Purchased a CPO 2001 LS 430 with UL, 49k miles, in Nov 2004. It now has 89k miles and due for 90k service - $1,000. Have had all recommended factory service. Replaced steering column tilt motor assembly (54k) Nov 2005, replaced both front door actuator assemblies Jan 2009 - all under warranty - no cost. Replaced telescopic motor (85k) Feb 2011 - $514. Tires have 15k on them, navigation data disc updated 2011, new Lexus 84 month battery 2011. Runs great. I read about air suspension and other repairs on UL models as miles and age increases. Is it time to let go? Would you do the 90k service and plan on keeping it? Retired, age 73. Wife has a 2010 RX 350.

 

Since you're only averaging 7K miles per year since you bought the car on 2004, I would have the service done and keep it until I decide I only need to have one vehicle in the family. Anything else that's close in price to what you could sell the car for (even with an additional $10K thrown in plus sales tax) is going to feel inferior. Unless I had a burning desire for a different car (my frequent problem) or needed to have a pickup for my hobbies, I'd keep the LS.

 

I agree with Caddy. Unless you are certain you only need one car, I'd keep it. Buying a used replacement car has so many risks, you're better off with a known quantity. Even complete shock replacement with standard springs wouldn't be a deal-killer for me. If you "amortize" the cost of 4 new shocks over the last 7-8 years of good behavior, it does not add up to much.

 

if and when the struts need replacing put nonadjustable ones in there place and call it a day,drive it untill the wheels fall off and then some.

 

Hi Bob -

Realistically, what are you going to get thats any better after trading in your relatively low mileage LS430?

Fwiw I'm retired too and find the LS's to be the perfect car, all things considered. Frankly, money has little to do with our decision to keep our LS430's (2006 and 2002) . We just haven't found a better ride. I'm also beyond the age of having to have something 'new' in the garage or trying to impress anyone.

As Caddy, Cyclehead and others have said, consider making your decision based on already having a known entity. Your only major potential problem is the (on occasion) trouiblesome air suspension. Personally, I'd have the 90k service done and keep it rather tyhan roll the dice w/ anything else. YMMV ;-)

Good luck in whatever you decide to do -

 

It's your car, drive it till you don't want it anymore (or feel like getting something else). You can save wear and tear on power tilt/telescope wheel by having the dealer disable auto retract (which I plan on doing as soon as my CPO warranty runs out). IMO there's no other car out there that offers this much luxury AND reliability (which keep running costs relatively low).

 

Like caddy said..get the service done & keep it

 

Is it still under warranty? I'm not familiar with CPO warranties.

 

Thanks to all who replied. Appreciate it. I plan to do the 90k service and keep the car. Ancdmd-car not is under warranty. 100k or 5 years whichever comes first.

 

good decision - the devil you know........................

 

im doin the 90k service right now too. hopin to keep it til 2014 when it hits 120k and then ill see whats out in the market

 

agreed with posts above keep it and drive it til the wheels fall off. Great car.