heathervb

So I've heard many times that our cars are "bulletproof," but I've experienced some issues over the last two years since I've had mine.

When I bought the car, it had two sources of oil leaks (valve cover and oil pan) which I assumed was typical at that mileage (160k). The car was throwing all sorts of codes though. The dealer said they were all related to the leaks; sure enough, after I had the leaks fixed, those specific codes went away and have not returned.

In the middle of summer, my AC system suddenly would not cool. The dealer said the cause seemed to be that the refrigerant was empty. Seemed odd to me that AC was ice cold one day and totally warm the next. Doesn't refrigerant dissipate slowly? Anyhow, they filled it and the problem was resolved.

Not long after that, however, I had a major loss in power, along with a new code indicating one of the VVTI solenoids had gone bad. I replaced it and car ran normal again.

Next to replace was shift-shaft seals, which had gone bad and caused transmission fluid leak. This caused a really bad burning smell, which is still there, but less strong. I am hoping it is just residual fluid that was never cleaned.

Most recently, I had another loss of power and another code -- a knock sensor failure this time. Replaced it and car seems to be doing well.

Other than these occurrences, repairs have been regular wear and tear (lower control arm bushings, air struts, hoses, regular maintenance items). Luckily, I've never faced a repair over $1,000, except for air suspension replacement! I went with an aftermarket AirLift system.

I had begun saving for a new LS430 (really wanted to upgrade to an 04-06 model), but after months of searching, I was not able to find the one that was exactly what I wanted. I love my white ext/black int/Bordeaux wood/UL combination. Have never seen it in another LS! So I decided to keep this one though I am at 205k miles now. Soon I will go through with the facelift from 01 model year to 04-06.

However these modifications are going to be really expensive. My car is really well maintained now but I'm wondering what else could go wrong? Do I have a lemon or are the above repairs typical? Can I make it to 350k+ miles?

Just wondering what other people have been through with their 430s and what else might I expect to go wrong/how much should I save as an emergency fund for future repairs.

volson

I have pretty much had all the same problems as you and am at 215,000 miles. I don't think you have a lemon. I hope you make it to 350k. I think when people call them bulletproof they are just talking about engines and transmissions grenading out of no where.

Johnhav430

shoot I didn't have any of those issues on my 98 Maxima, in 244k, except the valve cover gaskets....I gotta believe the LS430 is way better built, but then again, it's more complicated....I'm not 100% but I feel confident the LS isn't going to rust away like the Maxima, well, hopefully not....that destroys vehicles....

jayclapp

Do you know of anybody that has 204K miles on their 16-14 year old car tht considers is anything other than junk? The LS430 is still considered as worthy of actually purchasing and expecting it to be worth the money. Cars do wear out with miles and time, and one shouldn't expect the Lexus to have have worn parts. It is easy to be spoiled by the Lexus reliability of the the car and then complain when something actually wears out!

Jabberwock

Years and miles do add wear on every car even a car as solid as an LS430. Driving gently and being in a non-rust belt area helps a lot in terms of having any car last 250k+ miles in good shape. My car only has 95k miles but it has never seen salt or snow and has been driven gently and as a result, it is still in near mint condition.

My LS has had zero leaks and no mechanical repairs (besides 1 broken mirror replaced under warranty). Nothing other than than normal wear and tear maintenance, brakes, filters, oil, TB, water pump, etc.

I would expect some amount of leak related and other mechanical repairs to show up at 150-250k miles. And then significantly more repairs due to age and mechanical wear at 250K+ miles. As others have posted the engine, engine components, and AT, if maintained by the book are extremely reliable relative to other luxury cars.

bmore430

I can second this notion that these cars are definetly above average for reliability but can nickel and dime you to death on its extra features and options. When people mention bulletproof they are mainly referring to the engine, trans, rear which rarely see major issues or need replacement.

Thankfully this forum has saved many of us alot of time and money from otherwise having to use dealer and get bent over for repairing a flagship car.

Ive had my car almost 4 years and it has 97k miles and its been great overall but has cost a few grand to keep up to par as i dont cheap out or short cut any maintenance or repairs.

1. Drivers side mirror replacement was around 400 for new oem and replacing myself.

2. Tilt motor around 300 for part and replacing myself. Still need to do telescopic that just failed.

3. Rear Height Sensor for AFS system was 375.00 installed myself.

4. Tires, Pads, Rotors, Hardware probably 1500-1600.00

5. Rear Suspension Shocks, Hardware, Swaybar, Bushings, Labor approx 800.00

The rest has just been Battery, oil changes, some misc trim, clips etc.

Next up is the front suspension, telescopic motor and want to get some paintwork/correction done to bring it back to as close to new as possible for a 12yr old car. No plans to get rid of it. People still ask if its new and think its a 50k dollar car lol.

The VVTI sensors, O2 sensors, Y pipe etc all seem to be things we will need to deal with as the car enters the second stage of life after 100k. I hope to still have the car when she rolls over 200k.

Bocatrip

. I can relate to the OP. I purchased my 01 LS430 almost 7 years with 98k. I had to immediately put a few thou into it to get it up to speed. Yes I spent significant money over the last 7 years with most repairs averaging $500 a repair. Most recently at 128k I have developed a number of oil leaks as well as a new trans leak. I love my car and may be willing to take care of the most severe leak first just to extend my ownership but I am actively looking for a replacement but not another LS430. I don't want to repeat these same repairs with the next LS Yes I can't expect a 16 year old car not to have issues but the money as well as the time to make the repairs is taking its toll. I guess the best scenario would have been to own this car when new and experienced its reliability that much longer. I love the car but realize nothing lasts forever. So far I still enjoy it for however much longer I will be keeping it.

