MikeP

Well I didn't exactly get the S-Type right after the LS400. I traded the LS on a BMW 330Ci, which lasted for about a year, then I had to have a Jag X-Type when it was first introduced. BIG MISTAKE. I had many problems with that car and the dealer was of no help. I got Jaguar involved and was able to get some help getting out of the X-Type into my current car. The interior of the S-Type is not large, but I rarely have more than one passenger, so "size doesn't matter". Initially I was pretty happy with my S-Type until the transmission started to lurch, the reverse parking aid started giving false readings, it failed to start on one occasion and had to be towed to the dealer, and rattles started to appear. I'm still stuck with the same dealer's service and know that I'm going to be taken to the cleaners when I trade it. I still love the looks of the car and it has a lot of power while still getting great fuel economy. But I'm tired of not being able to get problems solved after 2 years of owning it. For 3 years my LS400 only saw the service department for routine maintenance, as did my SC300. The only Lexus lemon I had was my early-build '98 GS400, which Lexus and my dealer bought back and that's how I ended up with the '98 LS400. I am looking forward to getting another LS for its reliability and comfort. Judging by the majority of the comments on this board, I know I won't be disappointed. Thank's for the info on the '05 models. Mike

Not really...sorry. :( I was just curious because I stopped in one day and looked at a CPO RX300, and they didn't budge from their asking price-$27k. I didn't really push the issue because I was just getting some ideas on the SUV, and $27k for a RX with 65k is rediculous. Did you try LeBlanc Lexus in Baton Rouge or Lexus of Shreveport? Do you live in NO? I am in New Orleans. Both Lexus of New Orleans and LeBlanc Lexus in Baton Rouge have the same owner. I did ask LeBlanc for a quote via email and the price that was given was higher than N.O. I didn't try Lexus of Shreveport. I'm not looking forward to starting the negotiations once the '05 models are released. I am willing to buy out of state, but I am concerned about getting local service. Mike

Someone told me the short black antenna on the rear of the roof is for Lexus Link. If that service has been discontinued, what is the antenna for? Is it part of the pre-wiring for a phone? The '04 LS I test drove did not have GPS, but did have the antenna, so I assume the antenna is not for that. Could it be used for "Smat Access"? Mike

As I compiled my "short list", the LS430 was at the top for several reasons...I had previous experience with the dealer service, I wanted dependabilty, comfort and high resale value. Also on my list was the Q45 and E320. I didn't include BMW, even though in the past I loved driving the ones I owned, because of the new styling direction and the high prices. After doing research on prices for the E320, I saw that with the options I wanted, it would be close or equal to the same price as the LS430. Also the latest JD Power reliability ratings for MB scared me off. I did test drive a Q45 and was impressed, but my preference is for a more traditional interior like the LS430 and I thought the interior materials in the LS appeared to be of better quality. I also thought the suspension in the LS absorbed ruts and potholes better, but also cornered flatter and had a more refined ride. I also noted that the resale value on the Q45 is not great. Before test driving the LS, I thought my Jaguar rode well. After my LS test drive, I was ready to junk it. The suspension in my S-Type causes the car to float and the front end to bob up & down. I drove the LS over some roads I routinely drive and I was amazed at how, what seemed like large bumps in my Jaguar, these bumps were hardly felt in the LS. The LS430 seems a lot more "European" in feel than I remember my LS400 being. I can't imagine any other car, regardless of price, being so well engineered. I want one BAD. Mike

Which dealer are you working with? I'm working with Lexus of New Orleans. I purchased my 3 other Lexus from them, although my last one was an LS400 in 1998. I've also been emailing several dealers in Houston and will seriously consider buying out-of-state if I can get a better price. Do you have any advice you could share? Mike

Just wondering what other cars you considered/test drove when you were in the process of purchasing your LS430. What, in particular, caused you to choose the Lexus.....value, reliability, resale value, quality, dealer, etc.? Mike

I would definitely consider an '04 if the discount was substantial enough and my dealer could find a car that matched my specs. Up to this point, the max my dealer is willing to discount an '04 is about $3500. The estimated difference in depreciation in 3 years, based on the KBB trade-in value of an '01 & '02 today, is about $4000. If I wait just 8 more weeks, I can get an '05. It might cost me a little more than an '04 now, but in 3 years it should pay off. Does Lexus usually give incentives on the LS at the end of the model year? Mike

John, When I was test driving the LS430, it felt very strange not to have to push the button on the key fob to unlock the doors. I'm going to like that feature also. I think what I'll have to get used to is walking away without having to push the lock button on the key fob to lock the doors. I'll probably have to check that the car is locked by pulling on the door handle, which of course will unlock the car!!!! When I test drove a Q45, I noticed it had the same kind of key, but did not have a system similar to Smart Access. The fob has a retractable key, like the LS, but you have to push the buttons to lock & unlock the doors. Since the radio antenna is in the rear glass, what is the stubby black antenna on the roof for? I assume it is for the Smart Access receiver since the car I drove did not have the Nav system. Mike

I was told the same by my salesman, but the discount he was offering on the '04 would not compensate for the difference in value when I normally trade in 3 years. I decided to wait for the '05 models, hoping my car would not lose too much more value and I would get some discount of the LS. The only change to the '05 models, according to my salesman, is the availability of 18" wheels without the sport package. I assume the wheel designs for both 17" and 18" will be the same, but I have no confirmation of that. I'm also hoping Lexus adds a medium metallic grey to the LS. These 2 months of waiting are going to feel like 2 years. Mike

Thanks, John. My salesman told me he would know pricing and specs by mid to late August and the first shipments should arrive at the dealer in mid to late September. Mike

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the '05 models, but have not been able to find out when to expect them at the dealer, nor what changes in specs or colors. Does anyone have that information yet? I have owned 3 Lexus in the past, a '93 SC300, a '98 GS400 and a '98 LS400. The LS was the last Lexus I owned before I "strayed" to other brands. I've now had my fill of poor service and low resale values. I've test driven several '04 LS430's and now I'm getting very impatient. My intention is to buy an '05, Mercury/Ash with the Premium Package and Smart Access. Mike