I am new to the forum and have been reading the LS430 thread because I am about to buy a 2005 with only 30,000 miles. I have the car fax and auto check reports.
It is a bare bones model with no NAV and I have no idea how to tell if it is a luxury model.
Have any of you had major repair problems?
Is this car expensive to run or very expensive?
I am in Boston.

 

Welcome! If the car has no navigation, but has cooled front seats and the seat leather is perforated in the center panels, the car is a Premium trim level. It will most likely also have the smart access which has the key (which you will almost never need) hidden inside the fob. If the car does not have cooled seats and the seat leather is smooth, it is a (rare) base car.

Do some reading here and you'll learn that the cars are reliable, but major service visits (like 30, 60 and especially 90K miles) are quite expensive at the dealer. (Check to see if the car you are looking at has had the 30K service. If not, deduct about $500.) Repairs and parts, when needed, are also expensive, especially at the Lexus dealer. Since you live in a major metropolitan area, there are probably a number of good independent mechanics with Lexus experience. Check in the Northeast forum. (One of these mechanics would be a good place to have the car inspected before you buy.)

Good luck with your purchase. Please post pics if you buy the car.

 

You can also try giving Lexus a call and providing them with the VIN. They should be able to tell you all of the features that came installed on that vehicle.

 

welcome aboard

I can't equate bare bones with no nav as luxury-take that as a slight sarcasm joke

mileage is low indeed.

It is more expensive than your camry and accords, but ALOT cheaper than the S Class, 7 series, A8 and other Euro flagships.

Read through the old posts and you'll see the common trends/fixings

take a look here since most of your questions may be answered already:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...12-7-09-a.html

 

With these cars capable of going over 200k with no problem I would look at interior condition and options first rather than solely basing my puchase on miles.

 

my 05 ultra is approaching 53K and yet to have one item in need of repair or replaced,,

just give it some TLC and it will return,,

as far as cost, compared to what,,??

Derry

 

Maintenance can be very high if you take it Lexus and buy their high $ "standard" maintenance packages at 15k, 20k, 25k,30K, 40k,60k,etc. But if you maintain by the manual instead of the package and do it ala cart, I don't think it is more than many other cars. To save money change your own cabin and engine air filters. You can also bring in your own oil and filter - buy oil from Walmart or Costco, buy filter from Toyota dealer.

 

What does Toyota charge for the Lexus LS430 oil filter? If you call Toyota, wilil they give you the info on the filter if you tell them you own a Lexus or do you need a particular part number?

 

Just ask any Toyota parts counter for an oil filter for your Lexus year LS 430. They will know the engine is the 4.3 liter 3UZFE.