chuck58

Greetings,
I'm new to this forum, and all things Lexus. I'm shopping, and have been lurking on the forum for a little while. I'm hoping to tap into the brain trust here, and hope some will indulge me. I'm shopping for a low mileage LS-430, and would like to get the informed opinion of some here who have a working knowledge of the pro/con argument of the comparison of these two vehicles--the '03 model and the '05. My understanding is that the '03 has a 5-speed transmission, and the '05 has a 6-speed transmission. That is significant, but is it anything to be concerned about, one way or the other. That's the most glaring difference....am I missing anything else? Very much thanks in advance.

bmore430

6 speed transmission is a nice upgrade over the older 5 speed. should equate to a little better fuel mileage as well. the upgraded headlights and led tails are a nice touch. the bumpers look a little more modern as well. although the pre 2004 models can be had for great prices these days.

chuck58

That's helpful. Thanks!

LS430FL

also I believe that the 04-06 will have bluetooth and if the one you get has navigation then the 04-06 will have a backup camera but the 01-03's did not if that is important to you. I had an 01 which is the same as an 03 and a 2006. I couldn't tell the difference between the cars once I got inside. The outside was a refresh of the front and rear. Front looks a little more sleek and the rear for the 04 to 06 had exhaust tips showing and LED lights the 03 will have hidden exhaust tips and the older stye orange and red tail light.

In my own opinion I would go and find an 04. Prices will be very similar to an 03 and its a more refreshed looking car. Read about the 04 I think some early ones needed the transmission software reflashed or something from lexus due to shifting errors. its been discussed on here for sure.

jimbosr1

04-06 has knee air bags,swivel headlights and smart key as a option

JffGRY706

the 6 speed transmission comes with lifetime transmission fluid. the 5 speed should have had regular service. a low mileage 6 speed should be alright, but if it has over 100,000 miles it might not be wise to service it. I do not believe in lifetime transmission fluid and think I will schedule another service for my 6 speed as I just passed 120,000 miles. cars.com rates the 04-06 as a best bet used car. not so for the 01-03. largely the same car. Mark Levinson stereo is expensive and often in need of repair, but the basic Pioneer system is LS430 bulletproof. I have a premium, wish I had a Custom Luxury. I would buy an '03 now because they are really cheap. 5 speed transmission is actually preferred by some who have experience with both. cars are tuff enough, but repairs and maintenance can be expensive.

wnyjazz

I'm in the same situation and was considering an '03 due to the simplicity of servicing the tranny. Maybe that's overthinking things.

The '03's also got cooled seats as standard IIRC.

Johnhav430

I limited my search to '06's at new car dealers, figuring time was on the side of these cars. Seems like many parts simply wear due to age, not just mileage. Some prices were outrageous, of course, a nice mercury with 64k going for 22k? WTF? Then the price dropped to 20k, and it was gone? In the end I didn't want to spend more than 15k, simply because most used cars are going to need something. I don't know how much less a '03 would go for, but I was ok with 14 and change for an '06 with 80k.

chuck58

Thanks fellas. This is going to be car#2 in our family. I have an 18y/old daughter, who is a very responsible driver. Back up camera is a must. No service transmission sounds great (I have always changed ALL fluids in every car I've ever owned at 30K intervals, along with regular oil changes). But if manufacturer recommends lifetime (is that right???) of transmission with same fluid, who am I to argue that point? Might do more harm than good to change fluids when it's not recommended.... I'm an airline employee, so traveling to another state isn't a problem in looking for the right car. I'd like to finds either an '05 or '06, with maybe 30K miles, clean carfax, and one that's been taken care of. Thanks for the input, as I'm a new to Lexus buyer, and information is very helpful.

Fixman

Just a not on the 6 speed transmition. It's not as complicated as others suggest. It just have a deferent procedures to Chang the transmition oil. And it all about oil level as the 6 speed don't like low or hight oil level bothe creates issues. And the tolerance level is small. So following the OEM procedure will give you a smother longer living transmition.
Ohhhh and life time is not forever. If you refer to the service manual you will find transmition oil Chang intervals (can't remember the recommendation 100k I think). All oils du wear over time.

tallcaguy

If tranny service is DIY, then yes the 5 is easier. It's a PIA to do the 6 right (which is why I pay someone to do it). Sure the early years are cheaper. I've owned an 01 and just bought an 04. They're both great cars but if I had to choose? Buy an 04-06

Bocatrip

Early LS430s (01-03) if well maintained can be the bargain of a lifetime. The original owners are still out there and these cars can be gotten for as little at 5 grand! As long as there is service history, you can get a great car with money left over for all the normal service items that ultimately will need to be replaced on any LS430 from 01-06 including rear subwoofer, valve cover gaskets, 1-4 02 sensors ( usually just one), door actuator, rotors/brakes, Lower Control Arm Bushings, wheel bearing hubs, Ball Joints, Nav reader, hood/trunk lifts and struts. These are common items that are found in the base model.... once you go to anything over.as in CL or UL....the repairs can be prohibitive. One reason to get a well maintained first series LS430 as ALL models need the above items sooner or later. Still a great value and a great car. Can go on forever if well maintained.

Legender

You might be looking for a unicorn here expecting to find a ~10 year old car with only 30k miles on it. Not saying they're not out there, but if you do find one, it won't be cheap. Purchasing one from a retiree in Florida that shares time between there and the northeast may be your best option.

Your daughter is very fortunate to have such a high end car to drive. You may be spoiling her for the future... just know that.

tallcaguy

On my freeway trip today, my 04 got tank average of 28 mpg. That's at 70 w/ cruise. If I slow down to 65 (and cruise), the current MPG display says 30-31. Never saw those numbers on my 01. Personal opinion but the 6 speed makes the car feel a little faster.