Robles84

Hey people
So I'm looking at another ls430 to buy since I sold mine back in may. I've missed it ever since.

So I found a 2001 430
The seller said the taillight melted and needs a fuse back because of it. So what do you think could have caused it.
The only thing I can think of maybe the seller had a radio system. This 430 is dirt cheap at 2k...and maintenance is up to date.. timing belt and water pump
Will this be a big issue or something minor

Robles84

Here are some pics of the damage

Gronemus

Was the taillight modified at all? Is the other side modified? That looks like some significant heat took that thing out. Don't understand why a fuse didn't protect it.

You can probably get parts from a junkyard to replace that but I would be somewhat suspect of the wiring going to that taillight at this point. No telling if the insulation got stressed during the event. The price of the car kind of makes up for that though...

bmore430

I'd run far away. that looks like a ton of heat back there. there is a fuse box and harnesses back there that I'm sure we're affected. Looks like a nightmare to rewire and I'm sure plenty of error codes/messages.

bmore430

From the pics it looks like something aftermarket was wired in there that caused the fire. looks like speaker wire, crimps and connectors that aren't factory.

zapola6

If you have no problem chasing electrical gremlins, go for it… If not…. Run!!!! Could get expensive quick. Any burnt smell in the car? Did it burn the trunk interior as well? That looks substantial.

I'm a better than average do it yourself person. I would pass... But that's me...

If you get it, keep us posted in how it works out for you

vadorade

It looks like the original rear fusebox blew up, as well as the harness with all of the original wiring. Have you tested the rear lights? They might have rewired everything back though, according to the pics.

tallcaguy

High mileage? Is that why the 2k price? If you can, spend a little more. 01-03's are dirt cheap these days. Easier to buy an LS that doesn't have problems.

BradTank

I'd stay away, I don't think you're getting the whole story here.

Clearly there are some major electrical problems going on here and unless you have the skills to sort them out yourself should something else come up, it could be very expensive. Modern cars have so many delicate sensors and processors, they just have to have an electrical system in perfect working order. Even a ground wire with a tiny bit of corrosion can make it not run properly.

Robles84

I'm going to try to look at the car this weekend. And yes the asking price is 2k. It has 138k on it.
I sold my 430 in July/ august for 7.5k with 122k and bought 2000 gs300 platinum edition with 147k for 3.5k. For this is a super steal.
I will post once I look at the car

Robles84

I'm a diy guy also... I have a really close family friendly who own a body shop out her in san jose bay area also.

tallcaguy

Big difference between a non working taillight and what looks like a small electrical fire in the tailight area. There's more happening here. Agree w/ you Brad

LS430Lexus

Wild guess. It looks like after market wiring in the damaged area. I suspect the wiring related to an aftermarket back-up camera or relay. Run away from this car as if you were fleeing a fire.