Bocatrip

I have owned my 2001 LS430 (Nav/ML) for approximately 2 1/2 years with pretty much no out of pocket money other than brakes, and of course speakers. The car is all original, spotless, with absolutely everything working as it should. When I started looking for an LS430 2 1/2 years ago, the prices for the 04-06s were as high as into the $30,000 range for low mileage 05 and 06s. I have always had a thing for the 04-06 refresh and am now seeing prices come down significantly. My car cost me $11,800 with 98K at that time (now 108,000), so I won't be getting killed with depreciation upon selling. Of course the Lexus Dealers still try and succeed getting telephone numbers for the late model low mileage cars, but Lexus produced a load of LS430s and there are plenty out there to choose from. I'm seeing prices for 04-06s vary from low teens to low 20s. My car is pretty much a 2 owner car and I'm happy that the car runs so well. I'm a little hesitant that I might not be so lucky the second time around. If I can upgrade for an additional $5,000-$6,000 I might be willing to take the plunge but only for the right car. I no longer want a car with 100K+ miles nor an UL. Just a base original car (no paintwork) with Nav preferably in white or silver.. I am super OCD with body and interior condition as my car is so clean. As we all know, these are super reliable fantastic cars and are still a great value for what you get. I looked at the new GS350 and now realize how well made our cars are. Do I have reasonable expectations?

BradTank

I personally don't think the refresh is worth the $5k-$6k premium over what you have. The upgrades are very subtle.

I own a 2004, but I would have bought the earlier design had I found an especially nice one. To me, that is more key than the actual model year.

If you're car is in especially good condition and is in the color combination you like already, you might actually be taking a step down. You'd be amazed how some people take care of cars.

AlexusAnja

Well... if you compare base to base, then yes, the '04-'06 is no more than cosmetic changes except for the 6-speed transmission.

However, once compare comparable NAV systems, you add bluetooth and backup camera, along with the 6-speed and I believe heated and cool seats, then the $6K premium I believe it worth the updated look.

So, if it was just purely exterior preference, then I can't tell anyone that the '04-'06 looks better than '01-'03 because style is subjective.

Jabberwock

If a 04-06 is what you really want I say go for it but be super patient and wait for the right car.

A $6k increase in your cost to acquire the refresh version is small potatoes if that's the car you really want. It may actually cost you more than that to get a mint low mile example - maybe $10-13k more for a good one. But folks lose that and more in depreciation just driving typical semi-luxury car off of a new car dealer's lot.

Bocatrip

Thanks for all the good suggestions and feedback. As far as what Jabberwock mentioned.......being super patient and waiting for the right car is exactly what I have in mind. I own 2 cars and put very little mileage on either one. (5,000 per year). I am looking for a car with no more than the 70,000 mileage range. There are many of these cars around as here in Florida, most of them are owned by old timers and snowbirds that don't drive much..I don't care about the cars with super low mileage that bring the big dollars. Condition, service records, location, and color combo will be the main factors. At least now after owning the LS430 for a number of years, I know what to look for......blown subwoofers, cracked steering wheel wood, telescoping steering issues, etc. Thanks all for your help. The hunt is on!!!!!!!!!! I'll keep everyone posted. Thanks again.

aypues

the 04-06's look so much better! also don't forget they went to projector headlights with 180 degree field of view at night. Incredible. also LED taillights that are very distinctive. they also added Pre-Collision System in 04 as an option in UL and maybe CL I believe.

Gene01

You are correct. PCS (with DRCC = dynamic radar cruise control) was an option on 04 -06 CL and UL.
However, it was not available until a few months after production started on the 04 models.
I think that Jan 04 build date is the first from the production line with PCS.
CL and UL cars had DLCC (dynamic laser cruise control) if PCS was not selected.
PCS also included some other features.

Bocatrip

Considering that the only package or option I am interested in is Nav and the only other criteria is color/combo,condition and mileage, I should have enough cars to choose from. I do not want the UL (air suspension). I am making the upgrade solely based on the body style change with the addition of course of the bluetooth and backup camera. Do most the models have the rear sunshade?

Jabberwock

I have a 06 base "Premium" model and it has rear sunshade so my guess is that they all have it.

AlexusAnja

If you mean the rear window sunshade, yes, all trims had it. If you mean the rear door sunshades, then only the UL had it.

Bocatrip

Yes, I mean the rear window sunshade. I don't like to tint the windows because at night I see a glare from the rear defroster lines that becomes a distraction when headlights are approaching. Thus, the need for the rear window sunshade. Thanks for the info.

levie

iTrader: (1)

i dont think i would spend the money just to get a newer year, if it was me if just keep the current one for a bit and then upgrade to a 460, but thats just me. good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Bocatrip

The LS430 is the Icon of the Lexus Brand, and the reason I was looking at the refresh models for 04-06 is for it's incredible untarnished reputation. These overengineered cars don't come along all that often.