Johnhav430

My ex friend traded that Passat in for a CR-V, and took under $1k (same car traded for a different one probably could be written up for more). At the time I even told her I'll give you $1500 for it, and she refused. The car was problematic and she did not want our friendship to end over a car. Funny, and ironic, it ended over something else....lol

edit: as I recall, at the time, the car had 4 brand new Michelins from Costco, and the brakes were brand new from the dealer. It had a service engine likely emissions and was not fully diagnosed yet--exhaust on that car is $$$$.....but at $1500, if she had taken it from me, she was about $500 better off to include the sales tax savings on a trade. I would have sat on it until my wife's mechanic uncle makes his yearly trip from Munich, and makes his rounds fixing everybody's cars. btw I WOULD NOT let him touch the LS430, even though he's capable. Just drinks too much while working, too many parts have to come apart I'd be afraid he'd forget to put something back

L8RSk8R

The Equus was $51,000 and had 1,309 miles. Did the deal on Aug 20th 2014, and now at 210,000 miles.

I'd say the dealer just sent the LS430 off to an auction.

tallcaguy

Local Toy dealer has an 05 w/ 177k. I test drove to check it out. Amazingly smooth. Small stuff like steering wheel tilt up/down and trans shifts slightly notchy (fluid ever changed?). Various small fixes over the years. One owner full Lex dealer service. 90k done. LCA"s at 134. All in all, still a nice car. Trade in at 177 probably because TB due. One thing I couldn't figure out tho. No yellow sticker on engine that said TB changed and mileage. Got the service records (Lex Drivers). It says 90k service but no mention of TB change. Can't imagine a Lex dealer wouldn't do. On my 04, Lex dealer service records say "TB replaced, water pump changed" etc.

LOL Toy dealer is asking 13k! Got the usual sales pitch ("we've had a lot of interest and it will go fast...").

tallcaguy

Re read the service history. TB change, water pump replacement, etc are listed. Just no sticker in engine compartment.

Bocatrip

For any lovers of our proven LS430s and are still considering buying one.......in another few years.....all of our great cars will most likely be in the $5-8,000 range regardless of miles. best time to buy them unless you can't live without one today. Prices are still dropping and the super low mileage cars that are listed in the mid to upper teens are CRAZY to buy! These are old cars that still require work and reconditioning.. .I'd prefer to buy any 100+K car that has been maintained for well under 10.....Just my 2 cents.

tallcaguy

Argument for buying now is you can enjoy the ride for the maybe 1-2 years it takes for the price to come down. Out here, private price for a good 100k is maybe 10. Dealer usually 12 and up unless it isn't selling. Sure it costs more but in a couple of years It's going to be harder to find a nice one w/ 100k. Again CA prices, but the private/dealer low mileage cars still more expensive. Just saw a one owner dealer service 05 w/ 68K. Sold same day listed for 12.5

Johnhav430

When I had just gotten mine I was surfing many dealers' websites (they all looked identical), stopping on those who actually listed the price of the services. There was one in VA who listed their 90k service at $5xx, and it clearly did not show timing belt. So imho, no mention of timing belt and no sticker, is no timing belt...my .02 (customer can decline services as well)

wopdud

158,678K 2003 LS430 UL has everything,Radar cruise,Park asst, Ait suspension. I replaced timing belt at 87000K, a few sensors thats it,everything works I use Royal Purple Synthetic 5/30,Runs great,Has been reliableaqnd I would drive it anywhere,hope tha helps

tallcaguy

Agree with you. Noticed the dealer dropped price to 7k. It's gone. Once again, shows how good an LS is. When I drove, smooth and comfortable w/ 177k.

wayy744

I have 177000 miles on my 03 still rides like new now I'm trying to sell it

wayy744

NJ 177k still running strong ride like new up for sale

Johnhav430

Glad to hear....any rust issues at all? My car was in FLA 8 yrs, then NJ 2 yrs, before I bought it. Now, unfortunately, it's in the northeast for the rest of its useful life, though indie (in NJ) states he can tell this car has not spent its life up here when it's on the lift.

Passed 90k now....

I've blown through 10k and on my way to 11k, and will put another 1k on for work, since October. Kinda sad, but this is why I bought it. And if 177k, 200k, and beyond are not an issue, it's really time, not mileage, that would consume the useful lives of these cars....

Johnhav430

From my observation, prices drop, and mileage does not climb. Meaning, if there were some 60k 2006's last fall, and some 80k 2006's last fall, then there should be none today, they would have all gone up in mileage. NOPE. There still seem to be the same number of cars with those mileages, and the prices have dropped at least $2k. So why buy something you don't need? Buy it when you need it. This is a car, not a can of soup. My wife calls it hoarding. Imagine putting that $10-$15k in an investment, and getting a car when you needed it?

e60bmw

iTrader: (1)

02 UL with 98k, I still need to do my 90k maintenance

Worpt

373,000 miles. 26.9 mpg. Runs great!