looking at 2005 ls430 w/ 63k miles
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 262
Likes: 41
From: FL
looking at 2005 ls430 w/ 63k miles
Hello, I am not a new member to CL, but new to the LS model. Have had plenty of RX's, ES's, IS's, and currently have a 2012 F which is my baby, but I need a daily driver to keep her miles down and found this gem.
It's a 05' ls430 with 63k miles. Mercury Metallic w/ grey interior and birds eye maple (was wrong about the wood trim color). This was a one owner car, garage kept and literally only driven to church and the grocery store. It has been serviced at local Lexus dealership for just about every service recommended to this point. So far the only thing I can find is that the trunk won't open and one of the roof moldings is loose.
The a/c is ice cold, no leaks or noises that are obvious and does not sound like any of speakers are blown. What are the other common things to check for or that are common to fail?
Appreciate all the input.
Last edited by graphX250; Jul 26, 2022 at 11:11 AM. Reason: pics added
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 968
Likes: 301
From: WA
See if the timing belt and water pump were replaced - due a long time ago (2014). If that service was done, and it runs and shifts super smoothly like it should, I would go for it. There is probably other maintenance due at this point - such as plugs, but look at the service history closely to see what was done and what if anything was deferred. If nothing was deferred and everything done per the schedule, you have a rare and valuable car. (i'm assuming the car has zero rust issues and the suspension feels smooth and no noises; it might be due for some suspension refresh depending on the type of roads it was driven on etc.)
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 833
From: 565 St Peter NOLA
Pit Crew
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 159
Likes: 32
From: GA
I'd buy it right now if I knew where it was. I would have much preferred that interior to my own but when I was in the market what I got is the best example I could find in a 250 mile radius.
I actually will be changing my seat color to match the upper dash soon - either a re-dye job or replacing the leather.
I actually will be changing my seat color to match the upper dash soon - either a re-dye job or replacing the leather.
Trending Topics
No critical stuff fails on these cars.
As with any car it has some common failure points such as:
tilt and/or telescope motors fail (have car programmed to shut down auto tilt feature each time you stop/start ignition switch)
cup holder tabs/arms break
mirror switch fails (can be cleaned in most cases)
weather strips on rear doors tear from pushing on them to close the doors
front lower control arm bushings crack from age
valve covers will leak if not serviced
This is minor stuff compared to other cars where you are talking $3K-10K repairs to keep it on the road. 05 and 06 are the best model years of LS and the base model without the screen is the best of those if you want a reliable trouble free car.
You can hire the dealer to do an inspection and give you a report of the whole condition of the car if you need reassurance. If it passes then buy it.
As with any car it has some common failure points such as:
tilt and/or telescope motors fail (have car programmed to shut down auto tilt feature each time you stop/start ignition switch)
cup holder tabs/arms break
mirror switch fails (can be cleaned in most cases)
weather strips on rear doors tear from pushing on them to close the doors
front lower control arm bushings crack from age
valve covers will leak if not serviced
This is minor stuff compared to other cars where you are talking $3K-10K repairs to keep it on the road. 05 and 06 are the best model years of LS and the base model without the screen is the best of those if you want a reliable trouble free car.
You can hire the dealer to do an inspection and give you a report of the whole condition of the car if you need reassurance. If it passes then buy it.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 262
Likes: 41
From: FL
Oh, this one's definitely on lock down as there is already lurkers LOL
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 262
Likes: 41
From: FL
looks like the tilt/telescope motor was replaced at 27k miles according to driver.Lexus.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 18,422
Likes: 1,805
From: Ohio
They don't go out on these, it's the 1st gen ray has that issue. Mine is at 250k no PS system issues at all
Driver
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 55
Likes: 9
From: TX