What is our Demographic now that these cars are aging?
10-06-16, 01:21 PM
#1
Rookie
Thread Starter
What is our Demographic now that these cars are aging?
My 2003 LS430 was purchased by my Dad brand new and he was about 60 at the time and owned his own business and home. I inherited it from him and I am 50'ish working stiff. I could not afford to go buy a vehicle of this caliber at this point in my life (we did buy a brand new Nissan Frontier V6 SE so its not all bad for my wife and I).
My Dad would never have modded his car because he was into the Ultimate Luxury aspect of it, but I almost immediately proceeded to trying to individualize the looks and improve the performance of the car by putting the custom touches on it that would make me happy (plus the air ride was moooshy as hell). I assume most of the 1st owners of these vehicles were similar to my Dad because of the price tag of this model. As the cars age they get out of warranty and I wonder what percentage of owners are original owners and are they DIY guys or do they still take the car to Lexus because thats what pimps do... I had them do my alignment after I put on the coil-overs and lowered it, but they charge too much for me in general.
What percentage of us are still original owners? And what demographic do they fit into?
What percentage of owners (original/subsequent) are interested in DIY repairs? And what is that demographic?
What percentage of us are customizing and personalizing these cars away from the stock configurations (more than just new wheels/tires,, more like lowered, or performance enhanced)? And what demographic are we? (my demo is 2nd owner, 50ish white guy with OG tendencies from California,,, Home of the Liberal...)...
I wonder especially how these cars fair in other countries as well since there is a good size contingency in Australia, Japan, Canada, etc...
My Dad would never have modded his car because he was into the Ultimate Luxury aspect of it, but I almost immediately proceeded to trying to individualize the looks and improve the performance of the car by putting the custom touches on it that would make me happy (plus the air ride was moooshy as hell). I assume most of the 1st owners of these vehicles were similar to my Dad because of the price tag of this model. As the cars age they get out of warranty and I wonder what percentage of owners are original owners and are they DIY guys or do they still take the car to Lexus because thats what pimps do... I had them do my alignment after I put on the coil-overs and lowered it, but they charge too much for me in general.
What percentage of us are still original owners? And what demographic do they fit into?
What percentage of owners (original/subsequent) are interested in DIY repairs? And what is that demographic?
What percentage of us are customizing and personalizing these cars away from the stock configurations (more than just new wheels/tires,, more like lowered, or performance enhanced)? And what demographic are we? (my demo is 2nd owner, 50ish white guy with OG tendencies from California,,, Home of the Liberal...)...
I wonder especially how these cars fair in other countries as well since there is a good size contingency in Australia, Japan, Canada, etc...
10-06-16, 01:56 PM
#2
Interesting topic.
I'm late 30s and the second owner of my 05 base model. I work in finance and know that I can't financially afford to buy a new 2016/17 LS configured similar to my 05 since the new one is around $85K. I was in my late 20s when the 05 was new so there is no way I could have bought it then. During my younger days I did mild mods and upgrades using OEM parts to the 9 cars I have owned since I was 16. Now there is no time to play with cars but I will DIY stuff when I can. I have zero mod plans for the LS other than adding an aux input to the factory radio.
My personal car purchase rules are to buy when the depreciation hits the sweet spot and to never exceed 6 months of salary (after all taxes). I have always paid cash and never financed a car since virtually all cars end up worthless. My other cars are a 98 SC300 and a 94 Mitsu 3000GT VR4. Most people I know just do not get why I stick to these cars. They all have payments and insane insurance. People at work drive cars under 3 years old max and one guy paid $60K for a used BMW that is constantly going back for repairs. Different people have different priorities. I really do not want to have to work when I am in my 60s so I try and live below my means to put money into things that will go up in value.
The Lexus dealer where I bought mine advised me to not take to them for service because their service facility is worth over $15 million so the overhead plus a good wage for their technicians means $165/hr labor rate. There is a specialist in my town where a group of former Toyota techs formed their own garage. The first owner of my car was a professional, independently wealthy, a drug dealer, or a pimp because he paid cash ($57K) and went to the dealer for everything even after the warranty period was up. Even if I could afford to hand the dealer the key and say "fix it and send me the bill" for anything without caring what it cost I doubt I would do that.
