Hey Guys (and gals)

I'm looking at a '01 LS430 with 76k miles and need some price advice.
*It's a two owner car (1st owner had it all but one year)
*Clean carfax with all service intervals done.
*Body and paint super clean (no dings or scratches anywhere)
*Interior super clean
*Navigation but no ML or UL
*Test drive went smooth. Car runs nice.

How's $10k sound to everyone?

Thanks,
Jon

 

$10k sounds a bit high for a 2001. The lower miles are a plus. $8.5k-$9k sounds more reasonable to me, but just my opinion. Good luck!

 

Timing belt and water pump are due to be replaced in 14K miles. I'd use that, among other things, as a negotiating chip, and check auto valuation sites for true market value of car.

 

Thanks for the advice. I've looked around quite a bit and $10k didn't seem bad. Truecar puts it at $8800 for Good and $11,100 for Excellent. The car is spotless so I put it somewhere in the middle. My issue is whether I would be better off buying a newer one with more miles. Had a look at a 03 with no options and 86k miles with little scratches and dents and they were looking for $11,600. KBB puts Very Good at $11,600 for private party sale and $10,300 for trade in.

Very torn...newer with more miles vs older with less miles...thoughts?

 

The difference between a '01 and '03 is personal choice only, since those years are the same model car. If you want "newer" then you need to look at 2004 - 06 > several new body and features changes in that model year range.

 

It is a low mileage car, but at Tom mentioned, look for the 2nd gen which is from 2004-2006. Way better looks and new 6 speed transmission.

We say that because you're gonna pay ~$10k. Paying a little extra Will give you by far a better deal.

 

2nd that. 04-06 models would be way more beneficial in the long run. Good luck either way tho.

 

Thanks for the input!

What's a ballpark price for a non-UL 2004 with under 100k? 14?

 

I agree with the above comments... Get a 04-06 if you can financially but if you can score the one you're looking at for $8k-$8.5k, that would be a great deal... Negotiate everything, don't tell him how clean it is, point out the smallest things and start driving the price down. Good Luck...

 

Not only newer, but far and away the best looking LS430's. I'd rather have a newer car with a few more miles.

 

Bought my 04 approx 6 months a go....I opted for 6 speed tranny and style up grade. Some good advice for u would be to do a search for common issues with LS430s. After reading the issues you will know what to look for ( before ) you buy...and will be able to negotiate regarding these items. I love my car but if I knew the common issues I could have saved a few bucks ......
mine was typical

door lock actuator
trunk shocks
hood shocks
speakers
tilt and telescope steering motors
mirror switch
console lid adjustment
headlight aim

the funny thing is....I thought I went over my car with a fine tooth comb....the dealer even gave me a hard time for being so thorough......and look at all of the items that I missed!!!! I didnt even know the steering wheel was capable of telescoping!!! So why would I check for that?

In the end...it was kind of cool doing these dink and dunk repairs to get to know my ole gal......but this will be good pre purchase info for u going forward.

I absolutely agree with others .....regarding timing belt, water pump, and cam seals.....When I was looking most all of the sellers were dumping so they didn't have to do this repair.....hard to find someone who just dropped 2k into their car then want to sell. But if u can find one that the work has already been done on.....u just saved a lot of coin.

Good luck on your purchase......are u ready to own the flagship of the Lexus fleet?

 

I agree that 01 - 03 is a personal choice. They are just a great in many ways.

On the first timing belt job your do you belt, pump, and tensioners. Aisin TK021. I would also do the thermostat + gasket and engine temp sensor. Cam seals are not necessary until 200k mile mark or whenever they start leaking. Smart to do them at 180k or 2nd timing belt. Also, the valve covers and rear main seal among some other things.

 

The issue with LS430s is it's not like a Camry where you can eventually find exactly what you want fairly easily.

At least my experience was there's not that many for sale at any given time, especially if you're picky about color. It seemed like every single one was white with saddle leather, and I just didn't care for that combo. If you have a very specific criteria, I could easily see it taking a year to find the right one.

I know if I say totaled my car and had to do it again, I would "overpay" for a really nice one if it was exactly what I wanted. $10k for a 2001 with 76k miles is a "retail" price, but it's not obscenely over priced in my opinion.

You can easily find a 2001 for $8,000, but it's probably going to have 180k miles and be rough. I would gladly pay somewhere in between that for a nicer example, especially if you plan to keep it for a while.

A 2004-2006 era with under 100k miles is probably going to be in the $15k+ range, and my guess is most will be at Lexus dealerships and they'll be asking closer to $20k.

 

I agree last post. I put many many hours in hunting a 430........my criteria was must have perforated seats w heat/cool feature.......prefer Cypress Pearl......wanted new body style 04 or newer w 6 speed......etc etc......That being said when I found the car that met my criteria I drove 6 hours to get it. At that point I sort of took the leap of faith and bypassed some red flags that prob should have held me back. Dont get me wrong...my car is a peach ....but she was brought back to life via a talented paint man and a good detailer....followed up by me repairing many minor issues and taking the detailing to the highest detail.
My point is......I would rather buy a Florida car ....garage kept....low mi.....driven by old folks.....crazy clean with no need for magician paint people and detailers.......You can find that car if u take your time.
I only paid 12K for my 04.....130k miles on it......but also be aware....u will likely spend a few bucks after u buy your car on maint....like I did...tranny fluid....timing belt...tires etc

Good luck.....right now you have the power

 

I bought my 06 2 years ago and loving it. If I were looking again, I may research this one:

http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/col/cto/4878656252.html