TriC

Imagine you could go back and buy a brand new LS 430 or you are now looking for one. In the latter instance, most want a one owner car with complete service history and no prior accidents, so those things are a given. What would be your ideal one to buy in the way of color combination, options, and model year?

If you are fortunate enough to own your ideal, how did you manage the feat?

texan_176

iTrader: (5)

My dream 3rd Gen LS new under warranty would be an 05 or 06 UL black on black with saddle seats.

The dream one to buy now is a black on black CL trim 05 or 06.

I had a black on black 05 base that I really loved. It was pure luck that a Lexus dealer 15 miles from me had this one owner car in stock when I started looking in 2017. The 05 ML silver on grey I am in now is lower mileage and has ceramic tint but there is something about the triple black mafia boss look that draws me.

BMW7_LS430

06
Custom Luxury
White exterior
Saddle interior
Sports Suspension

I probably won't be buying another LS430 though. But SC430 in the similar combo? Probably.

I passed on a black/saddle 06 UL when I bought my 04 silver/black CL mainly because I did not want a a black car and air suspension.

ma61

It would be the elusive unicorn I have been searching 5+ years for...

04-06
Flint Mica
CL
Under 60k

I'm getting to the point where I'll take nearly any low mileage, maintained LS with the CL package...

NL5

06 CL Briarwood pearl with saddle interior

BMW7_LS430

One of the ways to get there at this life of LS430 is also getting a UL with blown air shocks at a steep discount and changing to coilover. UL Flint Mica should not be very difficult to find.

mafpolo

2006 silver UL, chrome wheels, with a beige interior that has the gray wood.

warminwisc

Drive like an 06 A8 with LS reliability.

Neverdone

that's exactly what I have....except its an 01.

irishbrahm

2006 UL Mercury Metallic, Ecru, chrome wheels.

Maybe this car exists (I've never seen one).

Johnhav430

Like many on this thread, it would be a CL, to grab some of the extras but avoid the air suspension. Sport suspension if possible.

Color, I would work backwards from the interior, with my preference being ecru with semi aniline. If it came in moonlight, I'd take that, but my focus would be on getting the ecru.

I think the LS430 is one of those cars that if you had the space, you would simply keep. Even if I were wealthy and this were not my DD, I'd keep it, just a nice overall car to have in the stable.

TriC

Just so all know, the 2006 LS sales brochure states that a saddle interior was available with just 2 exterior colors: Flint Mica and Black Onyx. Further, the Ecru interior only came with Golden Bird's-Eye Maple wood trim, the gray not being available in 2006.

bloomwcjkl

I have an 04 Flint Mica/Black Modern Luxury with 68k miles. Spent all winters in FL until we bought it from the original owner. My one wish (for my wife) is that they made an AWD model in the 04-06. She is just not a good/confident driver and the RWD just is not working out for her in our tough winters. These cars with AWD would be unstoppable.

It looks like by fall I will have to either part with the 04 for an AWD GS or keep the 04 for myself and part with my 01 ML (Silver/Black) with 134k miles. I really, really like my 01, so it will not be an easy decision. Based on miles and condition, keep the 04 is an easy decision.

What does the CL give you over the ML that is a must have?

Leung

Johnhav430

I believe the CL has a) headlight washers / not needed b) laminated side glass / nice to have c) the ability to have semi aniline leather, to include the dash / would be a seriously nice touch--upscale d) soft close doors / nice to have but doubles the actuator cost e) not sure about radar cruise

I just feel that the CL takes it over the top (kinda like a 2007 S class had night vision already in 2007), but you don't get the air suspension and refrigerator and rear evap like you do with the UL, which are 3 things I definitely do not want