Any common problems with the LS430?
07-21-17, 02:43 PM
#16
Rubber + 12 years. If you went to replace your radiator hose or fan belt, would you want a new part that was sitting on the shelf of a auto parts store for 12 years? Just imagine all the parts of our cars that have been exposed to heat, rain, and all sorts of conditions but were only driven very few miles. Ok, some stress and wear are removed from the equation but all the parts in the car are still old. When we watch these tv shows on cars that are found unmolested for decades, don't they usually replace almost everything on the car if they want to bring it back to like new condition? Yes the low miles are very nice, but the 17,000 big ones is over the top price wise, as you will definitely be investing thousands into the car due to it's age. 12-13 sounds more realistic, especially for a base model, and color combos also bring value. Low miles alone don't justify paying such a high price and in some instances is actually a negative for lack of use and only short drives! Just my opinion.
07-21-17, 04:38 PM
#17
As someone who recently bought an LS430, and looked at hundreds of cars all over the country, I'll add my two cents. I think the price is pretty high. You can find a UL or CL with 60-80k for 12k pretty easily. A base model isn't as desirable, and with that low of miles, you have to worry about it sitting too much. Not good for cars if proper care is not taken.
07-21-17, 05:13 PM
#18
Totally agree. Ultra low mileage cars sound great but really worth the high price? Bragging rights of course and you get to own something that's closer to being a new car. The big question is WHY the low miles. Maybe a well maintained, regularly driven, garaged, non rust belt car w/ 60-80 is optimum? I bought a CA full dealer one owner ML (102). I wanted something with less mileage but this one's now a "drive cross country car". Low mileage isn't always great. Higher mileage isn't always bad. Just depends on the owner history and careful car inspection!
07-22-17, 05:16 AM
#19
Lexus Fanatic
As someone who recently bought an LS430, and looked at hundreds of cars all over the country, I'll add my two cents. I think the price is pretty high. You can find a UL or CL with 60-80k for 12k pretty easily. A base model isn't as desirable, and with that low of miles, you have to worry about it sitting too much. Not good for cars if proper care is not taken.
07-22-17, 02:02 PM
#20
suppose you buy a LS430 that is 12+ years old and @120,000 miles. if the previous owner(s) believed the lifetime transmission fluid myth then it is possibly too late to begin a more realistic transmission perseveration schedule. this also applies to any future planned LS460 purchase unless you find examples below the 100,000 mile point. like as has been said the best ones are in the 60,000 to 80,000 mile range. otherwise you will just have to go with the planned obsolescence and be replacing failed transmissions with unknown used examples that will also be beyond the mileage point to plan a better option. since there are not mass failures already, maybe the transmissions will last well beyond 200,000 miles with no service what so ever. and those of us who are servicing our transmissions might not get more than that anyway. I will be keeping track of the failure point of these as our mileage advances. to those who have decided not to service, I hope you will let the rest of us know how you make out in the future. this is a reason I believe that 2003 models with a history of regular service are a better buy than the 2004-2006 models.
07-22-17, 05:26 PM
#21
I bought my 04 (102) last year. I was concerned that the transmission was a little rough compared to my 01 (invisible, a hard act to follow). After 2 D/F's and 6k miles, the shifts are ultra smooth. Feels like a transmission that will last a loooooong time. Not worried.
07-23-17, 06:51 AM
#22
The only problem I have is with the drivers door lock actuator and I repaired it myself in under an hour... This car drives so smooth, quiet and with great power. I also can not believe I get close to 28 MPG on the highway. LOL. Starting to regret my agreement with my brother to sell him my 2006 LS. Crap... LOL.
07-23-17, 08:21 AM
#23
Moderator
Pretty cool isn't it? I find the sweet spot is just around 74 MPH. The engine on my 2001 is turning roughly 2375 RPM at that speed and I can average 27.9 to 28.3 between Milwaukee and O'Hare each day. I have averaged 30 MPG on that commute, but that's putzing along at 60-63 MPH in colder temps with no AC on.
Spending 70 minutes in the car on the commute, you tend to get bored and start figuring this stuff out...
Spending 70 minutes in the car on the commute, you tend to get bored and start figuring this stuff out...
07-23-17, 10:09 AM
#24
Pretty cool isn't it? I find the sweet spot is just around 74 MPH. The engine on my 2001 is turning roughly 2375 RPM at that speed and I can average 27.9 to 28.3 between Milwaukee and O'Hare each day. I have averaged 30 MPG on that commute, but that's putzing along at 60-63 MPH in colder temps with no AC on.
Spending 70 minutes in the car on the commute, you tend to get bored and start figuring this stuff out...
Spending 70 minutes in the car on the commute, you tend to get bored and start figuring this stuff out...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
westopill
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
18
07-07-19 04:49 AM
CelsiorAUS
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
11
07-05-10 10:35 AM