ceedub53

I am a newbie to this forum (and Lexus) but not to the automotive world in general. I have been looking at used LS430's 2001-2004 range. I'm seeing mileage from 60k (low) to 150k (high). I tend to shy away from the higher mileage cars but I came across a 430 that grabbed my attention and I'd like your feedback. This 2001 LS430 is for sale by a dealer in So Cal and has a fantastic CarFax of 25+ service visits, exclusive to Lexus dealers and is a two owner car. Both owners religiously maintained the car with visits to the Lexus dealer for service at least every 5k miles. The car has 135k miles but looks like it came off the factory line yesterday. Is 135k too many miles? It probably is for "other" car manufacturer's but not for a Lexus LS430? The price is $8600. Thanks for any feedback!

writes123

sounds like a solid deal for a well maintained ls 430. what package does it have? i was considering an UL which needed a timing belt and tranny fluid service with 135k at a dealer. it was going for 7k but another CL got it for 6k + tax. needed new tires, 2 front air struts, valve cover gasket, TB/water pump service and tranny fluid service.

ceedub53

The ad says it's a "Premium", but it doesn't mention any of the extra's associated with the "Ultra" package. It does have Navigation though.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I just bought an 02 LS430 with 235,000 miles on it and it runs just as good as my 05 with half the miles.

135,000 miles is still pretty low. $8,600 sounds like a solid deal. Premium package is like a base model but with navigation if I'm not mistaken.

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

personally im a fan of buying cars with as least amount of mileage as possible, but with that said when I really wanted an LS430 I was willing to buy one with the mileage yours had .

I truly belive they are one of the best built cars ever produced, and 135k miles is not over the hill yet

writes123

sounds like a ML - Modern Luxury. good solid deal especially with great service history.

LEXLUIS

bought mine with 95K two and half years ago now it has 118K. still runs as the day I bought it?

I tend to like the 06 headlights but as far mileage as long as it has all service is no problem.

TTurboPimp

iTrader: (12)

change the timing belt and flush fluids (if it hasnt been done already) and you will be good for a long time. I bought mine with 122k from my buddy, runs perfect now with 127 and some change on it

L8RSk8R

With its service history, it's a good deal. Don't let the mileage deter you. Mine's an 06 UL with 343,000 miles, still running beautifully.

Bocatrip

The number one factor in making your condition is right there for you. Service records. If properly maintained, 135,000 for a 2001 is low mileage and the price happens to be really good. If the timing belt was changed, and there is no paint work to talk of, I'd go for it. Good service history is worth it's weight in gold. The bonus for you is that at $8600 where is the value going in the next few years? Most of the depreciation if gone and you can run this car forever and still get around the same price if kept in good condition. If you purchased an 05-06 with good miles and paid high teens, your car still has room for depreciation once the miles pile on. It's a great car and a great value. Go for it!

ceedub53

The prior owners really took care of this car if the CarFax is correct. Given that and looking closely at all the maintenance records, there isn't anything specific about the timing belt being replaced. I'd have to visit the dealer and see if they had the actual service records from the prior owners. One thing unusual (perhaps it isn't) is that when the car had approx. 40k miles it had the front engine mounts replaced. That is something that can occur when a car is in a front end collision, but CarFax says this car is clean. Looks like the engine oil was replaced every 5k at the dealer. All fluids flushed a few times. Brake pads, front and rear replaced a few times also. The "drag link end" was also replaced at 86k. What is a "drag link end"?

Gene01

Many advertisers (even dealers (even Lexus dealers)) do not know, or perhaps do not care about correctly identifying the selection (package) that their car has. A lot of ads use the words "premium" and "luxury" generically. Unless the ad is quite specific, you need to look carefully at the pictures to make the determination.

writes123

definitely unusual to have engine mounts done @ 40k. "drag link end" seems to be referring to tie rod ends. it's possible that the car was not reported to be involved in an accident and the owner privately paid for the repair. that would explain why the tie rod ends would need to be replaced as well as the engine mounts. i'd be a little wary of a possible unreported accident not showing up on any official reports. the owner probably had the means to take care of some accident by himself. just my 2 cents.

TB and water pump ought to be done based on age and mileage of the car. if not done, the next owner needs to get it done as well as spark plugs.this can run 1500 TB at lexus dealer and 500 for the spark plugs at lexus dealer. the dealer may not be willing to budge on the pricing though.

ceedub53

The engine mounts were done at 40k while the drag link ends were replaced at 87k, so there was a few years passage in time between these two events. Engine mounts are not one of those things you expect to see replaced at 40k. Must have been in an accident that broke the mounts. No other logical real explanation?

writes123

i would suspent tie rod ends more likely associated with some sort of accident. of course engine mounts might need to be changed with an accident as well. perhaps the dealer saw some body work that was done on the car and the car fax came clean so they could sell as a "premium" price vs a discount for body work due to accident/body damage.