This Friday, I'm going to test drive a 2004 LS430 with UL package. There are so many features and amenities, it seems like a somewhat daunting task. Even contacting the local Lexus dealer to do a PPI and to ensure every option works seems hit or miss.

I've started by reading the owners manual so I know which buttons do what and where the features are. Beyond that....how do one test a car with so many features??

Just wondering if anyone has any insight.

 

Not really sure what you mean by test all the features. The most important thing would be to see if the air struts have issues, honestly it may be hit or miss, also looking at service history. You can pull that for free from the lexus site with the vin number. I didn't have any issues on my UL outside my right rear sagging. I assume there is a air leak or something but I'll just deal with it. Outside of that I don't think alot of the UL stuff is that prone to break at least from reading the forum. Just make sure all of the stuff on the rear console work. Also check the windows, they are double panel and can seperate. Thats another issue I had on mine, my driver side front and rear have seperating with a spiderweb at the bottom. The windows are freaking expensive, so I don't think I'll replace them just deal with it. I also have expensive tint on the windows I would have to replace if I got new windows. I really like the car though, I get some wierd looks for my age driving one, people think they are for older people but people are always amazed at how nice the car when I take friends in it.

 

that's exactly what he means. there are lots of bells and whistles on the car, it sounds like he wants to make sure they all work properly.


as someone who is in the market for a 430, I am curious myself.

 

Also make sure all the doors lock and unlock
Check the CD player and stereo
Check the fob
Check tail lights especially the inner ones in the trunk (led)
And of course main things under the body and hood
Oil leaks , anti freeze leaks or smells etc

 

Yes..that is indeed what I mean. Even on my GS and past IS, neither of them have the amount of options a UL LS430 has.

 

Good points, thank you.

I'm fine with the mechanical and body stuff (avid DIYer and engineer). It's just that figuring out if all of the electronic options work seems a bit daunting.

I mean..if anything DOESN'T work option-wise, will there be a warning icon on the dash? I believe this is the case for the air shocks, cruise control and parking sensors.

 

I'm not sure exactly how you can test everything outside of just 'testing' to make sure everything works. Just try to read up on all the features on the car and go thru them, there is not automated way to get a report outside of manually testing everything. You could connect a OBD connector to it to see if there are any status codes, either with a cable OBD connector or with a bluetooth adapter hooked up to a phone with a program. If you wanted to have someone else check the car out you could take it to a indy dealer or the lexus dealer to do a pre purchase inspection, if there is something like that for Lexus. I know for BMW it cost about $150 and they give a full report.

 

From a fellow 04 UL owner check:

Transmission recall was done. It would be very early in the service report
If it has the latest ECU updates
Subwoofer and door speakers
Check that all the door lock actuators work
Check the laser cruise works
Timing belt / water pump service
And of course air shocks for visible hydraulic fluid leakage down the inner rubber bladder or rough ride over poor roads

The rear seat package is pretty bulletproof. Very few problems reported. It's not hard to test the reclining seats, massage, radio control, etc.

And all the other normal stuff. The weak area on the 04 is the front door speakers and subwoofer.

What's the mileage? I personally love my UL and it has been a great car. If you join Lexus drivers website you can put in the vin and see the full service history for free if nobody else has already registered it with the site.

 

This is the site I was mentioning. You can register a account then add in the VIN number of the car to see any history from Lexus dealers.

https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lex...-lexus/home.do

 

It's a Canadian car..so no good.

 

Yes..I've already run the VIN and all recalls have been done. Timing belt and water pump service done too.

I'll be sure to look closely at the door speakers and shocks,.

 

I am not familiar with, PPI hit or miss

 

Pre-Purchase Inspection done by the dealer. By hit or miss...they were sort of saying "Yea, the mechanical part we can do no problem...but knowing if every single electronic items works might be hit or miss".

 

Make sure there is a spare tire in the trunk.

 

Another good one! Thanks!