How reliable is this '04?

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Mar 19, 2013 | 12:15 PM

Caydoc

Thread Starter

Driver

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 55

Likes: 3

From: GA

How reliable is this '04?

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?

Mar 19, 2013 | 01:17 PM

BradTank

Racer

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 1,761

Likes: 250

From: AZ

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.

Mar 19, 2013 | 01:39 PM

CarGuy89

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 1,512

Likes: 4

From: MI

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

Mar 19, 2013 | 01:41 PM

Bocatrip

Lead Lap

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 3,682

Likes: 304

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.

Mar 19, 2013 | 04:28 PM

warminwisc

Pole Position

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 2,875

Likes: 31

From: wi

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!

Mar 19, 2013 | 04:32 PM

warminwisc

Pole Position

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 2,875

Likes: 31

From: wi

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

Mar 19, 2013 | 07:56 PM

Jabberwock

CL Community Team

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 3,916

Likes: 227

From: Alabama

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.

Last edited by Jabberwock; Mar 19, 2013 at 08:01 PM.