I have a 2006 Lexus 430 that is in a showroom condition inside and out with under 80K miles on it. I am not sure how long I can keep my LS 430 is this perfect condition. Money is not an issue. Availability of parts and such are.

I had an LS 400 prior to the LS 430. Altogether, I had them for 35 years. I absolutely loved them both.

I am concerned about Lexus transition to EV because my personal circumstances make EV non-practical. I also immensely dislike the Lexus LS 500.

I need a 4 door sedan with a reasonably good sized trunk.

My last chance to get a V6 Lexus would be a 2025 Lexus ES 350 Ultra Luxury. I test drove one yesterday. It felt inferior to my LS 430 in practically every respect. The high tech is nice although even that is somewhat distracting.

So my question is if I could ever get used to a Lexus ES 350 Ultra Luxury or else I should stick to my LS 430 whose future in unpredictable.

A related question is if an LS 460 that is in a condition similar to my LS 430 would be a good choice./

I am looking forward to your advice. Best, Paul

 

You can keep that car running fine another 50 years. It won’t be that hard. And it will be easier to keep it in good shape vs. a slightly newer LS460 from what I know of the two platforms.

We have some older vehicles, 32 Dodge, 66 Dodge, also rare - 91 Audi V8 m5, in the family. Not really an issue keeping them running at all. A widely popular car like that will be easy to keep running, and it shares many parts with others.

I like that gen Lexus (see my sig line) and we have a new UL, also, in the family. I get EXACTLY your concerns and observations. Just drive the LS and save the $60k you’ll save not buying the UL and pay for service and repairs as needed. From the sound of your tone and concerns, that will likely make you happier long term. The only serious tech on the new UL I really like is the low-speed all-around camera. But if you don’t do a lot of city driving, it’s not so much an issue.

 

Thank you for the very useful advice.

 

I am glad you found it helpful. Others may have different opinions of course, that’s my take and from what little I can read of you from your first post. I am making assumptions about you, and also overlaying my own experience and bias.

What I wanted to come back and mention is that if you feel like “updating” your car, GROM makes a very easy to install adapter unit for the nav system that will give you Android Auto or CarPlay seamlessly. You would still miss the all-around camera for parking and any driving assist features. But it can really update the tech, and is nice.

They do group buys via this forum every few months and it’s about $600 for the unit, and pretty easy to install, relatively speaking. i really want one for my GS but can’t justify the cost given how little I drive it, and my budget. But I’d sure like one; you might like it as an “update” for your car (which sounds really nice).:

https://gromaudio.com/store/vline/al...DWbEO1TpkzTX3A

I will also add this as parallel experience - if you are a tactile/design oriented person, you will never be satisfied with a new UL model vs. the 430 you have. The 2024 UL is not even close to the level of design continuity, material quality, and build quality of the 2002 ES300, much less the LS430 (in reality the 02-06 ES300/330 is a “mini” Ls430 - it’s quite close in design and quality). For ride, tech, performance, I want the new UL. But for visual design and leather, wood, higher quality plastics, the 2002 is superior. Lexus really started cheapening things after the 00 design period in order to maintain price point, and it shows.

 

Keep the LS, it will last for many more years. The 3UZ engine is basically the same as the 2UZ except with an aluminum lower block and bored out to 4.3L. Because of that, I buy my parts for a 1998-2007 Toyota Landcruiser. The timing belt, water pump, water pump O-rings, t-belt tensioner, pulleys, serpentine belt, PCV valve/grommet, spark plugs are all the same. Only the radiator hoses/anir filters are different that you must buy from Lexus. Of course, the suspension and stuff use Lexus parts. For years, I’d buy my parts online from Toyota and bring them to the Lexus dealer for installation.

 

You can keep your '06 LS430 for a very long time. Mechanical and suspension parts should be no problem. Body parts are another matter and are expensive.

I have driven an LS since 2003 so I understand your dilemma. While not a perfect solution, I bought a 2016 LS460 with about 10k about 18 months ago. It now has 17.5k. I kept the LS430 to drive in the winter and daily in the summer. While the LS460 is more of a performance car, it is very comfortable, fun to drive and the last of the big Lexus V8 sedans.

With an LS430 as an extra car, life is good in America.

 

I bought my '06 9 months ago. I don't drive it much but i plan to keep it for a long time. It is so much more DIY and I had an '05 Tundra with the 2UZ engine -- also bulletproof.
I plan to enjoy the LS for a long time. I will drive it rather than just park it. I didn't realize how popular the Crystal White/ Cashmere combo was!?!? . Mine is in excellent condition and I will tinker on it for a long time to come.

Enjoy it - i am sure they will continue to be appreciated and gain in value.

 

I would definitely stay with the LS430 you are driving now. You seem to take pride in your vehicle and show a strong attachment to it,so my question is if it's not broken, what are you trying to fix? Older vehicles, especially this ( I drive a 2002 LS 430 BTW and have no intention of letting it go) which are built to superior standards that no longer exist are worth their weight in gold.
I also have a 2013 ES 350 which I have done zero repairs on in 4 years and a 2006 Toyota Sienna . I have no problem finding parts for any of my vehicles.

 

Thank you, Paul

 

Very interesting. I have a cheap Bluetooth FM Transmitter Car Adapter that works perfectly for phone calls and podcasts. Thank you, Paul

 

Thank you for the suggestions. I think my Lexus dealer would kill me if I bought the parts elsewhere and asked them to install them. Still a great idea. Best, Paul

 

Thank you, Paul

 

On the issue of bringing your own parts, it doesn't hurt to ask your Lexus dealer. I have asked nicely and honestly, at times they have offered to match the parts price of on-line dealers such as Bell Lexus. I have also had good luck with a local Toyota dealer. They are happy to do the work with OEM parts and charge me for the labor. It depends on the dealer. In both cases, the dealers are smaller, family owned facilities located on the "edge" of the metro area. The large corporate owned, high volume, and prime location dealers are not interested. It's fine, I like supporting the "little" guy.

 

This is a solid strategy at times. Toyota dealerships are always happy to work on Lexus, they just can’t do warranty work. Once out of warranty, there’s no reason not use them. They see these exact same engines, transmissions, etc., etc. all day long, and are often way more flexible.

 

My LS 430 is in great condition and occasionally. like now, with over 100k. the Toyota dealer is charging me $4,000 to replace both front struts, all rear brake parts, including one rear spindle (bolts were frozen and broke off while trying to do the disks) so it is a big bill, but could I buy a car of similar quality for less. Probably another 430 as they are available for $4000 but any thing else, no chance. I bit the bullet and said, "Make it well again." It will be good for another 100,000 miles.