BravoMcFox

This is my first post on Club Lexus.

I'm in the market for a higher mileage LS 430 and I've found one I'm interested in. I wanted to ask you guys your opinion on the price I'm currently at with the dealer. It is a 1 owner 2005 UL with 160k miles. The Carfax shows that it has been serviced every 5,000 at a Lexus dealer up until it was put up for sale. I've negotiated down from what the dealer was asking to around $10,700. There are other 430's nearby with fewer miles that cost less, but none with a service history like this one. Should I roll the dice on this one?

Johnhav430

I believe the price is high based on the mileage....I've looked at cars on cars.com and wondered, how come some cars are only 60k and maybe 10-11, price seems too low.

Even the timing belt thing, many seem to prefer higher mileage as long as it was done, why? The price is like $800 at an indie, wouldn't you rather do it under your custody, and deduct a grand from the price, so you know it's done? But we all have differing opinions and at the end of the day, the only one that matters is the person who spends their hard earned cash....good luck!

I mean officially, does Lexus do the two idlers and the tensioner, in the official 90k job which is $1400, I thought I read that's every other, i.e. 180k, so there may be 90k jobs where only the belt and pump were done, I'm not sure about that, it's what I thought I read

my links never work but here goes

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...7769/overview/

hereitishttps://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/691877769/overview/hereitis

2KHarrier

Welcome to the club, Bravo. To put it in context, Last year I paid 19,000 for my 2005 LS with 49,000 miles on the odo. Super clean and very well taken care of to boot.
As John stated, 10,700 at first glance seems a little high with that kind of mileage, unless it is just in impeccable condition. If you love the car, and it fits your needs, you can look past the price. Having a complete service history is worth quite a bit in my book,

Gronemus

Welcome to the forum Bravo. Just my 2¢ here: I don't think that the price that you're at is way out of line. It is a UL model so I would pay extra attention to the condition of the air shocks on that vehicle since they are expensive to replace. Take it for an extended test drive and play around with the adjustment button on it. Since I don't own a UL model myself I would suggest finding out how it operates so you can verify that it is working.

Some other things to check for:

• Crank up the volume on the stereo to see if the system is working properly. It's not uncommon for the front door speakers and the rear subwoofer to need to have the foam suspension surround replaced. Kits are readily available for around $20 each and it isn't too difficult to change yourself if you are reasonably mechanically inclined.
• Check to make sure that all of the soft close feature and the door locks all work.
• Check that the tilt & telescope feature works.

I would wager that this is the vehicle that you're looking at: http://www.4crossautomotive.com/2005...GA_7405642.veh

The service history is exceptional and it is one owner. Perhaps you could try to locate him and ask why he sold his car and if there are any issues with it.

Good luck...

BravoMcFox

Gronemus, that is exactly the car I'm looking at. The soft close features work, tilt/telescope features work as well. I've driven it twice and it rides like a dream. Only thing that stood out was a little vibration in the steering wheel while braking. There is a local mechanic that says he has 30+ years experience and is a Lexus/Toyota specialist. I'm going to have him inspect the car to point out any issues, if any exist. The air suspension does concern me some, but the history says that this car has been kept up exceptionally well.

Decisions, decisions........

BravoMcFox

I'm thinking the same too. The interior is in excellent shape, all the features work (massaging rear seats, radar cruise, etc.), there are scratches on the paint but it's an 11 year old car.
The mileage is higher than anything I'd normally consider, but because of the 430's reputation for reliability I can overlook that.

"Book numbers"
KBB - 11,600 - 13,472 (Dealer Retail) / 10,500 (private party, "good condition")
NADA - 10,175 (clean trade in) - 11,650 (clean retail)

I'd consider the car to be in very good condition. I'm going to take it and have it inspected by a mechanic to see if the actual condition holds up to the service records. It's a beautiful car, but I just don't want to overpay for it.

Thanks for the replies!

texan_176

iTrader: (5)

Personally, I would not touch a UL model unless it was not my daily driver and if all 4 air shocks had been replaced with OEM parts within the last 2-4 years.

