I am looking into buying a 2001 LS 430
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2017
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From: CA
I am looking into buying a 2001 LS 430
I am looking into buying a 2001 LS 430 it has 200K on it but cosmeticly it is in mint condition the price seems fair at 8k but always worried about buying a tall glass of lemons what problem should I expect how reliable could it be with these miles and is it worth the investment.....thanks
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,580
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From: PA
I can't say about a car with 200k, as I've only had mine since Oct., and have put about 8,200 on it and now at 89k. But we seem to regard a "300,000" LS430 as a definitely possibility....my car has been reliable, and I like to regard it as I regarded my 1998 Maxima....when that car had 80, I didn't worry at all, when it had 160, still didn't worry, and at 200, I felt it was a milestone, yet still no worries. Then, at 215 or so, some new repairs appeared...they were related to EGR/emissions....so imho it's not necessarily miles with generally reliable cars, but it may be more of a time/age thing. Someone who purchased their car new, or say 2 or 3 y.o., would likely be able to comment much more in detail....
Pit Crew
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 120
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From: TX
Indeed, I bought my most recent 2001 LS430 UL at about 160K miles for $8500. Mine looked really good when I picked it up, but I had some things on it that just 'wore out'. If you have a UL, there's just MORE stuff to wear out. Of course, you'll have to make sure your timing belt and water pump have been properly replaced, not to mention the cam seals that 'rarely' go bad. Keep in mind that IF you have air struts on it, they WILL go out, and if you don't DIY, it's close to $2K apiece to replace at a dealer, etc. The cost of a new strut alone is approx. $1300 at a discount! I'm not saying this to discourage the purchase, which I think has a price that is likely too high, but it's good to keep in mind the surprising repairs that will occur...
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,241
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From: CA
You can find a nice 01-03 with less mileage for the same price. Whatever you buy, make sure it's got a service history. It takes patience but there are still clean, well maintained 430's around. Good luck.
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mdebolt
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
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Mar 5, 2007 11:05 PM
