Planning to check out this LS430

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto...967254845.html

Is there anything I should be warned about before checking it out? The price is low but the front seat looks torn and there's several scratches around the car. It looks like a UL package from the rear seat controls. Does it look like a good buy or is it not worth the effort?

 

For a car with only 132K miles, this car looks kinda rough in some areas. As you pointed out, the driver seat is torn and there are numerous exterior blemishes. Backseat area looks quite dirty when you zoom in. No mention of the timing belt in the ad, so I would ask about that. Ultra Luxury package has the relatively costly air suspension, so I would ask if it is all original or if any of it has been refreshed. I'm always wary of new tires all around, because it could be concealing suspension/alignment issues. Used cars are always a gamble. If you decide to buy this car, I would make sure you have at least an additional $2-3K stashed away to take care of maintenance/repairs.

 

As our cars have aged and depreciated to the max, there are times that even if a car is gifted to you, would you still want it? It all depends upon how handy you are for DIY work and how much savings you have as a cushion. Low price is not always a factor these days in the determining decision for purchase. . Most of the LS430s these days have very little value (regardless of what we see) unless it is a pristine example with low mileage and impeccable service records. Realistically, even these cars are no longer worth 5 digit numbers unless the buyer can't live without it. Once again, history, repair records, mileage, and condition should be first on the list for determining factors for purchase.........not necessarily the price.

 

Agree, Bocatrip is absolutely correct. Rough examples may have little sale value while some buyers may reach for pristine examples. A reasonable seller may know this. And if you are really interested is this car, seller may likely not let you walk if you were willing to pay 50% of his asking price....

 

Due to the rough body, I might pay $3k but only if the TB/WP is current, and the air shocks have been replaced or converted. If you have a higher budget, I would definitely wait though.

 

Avoid this money pit and search for one in better condition....

 

No need to buy a tired LS430. They made plenty and there are still decent ones out there. Be patient. Don’t buy a rag!

 

Nope. The value in these cars, whatever the price might be, is that if it's been maintained, it should last a very long time. Take care of them, and they will take care of you. This one has signs of neglect all over it.... There's no mention of the timing belt being done even, which to me is a major indicator and should be noted if done in all cases.

 

The coils, maf, and oxygen sensors being replaced concerns me, I can guarentee they aren't OEM with as many fakes as there are going around on the internet I'd see them as something that will fail soon and have to be replaced again. The front bumper being cracked and the headlight washer covers being missing it an expensive fix as well, frankly I'd walk from this car. If the seller really cared for this car it wouldn't be missing lug nuts and a wheel cover, that says everything I'd need to know about the owner.

 

The tires look as neglected as the whole car does. Like the pine tree air freshener also.

 

Find one in every car. You'll see....