Tom57

Just added a third LS to the stable: another 2006 in Black Onyx / Black modern luxury 93K (mostly highway) miles, impeccable condition and extensive maintenance history. No accidents. Drives like new. Yes, the TB & WP were just completed at a Lexus dealer by prior owner too. Very clean car. This is the second LS bought at a M-B dealer.

Anthony81

Congrats! It sounds like a good find!

01gs3

iTrader: (10)

Very nice addition.

Tom57

Thank you. There are no "fixes" and all of the maintenance is up-to-date. I may add sport sway bar, JDM LED turn signal mirror covers and VaisTech MML as I have done with the other two LSs.

volson

What are TB & WP?

Tom57

Timing Belt & Water Pump. The LS 3UZ-FE is an interference engine. If timing belt breaks, engine is toast. Lexus maintenance strongly suggests change at 90K miles. The entire parts kit is available including idlers and belt tensioner made by OEM manufacturer -> Aisin TKT-021 Engine Timing Belt Kit with Water Pump.

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

wow that looks very clean.

Tom57

Thank you, yes it is very clean. There are 12 pages of Lexus routine maintenance history at every required mileage interval. The "Previous Destinations" in the Nav also tell the same story. The car was a frequent "country club" car in a few states. The owner had $$ to meticulously care for the vehicle, and did. Very pleased with it.

volson

Haha my mistake. I thought you were talking about throttle body and something else. Congrats on the purchase.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Lovely Tom. Congratulations. How about drain and refill on the transmission, differential, and clean the Maf and throttle body? I would probably do plugs as well. At 100k they are pretty much done and the gap is large.

Tom57

Thank you, Lav. All good and proper suggestions, but as mentioned, it's all been done. Coolant, trans, differential and brake fluid flushed at 91K with TB & WP. Cabin and engine air filters done too. Battery last August (3K miles ago). Throttle body too. Plugs weren't done, but that's any easy DIY, along with MAF sensor spray clean.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

You are I are on the same page. I would want an 06 430 vs a 460 when it comes time. Much better car. At 131k my 04 still runs like a dream though...

Tom57

At 131K miles on your '04 Lav, the only problem you'll have is finding an '06 when it comes time to retire the '04. My '01 is going strong at 258K+ miles and confidently driven on 1000-mile round trips. The way we take care of our cars, and yours not exposed to harsh winters, even at 20K miles a year, it'll be 5 years before you hit 225K miles. The '06's will be 14+ years old then. They seem to be scarcer already. I don't see them on the road as often as I used to.

A friend is the Lexus Parts Manager who schooled me on staying clear of the 460. As parts manager, he sees the cars that require premature (and expensive) repairs - says the 430 is the best Lexus ever made. He drives an '01 UL.

I'm still in the market (patiently) for one more '06 LS430 to round out the fleet.

Gene01

You may want to not pass up an '05 if it meets your other criteria. It is almost identical to the '06

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

You are 100% right... By the time my 04 is tired there may not be many low mileage examples left. Ah well, I have no need for a 2nd car when the first is performing wonderfully. I also had the pleasure to speak with the master tech at Lexus of South Atlanta and he was adamant about how the LS and SC 430 are the best Lexus has made.