After owning a LS430, I’ve had some hindsight into my next purchase (I do want another LS!).

Well I purchased an `01 LS430 and was quite pleased. The MAJOR issues I had were:

Fuel tank has a hair line crack
The seating ventilated/heating buttons (or controls, *****, etc.) were loose and could come off
I had this faded tint on the car that was stuck to the window… horrible smell when it came off
The headlights were faded + tail lights had a few bulbs out (including the 3rd brake light)
Water pump had issues
Window regulators were quite weak and slow
Wipers were slow + blades were absolutely useless
Timing belt and fan belt were changed
The AC did suddenly stop, changed the HVAC/some other thing to make it better
Tires were kaput + curb rash
The cigarette lighter didn’t work
Right side has bearing issues with the front wheel
The ride would vibrate over 60MPH, bushings and arms needed attention

ALL parts were replaced.

These were not as serious as the OP’s list of issues but I can relate. No used car will ever be perfect however I am sorry for your experience. I do hope this gets fixed and/or your new ride will be way better in the future =)

 

I am pretty sure I found this thread months before deciding to buy a LS430 used. I would have to say the most major thing is likely to be the driver door actuator, which I understand is $840 at the dealer if not DIY'd. It seems like a sure thing.

The sideview mirrors and the autodim I did not see mentioned, where the gel is gone and the mirrors don't dim and have spots, that's rather cost prohibitive, at almost $400 for the part alone.

My rear sunshade has never worked, the material came off on one side, that's a bit prohibitive too to repair.

But I got my '06 car at 81k, and have driven 18k and had it 14 mos., and it's been problem free....

Odd, it took me 1 yr and viewing my car at an angle in direct sun. I thought Lexus cheesed out and had an exposed wire going to the mirror. They do--it's from the rain sensor going into the headliner! Remember that from an auto show in the early 2000's

 

I have a 2001 LS 430, 166k. I bought it with 143k. I've had it for a year and a half. I have replaced:
1)front wheel bearings, 2) power steering hose, 3)Upper and lower control arms, lower ball joints, outer tie rods, 4) front brake pads 5) Ignition coil #4
I am about to do the timing belt as I do not believe its been done yet. Looking for the best mechanic and price.
I need replaced:
1) timing belt, 2) valve cover gaskets (leaking) I also have the following codes: 1)P0440, Evap Control System Malfunction, 2)P0441 Evap Control System Incorrect Purge Flow, 3) P0446 Evap Control System Vent Control Circuit Malfunction. The charcoal canister may need replacement but I have been told that the only ramifications would be not passing emissions. (correct me if mis-informed)
I got a trunk actuator at a pic-a-part for $10 bucks (Lexus wanted $800), I recently began drain and fills on tranny fluid whereas it was very dark and had not been changed. Colors were identical after the first 2. Ill post pics after #'s 3&4.
Drivers side window doesn't roll down when it rains or when its real humid. Dry...it works. and......Wish I could get a key fob...cheap.

 

The legacy of hwy miles being easier on a car must be true. My ride to work is 90 miles x 5 days week with 5 weeks vacation then I drive my other car for variety. I often drive to my folks house, 200 round trip. My town is 70k pop so any driving I do is easy miles. A few wheels bearings, sub, power steering pump(that was a story dealer gave me the part neighbor kid thru it on 50 bucks) in 275k miles. Now my steering is getting a slight knock prolly from my 18 inch wheels my 17's never developed this.

 

This is good to know, although most of us would have suspected it already. I've put probably 65,000 miles on my LS in the last 2 years, with little maintenance, outside of all the preventative stuff. I did get the exhaust leak fixed last month (right exhaust manifold to y pipe gasket was leaking) and the code P0420 is no longer rearing it's ugly head...

Timing belt in 20K and it'll be ready for the next 100K...

 

I sure hope this thread is still not active in the next 5-10 years! lol

 

Agreed it's kinda self explanatory lol

 

If it does go inactive we can always fall back on the ongoing Pirelli P7 tire with Boca having a quarter million miles on them, problem is we will be at the P9.

 

From your mouth to God’s ears! Lol

 

maybe a discussion about DIY kits to convert a 430 from driver to self driver. how to
solve the standard "drivers window goes halfway down when the car decides to make a left turn" problem.