Ls430: Pre-Facelift Or Post-Facelift? And What To Look For?

[The Swede]

Looking around for an LS430 to upgrade the girlfriend's car (a GS430).

First question:

Is it worthwhile to go for a post facelift vs a pre facelift?

My thinking currently is that a pre-facelift generally is much cheaper (3.5k vs 6k for a post facelift ?) and that the few toys might not be worth it while a 2002 car will be as reliable as a 2005.

Then again, is there a point in swapping from a MKII GS430 to an LS430? Is it really an improvement?

Thoughts?

Second question:

When getting an LS430, any model, what are the weak points to look for when buying the car?

For info: the Lexus is the 3rd / 4th car in the household and only used as a runabout covering 3000 miles per year.

[maniek_ls400]

IMO ONLY face-lift !

1. A/T - 6gears - better torque, better fuel economy,
   
2. rear camera - parking assist,
   
3. Bluetooth,
   
4. better - more comfortable front seats
   
5. better seats conditioner (faster, warmer),
   
6. in some models inteligent cruise control
   
7. 2 additional air-bags
   
8. modern face (it depends of your preferences).
   

Regards,

Mariusz

[The Swede]

Anything to look out for? You seem to have a 2002 LS430 :)

[maniek_ls400]

Anything to look out for? You seem to have a 2002 LS430 :)

I own LS430 2002 "as accident" and now know what I need - searching for low mileage (best 2006/7) LS430 fully equpied (LHD).

[willskoda]

The first post sums it up entirely! The pre-facelift (from what I recall) is less reliable too. Be warned though all the 430's are, like any Lexus, very expensive to repair, it's very rare and parts are hard to come by. I'd still buy another facelift tomorrow