I'm looking at a 04 LS430 base model with 115,000 miles, 2 owners and serviced at Lexus. I used the suggestion I found here and did a service history report through Lexus.com. This LS had 3 batteries replaced in 5 yrs. It wore the inside of the tires out. The tires only lasted 29,000 miles. The overhead courtesy light lasted 1 yr, replaced every year. At 112,000 miles the 2nd owner complained of frontend noises going over bumps. The Lexus Tech said the Strut mount "Hats" and lower control bushings need replaced. The owner sold it and the work appears still waiting to be done. The Timing Belt has not been replaced.
What do you think about the 04 LS430? It is at a Dealer asking $11k. I say it is $1000 for a timing belt and $400 for frontend parts?
This car should be $9000.
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I found another car, a 2003 LS430 with 105,000 but it had the "Lived in" trashed interior for $8k.
How can owners trash such nice cars?

 

Colorado, like Texas is a big state. I have been interested in an '06 in Lamar, Colorado but it is a long bus ride from Lubbock. I think it is a Custom Luxury and it has been at the dealership for a very long time. They do not reply to emails I have sent from Cars Guru or Cars direct. If you are on the other side of the mountains it would probably not be of interest to you. However check out the advantages of the Custom Luxury vs. base or Ultra Luxury levels and give it some thought before you buy.I have a premium level car that is almost paid off. did not know anything about LS430 when I bought mine.

 

I would stay away from the 2006 LS430 in Lamar. It has not been to a Lexus dealer since 2011. The Carfax report shows the Dealer took possession of it in 2011.
https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?partner=CSD_0&vin=JTHBN36F765033787
My wife will not let me get a Gold colored car. The one I'm looking at is Grey and spent most of its time in Houston. The car had tinted film added before purchase. I wonder if it was a Limousine car?

 

My wife can't stand my gold 01. Says uncomplimentary things about it and refuses to drive it. I would pass on the Lamar 430. These are old cars and expensive to repair. A good one looks nice and has been fully maintained. No TB at 115 is a flag. Spend a little more and get a good one.

In CA, lightly tinted windows make a big difference in keeping the car cooler and reducing UV damage. I've got 5% on driver/passenger windows and 20% back and rear. Not the limo look. No visibility problems. Cost was 325 (first class install, top quality film).

 

My wife loves her gold LS430. Sounds like you need a new wife.

 

Who doesn't??? lol

 

Does this type of flood damage impair the title or show-up on Carfax? I am surprised they are not totaling the car.

 

If I get rid of the Wife, I won't be able to afford a Yugo.
There is a 05 UL 430 in Silver and Black interior. It has spent its whole life in Denver, serviced at Lexus. Timing Belt at 94K in 2012, for $13,500. I have not got the VIN to check for history. We have had several hail storms since 2005. We had huge flood in 2013.
I'm just a little bit scared of those $1300 air shocks. I was reading a for sale post on a 2006 SL55 AMG. The guy spent $3250 to change over to Springs/Shocks. Air bladders on a Semi last 1,000,000 miles. Luxury car prices drop really low after 10 yrs.
How noisy is the air Pump for the air shocks? My friend's 1990 LS400 pump sounded bad after 10 yrs.
Used cars are a crap-shoot unless you buy from a friend or relative.

 

If I were you, I would avoid the UL model with air shocks. The UL has some cool features, but most of them are enjoyed in the back seat. Since my 430 was my daily driver, the rear seats are rarely used - so I saw very few advantages in the UL model. Many people love the air suspension in the UL, however, there is no denying that the air suspensions are reaching the end of their useful life now that these cars are getting up to 12 years old. Therefore, anyone buying a used UL needs to be prepared to replace the suspension. Whether you replace the factory air suspension or switch to a conventional suspension, both fixes will cost quite a bit.

IMHO, no reason to buy into that problem. Now that these cars are getting old, avoiding the UL makes a lot of sense.

 

Never had the pleasure of riding in an LS430 with the air suspension, but our base model '01 with over 209K still rides well on the original struts.... I think it rides better then the 460 (the wife does not agree....).

Given all of the stories on expensive repairs/replacements and even a lot of folks swapping out the air for standard, finding a standard suspension model makes a lot of sense if price/cost of ownership is of concern.....

 

how about the obsolete navigation screen that costs more than 4 new air shocks. to me the ones to avoid are the ML 's. no advantages over the base/ premium but the screens seldom do fail. decide what level you want before you buy, if you want the UL features then go for it. my buyers remorse is I might have liked a CL even more than I love my premium. Tom57 is very convincing and has a lot of experience with these cars. wise counsel