I'm late 30s and the second owner of my 05 base model. I work in finance and know that I can't financially afford to buy a new 2016/17 LS configured similar to my 05 since the new one is around $85K. I was in my late 20s when the 05 was new so there is no way I could have bought it then. During my younger days I did mild mods and upgrades using OEM parts to the 9 cars I have owned since I was 16. Now there is no time to play with cars but I will DIY stuff when I can. I have zero mod plans for the LS other than adding an aux input to the factory radio.
My personal car purchase rules are to buy when the depreciation hits the sweet spot and to never exceed 6 months of salary (after all taxes). I have always paid cash and never financed a car since virtually all cars end up worthless. My other cars are a 98 SC300 and a 94 Mitsu 3000GT VR4. Most people I know just do not get why I stick to these cars. They all have payments and insane insurance. People at work drive cars under 3 years old max and one guy paid $60K for a used BMW that is constantly going back for repairs. Different people have different priorities. I really do not want to have to work when I am in my 60s so I try and live below my means to put money into things that will go up in value.
The Lexus dealer where I bought mine advised me to not take to them for service because their service facility is worth over $15 million so the overhead plus a good wage for their technicians means $165/hr labor rate. There is a specialist in my town where a group of former Toyota techs formed their own garage. The first owner of my car was a professional, independently wealthy, a drug dealer, or a pimp because he paid cash ($57K) and went to the dealer for everything even after the warranty period was up. Even if I could afford to hand the dealer the key and say "fix it and send me the bill" for anything without caring what it cost I doubt I would do that.
10-06-16, 02:13 PM
#3
Pole Position
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I am 25 and i do all repairs myself i had an 03 when i was 21. I have a 06 ls with full ls1with t56 swap right now i just ordered a mjk 3 piece spoiler and have 20 inch lexani rims, custom exhaust, and a whole slew of other things that make the car mine. Ever since i owned my first car at 16 years old i have always modified it 92 subaru legacy wagon i bought karr light bar and 4 kc day lighters square lights.
My next item i am getting for the ls is some braga wood grain interior panels. I am gonna be getting them next week i will post pics.
My next item i am getting for the ls is some braga wood grain interior panels. I am gonna be getting them next week i will post pics.
Last edited by Jks24; 10-06-16 at 02:32 PM.
10-06-16, 02:43 PM
#4
Lexus Champion
34 and I bought mine right after I tunred 30. Other than guys like us, to me it seems like 90% of 430s are driven by the original (older) owners. Then again I live in a very fiscally conservative area so it makes sense. Why get rid of (I assume) a paid for, fine automobile if it still runs great?
10-06-16, 04:26 PM
#5
Pole Position
I think I got my car (2001) from an elderly catholic lawyer (bought it off a used car lot and become the second owner). The radio was preset to Christian stations, there was an envelope from the state bar buried under a seat, and a rosary in the emergency kit.
I got it as a college graduation gift to myself after I got my Honda started giving me trouble and I got some decent money flowing. It's been great, I bought it because I knew I wouldn't be able to bring myself to sell it. I'm coming up on 3 years / 40k miles of ownership and in the time I added a bluetooth audio kit for modifications.
It's been a real peach. I could afford a more expensive car now (and I suppose I could have afforded a better car when I bought this one). But, I can't really think of a better car. Sure, an 06 would be nice. But the LS460 feels like an incremental upgrade and I like the idea of saving money. If I bought a new (to me) car, it would probably be a Prius or a Scion FR-S/GT86. But here's the rub. I'm not going to drive enough over to justify the Prius and the FR-S is SLOWER than the LS (in a straight line) and I'm sure it would attract more attention if I were driving zippily.
I got it as a college graduation gift to myself after I got my Honda started giving me trouble and I got some decent money flowing. It's been great, I bought it because I knew I wouldn't be able to bring myself to sell it. I'm coming up on 3 years / 40k miles of ownership and in the time I added a bluetooth audio kit for modifications.
It's been a real peach. I could afford a more expensive car now (and I suppose I could have afforded a better car when I bought this one). But, I can't really think of a better car. Sure, an 06 would be nice. But the LS460 feels like an incremental upgrade and I like the idea of saving money. If I bought a new (to me) car, it would probably be a Prius or a Scion FR-S/GT86. But here's the rub. I'm not going to drive enough over to justify the Prius and the FR-S is SLOWER than the LS (in a straight line) and I'm sure it would attract more attention if I were driving zippily.
