I'm considering selling my 2004 LS430 and would like to get some ideas on a fair asking price. It's in excellent condition. Includes all keys, manuals, etc. See window sticker photo for details of configuration. Included is the seldom-seen Sports Package option, providing larger 19" wheels and a tighter suspension. I installed sheepskin seat covers shortly after purchase so I'm guessing the front seats are in great condition. It has resided only in Arlington, Tx and, Oro Valley, AZ. It has always been garaged, has 56,700 miles on it. I'm the original owner. Thanks in advance for your input.

 

If the timing belt service has been done recently and if it is cosmetically flawless, inside and out, and everything is working, ask $15K for it. Edit: if any of these are not true, then start deducting accordingly. Check your area to see what the dealers and private parties are selling similar vehicles for.

Edit # 2: I would put little or no premium on the Sport Suspension. Its the low mileage, one owner, year (2004 and up) and condition that will raise the value of this car above the others on the market. As a comparison, there is a 77K mile 2001 for sale in the Seattle area now, base model, black on black, dealer serviced since new, looks good on the computer screen, dealer is asking $12K. I paid $10K for a car very much like yours also from AZ 4 years ago but it had 109K miles on it and a few minor cosmetic flaws on the bumper covers. These cars are holding their value right now. . .

 

Take the seat covers off to make sure the seats are good, prospective buyers will want to see them too!
I agree with the $15k as an opener

 

If a 2001 with 77k miles is priced at 12K, then I think he should price closer to 18K. Then aim for 15K sale. Sport suspension is definitely a plus for someone who is looking for it, but the premium shouldn't be much, maybe $500.

 

Thanks for taking the time to provde me some advice TominPT, Ellesse, and nvwls, it is much appreciated.
I've yet to have the timing belt & water pump replaced. Thanks for mentioning this. I certainly need to do this soon.
Also the advice on what attributes to emphasize and for the need to remove the seat covers will be put to good use.

 

Gorgeous car!
It may be a typo in the original post but those are 18" wheels. If I were a buyer I'd be more concerned with original 17-year-old tires than an original TB. Granted I have more faith in the UZ timing belt than most...

 

If you're selling it soon I wouldn't bother doing the belt and pump, and just factor in a buyer using it as a negotiating point when haggling on the price

 

Here is a comparable, sort of, in the area. https://www.arizonaspecialtymotors.c...s-430/76395965
Based on that, I think $ 15K is about right. Re: timing belt, I would go in the other direction from Ellesse and find an independent shop to do the TB and WP now and then price the car $ 1,000 higher at $ 16K if not more. If everything else on the car checks out (including fresh tires, cosmetics etc), it would be a compelling example of this car and attract a buyer.

 

There are many site on the intrawebs which may be of help to you.
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=how+much+i...th&t=h_&ia=web

 

Most used car pricing sites are not very useful when it comes to "interesting" or "collectible" cars. The LS430 isn't exactly rare or very unique, but is definitely in high demand compared to say an early 2000s 7 series or S-class. They also don't account for the current market of inflated used car prices, or special trims, such as CL/UL for the LS, which may increase the value of car. Just look at how many YouTube videos have been made covering the car in the past year, it's gaining a cult following. Only way to price it is via comparables.

 

Hey @Burk , that is a beauty. I also have a 2004. Is the interior Ecru (beige) or Cashmere (tan)? These kind of posts are always popular and get lots of responses, and you may get an offer from someone on this site. It has happened before.
If I were shopping your car, I would ask you what date it was manufactured on (see door jam), even though savvy shoppers can pull that info on the Lexus owners site. If it was manufactured in 2003, it likely needed the transmission recall done....did you do that? Do you have documentation? If it was built in 2004, then it probably did not need it, like mine which was built in March 2004. The values on 2004's are slightly less because of the stigma of a recall.

I agree with @TominPT that the sport suspension is not that rare, though it is an upgrade, and @bradland is right, they are 18's, not 19's and the rubber is a big deal; have you put new tires on it. The color is more rare. More white LS430's were Crystal White Pearl, 062, like mine. Moonlight is more special.
I disagree with @Ellesse ; get the full T-belt job done. It is a 90k belt, but yours needs to be done simply out of age, like mine did.

I shop these things all the time as an obsessive hobby. My thoughts are that the parts of your car that are rare are A-mileage, B-original owner, and C-Moonlight Pearl in color. @nvwls is right and the value on these has ticked up a bit in the past year. I bought my 2004 in September 2019, have put 22k miles on it and could sell it for what I paid right now.

Anyway, just thoughts. Good luck. If I had a bunch of spare cash I would collect these, but alas. However you advertise, picture the window sticker, mention original keys, color, servicing and also say something if all the little electronics work like your retractable mirrors and steering wheel adjustment motors.

OH, and my final advice.........KEEP IT!!

 

What is the maintenance like? If you haven't done the 90k service (which is certainly due by age at this point), what other maintenance items are needed? Plugs, fluids, brakes, etc? What tires are on it currently and how old are they? Do you have all the manuals, keys, etc?

If it is well sorted and presents appropriately, you're at $15k tops in my opinion. Let's say $14k if it needs maintenance to bring things up to date. It's super clean but still, it's 17 years old at this point. Honestly though, you might have killer luck listing this car on Bring a Trailer and get significantly more than the $15k that most of us are fixated on...

 

For reference, here is how the only LS430 did on BaT... https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2004-lexus-ls-9/

 

Thanks to all for taking the time to provide advice. It has been very helpful.

 

Originally Posted by bradlandView Post
Thanks for the compliment. It has been such a great car that it has made it impossible to find a replacement that I liked enough to replace it.
My mistake, you are right they are 18" tires. They are upgrades that replaced the 17" which was the standard size. I just upgraded them a tad too much. Thanks for the correction.