never changed the oil? For how many miles?

I am asking because I haven't changed it yet and thinking how long I could kick can down the road.

 

There's a part of me that thinks he believes oil sludge is a conspiracy...I'm sure the spark plugs and coilpacks are original, the diff and transmission likely also, obviously he didn't replace any suspension components other than an air strut here and there and even that is likely because it's noticeable.

 

the 2003 for sale with 489k is legit, all original. im heading to the same dealership thats selling that 489k car, to look at, and hopefully buy a black/black 06 LS 430 tomorrow. its at Bigler Motors in Lincoln, NE. they want $4500 for it.

 

I hadn't heard of this until now...489k?! Holy deal.

 

 

 

I sometimes don't understand how people measure the cost of owning a car. If you factor in depreciation, insurance, gas etc. cost of oil change is so insignificant and doesn't take too much time even if not doing DIY. Hell, even quick lube places would be better than not changing at all.

Anyways, I am reasonably OCD about oil changes. I always have oil and filers in stock. Waiting to change oil sometimes kills me. lol.

 

You're not alone; I got so used to having an oil sight window (exactly what it sounds like; allows for shining a flashlight onto a piece of metal placed about 1/2" behind the glass so the level as well as color can be examined) my old motorcycle that having to use a dipstick is inconvenient because of how often I'd like to check it.

 

I'm weird enough about my cars that I actually look forward to changing my oil. Now that I'm retired I only drive about 5 k per year per car on the LS and the SC. So they get changed once a year and I take my time and enjoy the experience, usually change cabin and engine filters, clean the MAF and throttle body, and do some general engine bay cleaning all at the same time. Once a year maybe 3 hours taking my time and I'm good to go for 12 months. Both the LS and SC still run and drive like new.

 

I don't think either of those has ever been cleaned on this car...unless it was included in the 60k service; that's the last one I have a record of but since my dad doesn't believe in preventative maintenance, it's possible the only other things that have ever been done are air strut replacements, oil changes, tires, and a few brake jobs.

I think there is a write-up on here about cleaning those things, I'll check it out.

 

Again, this car will long outlast most peoples' interest in it. I take it that a huge % here, did not buy this car for 50k+. Isn't it fair to say most of the original owners lost interest in the cars? I have a theory that the Lexus dealership scared them out of it, like when the multipoint recommended $6k worth of work after I bought my LS430, all unnecessary. the original owner probably got the same BS, and said this car isn't worth sinking another $6k into (at this point they've already been robbed by the dealership for almost 10 years).

But be honest, when you see reviews of 2018 cars on YouTube and all the features they have, one has to be human and say wow, this 2000 technology sure is outdated, even though it was advanced in 2001.

 

I called about this car. The guy I talked to was really nice, even though I told him I am many miles away, own an LS, and calling out of curiosity. He told me original engine and transmission, and surprisingly, the car is still in good condition. They are owned by a Lexus dealership. He told me that the LS430 has cult status....and he is right. I love this ad.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...delCode1=LS430

 

These cars will be on the road until the vital parts availability becomes a problem. When Toyota pulls the plug on things like suspension (control arms for example) it will be uneconomical for someone to make aftermarket parts for such a limited market; that's when we get into trouble. But, that day is probably well over 15 years away so these cars can go a million miles and beyond as long as you do the rock bottom tasks of changing the oil, flushing coolant, and replacing the air filter. The transmission fluid is a "sealed for life" system is also worth replacing.

Third gen LS now range from about $4K for beaters to $20K for like new ULs with under 30K miles. It's when 90% of them drop to sub $10K cars that they will be decimated. People will buy them as beaters and just abuse them to death. It will not be the quality of the cars but the quality of the owners that will destroy them. In another 10 years half of the ones on the road now will probably be gone which is pretty good compared to how 90% of BMW and Mercedes models go away after their first 10 years.

 

I once read an add from Subaru stating that after 10 years 90% were still on the road.

I assume this is a combination of very high build quality and owners that actually love their cars.

 

I went to test drive a WRX Limited manual, prolly 2015 model. What I found odd was the dealer was so crowded that I had trouble finding a salesperson (huh?). Then, when I did, this 22 y.o. sales guy said if I'm not serious about buying the car, they'd rather not have me test drive it. hahahahahahahahahahaha

Put it this way, we test drove it. But the last time things seemed that hoity toity was the Ferrari dealership, where it was questioned how serious I was. That is a really dumb way to lose a sale. Actually just remembered Jaguar where I went in for a free putter (Odyssey White Ice), was treated condescendingly as well, who cares right.

But based on the crowdedness of the dealership, it did seem as if people loved the brand. When my wife worked at the largest or 2nd largest mutual fund co. in the US, the parking lot was filled with 10-15 y.o. ones. Again, it implied a certain set of values to me.

The latest craze is where young folks follow some steps and retire at 40. I think it's called FIRE. I doubt you're buying this car and that car, new or used, and meeting such a targeted age...