Notices
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

Just bought an LS430

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 11, 2018 | 04:09 PM
  #1  
SMOKEU's Avatar
SMOKEU
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: NZ
Default Just bought an LS430

Hi everyone,

I just bought my first Lexus, a 2003 LS430 to replace my ageing W140 S class and I'm definitely loving it so far! I thought I'd give the car a bit of a "birthday" as it has a limited service history. I have proof of a gearbox service and spark plug replacement done about 15,000km ago. I'd like to change the engine oil and filter, as well as the brake fluid to start with and the rear diff.

I've found this Nulon 5W30 fully synthetic oil which seems much cheaper than most other brands. http://www.supercheapauto.co.nz/Prod...4-Litre/381160 Will this oil be OK in my car?

I'm also planning on getting DOT 5.1 brake fluid.

I'll get my mechanic to check the condition of all the cooling hoses as I was thinking of getting them replaced if need be at the same time as a coolant flush and new radiator cap. I'll also get the air filter checked out. Is there anything else I should do at this point? The car drives very smoothly and appears to be quite well looked after. Also are these cars meant to use the normal green coolant?
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2018 | 05:30 PM
  #2  
Bocatrip's Avatar
Bocatrip
Lead Lap
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,682
Likes: 304
Default

Congrats. What year is your car? Coolant is not green. Either Toyota Red which gets mixed with 50/50 distilled water or Pink depending upon the year of your LS430.
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2018 | 05:34 PM
  #3  
SMOKEU's Avatar
SMOKEU
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: NZ
Default

Originally Posted by Bocatrip
Congrats. What year is your car? Coolant is not green. Either Toyota Red which gets mixed with 50/50 distilled water or Pink depending upon the year of your LS430.
Pretty sure it's a 2003 model. That's what it's registered as anyway.
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2018 | 06:30 PM
  #4  
JffGRY706's Avatar
JffGRY706
Instructor
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 857
Likes: 71
From: State
Default

does it have a 6-speed transmission, or a 5-speed transmission? here in America the 2001-2003 have 5 speeds and 2004- 2006 have 6 speeds. reason I ask is because there is a person in Auckland that has a 2000 LS430. there are different versions sold in different parts of the world.
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2018 | 08:00 PM
  #5  
SMOKEU's Avatar
SMOKEU
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: NZ
Default

Originally Posted by JffGRY706
does it have a 6-speed transmission, or a 5-speed transmission? here in America the 2001-2003 have 5 speeds and 2004- 2006 have 6 speeds. reason I ask is because there is a person in Auckland that has a 2000 LS430. there are different versions sold in different parts of the world.
This one's the 5 speed.
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2018 | 02:36 AM
  #6  
Scootymad's Avatar
Scootymad
Pole Position
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 306
Likes: 13
From: Auckland
Default

And that would be me with the 2000 model. The Nulon oil will work fine, I used it in my old 3L Mondeo once and it seemed happy enough with it. I'll let you in on a little hint, the Repco branded oil is actually made by Penrite, and there is nothing at all wrong with that oil. I've done 2 oil changes with it in the Whale now and it too seems happy enough with it. Has your one got a Signature Class sticker under the bonnet?
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bocatrip
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
54
Aug 22, 2025 07:39 AM
Moogy
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
26
May 4, 2011 12:28 PM
Bob04
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
16
Nov 23, 2010 11:33 PM
shpatel
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
5
Feb 2, 2010 07:22 AM
daryll40
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
12
Feb 17, 2006 12:52 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:32 PM.

story-0
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

Slideshow: the 2026 IS 350 isn't all that new, and that's why we love it!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-04 14:35:23


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

Slideshow: 10 most confusing things Lexus has ever done.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-04 09:40:55


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

Slideshow: Our First-Drive Review of the 2026 Lexus ES!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-29 20:30:16


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

Slideshow: 10 Lexus bargain that are cheaper than a new Toyota.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 10:28:20


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

Slideshow: From hoverboards to luxury yachts, these are the strangest projects Lexus has ever attached its badge to.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-16 11:34:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-8
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE