Don't buy an Ultra. The potential problems with air suspension are daunting. It's never a question of "will it fail," but rather "when." And when it does, the cost is beyond outrageous.

 

I think it depends on what your goals with the car is. If you want to modify it in the future you will likely want to upgrade to a better air system or coilers anyways. ^

 

I bought my 04 UL in 2007 with 21K miles and have no regrets about anything in the car, including the air suspension. Would buy it again if I had it to do over.

 

I love my UL as well. You will be hard pressed finding UL owners complaining about the car. Actually, only non UL owners seem to say don't buy the car based on the air suspension alone. Kind of ridiculous. It's also very easy to convert the suspension and enjoy all the goodies that you don't get in a CL edition or ML and base.

My 04 is a rare combo. Briarwood Pearl with a Saddle interior. Only offered in 04 from what I understand. Not many out there and it's a lovely combination.

 

whoa kinda weird but neat

 

I love how different it is, but probably would not buy it. I do wish they would a full saddle interior instead of saddle on black........or white on terracota...yes!!! But I love Ecru. Hard to keep clean here in the NW but worth it for the brightness.

 

The potential problems with air suspension are daunting. It's never a question of "will it fail," but rather "when."
- I consider suspension of any kind to be a wear and tear item. When the air struts fail you notice it much more than when standard struts wear out.

Outrageous. depends on your definition of it and how hard you shop. For the average customer, it is pretty high, no doubt. But we as Lexus LS members are a bit spoiled since we venture into this car partly due to its high build quality and outstanding reliability. I don't consider air suspension to affect my impression of the 430.

I speak from personal knowledge since I bought an 05 UL and replaced the front 2 air struts right after purchase, with new original air struts. Pretty uncommon to replace air with air, huh?

 

In every LS pretty much the whole suspension will be replaced at least once during the lifetime of the car. From the control arms to the shocks or air-shocks. They will wear out. Not to mention wheel bearings, tie rod ends, etc... It's so easy to source a nice used air-shock or convert the suspension if you want. The upgrades with having a UL model vs dealing with a failing air-shock is nowhere close to deter the enjoyment of the vehicle. Of course $1200 per air-shock is a lot but the great part is that you have multiple choices and you are not stuck.

 

Woah. Do you still have it, and is it for sale lol

 

your a tad bit late, check date lol

 

I'm aware of the date it was posted. I'd have that car for a long time if it were me, which is why i asked if he still had it.

 

You're lucky I randomly checked this forum. I don't visit the LS forums too much and I drive GX460, SC430, and a Optima PHEV now. Unfortunately, I did sell it. I got bored and, well, you know how those things go. Never seen another like it. I have some regrets selling it but honestly I really enjoy taking the GX off road and cruising with the top down in the SC.

She was a beautiful car
https://www.clublexus.com/g/album/234814

 

I'll need their contact info right now please 😅