Advice on buying my first?
06-07-23, 06:08 PM
#1
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Advice on buying my first?
Hello, I've been pretty set on buying a 2004-06 LS 430 now. Done some researching for months and this forum has helped me immensely!
I've also been actively searching as well, but get stumped because I feel I'm overthinking the process. My brother told me "Get the car first, think about the mods later." (Hard to do cause I'm excited)
Not my first car, but I've been hypnotized by 430s. This car will be a project car that I mod into a VIP car, not my daily as I live where it snows.
I am already committed to this whole process and journey.
Here to ask for some advice from owners of "used" LS models, or anyone honestly.
Keeping in mind that I'll be modifying this car, I'm curious where that sweet spot is between PRICE and MILEAGE is. Went to go see a car which I thought was going to be a steal. But it was pretty beat up and and wasn't even for sale:
(White 2005 LS 430 ML, 115,000 miles, $9900)..Did the VIN research and everything too...damn listings need to be updated.
Where is the line drawn between mileage and how well kept the car is? Is that extra 40,000 miles on a cleaner LS 430 a sweeter deal than a more beat up one with less mileage? Am I worrying too much about scratches, beat up wheels, and torn interiors?
I've also been actively searching as well, but get stumped because I feel I'm overthinking the process. My brother told me "Get the car first, think about the mods later." (Hard to do cause I'm excited)
Not my first car, but I've been hypnotized by 430s. This car will be a project car that I mod into a VIP car, not my daily as I live where it snows.
I am already committed to this whole process and journey.
Here to ask for some advice from owners of "used" LS models, or anyone honestly.
Keeping in mind that I'll be modifying this car, I'm curious where that sweet spot is between PRICE and MILEAGE is. Went to go see a car which I thought was going to be a steal. But it was pretty beat up and and wasn't even for sale:
(White 2005 LS 430 ML, 115,000 miles, $9900)..Did the VIN research and everything too...damn listings need to be updated.
Where is the line drawn between mileage and how well kept the car is? Is that extra 40,000 miles on a cleaner LS 430 a sweeter deal than a more beat up one with less mileage? Am I worrying too much about scratches, beat up wheels, and torn interiors?
06-07-23, 08:23 PM
#3
Moderator
Conventional wisdom re mileage and used car values, longevity, etc., don't really apply with the LS. 100k miles on the odometer is a leisurely stroll for these cars. Plus or minus 30k miles might only be 10% of the cars life if it goes to 300k.
That said, after owning 3 I think the sweet spot for purchasing is 90k to 120k miles. Book value drops once the car passes 100k.
A lot of cars are traded in when the dealer quotes an expensive timing belt service often somewhere past 90k. At 100k there are EASILY 200k miles left if not more and a car that sold for over $50k can be bought for approx 20% of that.
That said, after owning 3 I think the sweet spot for purchasing is 90k to 120k miles. Book value drops once the car passes 100k.
A lot of cars are traded in when the dealer quotes an expensive timing belt service often somewhere past 90k. At 100k there are EASILY 200k miles left if not more and a car that sold for over $50k can be bought for approx 20% of that.
06-07-23, 11:31 PM
#4
forget mileage and don't buy beat up
I suggest something around 5K with as good maintenance records as you can find. That's like going to be 150K to 200K in mileage, maybe more. Also, paint and interior are important (to me at least). Interior you can replace piece by piece or even change the entire color if you want but it costs. New paint is EXPENSIVE. You might have to settle for whatever color if you are just going cheap with good maintenance
You are buying a 20 year old car. Try not to get something that will be $10,000+ in repairs to get it to the condition you want so to me it seems you should sacrifice mileage. Of course if you don't really care about how much it costs then yeah, go low miles
I suggest something around 5K with as good maintenance records as you can find. That's like going to be 150K to 200K in mileage, maybe more. Also, paint and interior are important (to me at least). Interior you can replace piece by piece or even change the entire color if you want but it costs. New paint is EXPENSIVE. You might have to settle for whatever color if you are just going cheap with good maintenance
You are buying a 20 year old car. Try not to get something that will be $10,000+ in repairs to get it to the condition you want so to me it seems you should sacrifice mileage. Of course if you don't really care about how much it costs then yeah, go low miles
06-08-23, 01:04 PM
#5
What's your budget for the car?
if you get a facelift, the 2006 model is slightly detuned due to emission regulations (has less power) if you do not care about that, then they are exactly the same.
