Just some minor clarifications: Lexus does not callout for the water pump to be changed during the first timing belt service. Just the belt.


If you take the time to go through all of this thread you can fix a broken door lock actuator for less than $10...


I wouldn't put in a used motor in this application. They are really unusual in design and you would have no idea how long it would last. That said, new motors are pricey if you don't spend a little bit of time trying to find them.

I bought a telescopic motor from the UAE for a little over $217. Details can be found here...

 

I just went through the same thing during my recently completed search for an LS 430. Given that these are now old cars, perfect candidates a few and far between. It comes down to what one is willing to accept in the way of trade-offs. For me, knowing that some particular repair is or will be needed was not an issue. I was far more interested in things that couldn't be changed such as low mileage and a no hit history. Color was a tough one - black was far from the first choice, but the car had too many desired attributes (original owner, full dealer service history, fair price) to pass up. The keys are patience and some flexibility.

 

There are plenty of LS430 that still has very low miles. I'm talking about less than 65k. That's not even 'broken in' yet. Just go on Autotrader and/or Cargurus and you can specify your search there. If you want one in pristine condition that's less than 100k, no accident, and have records of maintenance, then you will have to be prepared to pay for it. They easily still go for 15-20k.

 

If your changing the timing belt why not do the tensioners and water pump while the car is apart, also its piece of mind.

Also that whole thread with taking the door lock actuator apart yah thats cool and a good way to save money but its kinda a pain in the a$$ to do i would rather spend 10-15 mins and just swap out an actual actuator assembly.

That and like i stated i know nothing about the motors in the steering wheel all i know is how to take the plastic off to lubricate all the moving parts on there.

 

Update - Yesterday I purchased a 2006 LS430 with 69K on the clock. Very nice car with no nicks or dings. It is gray with a black interior. Not wild about the black interior but it goes with the outside color. The only thing that seems wrong is a low tire sensor indicator came on, but there isn't a low tire. The dealer told me about it and reset it, but it came back on. I guess I can figure that out and get it fixed.

It has 460 rims on it which I think is kinda cool. Makes it look a little different than other 430's. Wow these things drive like a dream. I am in heaven. Thanks for everyone that replied with advice.

 

Glad you found a car. Please share a photo when you can.

I'm surprised to hear it has 460 rims on it, as I assumed the bolt pattern was different from the 3rd gen to the 4th gen cars??

You'll love it. My only suggestion would be on the timing belt.. It's getting to a point that the age will be more of a hindrance than the miles, so you may want to start filling the piggy bank with pennies for a timing belt change in the near future...

My 2005 just turn 57,000 and my plan is to tear into it when I'm on vacation in early June. I figure it'll take me a solid day to complete..

 

Luckily the timing belt job is $900 tops at an indie, sometimes $750-$800. Sweet you're gonna diy, I seriously wonder if I ever will, just don't have the garage space....at our in-laws, they have a tiny garage, but bigger than ours and it's organized...(we live in 1950's houses). One day when we live in FLA I am resolved to having a 3 car garage! (my wife says we'll never move there she would prefer CA--no way)

 

Congrats those are sweet miles...since we don't have tpms sensors, wonder what's the cause, if ABS is fine? Can you insist on them taking care of it, since you just got it yesterday?? I know I bought from a GMC dealer used, and they were good about fixing the driver door actuator and redoing front brakes no charge (used Lexus parts, as they returned all the brake parts in Lexus boxes)...good luck!

 

Wow, that is really nice. Out here, we have to deal w CA pricing. Also very difficult to find one w/ low miles. I like my ML but w/ a Premium, can easily upgrade the stereo and speakers to high end and add a back up cam. If it were closer, I'd def take a look.