Hey Lexus lovers,
I saw a 2005 LS430 with 106,000 miles and I fell in love with the vehicle. The seller is asking $10,800.
The vehicle is clean, not one scratch or dent and it sounds perfect.
I have 131,000 on my 1998 LS400, and I really don't want to give it up.
I've done so much work on it that I intend to keep it for another 10 years. But that LS430 is giving me a headache. I would love to hear from everyone who is willing to lend an ear and provide some guidance on this issue.
I love my 1998 LS400. I fitted the PIONEER AVIC 8100 unit in place of the factory radio, so I have so many features to play with including DVD player, GPS, Android Auto. Android Auto is really a blessing. With Android Auto I do not have to touch my phone to make and receive calls and receive and send texts. All I have to say is: "OK Google, call John mobile" or "send text to John," and it asks me for the message. I say the message, it repeats it, then asks whether I wish to send. The same for text messages coming in.....it reads my message clearly for me. I can also play music on my phone, ipad or tablet through my car speakers. I can be listening to music as I drive while my rear seat passengers watch a movie on the two monitors fitted at the back of my front seat headrest. The Pioneer unit is capable of playing DVD with several formats. I can play music from a USB flash drive and an SD card. I can also image the contents of my phone onto the monitor/screen of my Pioneer unit via HDMI input. The only feature I miss the use of on my factory radio is the cassette player. I have some really good back-in-times music on my cassettes that I would love to transfer on a flash drive, SD card or CD.
I also installed a back up camera connected to the Pioneer unit and finally I installed backup sensors with the beeps that allow me to determine how close I am to an object behind me.
I will be installing a front camera which I have already purchased but I might need a switch to turn it on and off. That might be a difficult task for me so I am looking for some assistance with that project. Any takers?

 

Why not have both?

 

The UCF30 will drive better than the UCF20, as it has a completely revised suspension geometry, the engine is a lot better and the 6 speed transmission is a nice unit. Fitting all the toys you have in the UCF20 might be a bit of a task though, as the stereo wiring is a bit more involved, but certainly not impossible to do.

 

Yup! Keep the 400, AND get the 430. Have your cake, and eat it. That's my vote.

 

I would keep the 1998. 1998 was a good year as I distinctly remember the GS400 and saying da** that is sweet. $10k is not nothing, I mean I am resolved to save more and get rid of that 0% debt (I got a 0% offer with no fee balance transfer and took it, but this lowers the FICO score, so I am resolved to pay everything back by end of 2018). So I would say since you can only drive one car at a time, pass on the 2005, you can always buy it a year from now when it sells for $7k. Now you've saved almost $4k. If you actually have a lot of money, then what I've said makes no sense, meaning if you know you already have more than you can possibly spend in a lifetime, then I would get the 2005. I mean I had dreams of getting another LS430, but when I saw that my BMW went 2700 miles in 2 years, I thought, how many cars can I possess.....and insure for that matter....

 

This is a "Don't just do something. Stand there." situation.

Stick with what you have. Almost buying it will be better than actually buying the 430.

 

What would be your motivation to buy?

I sold my LS400 to buy a 2004 430 because I wanted more power, more quiet, more safety (side, top, and knee air bags).

 

My advice - Stick with what you have. Your life will be no different except that you'll be either $10,000 poorer or $10,000 deeper in debt.

 

Campisi I agree with you. I don't need it. I did not intend nor will I ever purchase a used car on credit. I have a good car and I don't drive more than 7,000 per year.
Good advice! Thanks mate

 

Yoitskenn, you have confused me more than I am already confused. I could only drive one car at a time, but you are tempting me Bro.!

 

That's some of the reasons I've considered. I also realized I might not get that Pioneer AVIV 8100 NEX unit fitted in that LS430.
Thanks very much for the education.

 

Imdking, we are not supposed to have our cake and eat it too.
However, the thought is lingering in my head.

 

Johnhav430, the 1998 Lexus LS400 lacks some safety features that exist in the LS430. The LS430 also rides softer than the LS400.
I just spent approximately $2,000 on parts and labor on my LS400. On Sunday, I will be spending another $300 or more to replace a pair of after market mounts with the genuine Toyota mounts, plus change some steering parts like the stabilizer bar.
After Sunday, I think I would decide what to do. Watch this space next week.

 

Bloomwcjkl, I agree with your decision

 

giggity giggity shut up meg