05silverls430

If you're referring to the "tap, tap, tap" at idle, then it's normal. I don't have the mechanical expertise to explain what it is, however my 2005 does the same thing, as do other LS430s I've seen.

Thanks for all of the responses! :) I don't have to sell it, however it would be nice to avoid making double car payments for one more month...we already leased a 2009 Prius as a replacement car (to lower our payments), because Toyota isn't making any more 2009s (the 2010 is coming out shortly and is a completely new body style) and they were offering some great incentives on what they have left of the current models. The economy definitely is having a major effect on the pre-owned auto market, particularly luxury autos... I have a 2005 LS430 that I bought for $44K in mid-2007. Now it's worth mid-20s tops...good thing I have absolutely no intention of getting rid of it! Oh well, if I don't sell it, I can always just turn it in when the lease expires in mid-May. Or I can try lowering my sell price closer to what the residual cost is... Thanks again!

I'm selling our 2006 400h and have had it listed on Craigslist at $31,990 for a week with only one response, but no follow-though. On Friday I also listed it on AutoTrader, but again, no response. Am I asking too much? KBB retail on the car is over $36K and private party is over $33K. It has 36K miles, nav, very clean, no accidents, non-smoker, etc. It's actually a lease that terminates in mid-May, but I'm trying to sell it, hoping I can make enough to cover a few month's payments, considering I've already leased another car due to a good deal that I got... What do you think I should be asking for it to get some interest???

I've always noticed this when the windows are down, and not just on my LS. My 2009 Prius does the same thing. I think it's the glass moving around a bit in the track when it's not in full-up position, which provides a seal.

From someone who has had both (first an '03, now an '05), they are very much the same car. I agree with Steve, though...I much prefer the styling of the '04-06. The nav upgrade is negligible. You probably won't notice much of a difference with the transmission, unless you test drive them back to back and/or enjoy using sport shift (shifting the gears manually). In my experience, it seems like the newer generation is more likely to have more appealing options such as the heated/cooled seats, rear sun shade and parking sensors. Oh, also the newer generation gets you back-up camera and Bluetooth...those are important to some... They will also be worth more when you decide to get rid of it. :-)

I had an 05 TL with nav, and both my wife and I now have the gen 4 nav in our '05 LS430 and '06 RX400h. I agree that the Acura was better, but not that much better. I've also driven and used the current gen nav in the new LS, RX and other models. The graphics are much better (more detailed and crisp), but the interface is much the same. It looks like the 2010 RX is going away from touch screen, as a lot of manufacturers seem to be doing these days (the new TL doesn't have touch screen, I'm almost positive). I'm not thrilled with the nav in our cars, but I'd much rather have it than not. I've heard that Nissan/Infiniti have some of the best nav systems on the market, and recently have seen comments in a car magazine that I read about how good some of the GM systems are (which surprises me). I'd upgrade our cars to the current system in a heartbeat if it was possible and didn't cost an arm and a leg...

I don't like it at all. I'm quite disappointed, actually. We have an '06 400h, and the lease ends late next year. Good thing we're planning to buy it as opposed to trading it for a new one. I got an e-mail today from Lexus with a link to the official photos, and they match the ones in that Japanese brochure. 2010 RX official Lexus photos

I had the same problem with my 2003. One headlight was lower than the other. It became really annoying. The dealer never was able to get it corrected, and then I traded to my current 2005. I also tried without success to level the headlights on my own.

Tell me about it. They've taken a particularly big hit since I bought mine two summers ago (2007). I think it has a lot to do with the economy and the flood of used cars on the market that no one wants. At least I have a really nice and reliable car that I'm upside down on, instead of one of those huge American SUV gas guzzlers... ;)

A lot of the loaner cars that I've been in have an iPod adapter (after market) installed that automatically bypasses the disclaimer screen. It will still show up, but only for a few seconds, then it goes to the map. I think the iPod adapter they use is the Vais Tech model.

