mannye

Hey guys! So here we are about 10 years later and I'm on my third LS-430. I totaled the '04 I had when I started this thread, but the crash performance and the total pleasure it was to own meant I upgraded to a 2005. Which got stolen a couple of years ago. Funny story. I was at the dealer trying to decide between a 13 or if I wanted to spring for a dark grey gunmetal colored '14 LS460 when I see a mint '06. I asked how much... 14k and that was that. Went home with my '06 and 30 grand in my pocket. Couldn't be happier. I eventually started using the Michelin Primacy MXV4 from a local guy first and then from Tire Rack, until the local guys started matching the prices around 2010 or so...now I'm back to the local guys. Is it still the quietest? I found that as it ages, it tends to get louder to the point where the last 10K miles or so are annoying on long trips. But it's better than any tire I've tried. Of course, 10 years on, and 18 inch tires are "small" now... so maybe those who know about these things can make some new recommendations? Right now it has some off brand tires the previous owner (a sweet old lady) probably got overcharged for. :)

Thanks for the input! Buying locally should be of no consequence since the fullfillment of the warranty is done from a central location no matter where the policy is sold. Imagine buying a new car in California and then moving to Florida...shouldn't impact coverage.

Back when I got my first LS 430, I remember buyinh my extended warranty from a dealer somewhere out of state that was recommended either here or on the other forum. Whatever your personal opinions aout the extended warranty, mine paid for itself within a year when both mirrors needed replacing. Problem is, Miami dealers are dicks and overprice the warranties so I need to go out of state to get one. Does anyone knkow the name of that dealer that was giving good prices on the extended warranties from Toyota? My mother in law needs to get one for her Rav4. I don't want the hassles of third party providers.

At the risk of showing too much geeky knowledge, that's Dalek Sec, which is technically a whole new "series" of Dalek being one of the "Cult of Skaro" elite Daleks built to think like the enemy. There are a few of them and they have names like Caan and Jast and of course, Sec. Sec is the coolest looking in his black casing. So maybe Series V.1? If you can find an '06 with low miles, go for it as I feel it's the best of the best. NO ONE sells them. The only '06 models I found were either base, had too many miles or way overpriced. Go ahead, go on ebay... there's never more than 10 for sale at any one time. As soon as I saw an '05 with under 50K miles on it, I jumped at it!

I went on the VAIS Tech website, but it's running too slow to be of any help... I guess it's me or my stupid DSL or something... but since this is working... here's the question: I want to install something like VAIS Tech's system in my car (05 LS) but I want to be able to listen to iPod AND FLAC files off a drive or FLAC player. DO they have something that can accommodate both technologies?

I can tell you from recent experience! After totaling my 2004 LS430 and looking at several 460s, I decided the premium wasn't really worth it and went for an almost identical '05 LS 430. The only weird part was not really getting that "new car" feeling. It was more like getting my old car back from the body shop I guess. That said, 04-06 LS430s are the best bargain in the motoring world at this time. 70K worth of car for 15-20K.

Thanks! Anyone out there know what I can expect over the 04 model year? Looks like they are virtually identical. Did they all have the tranny issue fixed?

http://www.bocamotorcargallery.com/2005-Lexus-LS430/Used-Car/BocaRaton-FL/7508/2821632/Details.aspx It was on ebay for a few thousand less (just under 21K) and with low miles, and one owner I think it's the best replacement for my 2004 LS 430. It was between this and an 07 for about 30K and I just couldn't justify putting down the extra 10K. This is the same modern luxury/access/blutooth package without the sport tuned suspension I had on the '04. I noticed it adds auto door closers but no mention of the relatively useless voice recognition. Did they get rid of that for 05? I will go pick up the car on Saturday! Yay!

Thanks for the info guys! I actually was doing some research and it seems some redesigns were put into place for the '09 models and maybe for like 2K more than my original budget I can get into one of those.

Well, I totaled the old LS430 this afternoon. I'm very lucky no one was seriously hurt...a little aching neck and some air bag burns aside, everyone in both cars is OK. I'm super bummed because I really liked that car and fully expected to go another 100K miles in it. But good news is... Time for a 460. I'm looking at 2007/2008 models. I've been out of it for a while, but wondering if there are any differences between the two years. Knowing Lexus, I'm not really worried about the miles, but I do seem to remember some mirror noise issues with 07 models and other little niggles, Is it worth it to pay the premium for a 2008 over a 2007? I'm probably going to go with a standard wheel base unless I can find a screaming deal on a LWB. I'm mostly hoping to find something with premium sound, laser cruise and cooled seats... other than that, nothing is a dealbreaker... budget is between 30 and 35K. Am I being realistic?

It's not about that (ok maybe a little) :) It's about getting the system to sound good at ALL levels. I think the system, while really well designed in speaker placement, imaging and matching, is lacking the clarity needed to be called exceptional at any volume. As I said in the previous post, it's OK with folk and classic rock (60's and 70's) I was hoping to modify whatever the weak link might be (my money is on the amps) without having to tear out the entire system and go through the Herculian task of installing something new.

