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Should i buy a LS 430? 2002!!!

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Old Dec 1, 2014 | 12:02 PM
  #1  
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Nicotiniac
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Default Should i buy a LS 430? 2002!!!

Hi there
i am currently not a lexus owner but seriously considering to become one, except no one is there to give me the final push.
I used to own a chevrolet spark then a toyota vitz/yaris and been driving a corolla lately.so i am neither used to nor have experience in driving bigger vehicles.But lately have been very impressed after riding a lexus ls and rather willing to shift to a lexus LS 430 or possibly a gs ?
the country where i live a lot of american imports come and currently i am considering a 2010 toyota camry (LE) imported from america and a Lexus LS 430 2002.which are available at the same price and my budget. My friends who are car techies are all pushing me to buy a LS 430 over a camry. I am willing to, but my only concern is
a) a 2002 model, driven about 150k + miles......how frequently will i end up in garage?
b)does it have air suspension ? how reliable will it be for a car that is 14 years old?
c) will it give me 5+ years of little time in workshops?

should i go for it?
cautions and advice
will be really thankful for some meaningful suggestions
thanks and take care
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Old Dec 1, 2014 | 01:36 PM
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a. if well maintained via records, just preventative maintenance should be most of your future "work"
b. does it have back seat center armrest controls? if not, then it doesn't have air suspension. likely the air struts would need to be replaced by replacement or swap to standard struts and springs sooner rather than later.
c. if well maintained, yep definitely

many threads on this ls430 forum answer your questions. read though the treads particularly the FAQ.

i own a 05 UL (air suspension) with 129k and have greatly enjoyed the car.
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Old Dec 1, 2014 | 04:43 PM
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get the VIN number and look up the car's maintenance history on the Lexus website. In the US anyway, the majority of these cars were maintained at dealerships so the history will be there for all to see.
Be careful on the claimed mileage for cars sold in the UAE....very common there for sellers to monkey with the odometer.
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Old Dec 3, 2014 | 02:31 PM
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Welcome. As the previous poster mentions, get the vin number and get a full history report on the car. That will tell you quite a bit. As for mileage, 150K is fine provided they are actual. I see no reason with the proper care, these cars can't go well past 250K. Reliable, that depends as well. What info you find about the car when searching the vin will help there. My LS400 that my friend owns is well past 225K, my 430 only had 74 when I traded it. But I had no issues with either car when I drove them. But, with all older cars will come maintenance.

Good luck with your decision.
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