Also, take into account that the LS430 was cheaper than it's German rivals by $20k when it was new. A fully optioned 430 was basically the base price of a 7 or an S class. This means that the car is also cheaper used than the 7 or S. I was very interested in a E65 750i, but they were consistently $10-15k more for good examples. I don't regret my choice at all. All the LS430s in my area are stock and they're probably the highest end car around (aside from a guy that lived near me with a green Bentley Arnage). It's more of a 'gentleman's car' here, I am probably the youngest LS430 driver in the state...and I intend to keep it stock because it looks so good and clean already.

 

I'm 48 and add 20 inch chrome rims to my Ls. I use it in my limo service for sedan runs and it rolls al the time under 2 contracts. I have the UL package and my business clients love it

 

26's yo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei0b6sdajh0

 

Pics? A tasteful set of big rims = win for the LS (it's a big car after all).

 

after people get their rides all pimped out (like that bmw in the youtube video above), how do they sell them? do people really buy those cars?

I would assume that they have trouble selling the cars?

 

The chameleon paint is kind of interesting, but the wheels look awful, lol

 

They try to sell them,but are rarely successful.

BMW 3 series cars are quite heavily modified where I live,now that the young and cashed-up have moved on from slamming IS200's on big wheels.

As Dutchie said,the LS430 is not a commonly modified car here in Australia. There are two others in my area,both zenkis owned by pensioners. I must confuse the crap out of them when I blast past with Eminem blaring on the ML system. I am half their age though...
My car is basically stock bar some wider 18's and a few little bits here and there.
It'll get more done as I have time and spare cash. I generally buy my gear from Japan also,and also have all of the magazines shown above... ^_-

The few other 430s that are out there are generally owned by older people who bought them new. The kids that build 'show cars' (in other words,pimp rides) over here either can't afford a 430,or prefer a different model of car that gives the image of being faster.
Our local market is total rubbish,but there is a healthy grey import industry,and we get basically the best of the turbocharged JDM options,albeit at a heavily inflated price. As such,cars like Skylines and Evo lancers are the most popular. VIP is a sub-sub-culture here. Most serious import people have heard of it,but if you're lucky,you'll find one in a hundred that's involved in it.

The only modded S class mercs and 7 series Bmw's I see are owned by hire car companies. The 'mods' consist of company badges,black tinted windows,and bigger wheels.
I see a few AMG models around the place,but they're all wearing factory parts only.

So there you have it,where I live,it's rare to see any luxury sedan (that's not from Ford or GM) that's heavily modified.
The US appears to have a fairly high number of worked LS430's,but compared to Japan,even your scene is small time. Chalk one more up to cultural and economic differences.


Justin...

 

how do you add pictures

 

 

good lookin car for hire,, a little flashy but i suppose thats just better for business

when i was a valet at 19 at this high society hotel outside of dc this guy who owned a private limo service who had a fleet of about 6 MB's was grooming me to join his ranks and start out at like the S3xx level but he and another guy were both pushing 600's and that was gonna be my 2 year goal. but i decided to join the military instead. thats how i got my first taste of big luxo vehicles (parking them and driving classy *****es all around in our blacked out town cars).

 

I am definitely sure my stock 18" are the largest I ever want to go.

 

Thinkin: Definitely consider going for a wider wheel even if you don't go larger than 18" in diameter. I run 18x9's on my 430 and the extra width with the same tyre worked wonders for the steering precision and response.


Justin...

 

I miss mine =(

 

^ Nice wheels. They'd look brilliant on an LS. ;-)

Justin...

 

There's something about a BMW... They really nailed exterior styling! IMO I wish Lexus could've gotten it together before the LS460. It just seems like the 430 is missing something. Can't put my finger on it though.