10-06-16, 10:30 PM
#7
Nice. Can you post a pic or two and talk through some of the conversion work? I saw one video on youtube where someone had completed similar work on the LS430 and really enjoyed the work that had been put in. Would you mind posting engine bay pics and just walking us through your story?
Thanks.
Thanks.
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10-06-16, 11:14 PM
#8
I'm 55 and bought mine brand new 13 years ago, paid cash for it. It's my wife's car and she's perfectly happy to drive it for another 13 years - it's that good of a car. I'm a DIY'r and always have been, not just a money thing (though that is important) I just don't fully trust anyone else with my stuff. My car hasn't been to any car repair shop (including the dealer) except for one time to have Lexus remove the Lexus Link and replace with the overhead sunglass holder. I've done all the work myself including timing belt replacement. Car runs great and all options still work as new. I do have a full set of '03 Sport springs/shocks that I picked up from CL for $200 if I remember right ready to bolt on when one of my air shocks fail. I don't mod my car.
Last edited by campisi; 10-06-16 at 11:18 PM.
10-06-16, 11:18 PM
#9
Racer
Agree with texan_176 that this is an interesting topic. I'm 37, a former Intel engineer, and a lucky husband and father. We have a mortgage, a massive student loan, and pretty hefty business loan too. As much as I love our 06 LS, I keep looking at listings for 2012/2013 460L and 600hL. We can't afford the newer models and, even if we could, I don't really want to spend more than $10K-15K on a car since we'd rather save for retirement, save for our daughter's education, and take a nice, memorable family vacation once a year. I can do some basic maintenance, such as changing oil, changing brake pads, changing spark plugs, and have helped my Dad change a few timing belts on family vehicles. Beyond that I've started to let our mechanic take care of more service and maintenance due to a lack of time. His rates are lower and he has 20 years of combined Toyota/Lexus experience.
I figure the older LSes appeal to those that covet dependability/reliability, quality, and supreme ride comfort. In college my brother and I added a few engine mods and lowered our '99 Integra. I remember wanting to add a Greddy turbo to that car. I soon grew out of the import tuner phase and prefer to keep our vehicles stock now. My first vehicle that I purchased on my own and paid off was a new white 06 Tundra Double Cab. That started my love affair with V8s. We then went to a 2002 Sequoia. The wife would need a running start to get into the Sequoia so we went to a Sienna after our daughter was born. We grew accustomed to Toyota reliability but I wanted a quieter vehicle and something that rode like my Aunt's '94 LS400. That's when we realized how affordable 10-year-old Lexus flagships are! I don't plan to purchase a car new ever again (unless we win the lottery...except we don't gamble). It's better just to get a quality used flagship vehicle that pioneered much of the tech and safety features that are just now trickling down to mainstream new models. However, it may be harder to ignore all the fancy gadgets in new cars. PC and smartphone tech has plateaued but it seems innovation is thriving in the auto industry. We have dynamic cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous driving, pre-collision warning and intervention, head-up displays, night vision, heated/cooled cup holders, 360-degree cameras, LED headlights...all available in mainstream vehicles. Can't wait until we get a future used car that has all of those features at a drastically discounted price.
That was another big reason to go with old Lexus quality -- price! New cars are plain too expensive now. A new Accord or Camry can be optioned to $35K, a new minivan can reach $48K, and a full-size truck can crest $70K!! Who is buying new anymore? Obviously people are still buying new but it doesn't seem to make financial sense as a majority would be taking out 60-month loans or longer. I read recently that leases are also becoming more popular simply because not as many people can afford to buy new. In which case, it makes even more financial sense to buy an older high-quality Lexus.
