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We just became proud new owners of a 2006 LS430 with 48,108 miles. It was very well-cared for and seldom driven. The power steering whines when the wheel is turned, but other than that the car is in tip-top shape. I was initially concerned about the heavy effort needed to open the trunk but learned on the forum that this is normal behavior for the 430.
Looking forward to many years, if not decades, of driving enjoyment...after all, the wife's 2006 ES330 still looks and drives like new after 113K miles. The LS430 cabin is just so supremely quiet and the motor pulls so smoothly. I originally wanted an LS460L for the insane rear legroom but examples I drove (2007 and 2009) just didn't live up to the experience behind the wheel of the LS430. The 460L was nice, but felt like i would be living with too many compromises (smaller interior volume, smaller trunk, floaty ride, more engine noise). Every time I test drove the LS430, it was just so smooth in operation that I wanted to keep on driving more and more.
Good looking car - great catch. Low mile examples are getting very tough to find.
Thank you, Tom and Jabberwock. I really like the oscillating vents and the HIDS illuminate so much of the road that highbeams seem superfluous. I can't really tell if the headlamps are truly angling into a turn, I just see a well lit road and shoulder all the time in this car.
The seller put on a new set of 18" Michelin Pilot Super Sport. With the Michelins, the LS is probably the sportiness, best handling car I've owned and driving on these tires does bring a smile to my face. However, when it comes time for a new set I may lean towards a more comfortable tire.
Nice purchase. Very cool to find such low mileage these days.
Power steering whine could just be low on fluid or need a flush if its not the serpentine belt.
Your trunk struts are probably shot from age. You can get a new set from StrongArm on ebay or amazon for less than 40.00 and they install in less than 5 minutes. Made a huge difference in my 2005. You can now lift with one finger
Congrats. I just purchased a silver LS like you, but mines a 04.
Like you, i was in the same boat wanting the LS460. After hours of research, I found that the LS430 would be a better buy and easier on the pockets. I didnt want to deal with the problems that the 07 was having; control arms, wind noise, and others. Dont get me wrong though, I love the body of the LS460.
Congrats. I just purchased a silver LS like you, but mines a 04.
Like you, i was in the same boat wanting the LS460. After hours of research, I found that the LS430 would be a better buy and easier on the pockets. I didnt want to deal with the problems that the 07 was having; control arms, wind noise, and others. Dont get me wrong though, I love the body of the LS460.
Thank you, yoitskenn, we're definitely sharing in some of the collective frustrations in choosing between the 430/460. Based on reviews and photos, I had my heart set on a 460L. Only after the 460 test drive did my eyes start to wander and begin appreciating the 430 more. Congratso to you too on your recent addition!
Nice purchase. Very cool to find such low mileage these days.
Power steering whine could just be low on fluid or need a flush if its not the serpentine belt.
Your trunk struts are probably shot from age. You can get a new set from StrongArm on ebay or amazon for less than 40.00 and they install in less than 5 minutes. Made a huge difference in my 2005. You can now lift with one finger
Thanks for the tip, bmore. I will definitely look into the new StrongArm trunk struts. The trunk currently stays open in any position, but it's lifting it open to begin with that's the issue. Wow, I didn't know you could get it back to a point where one finger lifting was possible. Glad you posted, most other posts seemed to suggest a heavy trunk was the norm for the 430. Thanks again.
Congrats. I just bought a 2004 two weeks ago and put the strong arm struts in the trunk right away, since it would slam shut with the original old ones on there. Easy cheap fix for sure.
This is my 3rd LS (black Cherry 2005) and I love it. I will replace it in 2 years with a LS600hL
Thank you for the support and warm welcome, everyone. Ryan, we're in Sacramento, CA but purchased from a private seller in Los Altos, CA. It was three roundtrips (~800 miles) over two days before we were able to drive the car home, but well worth it.
Unfortunately, four days later the dash lit up with CEL, Check VSC, and red triangle. Took it to an independent shop specializing in Acura/Lexus vehicles and looks like there was a prior rodent infestation that chewed through parts of the engine wiring harness. The part alone is $4500 and the total repair bill is quoted at $6300. Fortunately, the seller has been extremely gracious and has shown genuine concern for our predicament and has offered to cover the repairs.
Thought I did all the proper research to choose a problem-free Lexus, but who could have predicted this? Next time I'll be sure to remove the engine covers. I had planned to do a pre-purchase inspection but skipped it because the seller had already spent $2,000 at a local shop to bring the car up to sale condition and install new Michelins. Apparently, the shop swindled the seller and charged $1000 for little more than an oil change, engine bay wash, and clearing of engine codes to pass smog. The seller has acted with great grace and integrity throughout the process, but the shop that performed the inspection is completely irresponsible and very shady.
04-12-16, 01:05 PM
Proud new owner/member
Fortunately, the seller has been extremely gracious and has shown genuine concern for our predicament and has offered to cover the repairs.