ntwrkguy1

I have a friend that is in the market for an LS430. Money isn't really an issue for any year of the 430, but he doesn't have enough (in his opinion) to make the leap to a 460.

Is there a best year for the LS430? Are there any years to avoid? I know there were some issues with the V8's at some point, but I thought those all fell within the 460 production?

He's all about documentation, so he's looking at cars that are 1 or 2-owner cars with full records. Mileage isn't a huge concern either, unless you guys feel it is. I bought my GS430 with 109,000, and it's been smooth sailing ever since.

I told him he might get tripped up on his color choice (black on black). I know I looked for that same combo for my GS for over a year before finally deciding on MSM!

Natey2

I believe a 6-speed (sealed? ) transmission was introduced in the 2004 model. Prior years used a 5-speed transmission.
I have a 2005. Try switching the "2005" below for other model years:
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2005/2005LSspecs.pdf

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ntwrkguy1

Thanks for the link!

I've heard about this "sealed" transmission -- I'm pretty sure my GS doesn't have this. Is there even a dipstick to check the fluid?

Also, when did the LS transition over to the 8-speed transmission? Or is that on the LS460's?

Legender

There are a couple of black on black models in the Dallas area... check Craigslist...
I think anything 2004 and above is going to be the better option if money is not an issue.
You can always pay more for low miles, and Certified from the dealer....

AlexusAnja

8-speed started with the '07 460. There is no dipstick on the sealed tranny. Thus "sealed" as in no exposure to environment.

As for best year, it's really more what features he wants? Bluetooth and rear view camera were '04 on. '04 had a recall in early production. If money not an issue, then beat would be a low miles '06.

LS4EVER85

All models are superb, if money is not an issue shoot for the the best one you can find. I own a 2004 myself, 58k bought it with all original service records and I particularly wanted one a mature lady owned just because women aren't such hard drivers in these cars usually! Black on black might be a hard one to find though.

UZ214

I could not find a certified one in the whole Country. There is a nice 2006 in Boston at a mb dealership

ntwrkguy1

I'll have him check the Dallas Craigslist. He lives in FL, but travels to Houston about once every other month.

How far back will the dealers do CPO on the 430's? I thought that program was generally for cars 5 years old an newer?


Thanks for the info on the sealed transmission. He definitely wanted to stay with the 430's, and is likely going to go with the lowest miles he can find. He told me he'd like the UL option package, but I can imagine that the production numbers are probably pretty low for that.


He seems pretty hung up on the black/black (bad news for me, since I am the one that he pays to detail his cars......haha). And I definitely agree -- I am a big fan of complete service records, as is he. Never really considered the "mature lady" angle, but I see your point!

ntwrkguy1

For some reason, I have it in my mind that the CPO stuff would start with the '08's, but I could be wrong on that.

Next best choice would likely be low-mileage/one-owner, I guess.

Jabberwock

LS 430 models ran 2001 thru 2006 only. 2001-2003 were initial release of LS430. 2004-2006 was a slightly refreshed version of LS430 with some additional features and changes. 2006 and earlier are all too old to be Lexus CPO at this point. If it were me I would get a well cared for 2004-2006 because of 6 speed trans, smart key feature, and air cooled seats. The 2001-2003 are super cars also - just a matter of degree here. I own a 2006 but honestly feel the 2001-2003 series looks a tiny bit better - just my taste. Either way its hard to go wrong if you get a well maintained, very clean, and always garaged, car from a sun belt state. These cars like any car do rust and plastics and rubber does age in harsh environments. At this point considering these are 7 to 12 year old used cars, I'd avoid rust belt cars and non-garaged cars like the plague.

My 2006 LS430 has been well maintained and garaged and it still runs, drives, and looks like it's virtually brand new.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I would go with an 04-06. The 01-03's were pretty ugly looking in my opinion.

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

i don't notice much of a difference beetween the 01-03's to the 04's+

Zodiac

iTrader: (1)

All the features that come with my 04 UL, I value smart key feature the most. Definitely 04+ and if money is a non issue 06 gets my vote.

ls430lover

just as fyi the 02 was supposedly the most realiable year, the 04-06 obvious for features and upgrades in style

IvanLS430

Just purchased a 2004 LS430 with no navigation from Sewell in Dallas. 50,000 miles. Picking it up Friday