LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

2004 LS430 285,000 miles

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Old 08-06-16, 02:33 PM
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steelers6
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Default 2004 LS430 285,000 miles

I was looking on the web and i saw a 2004 LS430 with 285,000 miles,do you think i should buy it,there asking $3500,im sure i can talk them down?????

Last edited by steelers6; 08-06-16 at 02:38 PM.
Old 08-06-16, 05:52 PM
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Jks24
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Originally Posted by steelers6
I was looking on the web and i saw a 2004 LS430 with 285,000 miles,do you think i should buy it,there asking $3500,im sure i can talk them down?????
Get the vin and check the maintenance on the lexus website of it has been properly maintained then go for it these are very well made cars.
Old 08-06-16, 07:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Jks24
Get the vin and check the maintenance on the lexus website of it has been properly maintained then go for it these are very well made cars.
Yeah man ive been hearing nothing but great things about these vehicles,arguably the best cars Lexus ever made...
Old 08-07-16, 03:28 AM
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Originally Posted by steelers6
I was looking on the web and i saw a 2004 LS430 with 285,000 miles,do you think i should buy it,there asking $3500,im sure i can talk them down?????

your stealing it for that price, take it for a test drive and drive the dog snaught out of it and listen for squeaks and rattles.
Old 08-07-16, 04:38 AM
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2KHarrier
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For that kind of money, you really can't go too wrong. Sure, there will be a few things that need attention, but I would imagine that most of those miles are cruising on the freeway at 2200 rpm. You might be surprised at how well it drives!. I can promise you that it will drive better than ANY GM product from 2004 with half the mileage...
Old 08-07-16, 05:16 AM
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Aron9000
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If it drives "tight", is pretty clean, and has a documented service history, go for it. I'd still bid the guy $2000 see if he could meet you somewhere halfway. $3500 is pretty high for a car with 275k.
Old 08-07-16, 11:09 AM
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Junglequac
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Despite the quite high miles, that still seems quite cheap for a 2004. Should it check out, jump on it. While it will no doubt need some reconditioning, you will end up with a car that most spend in excess of $10,000 (and often more) and will darn sure not look like a $3500 car.

Provided you will still have say $2000 to baseline everything, you really could end up with a true luxury car purchased for 2000 Honda Civic money.
Old 08-07-16, 02:53 PM
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Old is old, and mileage is mileage.. Realization.... We don't get anything for nothing... If it's cheap there is a reason. This is why New Cars are so expensive. If you are on a budget, be prepared to work on your car and plan on expenses that are just around the corner. It's definitely not a free ride.
Old 08-07-16, 02:55 PM
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Junglequac
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Exactly. And is why I recommended not doing it unless the OP had at least $2000 set aside to recondition. No doubt most of the suspension will need to be replaced and whatnot, All that said, while free is not free, the OP could have a pretty nice 2004-2006 for around $6000
Old 08-07-16, 04:11 PM
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I have to think something is wrong with it, like its a salvage title or needs a new transmission, head gasket blew, etc. Even with a high miles, that's way under market value for a 2004 generation LS. They clearly just want it gone.

The average price of a 2004-2006 is like $10k-$16k. $3,500 is dirt cheap

I just know that me personally, I would rather pay extra and have a clean one than buy a $3,500 car and put thousands into it. It's still a car with nearly 300k miles.

But if you're looking for a beater, and everything drives great, not a whole lot to lose. You just can't expect a perfect LS430 for $3,500.
Old 08-07-16, 07:26 PM
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steelers6
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Originally Posted by BradTank
I have to think something is wrong with it, like its a salvage title or needs a new transmission, head gasket blew, etc. Even with a high miles, that's way under market value for a 2004 generation LS. They clearly just want it gone.

The average price of a 2004-2006 is like $10k-$16k. $3,500 is dirt cheap

I just know that me personally, I would rather pay extra and have a clean one than buy a $3,500 car and put thousands into it. It's still a car with nearly 300k miles.

But if you're looking for a beater, and everything drives great, not a whole lot to lose. You just can't expect a perfect LS430 for $3,500.
I hear ya,the guy i talked to said the car ran great,the title is clean,i dont know,the car is in New York im in New Jersey,dont really know if i wanna take that ride,I'll see...
Old 08-10-16, 04:45 AM
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With it up that way, I would definitely want to look at the underside of the car. That said, it seems the LS's are relatively rust resistant. I would really recommend having a PPI performed as while it might cost used Hyundai Excel money, the parts are of that of a $60,000 plus car. That and the price seems almost too good to be true.

Last edited by Junglequac; 08-10-16 at 05:23 AM.
Old 08-10-16, 05:21 AM
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Jks24
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I live in ny and i am telling you ls430 with 200,000 miles go for $7000 and up it seems like there is a major hidden issue with this car like it was in am accident the frame is tweaked, the guy just added oil instead of changing it somwthing like that use causation and offer your mechanic or someone you know a beer or two to come look at it with you.
Old 08-10-16, 05:23 AM
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Junglequac
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Originally Posted by Jks24
I live in ny and i am telling you ls430 with 200,000 miles go for $7000 and up it seems like there is a major hidden issue with this car like it was in am accident the frame is tweaked, the guy just added oil instead of changing it somwthing like that use causation and offer your mechanic or someone you know a beer or two to come look at it with you.
That is good advice as the price does seem way out of whack and is why I am advocating for a PPI to be done either by a Lexus dealer or indy shop which specializes in Toyota/Lexus.
Old 08-10-16, 05:29 AM
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Jks24
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Originally Posted by Junglequac
That is good advice as the price does seem way out of whack and is why I am advocating for a PPI to be done either by a Lexus dealer or indy shop which specializes in Toyota/Lexus.
He doesn't even need a lexus/toyota guru someone who has extensive knowledge of cars will be fine. What i mean by that is someone who has maybe rebuilt a motor or transmission or is a gear head. I might be able to take a look at ivy for you if i have the time.


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