Tinggi

Hi all.
Any thoughts recommendations regarding what I should look for OR be wary of when looking at a 2004 LS430 UL?
It has 40K miles and is in very good shape. I am concerned about what I read regarding the air suspension and PCS. Is that a deal breaker?

I appreciate any comments.

Thx

David

caddyowner

I intentionally avoided UL models because I didn't want to deal with the air suspension (nor wanted to lose trunk space to the back seat upgrades.) If you want a UL, check the service history on lexus.com and verify that the 2004 transmission recall was done. Take the car to the gas station and make sure it fills without clicking off the pump continuously. (If it does, price the cost of a dealer to do the TSIB.)

_gomez_

do you have pics of it?

Tinggi

Thanks for the replies.

I too am of the mind that the Air Suspension is not high on my list of needs. The car has not had anything other then normal servicing. No TSB repairs.
I have a couple photos but they are not the type you can really get any thing from.
Looks more and more like I will pursue a CL optioned vehicle.
Thanks for the thoughts.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Other known problems for the LS:

From what I read here also, check for the power mirrors to fold and unfold after turning on/off the car, both mirrors to return to their normal position after putting into D or Park after reverse.

Check for the subwoofer if it's not blown.

I bought my 05 at 39k and now it's at 60k with no peeps yet

DDLexus

The difference in the trunk space is minimal, but apparent. The UL (1st pic) looses about 6-8" in depth due to the reclining seats in the rear. See attached images of a UL (1st pic) and non-UL trunk (2nd pic).

Tinggi

I knew I would get all the support I need. All your comments are really appreciated.

Thx

caddyowner

Per the sales brochure, the standard trunk is 20.2 cubic ft.
The UL trunk is 17.5 cubic ft.

Like DDLexus illustrated with the pics, the lost space in in the front of the trunk and upper, front, right side.

jayclapp

I believe the lost trunk space is due to the rear A/C in the UL, not the reclining seats.

KILLERGS4

I love the ULTRA, if the price isn't a big factor, get the Ultra. Or at least a Custom Luxury...

Tinggi

Moving forward I have decided to focus on finding a Custom Luxury LS430 from 2005-2006. As much as I think the UL is an incredible package the reality is I would never use the back seat!
Presently getting my 1997 Coach Edition cleaned up for viewing to sell.
Thanks all for you time and valued comments.

caddyowner

That's a good plan, says the owner of an 05 CL. It would have been good if Lexus would have offered massaging front seats.

AlexusAnja

Those seats are not exactly "massaging" they are more "vibrating" than anything. If they put in knuckles and they rolled up and down, side-to-side, like a Shiatsu, then I'd call them massaging.

I have an '04 CL and have not thought of any of the UL extras. Maybe it's because I've never been in the back (I have 3 kids back there), but all that rear seat stuff was not big to me. Also, air suspension, nice toy to have and play with to test the ride quality and all, but knowing that I would drive this baby to the ground, I knew that somewhere between 120K-180K, they were going to blow, so that meant around $6K+ to replace all four. I'll pass on that. The ride on a standard LS is plenty fine for me. I rather prefer the cloudy/floaty, smooth, comfortable ride. I'm not doing any 1G turns, I'll leave that for my Integra.

'05-'06 CL, you'll enjoy for a very very long time. Good luck finding a "mint" condition one. Once you get it, get it cleaned/detailed and windows tinted and you'll love the car for a long long time.

Tinggi

Is the SPORT package (EuroTuned) available on all LS430's (UL, CL, ML)? By seeing 18" wheels does that mean it has the Sport package?

Thx

caddyowner

^^
The sport package is only available on the premium and ML levels (at least in 04-06). It is identifiable by the badge just behind the front wheel wells. 18" wheels, without the sport suspension, were optional on all trim levels.