Johnhav430

hmmmmmm......I get that a 10+ y.o. car needs something, yet, at the same time, from some of the stuff I've been reading lately, it's as if the LS is not bulletproof (the front doors rusting kills me). I had the impression this was some ridiculously overengineered car that could run 300k with some care. But if we're saying all kinds of stuff goes wrong at 120k, not only is that far from 300k, it's far from 200k, and barely over 100k. At dealer rates, the car costs a lot to repair (like approx $1400 for LCAs, yes they replace the arms, but it's $1400 to solve a problem, being the bushings), some of that 4th gen sentiment would come into play.....why not simply buy a A8L or 7 series used, that actually costs less, save up the difference for known greater repairs? There are so many more "specialists" or indies working on the German cars, that the repairs are not necessarily more, on many they are less. Look at suspension prices if you don't shop around, and look at what you're getting.

Anyway, from my limited experience, it still feels well built, and knock on wood, I am not losing any coolant nor oil at 84k....I'm hoping my car will not start suffering after 100k...

edit: just thought of this....Camrys and Accords do tend to blow through 200k without issue, so maybe this car is just a lot more complicated

jimbosr1

ive had my 06 for 7 years and i put 62K miles on it and other then normal upkeep i had a alternator and a v belt tensioner go bad.
i do 90% of the repairs so its pretty cheap to own.

bmore430

Compared to the germans like the audi, benz and bmw id say the LS is still the safest bet. I have friends with 7 series, A8, S class etc and its not uncommon for them to spend 10k a year keeping them on the road fixing drivetrain, suspension and electrical issues that pop up. They are in rental cars from the dealer more than i see them in their own cars lol. They all are going the lexus route for their next cars and love my LS.

The best value for actual bulletproof cars is still going to be the accord and camry route if you can give up the v8, rwd and flagship ride. I worked at a honda dealer and saw cars everyday that were over 200k miles where the owners literally replaced nothing except the occasional air filter and oil change and tires.

kimsey

The 90k maintenance interval can be a real drain. It cost to keep these cars running into the high mileage range. I too plan on keeping it until the 300k+ mark.

With the help of this place, I feel confident I can get there.

BradTank

If we judging on a curve, the LS430 is WAY above average on the reliability front. Especially when we're comparing to flagship luxury cars, look at the repair history on something like a 7 series BMW or Audi A8 at 200k miles (if you can find one) You might as well make car payments on a new luxury car the repair bills will be so high.


I do think though people overestimate the reliability, especially when they are talking about 200k miles plus and it being a 15 year old car now and expecting to just change the oil.

People that bought these at like 80K miles will have several years where little or nothing will go wrong for several years. When I look at the repair history on mine, it only had like 2-3 repairs over the first 120k miles. I owned a new Ford and had that in like the first 25k miles.

But if you're looking for something drama free, you'd probably be better off buying like a lower mileage Camry than a 200k mile LS. The "easy" days are probably over now on this era of LS now that these cars are getting on in age and miles.

Johnhav430

That's encouraging, because we want to have the car for a while before needing anything. That's why when I realized the coolant was low, I had a flashback to being 18 and being ripped off by some old dude (late 30's), who sold me a car with blown head gaskets. I sued him in small claims and lost. Nice when someone rips off a teenager, but that's a good lesson to learn. Luckily, after topping off 2X, it was not leaking or consuming, likely evaporated.

A8's from '06 routinely go for under $13k with about 75k miles....so tempting, so dangerous...

ncsucarjoc

Yes, diesel pickup truck drivers... like me with my 2001 Ram 2500 Diesel that's still worth about $12k... and worth putting money into... But; I agree; those vehicles are few a far between. Diesel pickups, certain Lexus models, and older Porsche 911's are really about the only thing where it truly makes sense, unless you just have a trust fund and a love affair with a particular car.

heathervb

Thanks for your input everyone. Glad to be reassured that these are normal issues at my mileage. Also thanks everyone who suggested other cars for me but at this time I am not interested in leaving the LS430 life! (Though my boyfriend and I may go half on an LX460/Land Cruiser soon so we can go camping/off roading--I guess we are ready to deal with another car that may or may not go through all these same issues)

I'm a commuter and I find that this is a perfect commuter car, aside from mediocre gas mileage. It makes up for it in extreme comfort and pleasure to drive. I currently have to fill up the tank about once a week but that doesn't bother me much. Though this car seems to have been through a lot, it has never left me stranded (aside from dead battery once due to a light left on). In fact we usually use my car as the road trip car, recently taking it from SoCal to Phoenix and to Vegas!

I guess I was just wondering if anything big may be on the horizon. I was searching on head gasket failure on these cars and it seems to be a rare occurrence. Can't think of another issue that might arise that would be just as bad or worse as a blown HG. I'm going to send in an oil analysis kit soon and can't wait to see what the result is. Hoping for the best!

All in all I don't mind the replacement of these mostly small parts here and there. Looking forward to hopefully many more miles to come.