04-06 top part of the headlight are pulled back more of a slant.
3rd - the 01-03 back tail light lens are red yellow. the 04-06 are red and white with a yellow bulb.
4th - the 01-03 tail pipes are not that visible compare to the 04-06.
See the attached pics below

I prefer the 04-06 look as it's more modern.

Right now I'm deciding between 3 LS430. All silver, low miles, clean carfax and nav

2003 has 29K miles asking $22,877 but i think i can get it down to $18K-$19K

2005 has 28k miles asking price $29K but i've negotiated to $26,300

2006 has 30k miles asking price $30k but i've negotiated to $27,900

usermel

The 2001-2003 LS430 and the 2004-2006 LS430 remind me of twins of the same sex who dont look excatly alike. Both look good and you like both just like one a litle more than the other!!! The fact of the matter is I disagree humbly with the idea one is better(looks) than the other! For the most part there the same and as a member noted, the average non-Lexus owner cant see a difference at all unless its pointed out!! I LOVE BOTH THE SAME!!! L.G.N.M

I6turbo

iTrader: (1)

Just for the record, the 17" wheels are still standard on the '04-'06. 18s were fairly common at the option cost of $220, IIRC.

LS617

Agree and below is how the 04-06 LS430 standard 17' wheels look

usermel

Hey guys/gals, had the 2004 been on sale when I got my car I would have got it because of the 6 speed. If there is an edge its the 6 speed! Thats the 1 thing thats not visible that will give the 2004-2006 models an edge(I admit that humbly)! Like both cars looks but, respect all that feel the 2001-2003 looks better and respect those who feel the 2004-2006 looks better but, that 6 speed certainly gives the 2004-2006 an edge that isnt just cosmetic and should be given strong consideration in terms of deciding the better ride being the looks aren't that drastically different from an exterior point of view.

Heck, I still like the 1998-2000 LS400's body style better than ALL the LS models even the 2007-2010 LS460 and our 2001-2006's included, funny isnt it. I originally went looking for a 2000 LS400 and one wasnt for sale were I went at the time so I got $4-5 grand off the price of the LS430 and got it instead!!L.G.N.M

KILLERGS4

never liked the 01-03, 04-06 is it for me.

AlexusAnja

Maybe it's the plastic models I built and the die-cast car I had also, but I've always been more impressed with the exterior design of the original LS400 over any other LS, including my 430. If I could have gotten the exterior of the 400 with the interior of my 430 (or maybe the 460), then that would be my perfect LS.

DavidinCT

I have a 01 and I still love it but, I think the 04-06 give a nice more modern update look to the car. Most people don't know the difference though, unless they are followers or are car guys.

Most people who see my car think it's new, till I tell them it's almost 10 years old now (01 models came out mid 00)

usermel

Wow, our cars are almost 10,well might as well say 10 years old now. Man time flies.when your car is almost trouble free. Had only the tsb when the car got stuck in park and that was under warranty and other issues all were handled either under warranty or normal wear and tear items. Man,10 years and my car drives very close to new, not new at 105,000 miles but, no loud noises juts normal engine sounds and no concerns.

Still I hate to sell my LS430 for the new LS460 because the LS430 for me is like the girl who may not be as new to my eyes as the new cutie but, she cooks for me, has her own money and actually loves me for me. Thats how this car has made me feel. Im sure if I had a 2004-2006 Id feel the same. I think we all from 2001 to 2003, 2004 to 2006 have reliable rides we are happy with. The fact of the matter remains the cars we have are the best! And its k to be bias if you decide to be! Love, Usermel!!! L.G.N.M

KILLERGS4

the best LS is ofcourse the LS460L, love the Long Wheel Base! wish the LS430 came in LWB also! Don't like my girls kicking the back of my seats, LWB is way to go!

caddyowner

You need to master the technique to reach around with your right hand and apply the death grip to their knees. My adult children still tease me about that.

AlexusAnja

Perform the VULCAN DEATH GRIP on their legs and they'll never do it again. I have seat back covers on the car, so they can kick all they want.

As for the LS460L, it's not super more leg room than the 430 as the LS460 is actually shorter in leg room in rear than the 430, so the 460L is not super crazy in back.