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?
