LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

Comparison... 2004 vs 2006

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Old 03-17-10, 08:20 PM
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kg19989
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Default Comparison... 2004 vs 2006

Need a little help. I have the opportunity to pick up an 04 or an 06 LS 430. Both are CPO and both have between 64 and 68 thousand miles. The 04 is $22,900 and the 06 is $23,900. Not sure if I should let the year play any factor in this decision. Are there any significant differences?
Thanks for the help.
Keith
Old 03-17-10, 08:35 PM
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JimsGX
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All other things being equal such as options, condition, your preference in color combinations, service history, etc... The 06 represents a much better value with only a $1k difference between the two vehicles. The 06 is technically two years newer than the 04... The retail value of the 06 is considerably higher than the 04.
Old 03-17-10, 09:02 PM
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kg19989
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That is good info... the twist is that the 06 is Green with Tan and the 04 is Silver with Grey. While I much prefer the Tan interior, I prefer the Silver exterior! I will proceed with the 06. Thank for the input.
Old 03-18-10, 03:19 AM
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AlexusAnja
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Same here, all things being equal, if truly comparable in condition then go for the extra $1K and 2006. There were not cosmetic differences, but two years newer for $1K more is a bargin IMHO.
Old 03-18-10, 04:34 AM
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kg19989
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very good. Thank you!
Old 03-18-10, 04:52 AM
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The cypress pearl (green) likely has a lower price because of the color. Those cars tend to sit on the lots longer. I like the color but my wife, well, let's just say we have a flint mica car that matches her eyes.

Be sure to check which trim level is on each car. The cars can appear nearly identical, but upon close inspection the differences could become apparent.
Old 03-18-10, 09:05 AM
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kg19989
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well.... the 06 was a little rough despite being CPO. Any reservations on the 04 if it is clean? There is now an 05 there with 47K miles but now we are talking about $30K and I really wasn't interested in spending that much. Thoughts on the 04?
Old 03-18-10, 09:57 AM
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Be sure the 04 has the transmission TSB done. Also have them either do the filler neck TSB or agree to do it at no charge if there is a problem of slow filling at the gas station. If you can, have them take you for a test drive and fill up the car. See if the pump stays on or keeps clicking off like it's done.
Old 03-18-10, 09:26 PM
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kg19989
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Interesting... thank you for that insight. I will check that out. Is that something specific to the 04s?
Old 03-18-10, 09:47 PM
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Im in an 04' now...it rides nice, and never any issues. Plus I just crossed 102k milies....only reason why I'll see myself doing an 06' if thats ever happens is if the dealer gets me one in white with black interior for $20k... but the miles cant be over 60k when I get it.....personally I think you oughta do the which ever has the 18" wheels with the nav. If thats thats the 06' then you know what to do...if its the 04' grab it....but see if u can get the dealer to bend down to $20k remember its a recession buddy
Old 03-18-10, 09:50 PM
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The transmission and fuel pump TSB was only for early production 2004, not all 2004. Mine was not part of TSB for the replacement. The fuel issue I think was '04-'05, but I could be wrong.

If there is some variance in trim a/o desirability between the two and the '04 is a better option, I would not hesitate with going with the '04 because you'll be keeping it a long time then $1K will not matter in the long run. If the two truly are identical vehicles (baring color etc.) then like I said before $1K more for '06 is not much.
Old 03-19-10, 05:22 AM
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Originally Posted by AlexusAnja
... The fuel issue I think was '04-'05, but I could be wrong...
That is my understanding, too. It does not affect all cars built during that period. I watched carefully the first time I filled up my car to see if I had the problem. Thankfully, it drank without burping.
Old 03-19-10, 09:07 AM
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kg19989
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So outside of the potential TSB's that should be addressed then none of us have any issue with getting the 04 since this particular 06 was a bit rough.... I am correct? Thank you again... I can always count on my friends at CL!
Old 03-19-10, 09:22 AM
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^^^ I would absolutely choose the better condition vehicle when picking between otherwise equal '04 and '06 models. I would take a better-condition '04 over a poorer condition '06 any day.
Old 03-19-10, 09:30 AM
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If this is the car you are looking at, two items:

- You may be able work a bit on the price since it is a premium and lacks nav.

- Check carefully for paint match as silver is notorious for having paint match issues if a bumper (or anything else) was repainted.

Good luck.

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


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