angelojz

Hey guys

I know there are several threads on how reliable the 3rd gen LS is, but they are primarily dealing wit people purchasing vehicles with numbers like 115k miles. But here's my question: Am I crazy to buy a MY 2001 LS 430 with 200k miles on an all original drivetrain? The kicker here, is that it has been maintained at local Lexus dealership. It drives great, and is a great size for my soon to be growing family - (which is why I am looking for a sedan as I have a coupe and a two seat roadster).

Realistically, I want a car that will last me 50-75k miles and then I will be on to something else. With you all's experience, will a properly maintained one get me there with the same drivetrain, and avoiding very large/major repairs? I understand the cost and importance of maintenance, as well as the electronics.

What do you all think?
Thanks so much in advance.

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

Great choice

But I like the 04-06 better

I can't stand the front end of the 01 model

LS430FL

Not saying that it won't be reliable because i drove my first LS430 to 185K miles..but I would want something with less miles because of potential problems with reliability if I were driving my family around….just my opinion.

yoitskenn

iTrader: (4)

Depends on how much the price is . I wouldnt be scared of a 200k LS, especially with dealer maintenance records. Theres a reason that it made it to 200k. If its 5k-6k then thats a fair deal. anything over 7k, walk away. Theres a ton on craigslist, you just got to be patient.

Jabberwock

200k is high miles on any car but a "by the book" maintained LS could easily go 300k miles with no major issues assuming it isn't in rust belt region. I think an "over maintained" LS driven gently in a non rust belt region could easily go 400-500k with no major issues.

These are amazing cars. My car with 82k miles and 10+ years old runs like brand new, no rattles, and every single switch and feature stills operates and works perfectly with zero signs of wear.

angelojz

Thanks for the replies, guys. I appreciate it. It is a single owner vehicle, and the guy who is selling it is the same person who sold it to them back in 01, and knows the gentleman pretty well. I feel pretty darn confident about it, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't falling subject to the salesman's enthusiasm for the vehicle.

The price is indeed $5k. I've seen some '03s and '04s for the same price with mileage around 145-160k, but with much more clouded maintenance histories.

Again thanks for the input, all. It is greatly appreciated

Stereorob

have no fear. I drive an Ls400 with 200k on it as my daily driver and have for 3 years. its a 95 so its old enough to be in the "scary" class.

ive put 75k miles on it in 3 years, and have had to do next to nothing to keep it running like new. go for it man.

yoitskenn

iTrader: (4)

04 with 160 for 5k ish? Where??? I'd buy that all day

Bocatrip

Are our LS430s great cars? Yes! However, 200,000 miles is high mileage regardless of any car or how it is driven and it is more likely than not you will be facing repairs that you wouldn't if the car had in the low 100,000+ range. There are plenty of cars out there. Keep looking for reasonable miles. By the way, any series LS430 is a good choice regardless of the year.

PabloMEX

At the beginning of the year I purchased an 01 with 163k miles on it for $6,000. I was originally looking for an LS400, but I had always wanted the LS430 for that "wood on the dash" status. Seriously, it was one of my dream cars that were actually affordable nowadays (used from private parties). Most comparable cars are sold for $10,000 or so. When I went to get my registration, they valued the car at $13,000, so I had to get documentation from Edmunds with a more realistic valuation. What a hassle.

Anyways, the car did need some work. A couple of weekends to be exact.
- All new Brake Pads + Rotors
- Oil + Filter
- Extensive Interior Detailing (I think it was driven by a mom + kids)
- New Floor Mats
- Air Filters

That was about it. If you are mechanically inclined and you can find one with a decent service history you should be alright. For a car with that many miles on it, it drives extremely well. IMO its better than my girlfriend's 2013 Hyundai Genesis. The fit and finish on my 01 is excellent. I can definitely see why it is one of the best cars ever made.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

As nice as these are, I would suggest a newer variant that has updated safety standards. Well maintained is good and this lies mainly with the key systems: engine, tranny, PS, A/C... Any of the smaller systems may be wallet drains so scrolling through the discussions here will show some of the repairs coming up as these cars age.

This thread has some good details:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...xus-ls430.html

PabloMEX

Me too, that is a good deal if in nice shape.

Bocatrip

Any repairs that DO appear during your ownership with 200,000 miles are more likely to be EXPENSIVE as most repairs are not cheap for the LS430. If electrical in nature, be prepared to reach deep in your pocket for repairs and possibly close to the car's actual value. Just something to consider. Old is old and high mileage is high mileage.

yoitskenn

iTrader: (4)

Personally, I'd rather get a 98-00 LS400 over the 01-03 LS430

ARFNSX

I have a 01 LS430 that my drivers use to shuttle people around in. It has 275k on the clock, it is reliable and goes to the dealership twice a year for regular maintenance. One reason I purchased one myself.

If you can get it for a great price, then do it but I would buy the lowest mileage car that you can afford.

Good Luck