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Jun 18, 2015 | 08:28 AM

Lukas99GS

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 886

Likes: 32

From: MN

Good deal?

Hey guys, I've been browsing LS430s for some time now and will be purchasing one in the coming month, I'm set on the 04-06 models, http://www.lexusofpeoria.com/VehicleDetails/used-2004-Lexus-LS_430-4dr_Sdn-Peoria-IL/2503737913
Found this UL for 10k only thing is it's got 158k on it, I've found non UL with 90k for the same price but having the rear seat package and that headliner would be awesome, service history on this particular car seems to be excellent as well, always dealer maintained, all fluids flushed multiple times, control arms, ignition coils changed 90k service, etc.. Only thing I'm concerned with is the air suspension, how long does that usually last for? And what's the price on repairing vs swapping for normal? That may be what keeps me away from it

Jun 18, 2015 | 08:40 AM

Jbthompson

Intermediate

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 317

Likes: 8

From: Tx

Nice car, great price for an 04. I have an 01 UL and I love it. At that mileage the air suspension is probably in need of replacement. Replacing the air suspension with a conventional system will cost 1500-2000 bucks. Not cheap but to just replace each air shocks they are about 1200 each. Also note that that LS has the 01-03 chrome wheels. Not a deal breaker just something I noticed.

Jun 18, 2015 | 07:32 PM

Lukas99GS

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 886

Likes: 32

From: MN

That is pricey but really with air suspension, you really only need to replace them one at a time, I assume they don't all go bad at the same time. Kind of a thing where they either still work or they dont, not really an in between am I correct? If I only had to replace one or two over the course of 5 years or so I think I'd be okay with that, I suppose I'd just need to have money put away in case. Is it a common thing for them to go bad?

Jun 19, 2015 | 05:12 AM

Anthony81

Driver

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 78

Likes: 0

From: MN

I wanted a UL, and I was willing to replace the air suspension. I ended up with a Custom Luxury due to timing, but it is almost identical minus the rear seat features and air suspension. It has the alcantara headliner, extra leather on the dash, laminated windows, laser cruise, door closers, heated rear seats. Also, I need a pass through from the trunk that the UL doesn't have. If you find a good CL it is definitely worth a look.

Jun 19, 2015 | 05:13 AM

Anthony81

Driver

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 78

Likes: 0

From: MN

I do wish I had the sunshades on the side windows though.

Jun 19, 2015 | 05:20 AM

Lavrishevo

Lexus Fanatic

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 5,176

Likes: 325

From: NJ

The sun shades are nice. I have 35% ceramic tint and this helps out a lot as well. Not just heat but blocking UV that takes a toll on leather.

Jun 19, 2015 | 06:03 AM

toddmorr

Lead Lap

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 552

Likes: 27

From: Maryland

OK price on the UL, assuming it really is in good shape. Check the interior too.
As to the air shocks...I would be really surprised if all four don't need to be done at that mileage. Factor that in at 3-4k and suddenly its not such a good deal. You could can find ULs with 100k miles or less for 15k with all four shocks fine