Newbie saying hello
10-15-13, 08:36 AM
#1
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Newbie saying hello
Hi,
Just purchased a 2004 LS 430 with 83k.
I was unaware a driving experience could be like this! I love this car!!
The 430 seems even quieter and more responsive than a 460 I test drove. It is absurdly quiet and fast.
Mine has the sport suspension.
A quick question or 2. When I bought the car, the dealer (non-Lexus) claimed the brake pads were just replaced, however on braking there is a VERY slight rubbing noise coming from the front wheels. Almost like a white noise. I wonder if this is normal?
Also, I imagine I have a timing belt/water pump replacement coming up. What mileage should that be done?
Anyway, so glad to be here with you folks. This forum was very instrumental in my purchase.
Just purchased a 2004 LS 430 with 83k.
I was unaware a driving experience could be like this! I love this car!!
The 430 seems even quieter and more responsive than a 460 I test drove. It is absurdly quiet and fast.
Mine has the sport suspension.
A quick question or 2. When I bought the car, the dealer (non-Lexus) claimed the brake pads were just replaced, however on braking there is a VERY slight rubbing noise coming from the front wheels. Almost like a white noise. I wonder if this is normal?
Also, I imagine I have a timing belt/water pump replacement coming up. What mileage should that be done?
Anyway, so glad to be here with you folks. This forum was very instrumental in my purchase.
10-15-13, 10:48 AM
#4
The maintenance schedule for the timing belt calls for replacement every 90K miles.
This is quite conservative since the TB is very robust. However, the LS430 has an interference engine, so a broken TB is catastrophic (read - replacement engine or very expensive repairs).
The consensus here is that you can go beyond 90K, but not too long.
Another opinion (not mine) is that it should be done every 7 years or so due to aging of the rubber.
I had my LS400 belt changed at 140Kmiles & 20 years and it looked almost new, but YMMV.
You are absolutely correct to have the brakes looked at by a competent mechanic.
You don't always get a do-over if they fail.
Welcome to the fora !
This is quite conservative since the TB is very robust. However, the LS430 has an interference engine, so a broken TB is catastrophic (read - replacement engine or very expensive repairs).
The consensus here is that you can go beyond 90K, but not too long.
Another opinion (not mine) is that it should be done every 7 years or so due to aging of the rubber.
I had my LS400 belt changed at 140Kmiles & 20 years and it looked almost new, but YMMV.
You are absolutely correct to have the brakes looked at by a competent mechanic.
You don't always get a do-over if they fail.
Welcome to the fora !
10-15-13, 11:09 AM
#5
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Yep!
My intention was to take it in between 85k and 90k for the timing belt. I think just for the peace of mind factor I'll get it in closer to 85k than 90 though.
The brakes work perfectly, there is just the slightest sound associated with the application of them. I'll get everything thoroughly checked out when I take it in.
When I was looking at cars I really initially wanted an LS 460. I hit a juncture where i realized I just didn't want to spend the money on a 460, and for a moment there I thought it would be a real step down to the 430. Now I kind of view it as a step up.
My intention was to take it in between 85k and 90k for the timing belt. I think just for the peace of mind factor I'll get it in closer to 85k than 90 though.
The brakes work perfectly, there is just the slightest sound associated with the application of them. I'll get everything thoroughly checked out when I take it in.
When I was looking at cars I really initially wanted an LS 460. I hit a juncture where i realized I just didn't want to spend the money on a 460, and for a moment there I thought it would be a real step down to the 430. Now I kind of view it as a step up.
10-15-13, 03:27 PM
#6
Driver School Candidate
I got over thinking maybe I should have held out for a 460 when someone on here said the 460 looks like a big Camry. 
Nothing wrong with a Camry, of course.
Your LS430 is lovely. I have only had mine a few weeks and I am enjoying all the luxury it provides.
Nothing wrong with a Camry, of course.Your LS430 is lovely. I have only had mine a few weeks and I am enjoying all the luxury it provides.
10-15-13, 05:26 PM
#7
Wow! You have Sports suspension. You also have upgraded 18" wheels that go with Sports suspension. 
It looks really sharp. Mercury Metallic is the best color.
Congratulations!
I am going to wait until at least 100K for my timing belt change unless water pump starts a leak.
It looks really sharp. Mercury Metallic is the best color.
Congratulations!
I am going to wait until at least 100K for my timing belt change unless water pump starts a leak.
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10-15-13, 06:43 PM
#8
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Welcome - great looking car.
In terms of LS430 versus LS460 they really are two very different cars and as used cars I think they tend to appeal to different type of owners. For me personally the LS430 is exactly what I want in a car - super reliable, very high quality build, conservative elegant looks, super quiet, very good gas mileage for a big sedan, and the luxury of driving a super smooth strong V8.
LS460 has more technology, no ridiculous obsolete cassette deck stereo, more "modern" high waist-ed looks and styling, significantly more powerful motor, worse mpg, and likely higher maint costs over time than the LS430.
In terms of LS430 versus LS460 they really are two very different cars and as used cars I think they tend to appeal to different type of owners. For me personally the LS430 is exactly what I want in a car - super reliable, very high quality build, conservative elegant looks, super quiet, very good gas mileage for a big sedan, and the luxury of driving a super smooth strong V8.
LS460 has more technology, no ridiculous obsolete cassette deck stereo, more "modern" high waist-ed looks and styling, significantly more powerful motor, worse mpg, and likely higher maint costs over time than the LS430.
10-16-13, 04:55 AM
#10
10-16-13, 05:36 AM
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Wow! You have Sports suspension. You also have upgraded 18" wheels that go with Sports suspension.
Does the sports suspension version ride differently than an LS 430 with out it, or just handle/corner better?
Thanks for all the kind words, folks. These are very nice cars!
10-16-13, 03:45 PM
#14
I haven't driven in a sports suspension LS430 yet but I imagine the ride would be more like a BMW. Others who own one can comment better.
