I am considering buying a 2001 to 2003 LS 430 with about 100,000 miles on it.

I am in outside sales and drive about 20,000 miles a year. I have driven several different 430s and really like the ride and comfort of the car.

I was wondering what I would typically pay in maintenance and repair costs a year. What is the high and the low for a typical year.

What are some expensive repairs that I might need for a car this old?

If this is not the right place to ask this kind of question do you know where else I could go to find out?

Thank you,
Gil Chandler
San Jose CA

 

If the 90,000 mile service was done which it probably the most expensive of all services, you should be good to go if brakes, filters, belts, tires and most wear parts are in good order. The Timing belt is a must around that time and if it hasn't been done seriously consider getting it done relatively soon. Water Pump and seals are suggested as well at this time, especially if you put on miles. Good luck.

 

Gil, if you do outside sales I think you are looking at an ideal car for this type of mobile professional. As opposed to other luxury cars in this category, you *should* find your yearly maintenance costs to be low. Keep in mind that I said as opposed to other luxury cars in this category. Obviously, it isn't a Camry, so when things do break, they will be more costly. Occasionally, you will find that a competent Toyota dealer can help you out with service costs on many parts and repairs for this car.

Pretty standard advice here is if you rely on the car and want to keep costs as low as possible, avoid the Ultra Luxury trim as it contains air suspension components that only add to the maintenance and repair burden if they fail.

All of this is why it is important to find a car that has had a meticulous service history, and Lexus calls for regular servicing at 5k intervals or thereabouts. As Boca said, 100k means the timing belt is overdue if it has not already been done, and when done at the dealership this service includes both the water pump, some seals and belts, and the timing belt itself. If all of this is in order, you should be good to go.

 

What are some likely repairs or services from 100k miles to 200k miles and their costs?
Not including fluid changes, brakes, tires or 90k service with the timing belt, WP, etc

shocks? or other suspension parts

A/C

transmission

fuel injectors

 

I'm actually interested in this topic as well.

I'll be looking for a used LS430 < $15,000 with about 100K - 120K on it within a couple of years. I'm a beginner DIYer and have worked on some basic tasks on my current vehicle, 95 Avalon.

Things that I'm able to do: oil change, replace light bulbs, replace brake pad/rotor, replace ABS wheel speed sensor, transmission/coolant fluid flush/drain and fill, replace hood lift supports, replace side view mirror assembly, replace oxygen sensors.

Things that I have paid someone else to do but will be interested to learn how do them myself: replace front driver CV shaft, replace starter, replace shocks/struts, replace spark plugs, replace drive belts, and A/C.

Things that I probably will never learn how to do: timing belts, water pump, and engine/transmission/fuel injector problems.

I'm looking to spend about $1200 - $1500 per year on the maintenance of a used LS430. Does this sound reasonable? I've been spending about $600/year on my Avalon with 215K on it.

Thanks.

 

I have been watcing this forum for 2 years now and really have not seen alot of folks with over 130 k cars or so respond. If they have there has been little talk about axles,starters and other reapirs. Shocks/struts are costy but plugs belts cannot be thaty much I bet AC is pricey