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So I'm learning more every day! The car I'm looking at appears to be a Custom Luxury (since it has headlight washers but no Height adjustment button indicating Air Ride)... Interesting. So I understand that means the car has the suede headliner and special non-aniline leather. I don't think it has the radar cruise or pre-collision system, though. Seems like the CL cars are somewhat sought after since they don't have the air ride suspension, but do have some of the other UL features...
The sales lady I've been working with did a full walk-around the car today and said the exterior and interior are the nicest she's ever seen on a 13 year old car. She said there were a couple of small scratches on the bumpers, but that's about it. The car was a local trade-in on a new Nissan. She said the car underwent a full inspection, and that everything checked out except the brakes, which were replaced on all 4 wheels (and an oil change was done). She wasn't sure about the timing belt/water pump (I'm guessing those things weren't done yet).
What's the thoughts on using a 3rd part inspection for a vehicle like this? Lemon Squad will check it out completely for $149. Worth it?
Thanks again to everyone for the great comments!
In most cases, anyone doing a timing belt job will install the sticker that comes with the kit onto a flat surface in the engine compartment. It'll have the date and miles on it.
If you have a drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers account, you can add the VIN to your vehicles and see all the history done at a Lexus dealer and maybe others if they reported it.
I have done this with vehicles I'm shopping for. Just remove them if you don't buy.
That's a few miles from me. That particular chain of dealerships is very over-priced, due to all the 'free' things they add with every car purchase. More reputable than other chain dealers in the area, but still overpriced.
From just a causal observation, LS prices, both 430 and 460, are on the high end here. That said, the car in question is not overly crazy. Let me know if you are getting close to pulling the trigger.
Also agree with Legender....."what are you waiting for?" Get the dealer do a WP & TB, brake fluid flush, (looks a bit dark) car fax and if all looks good then cut them a check. That's a sweet deal and you'll have a sweet ride for a long, long time.
Looks like a solid car and fair price. I bought my dealer maintained 2005 blue onyx CL almost exactly a year ago with 129k for 8.9k with WP and TB done. Its been an awesome car so far, already put 25k trouble free miles on it. Great commuter car thats almost boring to drive. I also have the premium ecru interior like the one youre looking at. Its like an off-white color that looks real classy, but of course a bit harder to keep looking clean.
Definitely recommend going with a CL which has the best of both worlds - regular struts, laminated side glass, power closing doors, etc.
In addition to things already mentioned to be on the look out for, also check the tilt/telescopic steering wheel and also the tilt function on the side mirrors. Both easy fixes if you can DIY. Motors however run around $250 for the wheel.
I would concur.. Not only is it a super clean car, the price is great and the mileage is fantastic. Don't let anyone tell you it's too expensive. Great car for the money.
Thanks for the feedback, mncz! The sales lady I've been working with has definitely been talking up the dealership, although I'd never set foot in the place if I bought this car long-distance. If you happen to be driving by and have time to check it out in person, I'd love to hear what you think.
The dealership has been very upfront about the car, in general, and the Saleslady sent me some additional close-up photos of some of the dents and dings (I've attached below). I am on the fence on this one right now. I've just started looking for an LS430, and don't really want to jump on the first one that comes along that basically meets my needs. I'm actually still in the learning mode on these cars to figure out the exact configuration I'd like to find, ideally. I think the price for this particular car is ok, and it's apparently kind of tough to find a nice CL model with low miles in this price range. I think there's a good chance this one has some underbody corrosion, also, since it's been in the "rust belt" since new.
Seems like almost all of the 2004-2006 models I'm seeing for sale have the light colored interior (Ecru or light gray). I like light colored interiors in general, but many I'm seeing don't look like they've been cared for all that well, and are showing dirt, cracks, wear, etc. This makes me lean towards trying to find one with a black interior, but these seem a bit more rare. I also kind of prefer the darker colored exteriors (charcoal gray, green, etc.), although I know these show rock chips, dings, etc. much more than the silvers or whites do. The car seems a bit more "regal" in a darker color... I also see so many of these with chrome wheels, which I am not a fan of (just personal preference).
I'm not in any hurry to buy, and I understand it often takes several months to find just the right car. I just want to be sure I'm informed enough to recognize a great deal when I see one. My ideal car (as of right now) would be a 2005-2006, immaculate/babied charcoal gray ML with black interior (suede headliner and aniline leather upgrade), 1-owner, under 60K miles, full Lexus service history since new, Nav/ML stereo, and from a non-rust-belt location. I realize if I find this exact car, the price will likely be pretty high (maybe $15K?), but I'm definitely ok with paying a bit more upfront to avoid lots of issues down the line (and these are, after all, $60-70K cars when new).