Thanks for the response! Don't get me wrong, the system does sound good at low to moderate levels, but only with certain music like classic rock and folk music. With metal and hio hop it falls flat a most any level, and with classical it just BLOWS IMHO. I feel that just adding better amps would go a long way to improving things, but that complicated crossover network and what I am sure are proprietary specs on the OEM amps would make that difficult unless one spent a lot of money to research and build a system that would integrate itself. As a crazy audiophile with an extensive HT setup and seperate analog stereo rig, I tend to go a little overboard but I really think that even a regular listener can pick up on the limitations of the ML system. I will report back when (if?) I find a way to improve the sound without resorting to tearing the whole thing out.

Anyone?

Hello everybody! I own a 2004 LS "Sport Suspension" (It's like an Ultra without the suede headliner and massage) I've seen all the sub repair threads but I'm surprised there isn't a general upgrade guide for the LS 04-06. Many of you will say that's because the ML system is so good it needs no upgrades, and I would agree unless you like to listen to rock, rap or top 40 or even Vivaldi's 4 seasons! Heaven forbid you should open a window! (ok.. maybe that's asking too much of a stock system) I find that when I want to crank it up the system can sound strained and "shouty" and that certain songs could use a little more "punch" in the bass and clarity in the mids. Let's say I'm in the mood for some rap (which happens from time to time) or want to crank up the Rammstien, is there a certain combo of amp/speaker/sub that can be used to upgrade the stockers as a unit? I know that ML spent hundreds of hours designing the system, but I bet most of that was placement. Plus I would also bet that if you asked the designers, they would have plenty to say about the compromises a mass-production stereo has to make to be cost effective. Ideas? I'm willing to be a guinea pig for design!

I will bet you are right on this one Jim. Accidentally pressed the cancel button. Good post. You da' man when it comes to digging through the manuals! Thanks for the replies! I will check the button, and if it's that, proceed to interrogate the children to find out which one of the little whippersnappers was "exploring" under the dash. I did not even know there were buttons under there. I REALLY gotta read the manual one of these years.

About three days ago, I tried to get in my LS and the door would not open. I noticed that the "wake up" sequence (interior and outside mirror lights coming on, etc) had not happened and I thought I might have drained the battery somehow, but when I clicked the key, the locks opened. Then I tried to start the car as usual with the key in my pocket, but the ignition would not turn. I had to insert the key to get it going. Anyone know what might be going on? This is happening with BOTH keys, so I don't think it's a battery problem, plus both keys can still lock, unlock and start the car if I use the buttons.

REviving a dead, but fun thread. I'd say the must-have feature I would want is radar cruise. Unless the highway is completely empty, it's a pain to keep turning it on and off. I love the crotch, total !Removed! cooling on my 04 Ls! A great feature here in Miami.

I tried pushing out the key part and sticking a screwdriver in the slot, but that just caused damage. I guess I will try the dealer.

I have been completely bamboozled by the key fob for my 04 LS!! The batteries are running out on both of them and I can't find a way in to change them! I have the keyless entry version that's kept in the pocket but the 04 doesn't have the button, you just turn the ignition switch and it goes. HOw the hell do I open it?????

It figures. Just when I finally figure out which tire will be the best for comfort and quiet, so does everyone else in the country! The Michelin Primacy MXV4 is back ordered in every store I've surfed to. Now I guess I'll let my fingers do the walking and start calling the local stores.

Well it took a while to wear out those hockey pucks I have on the car, and now they are finally at the treadwear indicators. They get an "A" for tread life, but then we shouldn't be surprised considering they are made out of iron So I'm leaning towards the Michelin Primacy MXV4. Everything I read about them has the word "quiet" in it. I will post results soon enough. Seems 18 inches is the tipping point where comfort gives way to performance but I am hoping to have found a compromise.

Expect an average of 15 in the city and 22ish on the highway. I usually average 16 mpg but I have a lead foot. Numbers will be much better if you baby it.

Actually the speakers in the Mark Levinson system aren't really crazy expensive speakers. It does sound good, I have the Levinson system in my 04 LS, but it isn't super duper crazy. I think the only self-amplified speaker in the system is the sub. The money is really in the placement and design so the soundstage would be just right, etc. I remember reading somewhere that the speaker elements weren't anything special. You can probably open one up an see for yourself. I'll bet you find paper cones, etc. But even though an aftermarket speaker will be better constructed, I would be really careful before I just threw something in there. Everything in the Lexus is designed to work together.

I would question the need for a warranty. These cars are about bullet proof and you have a low mielage car to start with. Properly maintained you shouldn't have any major issues before 100,000 miles. Keep in mind that you are paying as much as 70-80% of the cost to the sales guy as profit which leaves only a few hundred bucks for any potential claims costs. I agree with theearlier post that if you really don't have the confidence in the car, put the money in savings and use it as needed. I would bet that by the time the 100,000 rolls around you will have $2900 plus interest!! thanks for the input guys! Actually, I thinkI'm going to get the warranty, but not from these local yahoos. I found a guy who's offering very reasonable prices. it seems I will find out son enough. Troy Dietrich of Toyota of Greenfield apparently offers both Toyota and Lexus Platinum Extra Care extended warranties at huge discounts. Just Google "Lexus Platinum Extra Care" and his name pops up all over the place. I'm going to e-mail him tomorrow and I'll post the results!

I was looking into the "PLatinum PLan" and the sales lady quoted me 2900 for the 7 year - 100K mile plan. I figure that will take me 3 years out and another 50K miles of peace of mind (I have an 04 LS that just came up on 48K miles). Have you guys paid more, less? Am I getting shafted? Is it a good deal? These are the questions burning in my mind! :chairshot: