Ls430 Mark1 Vs Mark2

[livingforever]

Hi, I would welcome some advice please. I want to change my 1998 LS400 for an LS430. I have a budget of around 7 to 8K plus whatever I get in PX for mine. Mostly what is available is the older 5 speed LS430. I have seen one or two or the newer six speed models in my price range, generally higher mileage, but they seem also to have a slightly higher spec, with things like reversing cameras etc.

Does anyone have any experience of both models? Is it worth hanging on or paying a bit more for the 6 speed, or is there very little difference? What do we think?

Thanks, Livingforever

[1967andy]

i have had a 2002 ls and now have a 2004 model, i would say if you can find a later model then do, there are loads of little improvements that all add up to make it a lot better. the things i have noticed are the 6 speed box makes it about 10% more economical ( in my experience anyway ), voice recognition for sat nav and heater controls etc, the sat nav dvd system has post code recognition, turning headlights, vanity mirrors in rear headlining, reverse camera and park assist.

all pretty minor things but if you were to cost them and add them to the price of a mk1, then a mk2 would make more sense, i suppose it depends how many toys you want/need?

[graham8370]

Always buy the latest model you can afford, as long as the service history is supporting the fact that the car has been well looked after. I bought my car at 24 months old with 118k on the clock knowing full well that it had sat on the M1 for 90% of its life cruising along at 80mph. Try selling yours privately, I would imagine £2k for your car plus your budget of £7k would buy you a really good 04 plate. My car has all the toys, but, after 18 months am now bored and looking for a nice 460, We're never satisfied, I suppose thats what keeps the motor industry going.

Good luck with your search, there are plenty of good ones out there. Take your time, the perfect one for you WILL turn up.

[ChrisHampshire]

Do you think £9k will buy a really good MK2? A really good MK1 maybe...but I would have thought a really good MK2 would be £10k+

Chris

[graham8370]

Two in Autotrader at the moment both advertised for under £10k. High mileage but, as I said, with FSH should be no problems.