waynedog

I am thinking about getting a 2004 - 2006 LS430. They typically have 100k+ miles. I would look for one with a clean history and around 100k miles. Assuming they were well maintained, how reliable are they? When I look at this forum, most posts are about reliability issues. What are the most common issues with a 10 year old LS430 with 100k miles?

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

They are probably the most reliable vehicle ever built .

Just have a mechanic check it out and check the vehicles history.

XJSFan

Do a search on this site and you will find multiple threads/posts about the great reliability of these cars.

jimbosr1

if you are one that can do your own work as change plugs,oil,and alike they are very cheap to own and maintain.

BMWboy

I'd have to say shock replacement would be one of the more costly items. Considering 100k miles though, I guess it should be expected.

danmiles86

See my recent post! Mechanically they seem very very good.
Points i've noted are;
Its a big car and this seems to impact on the life of brake discs / pads.
The air suspension is a bit notorious and is now a common and expensive fix with the average age/milage car.
There is a lot of electronics so it depends if you want to keep them all running. I have had to replace steering wheel and seat motors on a number of occasions.
Aircon - Seems quite common that a complete new system is required in the 150k-200k miles area.
Alloy wheels - Alot of them are commonly corroded and need replacement. Maybe more a UK problem though?

SQuester

Wouldn't worry about the longevity at all, as said these cars are without a doubt one of the most reliable cars ever made.

My first brake pad change had over 85k miles on them, still on the original rotors and rear pads at 154k miles.

My only issue has been a drivers door lock actuator, which is a DIY $4 problem. I also have a minor exhaust leak presumably near the cats(common).

I'm coming up on 100k miles driving on my suspension/wheel setup, and commute 120mi/day. I often drive aggressively also. LS430 are just simply reliable tanks.

This car will last me past 400k. At some point I'll search for a lower mileage car exactly how I want it(CL or UL, PCS, saddle interior) and swap my aftermarket parts over.

ls430lover

the car is just breaking in at 100k,
expect normal things do go and alternators, ac
and you have a car that will go 400k if maintained
safe driving

L8RSk8R

$25,000 in maintenance over 8 years & 348,000 miles = $0.07/mile

Jabberwock

My 06 owned for 4 years and driven 50k miles - total repairs costs = 0 $ - but the drivers side mirror did go out and was replaced under Lexus certified used car warranty. Other than that the LS430 has been rock solid - it still drives like a brand new car, although mine has only 63 k miles on it so far. No doubt in my mind it will feel the same at 100k. These are super well built cars....may be the most reliable factory built mass produced luxury car ever made.

jamsvet

My 02 had 198k with few problems. I just traded it in on an 03 with 40k. I think 40- 200 is the sweet spot to own these cars.

ariescrown

I have a 2004 LS430. I bought it in 2007 with 12,000 miles on it and as of today I have 42,658 miles on it. I have had a few problems with it in the past but the only major problem I had was I had to have my entire Nav. screen replaced last year; I think it was about $2,400?. I'm not sure because it was covered by a warranty company. As of today I'm having another screen related problem now associated with the audio. Tonight I posted a long thread asking for help with the problem on this Lexus LS 430 forum. However, I would not give up this fine car because it is exceptional and hard to duplicate if that's possible. BUT with any Luxury car, newer or older model be sure to have a warranty on it . If something does go wrong it's going to cost you big time !

LSBen

On my 2001 LS430, I replaced my leaking radiator after 10 years. Who knew that it has plastic parts that crack. Engine had minor oil leak , replaced the valve gasket cover. Rain sensor went out. Rear trunk struts replaced. Other than that and the normal wear and tear items, break pads, fluids, plugs, tires, batteries, filters, she rides like a champ and is going strong at 147k miles. Averages a combined 20mpg city/hwy. This thing rides like a tank and I feel safe when driving.

chunkyda

You just need to hope nothing major breaks. These cars seem on the whole more thrifty than a BMW or Mercedes. Certainly not as thrifty as Civic or Prius...
My '05 LS430 data after 4 years 6 months and 109,165 miles:
$6,186.15 spent on ALL maintenance, tires, brakes, etc... = 5.6 cents per mile
$14,968 spent on fuel = 13.7 cents per mile
purchase $25,000 - current value = $15,000 depreciation (ownership) = 13.7 cents per mile
Total = 33 cents per mile
Common issues from 4 years here on this forum:
Electronics: radio, door lock actuators, steering wheel tilt/telescope
Suspension: various clunks and rattels, air suspension if equipped

KA8

iTrader: (1)

Yea they're reliable BUT it's only as reliable as the maintenance done to the car. If you expect it to last forever because it's a lexus you will get punished. My father is a good example. I have saved him couple of times in his negligence on maintenance.