Snapshot:
The Lexus is a 4-door luxury sedan that has really come into its own over the years. It's rear-wheel-drive car with a very sophisticated V-8 -- enough to win over any diehard "big car" guy.How Much?:
Price for a 2004 Lexus LS430 in the US starts at a reasonable $55,125. Don't be fooled however, as one of the LS 430's option packages lists at over $13k. Yikes!The Inside Story:
Every year the LS series gains more luxury; this year it adds positioning radar to help avoid collisions. Every safety option available (and then some) is standard. The LS 430 is the new benchmark for luxury.Under the Hood:
A superbly smooth and powerful 4.3 liter engine produces 290 horsepower and will return 18 city/25 highway mpg.Transmissions:
A six-speed automatic transmission is standard.Warranty:
Bumper-to-bumper: 4 years/50,000 miles. Powertrain: 6 years/70,000 miles.Should you Buy a 2004 Lexus LS 430?:
The LS 430 is unquestionably the finest Japanese car built today. It might even be the best car for the money, period. Lexus has overcome a horribly bland image to become a not-so-bland image. Yet Lexus raised the quality level of the LS 430 at the same time. If you are looking for a car that will never let you down (in any interpretation of the word) drive an LS 430. The LS's only downfall is a long options list; it adds to the bottom line faster than you can blink. However, the LS 430's got looks, luxury and reliability. If Lexus ever makes a stretched version the tears you hear will be from Ford's Lincoln division. Or would it be Mercedes?
