Bocatrip

I've owned my 2001 LS430 for 5 years now and love the car.It currently has 119,000 miles and I purchased it with 98,000 miles. I don't drive much. It is an original paint, Nav car with the right color for me (Silver/Grey leather). It has required normal maintenance for a 15 year old car but has never let me down. I've replaced the battery, an oxygen sensor, front and rear brakes, front struts and the normal oil and air filter changes. Presently, I still need (which was present when I purchased the car) lower control arm bushings, ball joints, and plugs. Question is, should I invest in this car which has pretty much depreciated to it's max or upgrade to an 04-06? The conundrum for me is that whatever car I purchase will still require a certain amount of repairs and at the same time will continue to depreciate. My car is straight as an arrow with no dings or imperfections outside or inside. It will always be worth $7500 regardless of the mileage. Any 2004+ car will cost approximately $12,000+ for purchase with miscellaneous repairs. Yes, I get Bluetooth and backup camera as well as the slight refresh. I know my car now, but what will the newer but still old car have in store for me? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Financially it's always better to keep what you have considering it is still in good shape but if you have the itch and the finances then get a nice low mileage 05 or 06. The 04's are good too but they do have a few more issues vs 05-06.

toddmorr

if i were in your shoes, i'd just keep it. The benefits that come with an 04 -06 do not outweigh the negs that come with moving from an already fine car, imho. i have owned an '02 and now own an '05..

Jabberwock

If I already had a clean reliable LS of any year in color and trim that I was happy with, I would definitely keep it and maintain it. Moving to newer model year does not make sense to me unless the current car gets totaled or has catastrophic mechanical breakdown.

R Z

I had the 05 and my ultimate decision came down to keeping the key in my pocket when starting and driving the car. For me it was worth the extra bucks. Never looked back.

dfkd

For the very little that you drive and all the work you've already done, I don't see a reason to replace her.

You can add BT with a GROM kit if you're really missing it.

Keep your money or maybe go on a vacation or buy something else you'll actually use.
But don't spend it just to let it sit in your garage evaporating away with time for something you seem to use 2 hours per week (~350 miles per month).

BradTank

Keep it.

I think any model LS430 by this time is going to also need that same suspension work or be close to it, so getting a 2004 to replace a 2001 isn't going to really save you on maintenance expenses.

Also. the first generation probably have capped out at a low number for resale, but the second generation will be there also in a few short years. So if anything, buying a newer one is just going to make you experience more depreciation.

It's easy to think that EVERYONE is going to appreciate these cars like we do, but the truth of the matter is, there going to get down in that under $5,000 level in a few years just like the LS400s did.

Bocatrip

BradTank.......Very solid and useful advice as well as others on the forum. You hit on a point that I was pretty much focused on. All these cars are old and all are or will be needing rubber suspension parts (as well as other parts) as they age further. If you go to a parts store and purchase a new never used 15 year old fan belt, it is still 15 years old and other than wear and tear, its not fresh from the factory! I'm leaning to keeping my very well depreciated 2001 and taking care of the items it needs as they become necessary. At least I know what I have and how I have taken care of my aircraft carrier. Thanks everyone for all your feedback.