pgh300

Hey all so I have always wanted a Lexus LS430 and I have been keeping my eyes out for a used one for a while. Well I found one at a local dealer and I'm going to pick it up. When I first looked at it I just thought it was a clean LS430 with some really nice unique wood. The car is black and has the grayish wood in it. It has approx. 82k on the odometer and has a full service history from Lexus. So as I was looking at the car I noticed some odd things, first it had rear seat controls in the armrest, second it had some weird suspension buttons that I never saw on any other Ls430 I drove. Did some research on this site and low and behold its an Ultra Premium Edition. Now I know that comes with its pros and cons but I got the car for 10,000.00 and It got run through the dealers shop and checked out, this is a big Toyota dealer not a small used car lot.
So should I be nervous about all the power features.....especially the air suspension? Should I skip it and get a ES330 instead? I know I know not even close in quality and ride but I don't want to own the Lexus version of an Mercedes S class either LOL. I wanted an LS430 for its great ride coupled with its amazing reliability record.
So opinions please?

P.S. Looking to do a Vaistech Bluetooth or hardwired adaptor for my iPhone 6...which is the better option? I have Sirius app on my iPhone will it be compatable?

pgh300

Come on guy looking for some words of encorangent or some sage advice. I'm going to pick the car up today and I'm nervous about it

takimanpgt

At your service 24/7.

It is not as bad as an S Class. Just make sure it has been maintained and continue to maintain it yourself and it shall run fine.

I'm personally a fan of the Vaistech devices with a Panavise mount and a Proclip holder.

volson

Only get it if you are comfortable changing the suspension out for when the air fails. Or plan to spend 1600 - 2000 to have someone else do it.

pgh300

It looks from the Lexus service history that it had new airsprings and a new trans installed about 25k miles ago

pgh300

From what I saw it's usually not s total failure it's one spring at a time. I could live with swapping one out every once in a while. To be honest that's the only thing that makes me nervous. Maybe I should stick with the es330

tradosauru

What is the VIN#? I can run a VIN report while I still have the subscription.

pgh300

JTHBN30F430109029

tradosauru

5 previous owners, 1 accident.
With that many owners I ask myself why the need to keep selling it?
Autocheck gives a score of 68.

I would pass on this one unless you get one hell of a deal.

bmore430

keep an eye on:

1. air suspension
2. Mark levinson amp
3. Telescopic and tilt motors in steering
4. adjustable mirrors

SW17LS

If you're debating between an ES330 of a similar year and an LS430, especially a UL you have to understand that the ES and the LS are very different cars. The ES is basically a Camry, parts are very inexpensive, things are built to last. The LS is a bespoke platform, all the parts are LS parts, it has more systems to break down, more electronics to fail. The LS is one of the most reliable cars on the road, but this car is going on 13 years old and things have a usable life, there is considerable opportunity for repair costs here.

Also bear in mind that either an ES or an LS is going to need a timing belt replacement at 90k miles. This job can be over $1,000.

This car has had an accident, a lot of owners, it was originally from NJ/NYC where roads are quite bad which is hard on a car. Why would it need a transmission? Thats not a common thing.

I'd pass on this one, and if you're going to set your sights on the LS you have to understand that you're going to be paying more to maintain it than an ES.

I've owned both an old high mileage LS and an old high mileage ES, the ES is definitely cheaper to keep on the road. The LS is a much better car.

lexman52

would u run a auto check for me?

tradosauru

Yes. I have about a week left on my subscription to AutoCheck.

Tom57

I have the VaisTech MML in all 3 LSs. (MML has superior sound quality of the VaisTech options, and charges the phone while it's connected through USB port.) It should work with a Sirius app on your phone. Check out the existing threads and opinions on this before you decide, as well as where to install the USB port if you decide to go with the VaisTech MML. VaisTech is a CL sponsor/vendor, and they usually run a special discount only during the holidays.

http://www.vaistech.com/site/mml.php

pgh300

Well gents thanks for all the advice. I went and looked at it and she was defiantly rode hard and put away wet! I was amazed when I took it for a test ride and the back brakes were down to the metal! This was a Major dealer who told me they put the car through the shop! Other issues, one of the air shocks didn't seem to go up when I put it on high, the sub woofer was shot, and lots of cosmetic issues. They came down to 9k on the car but I passed because it just didn't feel right.
Thanks for the advice I think I'll look for a non UP Ls430 or even an ES. I owned a GS350 Awd and I hated it, I couldn't stand getting in and out with that low roof line, so that's not an option.