FutureOwnr

Hey guys,

There's a 2004 Silver LS430 w/nav with 96k miles up here for sale for $13k, however, I don't know if this is a good deal or not. The car has been sitting at the dealer for months and the dealer won't budge by letting the price down. However, I have looked up the service history and the vehicle shows a BIG gap after 18k miles to the present miles.

Meaning, after the 15,000 mile service, there was no other service shown at a lexus dealer after that date other than the following up until the present mileage:


Dealer Reported

05/01/2013

Woodfield Lexus

miles: 96682

0489679

SAFETY INSPECTION





Dealer Reported

04/27/2013

Woodfield Lexus

miles: 96668

0489902

AUTO DETAILING





Dealer Reported

04/26/2013

Woodfield Lexus

miles: 1

0489878

FRONT/REAR BODY





Dealer Reported

05/13/2008

Lexus of Highland Park

miles: 37089

0210464

INSPECT PARK ASSIST SYSTEM





Dealer Reported

10/10/2006

Bredemann Lexus in Glenview

miles: 17895

0718334

LOANER VEHICLE - RENTAL CAR





Dealer Reported

10/10/2006

Bredemann Lexus in Glenview

miles: 17895

0718334

STEERING WHL/MAIN SHAFT





Dealer Reported

10/03/2006

Bredemann Lexus in Glenview

miles: 17838

0716184

STEERING WHL/MAIN SHAFT





Dealer Reported

10/03/2006

Bredemann Lexus in Glenview

miles: 17838

0716184

FRONT/REAR BODY





Dealer Reported

03/27/2006

Bredemann Lexus in Glenview

miles: 14278

0663293

LOANER VEHICLE - RENTAL CAR



***Tires and brakes were recently replaced at the selling dealer. However, the common issue of the side mirrors not adjusting is happening and the subwoofer is blown/rattling and they are unwilling to fix it.

What do you all think?

LsBanGer43

iTrader: (1)

Looks like it was a rental service car for the lexus dealership? Get it inspected by a third party to see if there's anything else wrong with it. Also what's the over all condition of the car?? I'd push to get those items fixed if you were to purchase the car.

beneteau

My wife purchased her 2005 LS with 58k miles (now at 88k). We do not have any service performed at the Lexus dealer----why----too expensive. However, all service (usually at a Toyota dealer) is entered in it's service history by myself. Unfortunately many Lexus owners do not keep the service history updated, if service was performed elsewhere. This doesn't mean the car wasn't properly maintained----there's just no documented proof on this website that it was or wasn't. I would ask the dealer for the name and telephone number of the previous owner then call him/her for their info on the car and start there. Any reputable dealer should give you this info.

BMW7_LS430

Check if TB/WP service was done. You can;t check TB but new WP at this mileage almost guarantees that TB was done. Get it checked thoroughly by a third party or another Lexus dealer.

Price is great. Don't waste time. Do your home work and get it.
I have a silver 04 with Nav and I won't sell it at this price or even $4K more.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

That sounds like a great price! I would highly recommend that you get it checked out by a third party mechanic/shop as well as a good body shop.

sr20mofo

iTrader: (10)

im kinda in the same position as u. im looking at an 04 UL for $15.5 with 120k miles and its service history goes into hiatus from 30k to 100k. im trying to convince myself its a good deal but i just dont know yet.

BradTank

It sounds like a solid deal to me, but I'd have it checked out both mechanically and to see if there's been any sort of collision history. Sometimes, that type of history doesn't shop up on a VIN search through something like CarFax.

Not always, but usually Lexus dealers don't sell used cars that are ticking time bombs or have a salvage history, there's simply too much liability and it's not worth the trouble. They'll wholesale the crappy cars out.
But if this is an independent dealership, you need to be very wary.

Assuming everything checks out, A car like that with those miles should probably go for a minimum of $16k at a Lexus dealership.

Legender

I agree with BradTank... that has been my experience. Lexus stealerships...er dealerships keep and sell the cream of the crop to insure their reputation... they will wholesale the questionable stuff... and since I rarely can afford the dealer prices and don't trust the small independent shops, I buy from individuals and look for the proper maintenance and care history. And usually a better price also...

RSusi

I have a 2004 LS430 with 116,000 in excellent shape that I rarely bring to the dealer. It is serviced by a private Toyota mechanic and he takes better care of it than the dealer, does all the required maintenance at a lot lower price than the dealer. If the car is in good shape, it is a good price. I won't sell mind for that price.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

+1 on what everyone is saying. Timing belt / water pump would be the concern. 13k is still a great deal even if the service has not been done. I'm working on an 04 UL deal myself that has a tremendous service history at the dealer and in immaculate condition. I've got them down to 19,9. Lol. Just a tad more then you...

FutureOwnr

I appreciate all the feedback guys.

I'm still on the fence, however, the dealer is willing to let it go for $13k and I absorb the costs to fix the broken adjustable mirrors and the subwoofer. Also, the park sensors seem to go off for every little thing even if there's nothing in front of it. Is this something that anyone else has experienced?

Has anyone replaced the LS430 adjustable mirrors in order for the glass to go left,right, up, and down? I hear it's a switch issue that can be done DIY or by a shop...I would like to know the potential costs. The lexus dealer quoted me approx. $200 part and labor.

I already know the subwoofer is going to cost me a lil something along the lines of $395...Tell me something, is it easy to install yourself?

FutureOwnr

Thanks for the reply, unfortunately, I've run into many reputable dealers who either "don't know that information" (cough...lies) or will not relinquish it for whatever reason.

warminwisc

Sensors, mirrors I think are just clean the contacts , sub is blown(big deal they are junk I would worry less about the repairs unless ys gotta do a belt. I would question how many other things where unattended to? But good deal.

FutureOwnr

Tell me about it. I want to believe that it's a good deal and 50% tells me that because the interior, body, paint, etc is an excellent shape, plus new tires, brakes, and other service prior to 18,000 miles... Plus all things work and function properly MINUS the subwoofer and adjustable mirrors (they still power fold). I don't have the luxury of taking it to my trusted mechanic because my mechanic is over an hour away from this dealership and I don't have that type of time due to work. However, it seems like a good deal. I don't want to miss out wanting the perfect "used" car when something always will happen because it's a "used car"

warminwisc

There must be a 3k warantee on drivetrain and everything not list needing repairs?