In looking to replace a car, I did a lot of reading, searching, and checking out forums for information. I want to thank those here who offered lots of information (I was just lurking, but found out just about everything I needed to know by reading posts). I thought I would share some thoughts on the car. It is a 2001 Mystic Sea with Ivory interior. Cosmetically I would give it a 9 out of 10. It has 107,000 miles and I paid $9400. It has had one owner who was more ticky than even I am about maintenance, it was at the Naples Florida Lexus dealer every 5000 miles. In the last 15000 miles it has had new tires, alignment, timing belt, water pump, struts, and wheel bearings along with regular oil changes. mylexus.com is a great place to register the VIN and get records! It is a base model, no heated seats, standard radio, no navigation.

A few reflections that I wasn't able to find in my research. First, 90% of folks (me included) will find the standard radio to be more than they need. Good sound, clear, well balanced, even if it won't shake your neighbor's windows. Most people apart from audiophiles with great ears will be pleased.

The handling is actually very good, the seats lack adequate bolsters for hard cornering, but the suspension will handle pretty much anything 90% of us will throw at it.

The steering wheel does not have a lot of adjustment, particularly the in and out function. Like most Toyotas, the steering wheel will not move far enough towards the driver for many folks. That doesn't mean you can't find a comfortable position in the car. The seats are exceptional and the adjustments plenty.

The Auto wipers are too sensitive for me. Know that having the auto wipers does away with the intermitent wiper setting, the dial will only have affect on the sensitivity.

These are just a few things I did not read about in my research. Hopefully, as time goes on I can offer someother reflections that might be helpful.

In the end, this is an incredible automobile. I have been a car lover all my life, and I find the LS430 fun to drive, comfortable, tightly screwed together, and (even at 100,000 miles) a good looking car.

I look forward to being a part of the forum! Again, thanks for all the information that you did not know you gave me.....it helped tons in my car search!

 

Congrats on the purchase, sounds like a nice choice I am sure you will enjoy it!!

 

Congratulations! Pictures. You can attach them pretty easy to any post. Just re-size them to about 1024x768 or so.

From what I understand, the rain sensor defaults to the standard intermittent settings when malfunctioning. I read this in the manual. This should mean you can unplug the connection right at the mirror and have standard int. settings.

The other option is to replace the gel pad the rain sensor needs. It's between the sensor and the glass. This may help. I like mine.

 

congrats! I just picked mine up 3 days ago. 01' LS430 UL w/ 133k for $6500 Silver Exterior / Black interior

 

Congrats on your new purchase! Regarding the rain sensing wipers ... If you have a non-Lexus / non-OEM replacement windshield, chances are that's why the auto rain sensor doesn't work. The light refraction through the non-OEM windshield is not compatible with the rain sensor.

 

I replaced my windshield with Pilkington glass and my rain sensor works great. It was made with the sensor bracket. My aftermarket windshield is exactly like the oem for 1/4 the cost. Excellent way to fix pitting and cracking.

 

My Pilkington replacement glass is already pitting and no where near OEM quality. The tint at the top of the windshield is green instead of the OEM blue. However, it does not impact the rain sensor. That is okay and is dependant on the installer, the glue he uses and how he installed it. My installer did a good job on installing the glass and sensor, only his hands were tied by being forced to use non-OEM glass. There's a reason why Lexus does not procure and install replacement glass in their new vehicles. It's called quality.

 

I have no issues with mine whatsoever. No quality difference with mine.

 

Hope this works...thought i would upload a few pictures of the new car. 107000 miles with service done every 5000 miles at lexus dealer in Naples Florida. Everything up to date and paid $9200. I think it is a good deal, will see as it builds up the miles.

 

With all the repairs including struts I would say nice job you might of payed thay for a Camry! I agree the stereo is decent on the non ML's. No smart key but hey nice job.Handling very good, ok you got new struts kudo's.

 

Nice car, use it well....

 

Nice car and a great price. Congrats...

 

Oops....price was 9400, not the 9200 I accidentally put down with the pictures. Hope this will last me another 150000 miles!

 

Hi pastor
mike,
Congratulations on your new purchase.
I just acquired our new-old 2002 Ls430 with 75k on the dash. I carefully inspected the car.
All suspension parts are intact and have pressured gas , even found that ball joints were extra lubricated.
This car have the quietest bearings! I just turned the rotors with on the car brake lathe and attached a stethoscope on the body to hear eventually for grinding noises. Nope, a smooth turning wheels So , I wonder why the parts on your car were due for a replacement , and BTW they require an extensive labor ?

 

good maintenance record and high miles equals fantastic deal. congrats
I replaced windshield with Pilkington glass, no issues whatsoever and 230 bucks or thereabouts.
rain sensor works fine.