is an ls430 a good kids car?
01-24-12, 01:35 PM
#46
Lexus Test Driver
^$3k is a bit much for such a boring basic car IMO. I had (briefly for a yr of undergrad) a 1995 BMW 530i with 115k mi on the clock. Learned stick on it (was a 5 spd), had loads more equipment and power and was like $5k at our local Toyota dealer. Was one of my fav cars I've had so far, liked it more than my E90 3 series actually (which is what I got the following yr)
02-12-12, 07:25 PM
#47
Driver School Candidate
I got my LS430 when I barely turned 16. it's been two years now since ive had it and love it! All I did to mine was minor fender work, wheels, dropped on coilovers and little interior things!
Last edited by vipmikey; 02-13-12 at 01:27 AM.
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Marco430 (01-27-20)
02-12-12, 10:21 PM
#48
Lexus Champion
I don't think it's a bad idea at all; prob wouldn't be my first choice for a kid, but it's not a bad decision either IMO.
Sure it's fast, but remember, it also has big, powerful brakes to reel in that speed, and safe, predictable handling (with the VSC that you can't disable). It may be faster than other cars they could buy him, but it's also way safer...so it kinda evens out. A wreck going 75 in an LS would probably protect him just as much/more than a wreck at 50 in a lesser car. If the parents can afford it and the maintenance, why not?
Sure it's fast, but remember, it also has big, powerful brakes to reel in that speed, and safe, predictable handling (with the VSC that you can't disable). It may be faster than other cars they could buy him, but it's also way safer...so it kinda evens out. A wreck going 75 in an LS would probably protect him just as much/more than a wreck at 50 in a lesser car. If the parents can afford it and the maintenance, why not?
03-11-12, 01:52 PM
#49
Driver School Candidate
From a 17 year old with a LS430!
I'm currently a senior in high school and own an 02 LS430. I've had it for 2 years now it its been great, not a problem at all! The only issue i have is how expensive it is to fill up, $85+ a week is a lot for anyone, but i get an average of 17.5mpg in the city and 25 on the highway, which is great for a V8. If you can get past that, then yes, it it a great first car!
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Marco430 (01-27-20)
03-11-12, 02:06 PM
#50
LS430 is no slouch or Slow by any means...It will take any Accord or civic hands down...LS is def. capable of under 15 secs in 1/4 mile.
Very reliable car, my family had couple of these in the past and they all had over 250k miles before they were sold.
Only thing you have to worry about is filling up the huge tank.
Very reliable car, my family had couple of these in the past and they all had over 250k miles before they were sold.
Only thing you have to worry about is filling up the huge tank.
Hi guys, Thank you for all the nice replies. They went and drove the car today, and I think they are going to offer him 10k cash for it on monday. They just wanted to sleep on it and not do anything to fast.
I talked with the dad today and here is what he is thinking, and this will answer most of you. The dad said the insurance on this car is dirt cheap. The dad will keep the car registered in his name and add the son as a houshold driver. cameros and 4x4 suvs are the highest cost to insure.
The car is old enough and cheap enough they are not going to go full coverage, liability only.
The biggest reason he is liking the LS is the safety. Safety being the most imporant, and the fact that these motors cant really be made into a hot rod. His son is a car nut, and his friends all have fast lowriders like civics and stuff
AlexesAnja. LS's are slow and not able to be modified. We both agree if that kid gets a civic or accord that he will have that thing going so fast.
Stu: why would it be weird for me to fabricate parts for my friends and neighbors??? Thats what I have done for a living in the past, so why would I quit now I have lots of machines in my garage. I even make putters too if your a golfer I can make you the best putter you will ever have.
Stu, what do you think of skid plates? should they be abs or aluminum? does anybody make them? I could make them for all you guys if you want them, I will sell them to you if I make a jig from my neigbors car.
I talked with the dad today and here is what he is thinking, and this will answer most of you. The dad said the insurance on this car is dirt cheap. The dad will keep the car registered in his name and add the son as a houshold driver. cameros and 4x4 suvs are the highest cost to insure.
The car is old enough and cheap enough they are not going to go full coverage, liability only.
The biggest reason he is liking the LS is the safety. Safety being the most imporant, and the fact that these motors cant really be made into a hot rod. His son is a car nut, and his friends all have fast lowriders like civics and stuff
AlexesAnja. LS's are slow and not able to be modified. We both agree if that kid gets a civic or accord that he will have that thing going so fast.
Stu: why would it be weird for me to fabricate parts for my friends and neighbors??? Thats what I have done for a living in the past, so why would I quit now I have lots of machines in my garage. I even make putters too if your a golfer I can make you the best putter you will ever have.
Stu, what do you think of skid plates? should they be abs or aluminum? does anybody make them? I could make them for all you guys if you want them, I will sell them to you if I make a jig from my neigbors car.
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