jmerria2

Hi All!
I have a 100 mile round trip commute each day plus some additional mileage for work. I usually buy a CPO Audi every 2.5 years or when the mileage gets above 125k and it's too expensive to maintain. I'm thinking about buying the LS as my daily driver and turning it over every year or two. Right now, I'm looking at a one owner, Lexus serviced 03 LS430 base model with 81k miles. They are looking for around $13k. Thoughts? Is this a good decision? I drive I-95 the whole way each direction, but I also drive in and around NYC. Can this car handle it?
Thanks!

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

It depends. A well taken care of LS is fantastic car. Excellent reliability but mileage is not anything close to what a 4 cylinder can get. I would not steer you away but at 100 miles a day I would rather have something getting 35+ mpg. Fuel won't be this cheap for too long. Get an LS and a cheap commuter car.

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

Pretty good buy but that price can get you a 04-05 with the 6 speed auto trans so you can get a slightly better fuel economy. One thing to remember is that 90k service is coming up soon which is typically the timing belt, water pump service and thats usually a $1xxx-$2xxx service.

jmerria2

Thanks for the insight! I didn't know about the 90k service.

I neglected to say that gas mileage isn't s factor because my fuel is covered by my company. My biggest concern is is this a good buy for me at that price and given the rigors of a NYC commute.

Thanks

Tom57

Yes, it's an excellent choice as a daily grinder. Just keep up with maintenance schedule. Suggest snow tires in winter for added safety and reliability.

R Z

The LS430 is an exceptional vehicle. There is a Lexus Driver's site where you can load the Vin number and get all the Lexus related services done. Yes the timing belt is an expense and therefore I'd highly recommend negotiating that in the deal. Call you local Lexus dealer and ask about the cost for that service. Kelly blue book says as a good car the value is $12,500. I would check to see if the car has the Mark Levinson sound system. You also don't mention if the car has the nav. Those two things are must haves for me in a Lexus.

Other thoughts, my 05 LS430 had the key that I kept in my pocket. I still had to turn the starter, but the key never saw daylight. I don't think the 03 offers that feature. So depending on what you you'd like in your car and how much you are willing to spend, the LS430 is a dynamite car. If you have more to invest, look at an 07 LS460.

islandbeef

Long commutes = need at least 30 mpg IMHO, or you'll be hurting.

Tom57

The OP said gas mileage isn't a factor since gas costs are covered by his employer.

writes123

That's the situation I found myself. Got an 05 UL 430 last January and then a 05 used Prius. Keeping it in the Toyota family. From mid to upper 20's to low 50s mpg for my daily 150+ mile mostly highway commute. Both have their strengths.

jmerria2

Thanks for all the info and suggestions. Heading over to the dealer tomorrow to check it out.
Thanks