Proud new owner/member
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Proud new owner/member
Greetings, everyone!
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.
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.
#3
Moderator
Good looking car - great catch. Low mile examples are getting very tough to find.
#4
Racer
Thread Starter
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.
#5
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
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
#6
Lead Lap
iTrader: (4)
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.
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.
#7
Racer
Thread Starter
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.
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.
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#8
Racer
Thread Starter
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
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
#10
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: PA
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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.
#14
Racer
Thread Starter
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.