I figure the older LSes appeal to those that covet dependability/reliability, quality, and supreme ride comfort. In college my brother and I added a few engine mods and lowered our '99 Integra. I remember wanting to add a Greddy turbo to that car. I soon grew out of the import tuner phase and prefer to keep our vehicles stock now. My first vehicle that I purchased on my own and paid off was a new white 06 Tundra Double Cab. That started my love affair with V8s. We then went to a 2002 Sequoia. The wife would need a running start to get into the Sequoia so we went to a Sienna after our daughter was born. We grew accustomed to Toyota reliability but I wanted a quieter vehicle and something that rode like my Aunt's '94 LS400. That's when we realized how affordable 10-year-old Lexus flagships are! I don't plan to purchase a car new ever again (unless we win the lottery...except we don't gamble). It's better just to get a quality used flagship vehicle that pioneered much of the tech and safety features that are just now trickling down to mainstream new models. However, it may be harder to ignore all the fancy gadgets in new cars. PC and smartphone tech has plateaued but it seems innovation is thriving in the auto industry. We have dynamic cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous driving, pre-collision warning and intervention, head-up displays, night vision, heated/cooled cup holders, 360-degree cameras, LED headlights...all available in mainstream vehicles. Can't wait until we get a future used car that has all of those features at a drastically discounted price.
That was another big reason to go with old Lexus quality -- price! New cars are plain too expensive now. A new Accord or Camry can be optioned to $35K, a new minivan can reach $48K, and a full-size truck can crest $70K!! Who is buying new anymore? Obviously people are still buying new but it doesn't seem to make financial sense as a majority would be taking out 60-month loans or longer. I read recently that leases are also becoming more popular simply because not as many people can afford to buy new. In which case, it makes even more financial sense to buy an older high-quality Lexus.
Last edited by FatherTo1; 10-07-16 at 07:07 AM.
10-07-16, 04:30 AM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
Normally on forums like BMW, age really goes down, as the car ages. I wouldn't think it would be as dramatic, here? Let's just say I am straddling a leading digit over 2, and less than 6. Lol.
paid cash for the first time, on a car that was not junk (financed 3 new cars, bought junk/with cash prior). Still have all 3 cars too, registered and insured....but one will be donated soon...
paid cash for the first time, on a car that was not junk (financed 3 new cars, bought junk/with cash prior). Still have all 3 cars too, registered and insured....but one will be donated soon...
10-07-16, 04:35 AM
#11
Lexus Fanatic
Agree with texan_176 that this is an interesting topic. I'm 37, a former Intel engineer, and a lucky husband and father. We have a mortgage, a massive student loan, and pretty hefty business loan too. As much as I love our 06 LS, I keep looking at listings for 2012/2013 460L and 600hL. We can't afford the newer models and, even if we could, I don't really want to spend more than $10K-15K on a car since we'd rather save for retirement, save for our daughter's education, and take a nice, memorable family vacation once a year. I can do some basic maintenance, such as changing oil, changing brake pads, changing spark plugs, and have helped my Dad change a few timing belts on family vehicles. Beyond that I've started to let our mechanic take care of more service and maintenance due to a lack of time. His rates are lower and he has 20 years of combined Toyota/Lexus experience.
I figure the older LSes appeal to those that covet dependability/reliability, quality, and supreme ride comfort. In high school my brother and I added a few engine mods and lowered our '99 Integra. I remember wanting to add a Greddy turbo to that car. I soon grew out of the import tuner phase and prefer to keep our vehicles stock now. My first vehicle that I purchased on my own and paid off was a new white 06 Tundra Double Cab. That started my love affair with V8s. We then went to a 2002 Sequoia. The wife would need a running start to get into the Sequoia so we went to a Sienna after our daughter was born. We grew accustomed to Toyota reliability but I wanted a quieter vehicle and something that rode like my Aunt's '94 LS400. That's when we realized how affordable 10-year-old Lexus flagships are! I don't plan to purchase a car new ever again (unless we win the lottery...except we don't gamble). It's better just to get a quality used flagship vehicle that pioneered much of the tech and safety features that are just now trickling down to mainstream new models. However, it may be harder to ignore all the fancy gadgets in new cars. PC and smartphone tech has plateaued but it seems innovation is thriving in the auto industry. We have dynamic cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous driving, pre-collision warning and intervention, head-up displays, night vision, heated/cooled cup holders, 360-degree cameras, LED headlights...all available in mainstream vehicles. Can't wait until we get a future used car that has all of those features at a drastically discounted price.
