Talk me down...UL Purchase
#1
Talk me down...UL Purchase
Hi everyone. Long time reader on this forum! I have owned two LS430s, and I just love them. I am currently driving a 98 LS400 that i got this summer that is in need of some work but at 133k miles, its in great shape. The LS400 is gonna need about 1500 bucks in suspension and cluster repair to get her back to great condition, and I have been thinking about that.
Fast forward to today. I came across a 2001 LS430 UL with 98k miles on it, in great shape. Timing belt done but the rear air shock is leaking. I am really tempted! I owned an UL a few years ago but got scared away from it when the front shocks leaked and the front end was laying on the floor of my driveway. Should I run from another UL?
Fast forward to today. I came across a 2001 LS430 UL with 98k miles on it, in great shape. Timing belt done but the rear air shock is leaking. I am really tempted! I owned an UL a few years ago but got scared away from it when the front shocks leaked and the front end was laying on the floor of my driveway. Should I run from another UL?
#2
It will cost you $1200 - $1500 to replace the suspension going non air. Otherwise, the UL's are great. Only the air shocks are prone to failure. You can also source a used air shock for about $150.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 10-05-14 at 07:45 PM.
#3
I think it all comes down to price, personal preference, and condition. Assuming the price is right for you and you prefer the UL package then why not? My own criteria was to find an 04+ with sport suspension and nav with black interior. I'm happy with it but I likely would have settled for another option package if the price was right. I don't know if I would have purchased one without smart access though..
Are you looking to sell the LS400 or keep it as well?
Are you looking to sell the LS400 or keep it as well?
#6
I love my UL. Even as the driver you gain some perks. The laser or radar cruise is fantastic on road trips. The like the air suspension. Comfort most of the the time and sport mode when I want it.
#7
I've driven a fairly new UL in sport mode a few years ago and it still felt 'floaty' for my taste. Similar to GEN2 LS400s. The sport package really isn't that much sportier per say but it feels more 'connected' somehow. No doubt it's because of the lack of air ride. I guess it's one of those personal preference things but both are great choices regardless.
I know some would say get a BMW if you want a connected feel but I'd rather sacrifice the 'sporty' aspect since these cars excel in just about every other category; Mainly reliability, ease of working on and of course the iconic design based off the Mercedes W140.
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#9
Thanks all. Yes I definitely prefer the UL, I love all the details that make these cars special. I just swore off the UL after my last one. Ugh. Conflicted. I am still getting more info on the car to help make a good decision.
I'm not a huge fan of the cherry red wood. You guys like it?
I'm not a huge fan of the cherry red wood. You guys like it?
#10
If you like the DRCC (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control) or DLCC (Dynamic Laser Cruise Control), but don't want the air suspension, you can get a Custom Luxury car. Of course, you also give up the other UL features (e. g. rear seat package). I think the UL is fantastic.
#11
I'm certainly diggin' my '01 UL. I installed the rear sway bar from the sport suspension which made a nice, if not subtle change to the suspension. The car seems to ride a little flatter generally. Certainly not a sport feel in general, but that air suspension is pretty remarkable for comfort.
#13
Are you comfortable with the idea of swapping from the original air suspension to the conventional steel coil and struts?
If you got a Lexus dealer and get 4 new air bags, you're probably looking at around $5,000. If you go online and do the work yourself, probably $4,000.
If you put in Lexus OEM steel coils and struts, you're probably looking at around $1,400 in parts.
So it's a huge difference. I personally think it's a no-brainer to convert, but some feel differently.
If the car is on the original air bag and one has already blown, it's probably due for all 4, so I would definitely add the price. Age is a factor with these, so being nearly 14 years old and one already going out, it's inevitable.
If you got a Lexus dealer and get 4 new air bags, you're probably looking at around $5,000. If you go online and do the work yourself, probably $4,000.
If you put in Lexus OEM steel coils and struts, you're probably looking at around $1,400 in parts.
So it's a huge difference. I personally think it's a no-brainer to convert, but some feel differently.
If the car is on the original air bag and one has already blown, it's probably due for all 4, so I would definitely add the price. Age is a factor with these, so being nearly 14 years old and one already going out, it's inevitable.