BigFluffy

Found a 2003 LS430 that I really absolutely love the look of. I was looking for a W220 Mercedes but just happened to stumble into this car. My purpose for this car is a winter car, back and forth to work for winter - my daily driver is no where near as comfortable. I checked engine bay, basic fluid checks, brakes, has all new tires all the way around, 0 rust and undercarriage looks very, very clean for this age. Everything checks out good I've seen.

My questions boil down to a couple: as a total noob to Lexus as a brand and the LS line, what should I be looking for? The mileage is HIGH - 154k. Is that unreasonably high for these cars to still function normally? Should I just keep moving?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! =D

05ls430518

iTrader: (1)

I was told by a head tech at the Lexus dealership a gentleman just does all routine maintnence and has 540,000 miles on his if that answers your question. Also peak in the Lexus mileage thread.

2KHarrier

Welcome aboard Bigfluffy. You'll find the search function to be immensely helpful, as many questions/concerns have been discussed. In regards to your LS, if the car has been maintained thus far, you can easily expect another 150K out of it. They truly are bulletproof cars.

Keep the oil fresh, fluids changed and make sure the timing belt service has been done, and you should have no problems for many years to come.

lexslexus

Welcome Big Fluffy. I'm sure others on here have way more experience with the LS430 than I do but I wanted to chime in with what I consider to be most important.

The car you're interested in is certainly still worth consideration. 154,000 isn't considered high mileage for these cars. At that mileage, it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect the car to still functionally normally and drive like it's almost new. It's not uncommon for them to still be going strong with much (and I do mean much) higher mileage than that.

The most important thing to look out for is that the timing belt has been changed every 90,000 miles or 6 years, whichever comes first. I also think it's equally important that the vehicle has been well maintained and regularly serviced throughout its life. Bonus points if it was owned by a well off older person who only had it serviced at a Lexus dealership. You can go to www.drivers.lexus.com and sign up. Once signed up, you can add the VIN number to view the car's service history for each time it's been serviced at a Lexus dealership.

Johnhav430

I ended up with a LS430 for the very reason you are seeking a car.....my 1998 Nissan was on year 18, and starting to have annoying emissions issues. We have inspection here so service engine lamp means fail. I was getting tired of resetting the light, driving to ready state, and then parking until my inspection, hoping it doesn't turn back on. My cousin is in this boat with his 2004 M5, it's not a good feeling. So I was researching what car could be as reliable as my 1998 Maxima, and LS430 turned up.

I bought my car with 81k and it's now at 101k, 15 mos. later, didn't have any unexpected problems. If I replay how it went with my Maxima--100k was nothing, 120, 130, 160, 170, 200, 210, 230, stop--here's where things started. I expect the LS430 to be similar.

I think a given is the timing belt/water pump job on our cars, every 90k. Many used cars have not done it, and it runs maybe $850 at an independent garage ($1400-$1800 at a Lexus dealer). Lower control arm bushings seem to be a given. Tranny drain/fill. Power mirror switch and tilt telescope are often wonky. really minor things are 12V lighter often blown in ashtray and high mount stop bulb blown. All in all I think these are very reliable cars. I bought mine to be a beater, but quickly felt it's too nice to actually be a beater!

Daspyda

iTrader: (1)

If you divide the number of miles by the age of the car, you'll see it's not that HIGH at all.

At least you won't have any major electrical issues that seem to plague the German cars of age...

BigFluffy

Thanks to EVERYONE for taking time to respond!

That is one of my biggest fears. At least on the S Class I'm familiar with most of the common mechanical failures to look for and fixes, the electrical is where it gets scary! =P This car doesn't even have nav so...LOL

I might go see if I can wiggle the price a little bit and may be joining as a regular here if we can make it happen. =)

Johnhav430

I was just watching Tavarish (YouTube) and his $3,000 2000 S500, then his $12,000 2007 S600.....beautiful cars....crazy depreciation...

BigFluffy

I was VERY upset when Hoovie let that 600 go! D:<

Johnhav430

haha....those S classes look to be another level....but our LS430s are set it and forget it cars...no drama.....

Here's one that I like--it looks to be a custom luxury, with a leather dash--price is high, but knock it down a little...I would want one with headlight washers which indicate the car is at least a custom luxury. Me, don't want ultra luxury so also look for ride height buttons to be absent....

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...0174/overview/