2004 Lexus LS 430 from North America

Summary:

Most reliable and refined luxury flagship on the road!

Faults:

The car was purchased used... I'm the 2nd owner.

Previously owned a Cadillac Deville DTS, which I bought brand new and drove up to 140k miles. Let the Caddy go when the A/C failed. Other than that, the Caddy gave me few issues.

Now for the Lexus... awesome machine, great comfort and very solid. Comes with loads of options. Very reliable car, although not bad on gas too if you keep your foot off the gas, but it's a V8, so what do you expect!

General Comments:

My only complaint is the AFS light on the dash flashes from time to time. But I will get it serviced at my next stop at the dealer.

Wonderful car, but I may have to trade it for a 4 cylinder. That going to hurt, because my wife also uses this car to impress clients!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th May, 2008

2004 Lexus LS 430 4.3 gas from North America

Summary:

Lexus is not what is perceived they have several reliability issues, but they use their spin to elud

Faults:

The paint and clear coat have been checking since nearly new.

The transmission failed at 3000 miles.

The navigation/ stereo/ control center had to be completely replaced at 3200 miles.

3 air bags have failed resulting in numerous trips to the dealer. At each interval they got grease/oil on the interior.

The latest air bag was in the drivers seat, resulting in the dealer sending the vehicle out to an upholstery shop, and they never have finished the job. When Lexus called to survey if we were satisfied, and the answers resulted in the dealer black balling us from their dealership, even though it was entirely their fault. I am not sure why they have the survey if they do not want a truthful answer.

General Comments:

Lexus will never measure up to the German sedans, and their policy is if they ignore the problem it will go away.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd December, 2006

25th Sep 2007, 16:41

I have owned 1991-1998 LS400. Now I have a 2003 LS430 and I do have to say that there have never, I repeat never had any problems during the years of ownership. Now since this is truth and not a judgmental decision, I have to clarify about the German cars (such as BMW, Mercedes, Audis), I have owned them all, let me give you examples and problems.

1.) 1998 Mercedes E320 4matic = Tranny and electrical problems, constantly!!!

2.) 2001 BMW 740IL = I don't know where to begin. Let's see: Bad engine, block had actually cracked, series of electrical problems. You name it: radio, window, regulator, etc...

3.) 1999 Audi A8 = Bad tranny-slipping and making loud humming noises. Probably the best German car of the bunch though!!!

Keep in mind I have owned LS's while having these cars.

I do love the way German Cars look and handle, but reliability, doesn't even come close to the Lexus LS's and that is a honest truth. There is a reason why JD-Powers ranks these cars top of their class when it comes to customer satisfaction. So I guess I need to say, before making false statements about cars that have proven their ground, don't make them at all. German cars aren't the only great car assemblers in the world you know!! So if my comments are biased, then go buy the German wagons, and hope you don't get hit by a bill that you have to get a loan for. Read, study, know the facts before you make comments!!!

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