That was another big reason to go with old Lexus quality -- price! New cars are plain too expensive now. A new Accord or Camry can be optioned to $35K, a new minivan can reach $48K, and a full-size truck can crest $70K!! Who is buying new anymore? Obviously people are still buying new but it doesn't seem to make financial sense as a majority would be taking out 60-month loans or longer. I read recently that leases are also becoming more popular simply because not as many people can afford to buy new. In which case, it makes even more financial sense to buy an older high-quality Lexus.
I figure the older LSes appeal to those that covet dependability/reliability, quality, and supreme ride comfort. In high school my brother and I added a few engine mods and lowered our '99 Integra. I remember wanting to add a Greddy turbo to that car. I soon grew out of the import tuner phase and prefer to keep our vehicles stock now. My first vehicle that I purchased on my own and paid off was a new white 06 Tundra Double Cab. That started my love affair with V8s. We then went to a 2002 Sequoia. The wife would need a running start to get into the Sequoia so we went to a Sienna after our daughter was born. We grew accustomed to Toyota reliability but I wanted a quieter vehicle and something that rode like my Aunt's '94 LS400. That's when we realized how affordable 10-year-old Lexus flagships are! I don't plan to purchase a car new ever again (unless we win the lottery...except we don't gamble). It's better just to get a quality used flagship vehicle that pioneered much of the tech and safety features that are just now trickling down to mainstream new models. However, it may be harder to ignore all the fancy gadgets in new cars. PC and smartphone tech has plateaued but it seems innovation is thriving in the auto industry. We have dynamic cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous driving, pre-collision warning and intervention, head-up displays, night vision, heated/cooled cup holders, 360-degree cameras, LED headlights...all available in mainstream vehicles. Can't wait until we get a future used car that has all of those features at a drastically discounted price.
That was another big reason to go with old Lexus quality -- price! New cars are plain too expensive now. A new Accord or Camry can be optioned to $35K, a new minivan can reach $48K, and a full-size truck can crest $70K!! Who is buying new anymore? Obviously people are still buying new but it doesn't seem to make financial sense as a majority would be taking out 60-month loans or longer. I read recently that leases are also becoming more popular simply because not as many people can afford to buy new. In which case, it makes even more financial sense to buy an older high-quality Lexus.
i bought a new BMW in 2007, $45k, which I thought was nuts, but stocks were raging and I cashed in. Comparably equipped today is about $63k, and doesn't really drive as well (steering).
used ls460's for $78k? Lol. Leasing moves cars today IMHO
10-07-16, 09:40 AM
#12
I am 26 turning 27 next month and I just recently got my LS about 3 months ago. I am the third owner of the car and the second owner sold it because he was getting at LS460. MY first car when I was 16 was a Toyota MR2, I went through three of those over the years and then got a a crotch rocket. Sold the MR2 and got a 2006 CTS-V which was amazing and loads of fun but I would never pass any gas station. A friend of totalled the CTS-V and I now have the LS. I think the LS is the perfect daily driver and I am looking to keep it in great mechanical shape as I save up for a weekend car. Currently debating between a K20 MR2, C6 Z06 or a V2 CTS V. But at this point I'm pretty sure I'll keep a LS as a daily for several years to come.
I'd be interested in seeing more pics and information about this swap. Have a detailed build thread anywhere? How well the car drives and how everything else works in the interior as well
I'd be interested in seeing more pics and information about this swap. Have a detailed build thread anywhere? How well the car drives and how everything else works in the interior as well
10-07-16, 09:26 PM
#13
Moderator
I'm 61 and have owned my LS430 since 2009 when I bought it used in mint condition with 13k miles. The owner age appears to be getting younger pretty quickly as these cars age. I applaud you younger people that are wise enough to buy such a high value wonderful car at an early age. I also feel a little sorry for you because you are spoiled by the LS and it will be very tough to beat in any future cars you own.
10-07-16, 09:38 PM
#14
Lexus Champion
You really hit that nail right on the head. Of course I knew the LS430 was a fabulous car during my year-and-a-half long endeavor to locate one, but, like so many other people attest, the more and more I got to know the car, see firsthand all the little details (seat belt buckle illuminators, intelligent oscillating vents, etc.), how unbelievably overbuilt the car was, I realized how utterly and ridiculously spoiled I am. Refuse to get rid of this car until the '14-15 460s come below about 30 grand. (And even then I'm not sold on it being superior as a whole to the 430 in any way. I drove an '11 and wasn't impressed at all.)
