05silverls430

If you have any rattles or squeaks that you want addressed (I happen to be really picky), make sure you address them BEFORE the original warranty runs out. I've had a few minor items that I expected to be covered by CPO that weren't (my fault for not reading the fine print). One was the daytime running light bulb, which to me was ridiculously expensive to repair. Congratulations on your new car! I'm sure you're going to love it!

If it's that bottom horizontal wood section that is longer than it is high, it's pretty easy to pop out. I think that's where the switch is that you're referring to. If so, open the little pop-out drawer. You can then get your fingers in underneath the open drawer and pull on that panel, which just snaps into place. If it's the panel to the left of the pop-out drawer (above the one I'm referring to), I believe you'll have to use a phillips head screw driver to remove it. Mine only has one button there, but I believe that the Ultra has a row of several, including the rear sun shade and suspension settings. Those panels are easy to remove, though. I removed everything up to the CD changer once because I had a rattle in the dash. I was successfully able to fix it by putting some insulation back there behind the changer. Good luck!

My 03 LS has a very quiet clicking noise when the blinkers are turned on. I recently drove an 04 LS where the clicking was consistent with every other car I've driven, i.e. clearly audible. I can still hear when I turn the blinkers on, however it's muted, which is nice in this type of car. I was wondering if this is a feature that only certain year models have. I was disappointed when the 04 didn't have it as well...

My service advisor at the dealer got me a deal of $25/each for the chrome '03 center caps. I have to buy all 4, which is fine, because the "L" logo on mine doesn't match the OEM logo. I haven't searched for them on the internet, but I'm sure they're out there for less money. Good luck.

I agree, they should at least give you a full set of keys. When I bought mine (also a 2003 CPO), they made me a brand new remote and valet key, because the car only had one with it. Good luck!

Congrats! I agree with your decision on the LS! For me, there's no comparison. I've never been a fan of the ES (no offense Steve). Yes, the 01-03 aren't as nice looking as the 04-06, however it's still a great car, the interior is (nearly) identical and they drive the same (except for the transmission). I'm sure you'll be happy with your purchase!

I think the 07s (LS460) has all LED tail lights, including the high mounted stop lamp.

I wouldn't think so, unless it's aftermarket.

Wow, congratulations! That's a beautiful car! I was in your position (of buying a used 430) a year ago, and spent $45K out the door for an identical LS, except white with chrome rims (and 10K more miles). Funny about the color combo, considering that's what you were looking at. Mine was/is in great condition, though, and is also certified. But now I see that I could have saved myself $15K (minus taxes) had I waited a year...oh well, that's instant gratification for you! ;) Anyway, I'm sure you'll love the car. Sure, the 04s and newer have the nicer head/tail lights, however they're (almost) EXACTLY the same on the interior. Enjoy it! I'm sure you will!

If there is sediment in the tank, doesn't running it low make it more likely that it will get into the fuel filter and clog it?

If you get an 04, just make sure that the recall work was done. As long as that's the case, you should be fine. I'd get the 05, though, because like Steve said, it's newer! ;)

I have the same noise, and was told that it's normal. To me it sounded like freon going through the pipes, or something like that. I definitely don't think that there is any dripping or anything like that. I've sort of just gotten used to it...

The new LS460 has Lexus Link as a $900 stand-alone option on the Lexus web page. Why would they be discontinuing support for older models if they still have the system up and running for the new ones?

I'd keep it if I were you. You're not going to be able to get what it's worth. At least I don't think so... :)

I wouldn't do that, as it would be obvious that it was an add-on. If you want it to say "Hybrid", you can get one of the "Hybrid" script logos that seem to be on some of the 400h models, but not on others. Ours is an 06, and didn't come with one, however there were a few on the lot that arrived at the dealer before ours did that DID have them. BTW, it's positioned just below the "400h" on the rear hatch.

I had this exact problem with my '03. The dealer tried several times to address the problem, before finally addressing it successfully. They replaced all of the rubber window seals (this is after I had lubed all of the seals with a silicone lubricant, which didn't work), however there was still noise. They ended up using some sort of lube on the seals, and that solved the problem. If your car is under warranty, I'd make the dealer take care of it. Otherwise, find some sort of a lube that doesn't dry out or damage the rubber. Otherwise, you'll end up replacing those at some point.

That sounds a little fishy to me. That's way under market value for a 430. Make sure you check the title, i.e., get a CarFax report. For something that low, I'd suspect a salvaged title. But then again, I'm conservative when it comes to stuff like this...

I didn't even think about the loaner... I'd definitely go for the service plan then. And yea, welcome to the Club! :D

Do you only hear the noise when the vents are in their oscilating mode? When mine are in that mode I can hear a very (emphasize VERY) faint buzzing noise, which I assume is the gears or whatever drives the vents when they oscilate. If you only hear it while the car is moving as opposed to stationary, then it may be some sort of rattle. I had a rattle in my center console, and ended up taking it apart myself and pinpointing it to the back of the CD changer, which was making contact with the surface behind it. I put some felt tape on to insulate, and that took care of the problem. Before that, I nor the dealer could ever figure out where it was coming from. It sounded almost like it was coming from the shifter area. Boy was I wrong! If it is the vent(s), I'd make them replace them for you. It is a 2005, after all... Good luck.

Hey Kevin - Congratulations on your 98! Sounds like you got a great car at a great deal! I guess it would depend on what's included with the service plan. Does it include your 90K service, plus all scheduled services up to 120K? Is there any sort of a deductible? I assume it's a Lexus dealer as opposed to a generic used car dealer. You might get a quote from a local shop specializing in Lexus repairs just for comparison sake. You might be surprised at how much less it is. If it's not, then I'd say go for the service plan, if it includes those other services. I'm sure you're going to love your LS! Congrats again!

Well, this is the LS forum, so my vote is for the LS. The 98-00 models would definitely be my preference, as there were a number of improvements made in 98. If I were you, I'd take my time and find the perfect 00 model. There are still some really good ones out there if you're patient and look hard enough. Good luck!

Get the silver LS, or have them find you another color that you like (flint mica is beautiful). The LX is nice, but it's an outdated design. But, ultimately, either way you're going to be MUCH happier than you were with your S-Class! Be sure and post pictures once you get it! :)

That's a NICE car! Congratulations! Had I found one like that, I would have ended up with a 2000 instead of a 2003. That's what I started out looking for anyway... Actually, I wanted navigation, and those are even HARDER to find!

One of the headlight mounts was indeed cracked, necessitating the replacement of that headlight. And that's just what I could see through the gap in the hood that was created when it was creased up. That hood was stuck shut...I couldn't get it open no matter how much effort I applied... You really start to appreciate these cars when you're forced to drive something inferior... ;)

That's a great idea...thanks! I have to admit, I even caught myself getting ready to type responses today in my rental car! Any idea where I can get into a "CrackBerry Anoymous" group? ;)