If you want high miles and to not spend too much I would say look at Lexus dealers. They maintain a good minimum standard when it comes to selling a used car. It will not be perfect but you can know it will not be a total POS at will have a major $3-5K repair pop up in the near future.

In the Houston area this LS has been sitting at a Lexus dealer for about 2 months.

http://www.lexusclearlake.com/Vehicl...-TX/2912185763

I'm pretty sure if you walked in and offered $6K with all taxes and fees you could drive out.

BTW, I am NOT affiliated with that dealer in any way; just an example of what is available.

Johnhav430

One thing to point out, again, I spent 14k, and some people who said, "nice car," mistook 14k for $1,400. The price is on the high side for used LS430s. And it's a decision that we make consciously. Would you rather have a11 y.o. 2006 LS430, or a 2014 Toyota Camry CPO, with 30k? Let's be honest, the conventional wisdom says to buy the 3 y.o. Camry as it will potentially take care of your transportation needs for 12+ years. We are a very special breed who are willing to buy cars on avg with 80-100k and pay 5 figures for them. So unlike hot real estate, imho there's nary a reason to rush out and buy the first LS430 one sees. Ask yourself if you see yourself driving it daily--if any reservations, hold out and look at the next one.

The main reason, I believe, is the underlying belief that these are overengineered, overbuilt Toyotas, that CAN last 200k easily, and possibly 300k. If this is not true, then we are all fools to pay 5 figures for 11+ y.o. cars.....I hope this is not true!

XJSFan

No matter the condition, I would pay under $10K because of the miles and up coming maintenance expenses that you would have to take care of. These cars are fantastic but they are aging...

Gronemus

John, ye of little faith. Fixed your post for you...

tallcaguy

Agree good service history is important but it's not a guarantee. My first Lex (01 Base, 89) had multiple owners and questionable history. Sewing machine quiet. Did TB, LCA's, tires and battery. Zero problems, super reliable. Lex 2 (03 Base, 110) was one owner dealer service. Had it for 6 months. Found lots of problems and just didn't like the car. Lex 3 (04 Sports, ML, 102) also a one owner full dealer service (every 5 k). Pre inspect check found nothing (well telescope). Paid 13. So far, problems include NAV display, headlights don't steer, now noisy idler pulley (or alternator bearings). Not so sure this one won't need repairs (other than the usual).

I'm thinking about paying more for an excellent low mileage car (15-18). If it's a one owner that's been babied maybe that's one way to avoid problems. Realistically it's a old car that will need some work but the idea to minimize the big expenses. No matter how nice an LS is, not worth it for a car of this age.

irishbrahm

I see that you're from Georgia.

You should take a look at this 2006 just listed at Nalley Lexus Galleria in Smyrna:

http://www.nalleylexussmyrna.com/Veh...-GA/2931514823

I've purchased 2 LS430s from this dealership and I can say that they have high standards for the ones they keep on their lot. The one listed above seems to have a thorough service history, including the TB change at 90k.

FYI, I bought my current LS from Nalley last month. It was meticulously maintained and is in excellent condition (so says my local dealership).

Johnhav430

i agree that 5k services are fine, but they are mostly oil changes.....if we diy, we likely do a better job than a dealer. Yet our cars will be considered as not having been serviced....imho age degrades many things such that it's not feasible to replace. Yet another example are the side view dimming mirrors. They list for almost $400 per side, that's just the glass.

tallcaguy

Many of the 5k's are oil/tires. If the 30/60/90 were done by a dealer on time, that's good. Problems that were fixed also good (past owner on mine replaced the ML amp for instance). Maybe the key is to pay a premium for a low mileage one owner that looks great, recent tires, needs no repairs (even minor). I'd rather buy privately so I can talk to the owner but most of the good ones seem to end up at dealer (or Autotrader). I've found a one owner Blue 04 ML (Sport) w/ 66. Asking is 15. May go take a look. Sometimes low mileage isn't any guarantee either! Autotrader had one w/ under 50k. Checked the Carfax and it listed 4 owners.

tallcaguy

Thanks for the suggest. If they had another Briarwood, might be worth it. Hope yours is working out well.