1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

Hey guys,

just test drove my first LS430, im in love more then ever with these cars now, so smooth, more power then my SC400 and just felt great in general.

So ill cut it short, drove the car, made an offer, offer has been accepted, but I decided to have Lexus dealer give it a general inspection before I actually leave the payment.

For some reason Lexus does not do overall inspections, they only do safety inspections, unless I specifically ask them (and pay them) to check something in particular.

I would like to get the most thorough inspection possible before purchase so I will have them check the codes(nothing is showing on dash but gonna do it anyways), they are gonna do a full safety inspection, brakes, shocks, lights etc...

My question is what else should I have them do before purchase?

The car is a 2004 with very low mileage, it is the premium package(I think) not the ultra, the timing belt has not been done as of yet but drives like a dream .

There was a very annoying whine coming from the engine at the first start up, but it went away after it warmed up, im assuming it was a pulley or the serpentine belt, the car has been sitting for the past 1-2 years.

What should I be checking for????

Anyways just playing ti safe before I buy it, ANY advice or info will be appreciated, thanks guys!!!

LsBanGer43

iTrader: (1)

Glad your making the switch and welcome to the world of the LS family haha!!!

I'd check on the belts to see if there's any bad wear since your hearing a noise on start up and the water pump. but other than that i think you should be ok. what's the milage??

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Join Lexus drivers website and put the vin # in. This will at least give you the service history.

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

Thanks guys,

I went to the dealer and gave them the vin, got all the service history, pretty typical stuff, cats replaced, normal inspections and servicing.

I couldn't wait and I went back and left a deposit on it.

My dream of owning an LS430 was not gonna come any closer, I had to make the jump and grab it.

I also checked the vin at the Ministry and everything checks out, no liens on the car, no discrepincies with the story I was already told.

Heres a little teaser pic, it only has 68000 miles!!!

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

The whining sound might be the serpentine belt. It's about $65 for the belt and $50 for labor to replace it through the dealership.

Things I would look out for and test out are:

-Check to see if the speakers and sub work.
-Make sure the radio and climate control work properly. Bring CD's and cassettes to try out.
-Check the spare tire and inspect the trunk for possible issues from flooding or accidents if any occured.
-Press EVERY SINGLE button on the dash and make sure it works and lights up properly. Just about every button lights up with the headlights on.
-Check all bulbs and make sure they work.
-Look for any sort of leaks or strange noises in the engine bay. You will probably need to remove the engine cover.
-Jack the car up to see if there is any rust or any issues with the exhaust piping.
-Rev the engine up and see if you notice any exhaust leaks.
-Drive the car in stick shift mode and in regular automatic mode. Look out for any noticeable hesitation.
-If the car has chrome wheels look for any bends in the wheel. Sometimes they are hard to notice. (I didn't notice that one of mine was bent until two weeks after I bought it)

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

How much do they want for the car? Gold Lexus' usually sell for quite a bit less than a black, white, or silver one would around here.

Also that picture you posted is of a 2001-2003 LS430, not a 2004.

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

thanks kira and yes its a 2003 good eye on you

I think im quite aware of what these cars usually go for, and based on that i think I got a great deal.

I don't want to say it in the main thread yet but ill pm you , and give me your thoughts, thanks

BMW7_LS430

I got this serpentine belt from Amazon based on 5 star reviews and replaced it myself.
No issues so far.
There is a Youtube video for replacing it.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

If it's the one that I saw on kijiji the other day, it was a decent price as-is, and if you got a better one, that yeah it's definitely a deal.

Less than ideal color but whatever, it's an LS.

walleyeman

If you have a mechanic you trust, I suggest letting him put it on a lift. As noted above, try everything.

I have this same color, and while not favored by many, even when it is filthy, it still looks clean. Dirt and water spots do not show at all. For those of us who are not into a daily wash or dusting, and live in climates that vary, this is an ideal color.

Plus, my wife loves the color.

I will also state the downside, it is very difficult to match for any repairs or touch-ups.

ma61

I would definitely get a pre-purchase inspection done, if Lexus wont do it bring it somewhere else.

Although I dont see why they wouldnt, thats pretty common practice.

Is it a Custom luxury or Ultra?

SuperCoupe400

Wow, 1willy1. Sounds like we're both in the same boat.

I also just came out of my SC400 ('93) for an LS430 ('05). I didn't get rid of the SC though. Just moth-balled it for now. I'll do a complete restoration and resurrection sometime in the future. Probably after the kids are in high school. Some guys have their '57 Chevy or '61 Lincoln Continental. My collectable will be the SC.

Anyway, congrats!

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

Thanks Buddy !!!

Yea its tempting to sell the SC, but I also want to restore it properly and finish off what I started.

But man after driving the LS for the past week or so, I really have no desire to even sit in my SC lol

The LS is really that good.

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

lol yes that is the one, I was afraid to say anything until the car was paid for and in my possession, but yes,,i worked him down quite a bit further, and so far, (Thank God!!!!!!) the car has not one issue

SuperCoupe400

Haha. "Sell the SC..." yeah, right. Mines got nearly 250k on it, drivers seat leather in desperate need of total replacement, Daizen polyeurothane front and rear control arm bushings i ignorantly installed not realizing they would make the car ride like a freaking forklift, and a host of other issues... Not worth a dime to a new owner.

But I'm with you about not wanting to even plant myself back down behind the wheel of that soon-to-be 21yr old ride. I'm one of those guys who only drive cars I love. And I usually keep my cars a long time. I've been driving since 1991 and the LS is only the 3rd car I've owned. First was a '91 integra coupe that I got 273k out of. Second was the SC on which I clocked nearly 250k.