Glad things are looking up for you! :) IMO, as long as the car wasn't neglected or abused, you should be fine with it. Nice upgrade from an LHS! ;)

What a bunch of a-holes! That's not a problem I've ever heard of. Did you run a CafFax on the car? How many miles does it have? Hopefully this is an isolated incident and you won't have any further problems...

Congratulations! You definitely got a smokin' deal on it! Post pictures if you get a chance. :)

The 04 had a couple of service bulletins, I believe. One related to the fuel pump and another related the the transmission, which changed in 04 from the 5 speed (01-03) to 6 speed (04-06). I'm sure you can find details if you do a search on the forum. I have an 05 now. No differences that I'm aware of. I'd base your decision on mileage and price, not on year.

I've disassembled the center console on both my '03 and '05, but did so to pinpoint a rattle. I do have the Vais Tech in my LS, but it's the SLX. My wife has the SLI in her RX. Personally, I wouldn't install it on my own (I had it professionally installed), however it doesn't look too difficult. There's a supplied adapter that you just plug into the back of your head unit. Then you have to find someplace to put the Vais Tech unit, and then figure out where you want to run the iPod cord (center armrest, glove compartment, etc.). Pulling apart the dash in that area is pretty simple. Just get yourself a towel to protect the wood and shifter surround. Start with the long horizontal piece of wood that has the seat heater/cooler controls and the rear window shade button in it. That just pulls right out, although it will be easier if you open up the little drawer above this piece, which will allow you to get a better grip with your fingers to pull the lower piece out. I believe the next set of panels, which includes the drawer, has to be unscrewed/bolted from the bottom, and then the door that covers the CD changer pops off. Then you have to unscrew/bolt the CD changer unit. It's not too hard. Just make sure you keep track of the screws and where everything goes and protect the wood finish. Good luck!

I concur. I've purchased two CPO LS430s, and the bumpers on both have been repainted. Some do the job better than others. Your dealer is definitely responsible for this.

Yes, there is a volume control knob under the dash (driver's side) for the alarm arm/disarm "beep".

Just for comparison purposes, I went from an '03 to an '05, and didn't notice any real difference. The transmission on the '05 is quieter, if that makes sense. Hopefully the reprogramming will do the trick for you.

I second that. We have Vaistech units in both of our cars and I have been very happy with them.

Having had both generations (first an '03, now an '05), you can't go wrong with either one. I strongly agree with Steve, though, about the styling and various other improvements introduced on the '04 model. There are quite a few refinements on the '04-05 models; more than just the obvious, like the transmission and styling changes. I don't mind the "twist" smart key at all. Sometimes I find the starter buttons a little boring. The point is, you can still leave the key in your pocket and get into and start the car. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll be very happy!

I've had that problem with both of my LS430s, and also with a previous Audi. I think it may have more to do with the gas nozzle than your car. You still may want to get it checked out, but at some gas stations, I'm only able to get the nozzle to fill correctly if I reduce the flow of gas coming out of it.

Well you have the right car to keep for that length of time (and mileage)! Just curious, how many miles did the car have when you bought it? Was it certified?

There were several recalls on the 04 model. One was the transmission and the other, I believe, was for the fuel pump. You should be able to check with your dealer to make sure that these recalls were addressed with your car. You might try the "Power" setting (there's a switch on the center console, to the left of the seat warmers/coolers controls) to see if that makes a difference. Welcome to the Club! You bought a great car!

I agree on both previous posts. Having owned a 2003 (same body style as 2001) and now an 05, the appearance of the 05 is MUCH better (headlights, tail lights, wheels, exhaust). I also like the transmission in the newer models better, and they made some other misc. improvements. Love the keyless entry and start too. I'd definitely go for an '04 to '06.

Zaino makes a very good leather cleaner and conditioner as well. I've been using them for several years and love them. I'd love to find a good local detailer (LA area) that uses Zaino products. I e-mailed Zaino to find out if they could give me any references, but apparently they don't keep track of that stuff...