Kielbasa

Hi guys, This is Kielbasa. I came upon a 2005 LS430 with 68,000 miles. I am wondering about the dependability and what to sort of expect with problems and repairs. Transmission, engine, brakes and any other kind of problems? I have been a Lincoln Town Car guy for the last 15 years or so I am coming from just about the best ride comfort in the world. I would appreciate all of the input possible...

The timing belt was changed.

My dad is the one who bought the 2004 ES 330 with 19,750 miles (?) back in 2004.

Thanks, Kielbasa

2KHarrier

Welcome aboard Kielbasa... I'm sure there's a story there, but I'm not sure I want to hear it.

The forum is literally loaded with threads about the nuances of the LS. I can safely tell you, you're moving to an entirely different (read; better) animal coming to the Lexus family. These cars are very well made. There are some common problems which are discussed here;

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...iy-thread.html

Search and you will find every possible topic that has been discussed.

First item I would look at would be the potential of the Timing Belt service, due to age of the parts.

Kielbasa

I do not get anything when I click on that link. Also, I do not understand the "story" comment.

2KHarrier

My apologies.. I fixed the link to the FAQ page, which discusses many of the LS430's systems and common problems.

The "story" I was referring to, was in relation to the screen name you've chosen.

Johnhav430

haha we think alike....

I dunno if there's any rhyme/reason, but when I do a search on the LS430, I automatically filter by 2006, and don't want 2001-05 to come up. I guess I figure that by the last model year, anything I don't know about, was ironed out...like whatever the tranny situation was with I think '04? There are plenty of "cheap" '06's.....so I stick with it.....

Honestly I think the most common excluding the fuses and bulbs, are tilt/telescope wheel, rear sunshade, door actuators, lower control arm bushings, timing belt/water pump/tensioner/idlers, coolant level evaporated, off the top of my head. Oh and missing tool kit in the trunk. Also, with such an old car, I'm not even going to consider one that was driven where the roads are salted.....there seem to be threads where the door panels rusted where the plastic rivets attach...

with the sealed tranny, mine happened to have a leak at the output shaft (Toyota calls it the extension housing seal). I don't know that I've ever seen it mentioned here. But when you think about it, there's no way to check the level, so I bet it's like the coolant, the avg. Joe does not check and would not know. I saw my car on the lift and it had a tiny amount of fluid weeping that spread around the output area. I've seen this problem noted on pickup trucks. So a $15 part, $250 labor to replace....by the way, multipoint inspections at Lexus AND Toyota missed it, so I think those inspections are bogus, looking for high dollar repairs.

Kielbasa

Actually there is no story behind the website name, other then my "Polish" heritage.

diggerydoo

I recently picked up a 2005 ultra spec LS430 (83K miles), so it's still quite new to me and I can't comment on long term use, but it did have a few things that seem common with this model/age. None of them major though, and all fixable

* The indicator stalk had a small crack in it
* One of the door handle covers was missing
* Slight wind noise when drivers window was fully up. Disappeared when window was dropped via one touch of the control (window still closed at this point)
* Cigarette lighter fuse blown in center console
* Some leather wear on driver seat bolster

Everything else felt like new and it drives likes new. I'm coming from owning an LS400 Mk IV for many years, and this a leap ahead. If you get a well cared for example then it should be rock solid.

2KHarrier

Welcome to the club Dig. You'll have to share some pics, when you can.

Bocatrip

. Where do all u guys get these low mileage gems? No such animal here other than the super clean examples on a Lexus lot with telephone numbers as the asking price!

Johnhav430

Yeah what's up with that? I was inquiring on this mercury/ecru '06 CL with only 8 original miles, found in a barn, and when we got to the price, the salesman says 867-5309? Said if I don't take it, it's headed up to the museum....

JffGRY706

I got my '05 with 72,000 miles on it 4 years ago. now 122,000 and no issues. replaced 3 of 4 shocks (non air) and oil every 5,000 miles. very happy

Bocatrip

I'd be happy too. The magic mileage for a well cared for car is under 100,000 miles. Over 100 Thou, especially on an older car (2001 for me at 128,000 miles now) and things start happening regardless of good maintenance due to age and wear and tear. I'm sure if I were the original owner of my 01 I would be thinking the $62,000 spent on my 16 year old car was well spent. Now, bigger expenses are around the corner and to be expected. Still love my ride and trying to keep it going for as long as possible.

Johnhav430

I wonder if I can follow in your footsteps? Mine had 80,xxx on Oct. 1. I've put 6,000 on it, and fixed some stuff like timing belt. The only thing is you started with an 8 yo car, and me 11. But I'll try!

2KHarrier

Mine came from the Dallas Fort Worth area via Carmax. They're out there. We've sure seen a good number of low mileage cars pop up here lately, huh?

Johnhav430

hahaha the best specimen I have ever seen online from memory, was that 2006 at Cherry Hill. It had 37k, ML, moonlight/cashmere, and the website said the best example in the western hemisphere. And it was gone in days. They were asking $17,900 which to me seemed low for a car "that good." I had mentioned the carfax had 5 owners, and some others said no those are not owners, it was the dealer taking it...yet, never seen that before, so that made me suspicious. Also, a Toyota dealer 40 miles south had it for days.

Then again, it was a northeastern car....and imho southern or Cali. are desirable...

p.s. the other consideration, my buddy in FLA doesn't feel 30-50k miles is good, he feels it means it was driven too little and that's a disadvantage. He believes 60-80k on a 2006 would be the sweet spot....