mud

Ive narrowed it down to these 3. Which would you buy?

1) 04 LS 430, white, 42k miles, $25,900
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

2) '05 LS 430 45k miles, $24,899
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

3) 04 LS 430 37k miles $23,900
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

jayclapp

None of the above.

mud

why not? Im trying to find a CPO LS 430 $25k or less as a daily driver. Whats wrong with those 3?

miniz

None of them. They all appear to be base models, no nav, no back up, no nothing. For about the same money you could get a highly desirable option package.

mud

really? So what signifies non-base models? what key words?

mud

When I do my search, besides NAVIGATION, what other key words will yield a higher optioned car?

Is this a higher optioned model?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

jayclapp

I can't imagine having a bare bone Lexus. But, I admit it depends on where you are coming from. My first Lexus was a 1992 SC400. One grows accustomed to the niceties and eventually you can't "do without them", even thought others might find them superfluous.

Nothing wrong with getting a base LS430. It still has a lot to offer over other cars. If you like it and think you will be happy (tickled to death) with it, then go for it.

Did not intend to offend you or appear to be looking down on you, just answering the question you asked from my point of view.

You'll not find a better car than the LS430 in my opinion. I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever you select.

mud

thanks jayclapp.

I will do a search again and include the term "navigation"

In addition to that key word, what other "options" should I search?

thanks again for your help, this is my first lexus purchase, im coming from a BMW.

mud

I mean, i like the options on this one, but the color and gold package make me gag.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-...item3efc3d1e2d

miniz

Look at this thread below. It will tell you the difference between the option packages. Normally if there is no nav, its a base. You have got to think about resale, when you are done with the car. A fully optioned car is always going to sell faster and bring it more money. Very few people to nobody wants base model used cars.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ml-cl-etc.html

miniz

Gold package is big no-no. Very few people like that. It is so 80's and just screams 'I'm an 80 year old grampa' The other problem it is still a base model!!!

mud

how is this one in your opinion?

http://www.lexusserramonte.com/VehicleDetails/590351283

jayclapp

The LS430 came in three models. Starting with the Modern Luxury (ML), Custom Luxury (CL), and the Ultra Luxury (UL).

There are other threads that help in describing these models and how to identify them by looking at the cars.

The UL has all possible options and leaves nothing out. That's my car so I can't really help you a lot in the other 2 models.

I'm sure other on this forum will be glad to help you.

miniz

Look at this as an example of a fully loaded, top of the line car. While I don't ever recommend Toyota/Lexus black, this listing showcases the ultra lux package very well. It also showcases a fairly rare interior color.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LS430...item2a045c4e87

caddyowner

If you don't care about navigation, backup camera, bluetooth, and the upgraded stereo (both base and upgraded stereo are AM/FM/cassette/6-disk CD), the premium is a fine trim level and most likely to be found in the $25K price range. You can probably find cars with lower mileage than the ones you located or negotiate those prices lower.

In my opinion, the key for buying CPO (aside from finding a car that really is reconditioned good-as-new) is maximizing your warranty coverage. Based on the number of miles you drive a year, buy a car with mileage that will get you 3 full years of coverage (or as close as you can get).

I was looking for a CPO car, but found an 05 custom luxury in my target colors, with target mileage, without a CPO warranty for at least $6-8K less than advertised CPO cars. I bought the car figuring I can pay for a lot of (hopefully unlikely) repairs with that savings.

Good luck in your search, and welcome!