Great advice from all. I have been looking for the past month or so and haven't seen too many the way I want it in my area. It has to be white (Moonlight Pearl/off white), with GPS feature. I like the back up cam since I live in a townehome community with small driveways and lots of kids. Basically the Modern Lux package. Although I hear of some issues with GPS, I have no issues with stopping to make adjustments. I am taking it for a test drive today. The only non operating feature is the rear privacy/sun screen that does not go up properly. Looks like the screen itself separated and only one side goes up. They said they would fix it for me at their cost and since I don't know how much that would be, I'm a little leary. I'll find out today. I don't think I'd be asking too much for them to suck up the cost of the 90K and fixing the screen. I think with that I'd be getting a good deal. Are there any other blaring issues that I should check out??????

 

How'd the test drive go?

Z

 

Didn't even get to it. I called to ask if it was ready. It was. Then I asked how much the rear screen was going to be. He told me they would fix it for just under $1600.00. Then they also wanted $215.00 to update GPS. I told them they can keep the car. Oh well.... I will keep looking. I really want the LS 430, but may start looking at the ES 350.

 

I too think the price is a bit on the high side for a 100K mile car. However, California cars in general get strong prices. Regardless, I would try to haggle as 20K is a lot of money for a luxury car with 100K.

 

2 completely different cars.

 

Fly to Buy and enjoy the ride back. Look for one owner not to old of geezers who don't smoke and baby their cars. Inspection, pictures talk to the mechanic park in garage.

 

That's too bad, but keep searching and be patient.

Might look at these:

JTHBN36F265038928
2006 White 44k no nav buy it for under $24,000
In Pineville, south of Charlotte, NC
ph: 704-889-3400

JTHBN36F655000164
2005 White 11k no nav buy it for over $25,000
In Bloomington, IN
ph: 888-341-9862

 

Yes. I agree with the point that they are two different cars, but I am becoming discouraged with my search for good LS 430, but I will keep looking. I don't think I want to go too far. I like looking at the vehicle in person cause I think pictures show things much better then they may be no matter how good a camera. I'd hate to fly somewhere, then have to fly back. Could get expensive.

 

From what I've read in this thread, I'd say are an LS 430 man if ever I saw one.

Buy something else and the LS will gnaw at your mind.

Fair warning...

 

Don't fool with some snow/salt state car either. Find a good sun belt car, AZ, TX, LA, MS, AL, GA.

 

I agree. I will stand my ground and continue to strive to find the perfect LS 430.......

 

If the GPS screen goes out for whatever reason, can you still control other functions like A/C, defroster, or any other function that's displayed on the screen or is the car rendered useless? If the GPS goes, is that a pricey thing to replace? If so, how much?

 

I bought a 2004 LS430 for 18,500 with 65k miles and I live in CA. The tires, brakes, and side mirror were bad but I got the tires replaced and brakes done for 850. Now I just have a faulty mirror that will cost about 3-400 bucks. After that I will have a perfect running lexus with only 65k miles for under 20 grand. Not too bad for CA. Talk them down when there are problems and you will find a deal.

 

With an LS 430 over the long term you can hardly go wrong if it's in good shape to start wtih. Just look at the thread about LS 430 quality on this site.

My wife bought a 2003 without Nav 4 years ago with 98,000 miles for $18,000. She's now got 141,000 miles with no problems other than routine maintenance. We just bought a 2008 LS 460 which we're very happy with but she believes her LS 430 is still just as good except for all of the electronics.

Buy what you want. Don't hesitate to travel, fly if necessary, around the country to get your perfect car. Although I live in Florida, I've bought two pre-owned from a well known dealership in Dallas and have been very happy with both. They treat you fairly, and tell me they sell more pre-owned Lexus's (Lexi?) in the country. They have a couple of LS 430's certified pre-owned with their 3 year or 100,000 mile warranty (whichever comes first) which are white and really look good. I saw them a couple of weeks ago when I picked up the LS 460. Buy what you want and believe to be a fair price and don't worry about what we think. You're the one that needs to be satisfied.

 

Hey Pop...What's the name of that dealership in Dallas? I think I remember coming across it in my searches. I am beginning to realize I may have to travel to find what fits me, because I can't find it locally (Raleigh, NC).