When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
This is my first post on Club Lexus. I recently had the opportunity to purchase my grandmother’s 2001 LS-430, she passed away 6 years ago and my grandfather decided to sell it. I was with her the day she purchased the car new, at the time I was only 16. The car is absolutely immaculant and has 102k on it. Although this is not the first Lexus my wife and I have owned, this is by far the most special. So far I have tinted the windows and put a 9’’ Sony receiver in it. As soon as I purchased it I had the timing belt and water pump replaced, I hope it runs for another 100k. I have ordered some 18” Replica wheels, they should be here this week.
I agree, the 16's aren't lookers but the ride is amazing. I hope I don't regret it, but I ordered 18'' Replica wheels.https://www.oewheelsllc.com/LS430_2 I really hope it doesn't compromise the ride too much. Trying to decide on a good tire now that will ride nice.
The heated seats really don't work all that well so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Probably, the worst engineered feature of the car. Also, aftermarket solutions are available. You have to remove the leather covers and install thin heating elements. Search the internet and you will find them. The unperforated leather that you have holds up better than the perforated leather that comes with the heated seats.
Your car is the most basic model. Wonderful, it will last longer with fewer issues. The car is beautiful and the memories of your grandmother are precious. Enjoy and treasure them both.
The heated seats really don't work all that well so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Probably, the worst engineered feature of the car. Also, aftermarket solutions are available. You have to remove the leather covers and install thin heating elements. Search the internet and you will find them. The unperforated leather that you have holds up better than the perforated leather that comes with the heated seats.
Your car is the most basic model. Wonderful, it will last longer with fewer issues. The car is beautiful and the memories of your grandmother are precious. Enjoy and treasure them both.
Those are good points you bring up, I never thought about the unperforated leather holding up better. Any idea what it would cost to add a heating element? Thanks for the compliment.
You might find that the loom already incorporates the wires for the heated seats so would be easier just to swap some heated/cooling seats in .
Just check behind the panel with the VSC switch in it and see if there are any extra plugs there .
I might add that I have 25 mm sheepskins in my 430 and the headed seats are awesome for easing my degenerative back disease even through the sheepskins .
It's all relative, 16's were optional on Porsches at some point, 15's were standard. I guess today we look at lower sidewalls as meaning "good." lol
I like sleeper cars that are nice. If I could, I'd drive a mint 1987'ish Volvo 740 Turbo wagon with the sweet 15" star rims, daily! I would also drive a mint 1996 Buick Roadmaster LT1 wagon with the detuned Vette engine, that likely has 15's as well. Heck my Nissan came with 215/55-16 and in 1998 I thought they were beefy haha I went to 245/40-18 aftermarket, 3 sets. But when then g/f ruined all 3 sets, I went back to stock. No need for aftermarket imho the quality is not the same and get bent....
Grandmother’s LS
