sayow

I am in the market for two 430s for myself and my wife. I found a dealer with two cars that fit the need and I am negotiating under the KBB and edmunds retail prices.

They are higher mile cars but I am not afraid to turn a wrench and did the timing belt on my near mint 99 400.

So understanding that i need to verify carfax and service record, I am wondering the 430 veteran thoughts on the following cars and price:

2004 LS 430, 159k miles - Grey with Black leather and the Ultra package. Chrome wheels, heated and cooled seats, reclining rear, radar cruise control, air suspension (GAH), ML audio, paint is perfect interior near perfect. Receipts for timing belt and water pump within 10k miles. Was asking 9,500, looking to offer 8,000

2003 LS 430, 138k - Silver with Cashmere interior. Not many but base options and heated front seats. Was asking 6,900 offering 6,000

Regarding air suspension, any feedback on their life? The air ride is the only thing i am really worried about. Any other issues i should look for or known problems (bushings, power steering, electronic gremlins?

Also when was the last nav update available for the 430? My 400 nav is basically useless due to lack of updates.

Thanks in advance!

toddmorr

there are naysayers on the ultra because of the air suspension but i'm definitely not one of them. I've got an ultra, it did have one bad shock when i bought it at 65k miles but no issues since in more than a year. I just looked around and found a set of used air shocks for 500 bucks and did the fix myself. Sounds like you're comfortable turning a wrench too....all the more reason...you could handle the shock fix easily. so go for it....nothing quite like the extra features of the ultra...nothing else approaches it, including the custom luxury. I have no regrets at all

RRocket

For me, it wasn't. the fact that I couldn't do a shock swap. It was the obscene cost of a new shock.

fensterlip

Sounds like a great deal. The 2003 will have some differences in the systems due to the facelift in 2004. There are all kinds of parts you will need to shop carefully for. Lexus parts can be expensive if you can't find Toyota spec or aftermarket parts.

toddmorr

its easy to find used air shocks, the going price appears to be 100 to $200 a piece, and they are highly likely to last at least 50k miles. So I'm not sure why people are stuck on the 1100$ new shocks, especially if you have access to cheap labor.

Legender

I'd say as a package deal that's not a bad starting point.
Sounds like you might have found a couple of winners.