The only thing I have to add is, if it's from a rust belt area, put it on a lift and check for rust.

 

Maybe it’s location based, but recently a local small used car dealer sold a low mileage (43k) 05 LS 430 base model that was silver with a black interior with chrome Lexus 19’s on it for $21k, the same exact base trim and color combo that the car you’re interested in.

Even in today's used car market, dealers are still able to sell these cars, if they are very low mileage, in immaculate shape, for that kind of money, it’s crazy.

And that one was just a base model, which in my mind is ridiculous. Maybe if it was a UL trim, then I possibly could see someone pulling the trigger on it. I really don’t see any other model of car that can command that kind of money for a modern used car. I do notice however that these cars that are priced over $20k takes a certain kind of person to drop that kind of money on something so old. An enthusiast, or a collector, because the average non car person looking for a cheap used car will mostly look at the price for one, and run away. But then they’re some dealers that are just outrageous with their asking prices. I saw another car they had for sale, I think it was 1998 Toyota Camry with like 75k miles for $10 or $12k. I mean come on!

I still remember another used car dealer that had a low mileage 04 UL package for sale, it was that dark blue color with the ecru interior. The interior was beautiful and immaculate, but the paint had lots of scratches, and the body had some dings and dents on it, the front bumper looked like it was cheaply repainted with missing bumpers clips so the bumper was all loose. It looked like crap.

The passenger side mirror was completely broken and about to fall off of the car. And the dealer was asking $16k for it. I even told him about the mirror and he just said “it’s a used car, what do you expect”, instead of fixing it to satisfy his customer, the guy could care less what the customer concerns are. Plus all the added BS stuff they tack on to the total purchase price was just insane. Added tint $800, ceramic paint coating $1000, this and that protection $2000, so you walk in the door expecting to pay the asking price, but walk out if there paying way more than what you originally thought.

I never would buy a car that old anyway at a used dealer, just because of the simple fact that they will try to nickel and dime you for added crap you don’t need for the car, and plus their prices are over inflated most of the time, no room for negotiation, etc..

In your case however, if the car is that clean with low miles like that with great service history, the price seems fair. The LS 430’s that don't sell well and will sit for months on for sale sites from what I notice, is if it’s a pre-face lift model, an ugly color combo, with super high mileage, a tore up interior, if it’s been ghettoed out, or with paint issues.

Prices for those are like $2000-5000. You want something nice, now you’re looking at LS 430’s in the $7,000 on up price range. So $12.5k sounds about right to me.