LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

Thoughts on this one?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-30-12, 11:33 PM
  #1  
jch44
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
jch44's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: IN
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Thoughts on this one?

Hello all:

I live in the Indianapolis area and have been in the market for a 2004-06 LS430 for about a year. Here is one (please see below) that I've been looking at, but it's been on the market for several months... what gives? I really love the color combination (it's my ideal, in fact) but I can't help but wonder why nobody has snapped this one up yet? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

http://www.evanstoyota.com/used-cars...640162159.aspx
Old 12-31-12, 12:36 AM
  #2  
anthony430
Rookie
iTrader: (2)
 
anthony430's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Small issues I noticed:

- 2 front parking sensors and 1 rear parking sensor are unpainted
- scratches on rear bumper from loading luggage, etc.
- EVANS sticker on rear bumper... what is it hiding
- center cap on front driver's side wheel missing
- plenty of rock chips on front, but normal for this mileage without clear bra
- antenna for satellite radio or something of that nature on trunklid
- panel inside trunk misaligned, could be an easy fix though
- wear on driver's seat appears minimal for mileage, other seats should clean up well with some cleaner/conditioner
- possible discoloration on pass. front carpet, could be due to lighting but I doubt it?
- pinstripe is not helping resale, but can be easily removed

Usually if I see this many issues in pics, I find many more when I inspect the car in person, so I would go look it over very carefully before you get serious. Still, from what I can see from here it looks like a pretty sweet UL at a good price, just needs a little TLC and it could turn out amazing.
Old 12-31-12, 05:57 AM
  #3  
Jabberwock
Moderator
 
Jabberwock's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Alabama
Posts: 3,901
Received 203 Likes on 166 Posts
Default

Its an 8 year old, two owner, rust belt car. That's not ideal by any means could have significant under body rust issues developing. 72k miles on a 2004 is pretty low mileage so that's good. Its a great looking car - excellent color combination.
Outside looks pretty good from pictures but they can be deceiving, inside it looks worn and dirty. It may be a smoker car but no way to tell unless you go sit in it.

Bottom line - there is usually a very good reason that cars sit unsold on a dealer lot. Usually the dealers will send cars to the auction after they have sat on the lot for 90 days. btw - wholesale on this car is likely to be 16-17k max.

Its a UL - so if you are looking for the full boat LS it may be a good choice if and only if - 1. everything works, 2. good well documented service history, 3. if the worn and dirty insides can be detailed back to life 4. it was garaged and washed weekly so there are no rust issues, 5. it passes a detailed mechanical inspection 6. can get it for about $500-800 over wholesale.

Last edited by Jabberwock; 12-31-12 at 06:43 AM.
Old 12-31-12, 06:34 AM
  #4  
daddykay24
Pit Crew
 
daddykay24's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: New York
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 12 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by jch44
Hello all:

I live in the Indianapolis area and have been in the market for a 2004-06 LS430 for about a year. Here is one (please see below) that I've been looking at, but it's been on the market for several months... what gives? I really love the color combination (it's my ideal, in fact) but I can't help but wonder why nobody has snapped this one up yet? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

http://www.evanstoyota.com/used-cars...640162159.aspx
If this is your "ideal" car the question you should be asking yourself is, why haven't you snapped this one up yet.
Old 12-31-12, 10:22 AM
  #5  
C8V6C
Pole Position
 
C8V6C's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: NV
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Looks good to me...just make sure there isnt rust or anything weird going on and looks solid
Old 01-01-13, 05:09 AM
  #6  
sajack
Intermediate
 
sajack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 491
Received 99 Likes on 70 Posts
Default

If that were a sunbelt car and everything checked out okay, I would offer them $17k tops.
Old 01-01-13, 12:58 PM
  #7  
caddyowner
Recovering Lexus Addict
 
caddyowner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: MI
Posts: 4,810
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

I made the expensive mistake of buying an 01 LX that lived its life in the rust belt. Too many items underneath that needed replacing after a bunch of salty winters. Suggest you go for a sunbelt car.
Old 01-01-13, 06:12 PM
  #8  
levie
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
 
levie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: alberta
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

i really like the color combination as well actually. but i feel it is alittle over priced. i wouldent pay that for it, and the little things the member right below your first post pointed out would make me feel much better about not paying that asking price.but its nice man. plus its a UL, so that clearly helps.
Old 01-02-13, 12:41 AM
  #9  
gbracer04
Rookie
 
gbracer04's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: California
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Thats an excellent price for a UL with 72k miles. I dont think you can beat that anywhere. Offer 18k and see what happens.
Old 01-04-13, 04:51 AM
  #10  
ultm8mind
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (3)
 
ultm8mind's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Augusta, Ga
Posts: 809
Received 13 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

I'd offer $18k too, I bought mine for about $19,500 with 7XXXX miles on it a year and a half ago. The detailing abilities of Evans Toyota are substandard at best. It needs to be cleaned up, especially the seats, they look like they're very dirty and blackish residued. Check the car out, take it to a Lexus dealer/repair facility for a check and make your decision from there. It is a nice color combo too.
Old 01-11-13, 07:29 AM
  #11  
Lust4Lexus
Advanced
 
Lust4Lexus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 749
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

It surely aint no creampuff. BUT, it could be a diamond in the rough. See, you can tell how well a car was taken care of by the looks of the interior. if the interior is perfect, you can be pretty sure that the original owner(s) followed suit with everything else.(and vice versa) It kinda goes hand in hand. And yes, you can tell a car that was trashed and cleaned up, versus a car that was always well kept form the start and kept continuously clean. JMHO. Good luck
Old 01-11-13, 08:52 AM
  #12  
Tmarbury
Driver School Candidate
 
Tmarbury's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: MD
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I would skip it; the pinstrip is out of date. Check out www.cargurus.com type in your location and see what is out there. Once you have selected the car it will also tell you how long the car has been on the market.
Old 01-11-13, 11:43 PM
  #13  
warminwisc
Lexus Champion
 
warminwisc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: wi
Posts: 2,876
Received 31 Likes on 28 Posts
Default

You can call the delaers on crfax and see if they missed listing some service history. My car was from Mich but guy drove every winter to Palm Springs. Some chips on hood from driving the long gravel road to his estate but with silver it did no show. I think with all the alloy components rust and such is less an issue except the rims get pounded. Why are the back seats so dirty
Old 01-12-13, 07:31 AM
  #14  
Lust4Lexus
Advanced
 
Lust4Lexus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 749
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

Time out! What the heck is in the P/S reservoir? It's not supposed to be green in there. Honey bown if factory fill, or red for dexron.. Green? Did they put anti freeze in there? Yikes. I'd be concerned.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Arcturus
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
4
01-01-17 08:55 AM
John510
IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present)
6
07-18-13 08:30 AM
finesta101
RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015)
2
01-16-12 04:54 AM
Anuj
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
4
02-17-11 10:20 AM
gandro
ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012)
2
02-04-08 03:36 PM



Quick Reply: Thoughts on this one?



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:17 AM.