i checked out an 01 LS430 with 118k for $10,900, the car outside looks great, inside needs a little cleaning. steering column shakes but they will fix it. i will have to do the drive belts because i can see cracks on them. i will set aside $1000 to do a tune up. is there anything else that should be done? i started it and its nice and smooth. thanks in advance.

 

did a car fax. everything is clean. the only thing is that it says the steering shaft was replaced twice, in 02 and 03. maybe that's why the column shakes. Is this a common problem?

 

Did you run a service history with the VIN on Lexus.com owners area?

 

Timing belt replacement was due at 90K. If 90K service was not done, it needs to be done and would be a substantial expense. If drive belt appears worn - could be that the timing belt was not done either.

More questions - does it have Nav and ML audio?

But before anything - you need to find out about the service history. If not available, I would walk. There are many of these older models that have been cared for. You do not want one that has not.

 

TK makes a good point. I would not expect a well-serviced LS to have cracked belts. Prepare to keep looking.

 

i agree with both of you. im gonna walk on this one, the belts look really bad like they're ready to pop. i'll stick with the GS. can get one with way lower miles for the same price.

 

Good plan. Occasionally someone buys an LS and then gives it almost no maint at all. My observation is that its also the cars that show heavy inside wear and show telltale signs of have been filthy inside.

The LS is a great car and will run well and be very reliable for a long time even when its abused and poorly maintained...but eventually as the miles pile up those chickens are gonna come home to roost...and they are very unhappy.

 

its pretty weird that they replaced the steering rack twice. You better make sure its in good condition because that replacement costs about 2grand without warranty

 

if I we're you I just pass that and find another clean LS. imo .2 cents

 

Was wondering about that.......

 

Sounds suspicious. I would pass on this one, the potential problems could be expensive to fix.