Helping my Grandpa find an LS 430
 

Hey guys. I myself have a Gunmetal 2004 LS 430 and once my grandpa saw it, he HAD to have it :woot:

He found one a couple hours away from me, but before I leave I wanna see what you guys think. Here's the link:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...26528104&Log=0

Just found out they lied about the air suspension :( Of course, it does have the navigation system so it must not be the premium package...

Looks very clean to me, low mileage... I don't know as much about LS430's as I do 400's, but I've read lots of negatives on the air suspension. Does your grandpa absolutely have to have Air Suspension?

The dealer seems to think it has the Ultra Luxury package, which it doesn't. It is actually the (easily confused by dealers) Custom Luxury package, which still comes with the dynamic cruise control, headlight washers, extra interior leather, improved headliner, double pane windows, etc despite not having the rear amenities and air suspension. Many prefer the Custom Luxury because it comes with all of the driver oriented equipment shared with the Ultra, but leaves out the often troublesome and expensive to fix air suspension.

Use it against them to lower the price at least $2000

X2..
Looks like a clean car, however..

Keep in mind that it'll eventually need timing belt service. I'd use this to lower the price even more.

Have you seen the car in person? I was initially interested in this car but price is too high and not located near by. From the pictures (which may not be accurate) the steering wheel wood looked weathered from sun, and not sure of a fender being repainted. Asked the dealer about a repaint anywhere, and he never got back to me. Looks like a nice car.

You are lucky it does not have the air ride suspension. Costs at least two grand to get rid of it. Remember it is a ten year old car. If you do buy it, service everything and it will last forever. Would not do the timing belt until at least 95 K miles

Price seems a little high. 13-14 thousand is probably fair. Nice looking car. like the colors. Not easy to find with that mileage.

The Carfax report looks odd...

From the pictures to me, it looks like there was some type of damage/ bodywork done in that front right fender. Paint does not match and the body gaps are all wrong

The fact it's not a UL is a plus in my opinion, your grandpa is not going to want to drop $5k on new air shocks. If he plans to own it for a while, it will probably happen on his watch.

It's not just miles that causes the air shocks to eventually leak, age effects the rubber as well.

What did that show?

That's what turned me off. I would never buy any car with paint work regardless of how minor (it might have been). Also, personally (and I might be the exception on this forum) I would prefer the most basic model LS430 other than 17s, Nav, and bluetooth. Too many horror stories with suspension and actuators. For me.....Less is More! Color combo is nice though.

I've driven a UL. Nice adjustable ride and goodies and but not worth it. Just a wallet breaker waiting to happen. Sure you can do the springs replacement but have to get the pieces and find someone good to do the job.