Currently drive 04 430 188k miles. Starting to cost money. am looking at an 04 LS 70k miles. The price is 12,900. I am getting 2500 trade. so I am out the door for 11,800. 2 owner car, last 7 years car was serviced at dealer and complete 60k service, including transmission. Is it over priced for a 15 year old car? I do have a mechanic who does my repairs and he has done quite a few. Struts, heater, catalytic converter, timing belt, water pump, brakes. Love my lexus but wondering if I should invest in something newer. I keep going back and forth. The service records show a replaced head gasket in 2015, is this reason for concern? I have driven 460 and it is not close to a 430. I will be retiring soon and plan on doing some traveling. Trying to decide, all comments welcome. Thanks

 

Hi. You might want to try the 3rd gen LS forums for some better responses. I will say though, impressive to see your LS hit 188k miles. New to the Lexus brand, and it’s always good to hear reliability stories.

 

Moved to correct location.

 

I would say way overpriced. Dealer obviously makes money on the sale, and the trade.

You would be spending 10k+, have the same car, only with 118k less miles. Why not instead spend that 10k towards upkeep and repairs on the one you have? The upkeep should be about the same, the repairs slightly higher on yours.

 

It's understandable when the costs start getting more frequent on an old/high mileage car. Just be aware that you will still be buying another old car that will some day be exhibiting most of the same issues you have already addressed on your trade in. That was the delemma I went through when trying to find a 05-06 LS430 to replace my 01 only because I wanted the refresh.My situation is different in that I only drive 5,000 miles a year. Certainly make sure that most of the bigger issues have been addressed especially any transmission issues on an 04 LS. Good luck and let us know how you make out. PS....Price is way up there only for the miles.

 

The head gasket was replaced which is really odd for these cars I would keep looking your car is worth at least $3200 on a trade in I would avoid this dealership and try to find another.

 

I don't think this is a wise deal at all. I put mega miles on cars. I am a travelling salesman, bad thing about that today? An acute shortage of farmers daughters. I jest of course, happily married for decades.
Far better money spent just maintaining what you have. Now if you hate the coloe, option Pkg. etc, then perhaps time for a change.

Otherwise, keep piling on the miles.

 

I would keep what you've got until you can upgrade to a good deal on a 460.I prefer the devil I know to the devil I don't.

 

I'm 63 and retired. Although my '06 LS has just shy of 65,000 miles, has been maintained by the book since new, and is in superb condition, I would be hesitant to rely on it for any sort of extensive travel. It's 13 years old and things wear out with age. Something newer might be a better bet in your situation.

However, the asking price for the one you are considering is not out of line if it is in fine shape. There is a sharp price divergence between lower and higher mileage LS units.

 

What happened to the OP? One post and gone?

 

Id throw money into the car before I throw everything away and pay 12k for a car thats going to end up the exact same way lol. Thats just crazy. Your current car cant need 12k worth of work.

OP probably doesnt know where his post was moved to.

 

High mileage do not scare me as long as the car has been maintained. My 04 has ~130K, and I am planning to do a long road trip this summer, about 5K miles. If we are not taking the LS, we are taking the Land Cruiser, 1998 with ~225K miles. Still trying to decide what to do... I do plan to have a small box of tools for emergency but so far none of my Toyota and Lexus has ever stranded us on the road, except getting flat tires from nails.

 

High miles is over 200 K. Toyota builds these cars to go a long way. Look at the miles on my Prius below. Over 300 K, and the car still ran and drove excellent when I sold it. Both it and the 4runner were purchased new. The LS is the first used car I have purchased in a long time. I will put at least 100 K if not 200 K on the LS.