We recently purchased our 2002 LS430 (77,000 miles) mainly because it was so clean, has a spotless service record, no problems and no accidents. I have taken it to a Lexus dealer for timing and serpentine belts, coolant flush, complete checking out. It received a clean bill of health and drives perfectly. We plan to use this car mainly for 900-1000 mile interstate jaunts to Chicago. We have usually driven fairly new cars (1-6 years old). Is there any reason I should be concerned about traveling long distances in a ten year old car? I'm thinking that the chronological age of a Toyota product that is in excellent shape is not very important.

 

If the car checks out with the dealer AND you are driving on fresh tires (check the date code on the sidewalls), I see no reason not to take advantage of that great interstate cruiser.

Age & sun kills tires which can lead to blowouts. (Especially in the southwest US.) Some old cars have low miles, but the tires dry rot out from under them. My dad complained bitterly about blowouts he had in his 10-year old, low mileage Buick - until I reminded him about the age of the original tires. He left the car year-round in Palm Springs, CA.

 

I'm taking my '04 for a run down to Florida again in Nov and I have no worries whatsoever. If the car is driving fine, there is nothing on a LS that is just going to fail and leave you stranded. Its just not that kind of car. I would only say keep your batteries up to date. These new cars won't allow you to crank and crank the car to get it started. If the system detects a low charge for whatever reason, it won't even crank. So, it might start up this morning, but then that night not start. If the battery is older, a few months or years past its warranty period, then check it or replace it.

 

My 1994 GS300 is coming close to the 200k mile mark and has had absolutely NO problems other than regular maintenance. Still on original water pump, radiator, hoses, fuel pump etc. I would drive the car across the country in a second with no worries.

As long as it has been properly maintained, you should absolutely not be worried about driving all over the country in an LS430.

 

The tires (Bridgestone Turanzas) have about 5/32" left on them, but they are nearly 6 years old, so I guess I'll go ahead and replace them. The battery is fairly new.
Thanks guys.

 

I'd replace them. Get yourself some Michelin Primacy MXV4s and make it an even better highway cruiser.

 

I went from 17" Contiprocontacts to 16" Mxv4 and went from land boat to hover craft in driving..... New tires would help with the cruise...

 

Just made a couple 400 mile trips in my 2000 GS (I cruise at about 80-85mph) with no issues. If a Lexus is maintained it will be able to take highway trips for a loooooong time. Don't forget to have suspension and steering parts checked.

 

I think 6 years is typically recommended age limit on tires you are gonna run at interstate speeds. I'd definitely change them out. Other than that the LS is pretty bullet proof for long distance cruising. At 70 mph, the engine is running pretty low rpm lazy cruise, and with the LS .26 COD, and high quality wheel bearings, moving at that speed is relatively effortless.

 

i just replaced my tires on my mr2 that were 9 years old.i still cant get myself to change my spare that is 26 years old that has never been mounted.it still holds 60psi with no problems.

 

It holds 60 PSI under no load...

 

The LS is a better bet than most newer and new German luxury cars in reliability and cost. Your LS has the five speed, but a low reving final drive. The luxury alone will be worth the higher gas bill. I went from a corolla to a Sc to a 2005 LS custom lux, and I still smile at the gas pump. 25 is typical fast hwy, 18 town. I have seen as high as 28 away from cities.
The Ls ride and quite is ideal for our decayed interstates. Miles just melt by, and that Mark Levinson system rivals studio monitors. Oh, my LS is triple black but frigid w/ ac in South FL. Parts ain't cheap, but rarely break. If this 02 does'nt work out, get a later model with radar cruise, interstate stress will end. This is my favorite option besides ac. Ls are hard to back up w/out cameras,too. I predict you would be very pleased with a Ls.q

 

With rising gas prices, I'm going to set this thing on 70 on my next I55 trip just to see what kind of mpg I can coax out of it.
Only one problem, I'll have to have loud rock music to keep from going to sleep at the wheel.

 

I didn't hesitate to take my 2002 on a 2,000 mile round trip recently. On the way home was a 15 hour 1,000 mile drive just stopping for gas and a fast food pickup. The car performed flawlessly

 

If there was a road from here to China, I would drive it and not worry at all.