jmerria2

Wow!!

You guys are a wealth of knowledge. It's really all very much appreciated. I've keyed in on two LS430s in my area that I think are good candidates. I've looked around a ton and have found a lot of cars with bad vehicle history and many owners, which I would love to avoid. I haven't found any for sale by owner that were not higher mileage than I want. I'm going to put 30k on this car a year so I don't want to start with 125k.

Thanks again to everyone for their input! I admire your passion and hope to join your ranks soon.

http://www.newcountry.com/used/Lexus...77e56dedac.htm
http://www.newcountry.com/used/Lexus...6dcef395d1.htm

KING

iTrader: (1)

That's a pro that you gotta give to the LS430, see mileage around 125k in this specific car I wouldn't count high mile age in my own opinion if the car has been taken care of very well. I see where you're coming from, but again the LS430 is not your typical FORD or Chevrolet that will fall into pieces after it crossing 150k, no offense to all other car manufacturers. But the quality that's put in this car has to be addressed and be known by everybody.

jpv7774

Ya the only negative of starting at 75k is u get to drive it for half a year then sink another $1500 into it for timing belt service.....tranny fluids....etc.

Both of those cars u r looking at are good lookin'. Both have been *****d up by a dealer so who knows what she looked like when traded in. Hard to tell in pics but both look well cared for.....one has GPS screen the other doesnt. Honestly my gps screen is cool but its kind of clumsy and outdated. So if u buy the one without the screen your life would be more stream line while driving. Use your phone for gps........

Good luck with the hunt......

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

10k for 75000 miles is a fair price in my opinion, most people here have paid much more then that.

A 2001 is as good as a 2006 except for the headlights and the 6 speed touch shift tranny, both cool features but are they worth 5-7 grand? No.... not in my opnion.

Anthony81

I've been shopping around, and I had only been looking at lower mileage cars. A custom luxury popped up with 105k, but the records look good and the TB/WP have just been done, so I am thinking it might be a better deal than a 70k mile car. Plus it seems like the price drops a fair amount with mileage over 100k.

jpv7774

ya man.....timing belt and water pump already done......only 105k on the car.....Somebody else just pumped a bunch of money into that car...thats best case scenario. If it has good tires and brakes I would jump all over it........How much do they want for that little gem?

Anthony81

The dealer is asking $14k

jpv7774

14k is right on the money.....and since its at a dealer.....and dealers dont like to carry cars that have over 100k on them u can prob get for 13K.........Not bad at all. I paid 12k for mine w 130K miles on it then had to put 2k into it for prevent defense.........

go for it

yeskay

jpv777: is perforated leather standard in custom luxury.

Tom57

Yes, the seats are fan cooled with peltier cooler system.

yeskay

Tom57: is led turn signal mirrors an option. i haven't seen one in CA for a 430.

empringham

depends where you live. In the states i understand that would be pretty expensive, but in canada that would be competitively priced. IMO.

shepherd

I'm new to the LS430's as well. I'm picking my first up on Sunday. It's about as base as they could come but it's an '01 with 112k (proof of 90k maintenance), clean interior, immaculate exterior, and I'm picking it up for 7500. As others mentioned, for 10k (perhaps 1k or 2k more) you should be able to find an 04-06 with clean maintenance records.

toddmorr

if you're looking at 01 to 03 models you are in a strong position. I see lots of these on craigslist, maybe not in your city but if you're willing to travel several hundred miles you can find plenty. I can also tell you many are not moving so you have leverage. Personally I'd stay away from the dealers....they tend to not negotiate on price and they uplift for extra profit. Find an original owner car with a good maint history and you'll be fine. 10k for an '02 model would get you a very cherry example and could go down from there if you look at a less desirable color such as black.
i'm looking for an 04 to 06 Ultra, much more difficult but patience will be rewarded I am confident.

Gene01

toddmorr - Great choice! Just check that the transmission TSB was taken care of if you are looking at an '04.