Thanks for all the advice from forum members! Let the search continue!
In most cases, anyone doing a timing belt job will install the sticker that comes with the kit onto a flat surface in the engine compartment. It'll have the date and miles on it.
So do all of the CL cars come with the DRCC? I don't see any indication that the car I'm considering has the DRCC, but the FAQ page indicates that is standard on the CL models?
Cool Riknchar- Those close-up pictures tell a little different story. We just got a couple inches of snow, so not all pictures or even a walk-around will be accurate. It's supposed to warm up by the weekend; about zero degrees right now.
Those dents and scrapes are same as my 2003 Black LS430 has, but then again, I'd list it for about 5 or $6K. Funny, your car is not on Craigslist. There's another, but it's 2004, but also has the dark interior. I think you could get the price to come down a bit as well, being private party and a little older, couple more miles. Air suspension, but maybe it's already been fixed, since the guy owns a shop.
Actually, if the ML amp goes bad, you'll have erratic or no sound. They can rebuilt for under $500 with a warranty. It's in the trunk in the upper left against the RR wheel well.
You can still use your NAV screen for climate.
Since you'll most likely use your phone for navigation, you won't need the screen for that. If you absolutely need a backup camera, then you have no choice but to get a Custom Luxury.
The NAV screen can also be refurbished for about $200 by Radio Medics in Rancho Cordova, CA. Phone is 916-851-9261.
Hey man i had no idea about you being able to rebuild the amp for that cheap could you please tell me were that is, the only place i knew of was this place in NY that did it for $750.
So if the amp is bad then the nav unit with climate control will work normally? What would happen if i just take out the amp and headunit then and just skip the beatsonic kit, and do the wiring myself, for a stereo system?
Last edited by 05ls430518; Feb 1, 2018 at 10:10 AM.
Cool Riknchar- Those close-up pictures tell a little different story.
In total honestly, since you aren't in a rush, maybe an Ebay gem from Florida is the best bet, especially as it seems you are okay to travel.
Yeah, those pictures tell a whole different story. Jeepers. Either the lawn mower was kept too close to the car and they bumped into the car all the time, or they parked in some crappy areas..
I like the idea about a Florida car. As long as it comes out of a reputable dealer, that might work for you.
Again, mine came out of Dallas 2 years ago and with 42,000 miles on it, it was in fantastic condition.
Hey man i had no idea about you being able to rebuild the amp for that cheap could you please tell me were that is, the only place i knew of was this place in NY that did it for $750.
So if the amp is bad then the nav unit with climate control will work normally? What would happen if i just take out the amp and headunit then and just skip the beatsonic kit, and do the wiring myself, for a stereo system?
Contact Member whooodat to get the firm, I've forgotten.
The climate system and controls work independently of the radio. They only share the display.
I believe you can replace the radio and amp, but there are Topics in this forum which address this.
This one also looks to be a CL model, and it's in the color scheme I prefer (dark gray with black interior). It's a 2-owner, and the Lexus service records look impeccable on this one, including (I think) the TB/WP changed out during the 90K service. Only things I see wrong with the car are some horribly curb-rashed rims, cheapo tires, and a door ding or two visible in the photos. It has more miles than I wanted, but looks to be well maintained, so it's probably ok. I do know Chicago cars tend to get pretty abused, but this one seems good on the surface. It's weird that it has sat at this dealer unsold for the past 141 days, though. Maybe it doesn't show as well in person as it does in the photos? I might be able to get a real bargain price on this one, since it has sat for so long...
Any thoughts from the forum on this one? I've attached the full Lexus service records...
Actually, if the ML amp goes bad, you'll have erratic or no sound. They can rebuilt for under $500 with a warranty. It's in the trunk in the upper left against the RR wheel well.
You can still use your NAV screen for climate.
Since you'll most likely use your phone for navigation, you won't need the screen for that. If you absolutely need a backup camera, then you have no choice but to get a Custom Luxury.
The NAV screen can also be refurbished for about $200 by Radio Medics in Rancho Cordova, CA. Phone is 916-851-9261.
Radio Medics did my NAV screen for $200. They removed it, did test/resoldered all connections and reinstalled. No more problems. I just keep the display shut off. Can still see stereo/HVAC adjusts.