1. Mileage is not as big of a factor on the LS, as long as you know it was well-maintained! The ones with more mileage might also be a sign of costly repairs already done, big maintenance jobs like timing belt and water pump should be already done if it is past the 100k mile range! Although, I've heard of people not doing the timing belt for over 200k miles and running perfectly fine... lol. Do a thorough check-up on the car and make sure it is up to date with all its maintenance!
2. I'm 99% sure all paint is discontinued, so getting one with the paint in great condition is a must for me!
3. Be picky, walk away if you think it's not up to your standards. Do not buy one that was neglected or be subject to the expensive maintenance bills on these cars (unless you're rich)! You have to understand that this was a $60k -$110k car when it was new and is not a cheap Toyota. These cars will last forever if you treat them well.
4. When everything is said and done and you purchased the car, enjoy your LS430 to the fullest extent knowing you are driving one of the best-engineered vehicles to ever touch the road!
if you get a facelift, the 2006 model is slightly detuned due to emission regulations (has less power) if you do not care about that, then they are exactly the same.
1. Mileage is not as big of a factor on the LS, as long as you know it was well-maintained! The ones with more mileage might also be a sign of costly repairs already done, big maintenance jobs like timing belt and water pump should be already done if it is past the 100k mile range! Although, I've heard of people not doing the timing belt for over 200k miles and running perfectly fine... lol. Do a thorough check-up on the car and make sure it is up to date with all its maintenance!
2. I'm 99% sure all paint is discontinued, so getting one with the paint in great condition is a must for me!
3. Be picky, walk away if you think it's not up to your standards. Do not buy one that was neglected or be subject to the expensive maintenance bills on these cars (unless you're rich)! You have to understand that this was a $60k -$110k car when it was new and is not a cheap Toyota. These cars will last forever if you treat them well.
4. When everything is said and done and you purchased the car, enjoy your LS430 to the fullest extent knowing you are driving one of the best-engineered vehicles to ever touch the road!
06-08-23, 02:55 PM
#6
Pole Position
We acquired our ‘01 in March of ‘04 with 60k on the odometer. Now with 19+ years of ownership and adding just over 200k (now at 264k) I still receive a lot of compliments on this car. With the light green color and grey interior (just beginning to show a bit of aging) along with upgraded 18” wheels and painted calipers I am still enjoying this ride (which is my hand-me-down daily from the wife since late ‘15).
Only had one major repair (blown head gasket), replaced the worn out suspension (struts and LCA bushings), and the upgraded wheels have been the only non-routine expenses.
There are a few livable issues (broken passenger side mirror swing out motor and weak door actuators) but overall a great car to drive.
If you can find a clean interior, decent paint/body, and good maintenance records for around $10-12k and budget $10k to address immediate issues, you won’t find a better car for the under $25k investment.
Exterior mods like body kits are getting hard to find and can be pricey. Not many engine mods to chase. Good luck with your search and keep us updated on your progress.
Only had one major repair (blown head gasket), replaced the worn out suspension (struts and LCA bushings), and the upgraded wheels have been the only non-routine expenses.
There are a few livable issues (broken passenger side mirror swing out motor and weak door actuators) but overall a great car to drive.
If you can find a clean interior, decent paint/body, and good maintenance records for around $10-12k and budget $10k to address immediate issues, you won’t find a better car for the under $25k investment.
Exterior mods like body kits are getting hard to find and can be pricey. Not many engine mods to chase. Good luck with your search and keep us updated on your progress.
06-27-24, 08:10 AM
#7
Price is fair and it's a California car! Try to get an inspection but unfortunately these cars are sold before you turn around. Figure on investing approximately $2,000 after purchase to sort things out..(not counting timing belt). Don't drag your feet...It's a low mileage California car... Look it over or have someone do it for you but move fast!!!! Good luck and let us know how you do.
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06-27-24, 08:22 AM
#8
Beware of cream puffs. 50 or 60k on an 18-20-year-old car is NOT enough. Unless there are extensive service records to show someone kept up with it. Better to go with 100k or so to know it has at least been used.
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