Dear the old-school LS family,

After months of research, this is the car that I will very likely to purchase as a replacement of my 2015 LS 460L. This is a 2003, LS 430 with a fantastic colour (black cherry) that I have never seen in a LS. Under the wheels, the car has ~124k miles which may sound a lot in which the owner asks for $4800. Note that this level of mileage is not uncommon in a lot of earlier 460s advertised on Cargurus.




Complete maintenance history is available and particularly the owner showed me the invoice of timing belt and water pump replacement to give me a peace of mind. Obviously I have no idea what those parts are for but it sounds like an important job which costed him some fortune at a local dealership. He also said the dealer had recently installed new lower control arms to the front. All other what he considers as "minor tasks" including oil changes, brake pad replacements, etc are done in an independent mechanic shop. We exchanged DL and insurance info and he lets me to test drive the car for a few days. Yesterday, I brought the car to a Lexus dealer for complete diagnosis and among the long list of "recommended service", the service advisor only recommends the oil pan service and puts the tyres on cautious condition. Having all them fixed would cost about half of what the owner asks for.


Here are some minor issues. The owner is very honest to point out that the side mirror on the passenger side may not fold occasionally although that has not happened yet as of this moment. The two small parts on the door handles are also missing exposing the inner silver colour. While there are only a few wrinkles on both front seats, the steering wheel is...





In general, the car drives incredibly awesome, perhaps even smoother and quieter than my LS 460L. It will take some time to practice parking due to the lack of a rear-view camera. There is significantly less rear legroom compared with my car but there is more headroom in the front. The Mark Levinson is still working. I can see the owner has a lot of attachment to the car. Had he not had family obligations requiring him to leave America, he definitely would not sell the car. I am quite inclined to buy this car. Any thoughts?

Thank you for any suggestions, input and criticisms and have a nice weekend.

Tiffany

 

Go for it. There is a heck of a lot to be said in favor of it as you describe. The only thing you did not mention is rust, and if the car spent its life in Texas I would think that rust would not be much of a concern, but I live in WA not TX so I don't know for sure.

 

Car looks very good. I think maybe a bit to high for a 2003 unless its perfect. I'd offer no more than $6500-7,000 given that it needs some work and repairs to mirror, oil pan, and door handles, steering wheel is not in good shape and not a cheap fix.

It's the same color as my car. I was not a huge fan at first but it grew on me. When clean and waxed the color is fantastic and it does not show dirt too quickly.

 

FYI, if I am reading this correctly, the ask is only $4800!

 

If you don't get it, I will LOL.
120K mile is really noting...

 

That's a great deal, I paid $500 more for a 198k mile 02

 

What is the oil pan service all about? Are there any oil leaks? Oil leaks in our cars can get pricey to repair. Otherwise, fair price if no surprises, but as mentioned above, steering wheel looks tired (not a cheap repair) and if you like the 16" wheels....great. They will give a comfy ride, but personally, I'm not a fan of them. I'd try some negotiation for unknowns that are sure to show up.

 

Thank you all for the feedback. Based on your comments, it seems the mileage in the car is not a concern. One of you even bought one with almost 200K miles. Awesome! How long can these engines last?

I am not picky on minor cosmetic defects such as the missing parts of the door handles and cracked steeling wheel. Some mention fixing the steering wheel is very expensive. How can this be done? Getting a new wheel or let the experts in body shop to "rejuvenate" it? Yes the oil pan is leaking oil but the engine light should light up when it is too low in oil, correct? What is the fair price to get this fixed (I have no knowledge in car repair) which means that has to be done by a dealer or an independent shop. What other potential problems will come up in the future? Since the car costs $5000, I am willing to spend another $5000 to fix whatever it is necessary to keep it in a pristine condition for many years to come.

A member asks about the car history. The car has spent considerable amount of time (12 years!) in Idaho with his first owner before the current owner drove it to Texas. My 460L is bought in Chicago where it can snow crazy so I don't worry too much (other than the stupid height compressor that fails a few months ago prematurely costing me some fortune, it still runs). One more question, my car is still with its original winter tyres. Should I replace them with those suitable to withstand the unforgiving heat in Texas?

Currently I am in Louisiana to spend a weekend with my sister for her birthday. Since everyone do agree with the purchase, I am going to quickpay $1000 the owner tonight as a deposit, if not tomorrow and will pay him cash for the remaining when I return on Tuesday. As a separate note, I am impressed my 460L made it in one piece without leaving me stranded on the highway... The owner actually asked why I want a car that is much older than my current one. Well, if he drives a 460, he will know, just saying.

Thank you everyone again!

 

Good luck with the purchase!

For the steering wheel, you have several options, including:

1. Pay a pro to refurbish it $$$$
2. Buy a used one off eBay or wherever $$$
3. "Loncky" brand leather cover for the LX470 supposedly fits our steering wheels $$
4. Pep Boys steering wheel cover with Tweety Bird, flames, or some other crap on it $
5. Ignore it

What color is the interior (specifically the steering wheel)?

 

Oh they last long, I did two passes yesterday on the 1/4 and I have hit 100+ about 25 times this week and did two 135/150 pulls on the way to and back from the track. Still does well even at 220k on it and I have no fear of holding it at near redline for a few minutes. Whenever I get a stop sign or red light I hit 6000 for the first two gears at least

You won't break a UZ engine

I have worked on several with 300000+ miles and one is for sale with 400000 much near me that still runs well and has good power. Whole reason I went with a 430 is because I wanted the most reliable car ever made and one that has good enough power for a daily driver and that feels good to drive and is snow capable. Just keep in mind I know how to fix anything that goes wrong and if you don't it can be crazy expensive

 

I sold my 2005 Lexus LS430 with Luxury package 112K miles , great condition for $6500 last year ! Timing belt , brakes , ATF fluid has also been replaced !