shap

Hey guys,

I'm looking at purchasing an LS430. I previously had a GS400 98' that took me to 245k before I traded it.

I'm hoping to get the same trouble free experience (within reason) and was looking for feedback on what to watch out for with this car.

It's a 2003, ultra luxury package. I added the VIN to mylexus and see they recently had the mounts collapse. Is this common? Previous owner did not fix. Would you recommend having Lexus look at the vehicle prior to purchase?

Other common expense I noted on the site was the air suspension. Given 110k and not seeing this replaced, would be be reasonable to expect these to wear in the next 0-30k?

The console below the nav screen is scratched pretty bad. Is this a part I could replace cheaply?

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invento...ting=111589514


Here is the mylexus history:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ya1qauqd6h...story.pdf?dl=0

I appreciate any feedback!

andys57

Didn't see timing belt replacement in vehicle history (unless I missed it-wouldn't be the first time).

Jbthompson

The car looks nice. The scratched part around the NAV is expensive to replace from what I have seen. Will for sure need timing belt and water pump, that could range anywhere from 800-1500 bucks. Seems a little early for collapsed motor and tranny mounts, I had mine done around 150k and it costed around 650.

The air suspension will need work at some point. I jumped on my current UL knowing that would be a need, but I love all of the bells and whistles in the UL and couldn't resist. Plan on 1500-2000 to convert the air suspension to steel.

warminwisc

Get an inspection for 150 bucks from a Lexus dealer and body shop look at it yourself on a rack. Make a final walk around the car with them as you try to point out imperfections. If any overspray is the slightly noticed explore more. Our opinion is just that with no basis. Looks good though I did not check service record or anything.

Motor mounts are not a common thing? Is it more the dry desert areas? Low miles for 10,900. Camry V6 XLE prolly costs that.

shap

Thanks for the recommendations.

Yes it's here in Arizona and has been since purchase. Very dry and hot. Seems like it's priced good. I'll have to ask Lexus about replacing the nav dash screen when there.

I'll let you guys know how things turn out!

shap

Is this normal to have the color contrast with the switches?

tkbalt

Good idea to get the vehicle examined. Sounds like some potential expensive repairs may be required. Good luck. We had an 03 and loved it.

jpv7774

Bought mine w 130k......timing belt....water pump ...and fresh fluids....plus some door actuators....steering wheel telescoping motor.....and tires .....now she is tight but I dropped a little over 2k to get her right. Check and use every whistle and bell....play the stereo loud....see if alarm sets via key fob, the lights should flash and u may here a beep....watch every door lock and unlock with your own eyes....dont assume just because u here noise when u hit the lock button that all of the doors just locked. ...check headlight aim.....steering wheel tilt and telescope......AC/heat seats....hood and trunk shocks......console box lid alignment......smart key......just to name a few.
Regarding the scratched bezel under the nav screen....you have to remove several console pieces to work your way up to the nav bezel so u can remove and replace. Most of the bezels that I saw came with the nav screen and was expensive...however another member on this site said he bought just the bezel for approx $200 because the scratches drove him crazy. Mine was scratched too......I sanded mine down and painted and it looks 100 times better.

shap

Appreciate the tips!

R Z

When you find the right one you'll know. Could be this one or another, but it will feel right and you'll love driving. Keep in mind, as with most used cars, there will be some maintenance needed. Not sure I'd want to pay for a new console as that could be pricey. But there are good used ones floating around.

Buying a used car can be a crap shoot, but do your homework and if it's right, go for it.