Introducing myself, First Lexus & LS430
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: VA
Introducing myself, First Lexus & LS430
Hello fellow CLF members! Obviously my screen name is gear, but my first name is Brad. I live in north Chicago...
I just purchased my first Lexus on Friday evening (2/24/2017): A 2004 LS430, 87500 mileage, white exterior, cashmere interior, nav, ml soundsystem, etc. Ended up paying $11,800... which is fair for a LS in such good condition. The saleman said it had the best interior he's ever seen for a used LS430... that may be embellished but there must be a degree of truth since it looks like nobody has ever sat in the vehicle. My previous car was a 2007 Mini Cooper S, so everything seems so comfortable and compliant. Its nice not having to wince when going over bumps!
I'm still figuring out little stuff like setting the steering/seat positioning to a preset. Seems like every time I get in the car it automatically configures the car for Shaq or Tyrion Lannister. I didn't notice it during the test drive (volume was low and it was on talk radio) but it seems like the subwoofer is blown. Judging by the 9000000000000 articles on CLF this is a common issue.
Here are some pictures!
I just purchased my first Lexus on Friday evening (2/24/2017): A 2004 LS430, 87500 mileage, white exterior, cashmere interior, nav, ml soundsystem, etc. Ended up paying $11,800... which is fair for a LS in such good condition. The saleman said it had the best interior he's ever seen for a used LS430... that may be embellished but there must be a degree of truth since it looks like nobody has ever sat in the vehicle. My previous car was a 2007 Mini Cooper S, so everything seems so comfortable and compliant. Its nice not having to wince when going over bumps!
I'm still figuring out little stuff like setting the steering/seat positioning to a preset. Seems like every time I get in the car it automatically configures the car for Shaq or Tyrion Lannister. I didn't notice it during the test drive (volume was low and it was on talk radio) but it seems like the subwoofer is blown. Judging by the 9000000000000 articles on CLF this is a common issue.
Here are some pictures!
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 389
From: PA
congrats! that looks like my car, although my MSW's with snow tires are different...my mileage is the same as well but an '06....
The front license plate matches in color I guess? I don't have one, I guess because my car started in FLA....not sure about the programming other than presets 1,2,3....
The front license plate matches in color I guess? I don't have one, I guess because my car started in FLA....not sure about the programming other than presets 1,2,3....
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,085
Likes: 401
From: Nor CA
Welcome to the club....
The price sounds about right and the few minor things you have are easily addressed. Find a reputable independent mechanic for the things you don't want to take on and you will have a great car for many years.
Even owning our '01 (since '04) there pops up a feature or function we did not know about....
We look forward to you sharing your mods, fixes and experiences...
The price sounds about right and the few minor things you have are easily addressed. Find a reputable independent mechanic for the things you don't want to take on and you will have a great car for many years.
Even owning our '01 (since '04) there pops up a feature or function we did not know about....
We look forward to you sharing your mods, fixes and experiences...
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 627
Likes: 76
From: Wisconsin
I believe you have to hold to set button down and then press whichever button you wish to store your settings to. Took me a few tries to figure that out.
Nice car. I'm beginning to like white the more that I see them...
Nice car. I'm beginning to like white the more that I see them...
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,146
Likes: 70
From: Illinois
Welcome to CL! Very nice example of moonlight pearl paint over cashmere interior. You'll love that luxury ride over the skateboard Mini!
Looks like you're in the Ravenswood area. Your pic looks better than this plain one!
Looks like you're in the Ravenswood area. Your pic looks better than this plain one!
Last edited by Tom57; Feb 26, 2017 at 08:22 PM.
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 244
From: Milwaukee, Wi
Congrats on the purchase Gear. I see you've got the city sticker already. Fortunately I don't have to purchase those...
The car looks clean. I have the same wheels on my LS with my winter tires.
The car looks clean. I have the same wheels on my LS with my winter tires.
Trending Topics
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 389
From: PA
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!
Joe Kucinski
10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models
Joe Kucinski
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 55
From: CA
Hi Brad. Welcome to CL. Nice car, reasonable price. I have an 04 ML. The bells and whistles are fun (!!) but a headache to fix. I've done a couple of things to reduce possible problems.
1) Had the auto adjust turned off on tilt and telescope motors. Can still manually adjust.
2) Shut off the NAV display (using options). Why? It's pretty dated and they sometimes fail. It's a headache to repair and expensive. If you need the DVD, turn it back on. If it fails, can't adjust stereo or AC. With the screen black, need to adjust either? Tap "Climate" or "Audio" buttons. Display lights up, do the adjust. Tap the button and display shuts off. You'll see the back up cam w/o having to do anything. Cell phone connect display lights up automatically. Etc, etc.
3) Shut off auto fold on side mirrors (unless you need). Expensive to replace and they do fail.
Great replacement for a Mini! The LS is "slightly" harder to park tho!
1) Had the auto adjust turned off on tilt and telescope motors. Can still manually adjust.
2) Shut off the NAV display (using options). Why? It's pretty dated and they sometimes fail. It's a headache to repair and expensive. If you need the DVD, turn it back on. If it fails, can't adjust stereo or AC. With the screen black, need to adjust either? Tap "Climate" or "Audio" buttons. Display lights up, do the adjust. Tap the button and display shuts off. You'll see the back up cam w/o having to do anything. Cell phone connect display lights up automatically. Etc, etc.
3) Shut off auto fold on side mirrors (unless you need). Expensive to replace and they do fail.
Great replacement for a Mini! The LS is "slightly" harder to park tho!
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 244
From: Milwaukee, Wi
Shut off the NAV display (using options). Why? It's pretty dated and they sometimes fail. It's a headache to repair and expensive. If you need the DVD, turn it back on. If it fails, can't adjust stereo or AC. With the screen black, need to adjust either? Tap "Climate" or "Audio" buttons. Display lights up, do the adjust. Tap the button and display shuts off. You'll see the back up cam w/o having to do anything. Cell phone connect display lights up automatically. Etc, etc.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 389
From: PA
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 55
From: CA
haha that's why I try to remove any personal details, but I'm sure there's software to recognize and identify the data in pics (like someone recognized the area when I posted the pic with two Lexus in the driveway)....that's not to say I wouldn't meet up with you guys if we were to have an event....
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 244
From: Milwaukee, Wi
And you can add personal reminders as well. I'll have to add one in to freak out my wife.. "Stop spending money" or something along those lines...
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 389
From: PA
One thing I always forget, is to delete the bluetooth pairing from a loaner/rental car. What stinks is besides BMW, they don't seem to be unique (BMW has the last 5 of the VIN in the name). So I don't know if Hands Free, My-Car, or Your Vehicle is the rental car from Toronto. I think it's My-Car, and Hands Free is the Lexus? I'm gonna delete My-Car and see what happens! (what are the odds of that Pathfinder getting close to me, and pairing up?)
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 55
From: CA
Really don't miss having the display on. Have to hit the buttons anyway to do adjusts. Just means have to wait briefly while display appears (sometimes almost instantly). I use my iPhone (in a holder) w/ audio on to navigate. I wish there was some way to put that on the NAV. If so, I'd use the display and budget for repair (650).