I have an '04 LS, bought new by me, with 23,500 miles. Obviously it's a second vehicle. It seems in absolutely mint, like new condition. I have all maintenance records. I need to downsize to one car. Is this vehicle reliable, even though nine years old, to take long trips? I'm an old guy(76), and don't want to worry about being stranded away from home. No, I haven't. changed the TB, even though owners manual says to do this at 108 months, which is now. I may wait a while ....if you tell me to keep it. What is the opinion of you guys with years of Lexus experience?

 

I know I would have no qualms about going cross country in it, it's basically a new Lexus.

I would though take a look at things like your tires, if they're the factory originals, there's a good chance they're not in great shape after nearly 10 years, regardless of the tread left. I'd also replace the brake fluid if it's never been done and maybe flush the coolant. Check your owners manual to see what may have been missed.

I personally think your timing belt is fine, but others may feel differently. I know I wouldn't change it at 23k miles, even with the age of the vehicle.

 

I've had my 04 for about 3 yrs now, not once did I feel even remotely close that i was going to be stranded. I've left the car for months at a time and it starts right up right away everytime without any glitches. The car has been a hallmark for refinement, build quality, and reliability thus far. I've seen LS400 owners talk about 300k+ mi and I have no doubt the 430 is capable of the same

 

You have a great car there. Change the oil and all the fluids, check out your tires and replace them if original, and forget about the timing belt for now. Good luck.

 

Very unreliable especially as an owner hits 70 plus you can't afford to be stranded. PM me so I can take it off your hands!

 

I walked up the stairs to get a Huber Bock after my 90 mile RT daily thinking does gold ever wear out?

 

Caydoc - like others said make sure ALL fluids are kept fresh, battery is in good shape, and that tires are no more than 5 years old from manufacture date (date code is on sidewall) and you will be fine. I believe that the LS430 was the highest quality factory built luxury car ever made. Most modern better quality cars are good for 8-10 years of reliable service if they are well maintained. A low mile, well maintained LS430, given the high quality of its component parts, is likely good for 15 years of ultra reliable service. After 15-20 years on any car things like wire insulation, connectors, rubber seals, hoses, insulation, foam padding and cushions, etc will inevitably start to deteriorate and require wholesale replacement to maintain high reliability.

 

I have had two problems related to corrosion of electrical components. I'm not sure if Lexus just did a bad job of sealing some components or what, but nothing that affected running driving of the car.

Id drive it anywhere!