05silverls430

I have an 05 LS and have driven several of the 460 models (I had one as a loaner for a week). I concur with everything Steve says. While the 460s are nice, I'm perfectly happy with my 430 for the foreseeable future...

I've had both the SLx with an aux input for my iPod in my 2003 LS, an SLi in my wife's former RX400h and now a SL2i and SL2x in my 2005 LS. I've been very happy with them all, however I do notice an improvement with the newer models (SL2). Sound may be a bit better, but I don't get the same delay when using satellite radio (tuning to or changing between stations) that I used to get with my SLx. My wife also had to reset her iPod periodically with the SLi. We now have the SLx and SLi in our 2009 Prius. I'd go with the SL2 models if I were you (if it will integrate with an 01).

Thanks for the tips! What I really need to do is find a good independent Lexus mechanic in my area, like you 1990LS. My searches thus far have turned up nothing...

I'm seriously considering replacing my own brakes instead of paying $800+ for the dealer to do it. They have an annoying loud squeaking noise when braking at very low speeds, especially when cold. My dealer told me that the "rotors are glazed". So maybe I need to replace the rotors too. I'm sure it would be SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper if I did it myself, however I get nervous about these things. My mechanical experience is limited to changing the oil on an Isuzu pick-up that I owned years ago, and doing a diesel purge on my 84 Mercedes. I haven't spent any time looking (yet), but if anyone has a link for some good instructions, including photos, I would greatly appreciate it...

I can confirm the high idle as well. I've experienced it when the engine is cold on both my former '03 and my current '05 LS430. Nothing to worry about. Congratulations on the car! :)

NICE!!! I think I can count the number of times I've seen an LS with that interior color on one hand! It was worth the wait! ;)

Good to know...thanks!

You guys have given me lots to think about! And I'm certainly going to be a lot more wary of what I trust the dealer with, if I take it there at all (other than for a warranty issue). I'm going to do some research and find a good independent in my area. So does anyone know of a good indie in the Pasadena (CA) area??? ;) Thanks again for all of the input! You've probably saved me quite a bit of money!

Thanks guys! That helps a lot! No, I'm by no means a street racer. :) I baby my LS just like it deserves, though I do have a heavy foot. I'm not into full throttle take-offs or quick stops, though. I love and respect my car very much and like to think that I take very good care of it. That said, when I got my car back from the dealer yesterday (which is when they told me I'll need new pads at my next service), their explanation for the loud squeaking noise that I hear at low speeds, particularly when the brakes are cold, was that the rotors are "glazed". I also thought that I had felt some slight grinding when coming to a stop, however I was informed that this was just the glazing on the rotors, and no metal-to-metal contact was being made. I think the receipt said that I have 5mm of pad left, and the minimum recommended is 3mm. Is that accurate? I like to think that I can trust my service adviser, as I've been using him for almost 4 years and feel that I've always been well taken care of, though I've paid for it. I'm intrigued by the idea of servicing my own brakes, however that's just one more thing to add to the list of things that I don't have time to do. Know what I mean? Where would you suggest that I take the car to have it done (other than the dealer)? I found a good independent Mercedes mechanic on Yelp for my third car, which is an old S Class diesel. I guess I'm just nervous about taking the car to someone that I don't know. One thing I've learned to do on the Mercedes is order my own parts online and then just have the mechanic do the work. That has worked out well for me. Again, thanks for the feedback! I really appreciate it!

I'm curious to find out what you guys are paying to replace front and rear brake pads and machine the rotors. My dealer is quoting me about $600 for the whole enchilada, which seems high to me, though I recall spending about $800 last time I did the brakes (about 20,000 miles ago). My car has just under 50,000 miles and is out of factory warranty, but still under CPO until next summer. I'm beginning to wonder if I should find a good independent mechanic for repair items like brakes. I love the "free" Lexus loaners and the customer service I get at the dealer, however I'm not I'm really willing (nor able) to pay that much now that the car is getting a bit older. What do you think?

Identical to mine...I love it! Congratulations! :)

Are you referring to the ability to go into settings and manually override the "nav input disable feature while driving" function? As far as I know, that feature has nothing to do with the DVD version you have installed. I thought it was all about the internal software version of your nav unit, which isn't update-able...

I agree, keep looking.

That doesn't sound right. I've never had that problem with my 05, nor did I have it with my 03. I'd get it checked out...

I actually really like the stock 18" 5 spoke rims. I prefer non-chrome, but that's just me. ;) I agree with the window tinting. Don't worry about the LS having an "old man" image. I'm 35 and on my 2nd one. Yes, a few of my friends give me a hard time, however there's a reason why so many old men (and younger men/women) buy the LS...it's a GREAT car! Congrats!

Didn't they change to a 6 speed transmission in the 2004 LS? Mine is an 05 and it has 6. My 03 LS had 5.

I've always had good luck with Zaino Bros. products. They make both a leather cleaner and a conditioner. You can get the product online; I've never seen it in any stores. I've used it for years in multiple cars and have never had any problems, though I'd apply it conservatively (to the towel, not the leather) and rub the leather gently.

Wow, 29K... I've had the ML audio in my current and my last LS, so I don't know how to compare it to the non ML version. I can't imagine that you have to get the ML package to get good audio in an LS. Is one or the other the color combo that you prefer? If so, I'd go for that. If audio isn't important to you, then I'd go for the 2006. The changes from 05 to 06 were minimal (if any), so you're not benefiting (or losing out) there. Post pictures of whatever you end up getting!

How do you know when a wheel bearing change is needed? Is there some sort of noise?

Okay, my screen name is now changed, so 03whitels430 should be available if you want it! ;) (Thanks Steve!)

What's his screen name? SKPerformance???

Haha!!! I'd be glad to give up my screen name to you! I can switch mine to 05silverls430... :) Steve, how do we make that happen?

Congratulations! That looks exactly like my 03, except mine had parking sensors, nav and ML audio. Let us know how you like it! :)

I'd get the 03, mainly because it has significantly fewer miles. Before you make the commitment, though, I'd search a little more for an '04-05. I know there are some out there in the mid 20s. Good luck!