xsbc63x

im looking at buying a 05 ls430 modern lux pkg with about 50k miles, and was debating on an extended warranty, im pretty sure the powertrain warranty is 6yr 70k so im ok there, and i constantly hear how little problems these cars have, and is it worth paying 2500$ for an extended warranty? what do you guys think

LSGarry

I think it pretty much depends on your tolerance for possible future problems. As you point out, these cars are pretty bullet proof so you could take the $2500 and put it into an interest bearing account and use it for something that may come up with the car. Also, you're getting a simple model in relation to the Ultra w/ air suspension so your chances of something going wrong are lessened.

I'll give you my personal experience with the two that I own.
The '05 I picked up in February and had 54k and has been flawless in the 7k that I've put on it. The '02 that I picked up in Jan. of '07 had 48k on the clock and I've put 41k on it. The dealership found $3200 worth of repairs that they fixed under the extended warranty that I got with the CPO purchase and they were basically for little things like replacing a noisy motor in the outside mirror, weak trunk struts etc. No biggie but still $3200 dollars that I didn't have to pay for.

So, if you like to sleep at night, go for the warranty but if you're a gambler than I think the LS430 is a good bet.

So Philly1

Good rule of thumb.....always buy the warranty. Its obvious these are great cars but things always go wrong. Pay now so you dont have to pay later. Mind you when you fix a lexus you might be payin with a arm, a leg, and your first born!!

I6turbo

iTrader: (1)

Odds are that it will not pay off. Warranties are gambles and the odds are stacked in significant favor of the warranty provider, or else they couldn't afford to be in that business. That part is a fact and a matter of statistics.

My subjective $.02 are that I would not pay $2500 for and extended warranty on an ML with 50K miles if it checked out good upon my pre-purchase inspection and test drive.

98LS

My 11 year old LS 400 with over 114K on the clock has been trouble free with the exception of routine maintenance. If I were buying a 430, I would probably do the inspection and not worry about the warranty. However, if you feel that it will help you sleep better at night, then you should get the warranty.

Now, if I were buying a Mercedes or BMW, I would definitely spring for a warranty.

danxp

if you wanted to buy a lexus platinum zero deductible warranty, there's a dealer that i bought mine from... sorry i don't the name off hand, but do a search in these forums and you could easily find out...

only thing is, you have to be under 4yr/50k... i think i paid around $2k for 7yr/100k...

good luck

wanderer99

It's a personal choice. If you can live with small things breaking and not care, then skip the warranty.

I have to have everything working perfectly. I'm about 10 months into my 3yr Factory Extended warranty (taking it to 7yrs\100K). I've had $2500+ in repairs already, and the warranty cost me $2100 or so.

xsbc63x

ok thanks guys for the thoughts !

Dave

I6turbo

iTrader: (1)

What all have you had breaking? You might have the rare "lemon" LS430. I have a total of 113K miles on two LS430's and have had ONE minor item (power mirror switch got balky -- didn't actually stop working, just got balky) but even that happened under the factory warranty.

wanderer99

No - my LS is absolutely not a lemon. My old ES - now that was a total lemon.

Warranty repairs were for standard small stuff that goes bad over time: Front struts\supports (~$900), Dash tweeter ($670) and front\rear height sensors for the adaptive lights (~$940). I know other things will break as we head to 100K, but I'm fine with it - it's all covered (free) and I'm very well taken care of

rcpeters

My 2001 LS430 is covered up to 120K miles, about 2 more years. 90K miles now and no warranty claims. The contract did not cover trunk struts nor will it cover the navigation and radio if that fails. CD player has been jammed for a couple years, probably get it fixed someday. P.S. like they say, don't use disks with paste on labels.

My 2002 SC430 is not driven much and has only 60K miles. No warranty and I am not worried.

HereToHelp

Old thread I know. Dash tweeters are covered? I didn't think speakers would be... Thought they would be treated as such items as tires-normal.wear and tear

AJT123

LOL! I didn't even realize this thread was from TEN YEARS AGO until the end.

In '09 people actually thought about warranties for these?? LMAO.

I'd buy a clean LS today as long as it's been cared for, regardless of miles/

Lol I bought mine when it was 8 years old didn't think twice.

Nothing wrong other than control arm bushings and door lock actuator. And my telescoping wheel needs to be lubed.

As far as the drive goes, it still feels like a $65k car (65k back then!).

cydalLS

I only hear great reviews of this car. "bulletproof, 300k," and for a car that is 15+ years old that the community is still talking about it is awesome.

AJT123

Yes, it only gets better as time goes on. I was at the dealer last week, not one not two but THREE service advisors all have 430s. Dealer wanted to buy mine from me, again, and said if I sold it to them it would be gone by the end of that day.