Budget of ~$10k - should I consider an LS430?
11-10-13, 12:56 PM
#1
Budget of ~$10k to $12k - should I consider an LS430?
Also in the running are the 2004 RX330 and an Infiniti FX35, considering AWD for Iowa winters.
That said, I'm curious what you all think about buying a $10k Lexus LS430 - what year/trim you'd shoot for, and what I should look out for? I'm looking for a bulletproof car for some around-town, and a lot of distance cruising. I'm just not sure if my budget would limit me to cars that are too old or beat up to provide that?
Thank you!
Edit: Would be willing to extend budget to $12k for '04+
That said, I'm curious what you all think about buying a $10k Lexus LS430 - what year/trim you'd shoot for, and what I should look out for? I'm looking for a bulletproof car for some around-town, and a lot of distance cruising. I'm just not sure if my budget would limit me to cars that are too old or beat up to provide that?
Thank you!
Edit: Would be willing to extend budget to $12k for '04+
Last edited by Ahheck01; 11-10-13 at 07:38 PM.
11-10-13, 03:19 PM
#2
Driver School Candidate
Not sure about everyone else but, I drive something totally different in the snow. If there's no snow on the ground and none in the forecast for that day I may drive it but, if there's any hint of snow I drive the other car. That's just me.
11-10-13, 03:40 PM
#3
No, I would go for a different model if that's your budget. I You can get something like a Lexus ES300 in amazing condition for around $5,000, at least in my area.
A $10k LS430 is probably going to need $3k in work done or has something like a salvage title.
A $10k LS430 is probably going to need $3k in work done or has something like a salvage title.
11-10-13, 04:04 PM
#4
Moderator
Agree $10k used car budget might be better off looking for a good used ES. Almost everything on an ES is going to be less expensive to repair over time. I have a buddy with a 96 ES that just broke 400k miles with no engine work ever on it. Also the front drive ES might be better in snow than an LS430.
11-10-13, 04:44 PM
#6
Edit: Such as this: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...LNX=SOMEDTWVDP
Last edited by Ahheck01; 11-10-13 at 04:56 PM.
11-10-13, 05:05 PM
#7
There is an 01 with 69k black cherry, base model, at Apple Ford in MN for 12k, 15 records on auto check.. I would look for something like this versus a 04 with 140 plus k miles. No nav but at this point the less the better for reliability. Good Luck
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11-10-13, 05:06 PM
#9
If we did brave the LS market, what would be the main things to look out for that could cost significantly in the first months of ownership?
Edit: Such as this: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...LNX=SOMEDTWVDP
Edit: Such as this: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...LNX=SOMEDTWVDP
They seem to be a very bulletproof car in general.
And the cost of repairs from an ES to the Ls in my opinion really isn't going to be all that different.
Sometimes you just have to dive in head first, and take the rest as it comes.
11-10-13, 05:58 PM
#14
Of course, though I do factor travel expenses into the deal. If it's going to cost me $800 round trip to save $600 on the car vs buying more locally, probably not worth it. I've flown from Iowa to Philly for one of my BMWs back in the day, and to Utah more recently for another, so I'm no stranger to flying to buy.
11-10-13, 06:54 PM
#15
Okay, so I'm finding 2004's with 120-150k miles in the $12-13k range within a 500 miles radius on craigslist. I'm also finding 2005's and 06's with 180-200k miles in the $11-13k range.
We've narrowed what we want down to a 2004-2006 LS430, ideally with the Custom Luxury package, otherwise with the Modern Luxury + Sports package. My dad owns an 05 ultra luxury, and the only problems he's had in the last 80k miles has been that suspension. I don't mind high mileage, but what specifically would you all be concerned about with a 190k mi car vs a 130k mile car? Other than the gadgety electronic features, making sure they all work, are there any significant mechanical concerns with these cars as their miles climb?
We've narrowed what we want down to a 2004-2006 LS430, ideally with the Custom Luxury package, otherwise with the Modern Luxury + Sports package. My dad owns an 05 ultra luxury, and the only problems he's had in the last 80k miles has been that suspension. I don't mind high mileage, but what specifically would you all be concerned about with a 190k mi car vs a 130k mile car? Other than the gadgety electronic features, making sure they all work, are there any significant mechanical concerns with these cars as their miles climb?
Last edited by Ahheck01; 11-10-13 at 07:07 PM.