parkerjs

Wow... That's an excellent endorsement (much appreciated) and a heck of a deal. I guess that supports jimbosr1's point about rising prices.

I think the more Lexus packs into current models that push the MSRP up, the more price support there is for the earlier models. The LS430 is so much better equipped than my current 00 LS400, but the quality, reliability and longevity is unmatched by any other brand. I can't bring myself to buy anything else.

caddyowner

Ah, I see it now. Be especially sure to run the service history on lexus.com. Also, make sure someone checks out the function of the radar cruise as that is a very expensive fix if broken. Same goes for the air suspension. Other possible issues to check are folding mirror motors, mirror adjustment switches, steering column tilt / telescope mechanisms, door closers, and side window hazing. While these aren't major expenses to fix (each is $400 - $800 to fix at the dealer), the repairs add to your overall purchase price of the car.

Happy shopping.

Wheel_Man

iTrader: (1)

I just picked up a 2001 LS430 w/ nav and lev for $15,200.00. All service records and get this, 37,000 original miles. Driven by an elderly Japanese woman who drove it to church and the store. Not one single dent anywhere on the car. Sooo extremely happy ;-)

caddyowner

Fixed it for you...

Jabberwock

Caddy - little old lady from Pasadena - too funny.

Wheel man - Jackpot...nice catch!

CarGuy89

Wow congrats at the great find! Post up some pics when you get the chance

Lolz @ Caddy's post

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

I owned my 05' LS430 UL and 06' SC430 for 3 years now, the same model year LS/SC with the same mileage as when I bought mine is still listing for the same price as what I pay for them 3 years ago.

That is crazy for mass produced Japanese cars

Usually only Enzo and F40 holds values like this

Jabberwock

Agree on the SC's - the good ones seem to be holding same prices since I started looking at them 3 years ago. Fairly rare semi sporty cars that are super reliable and extremely well made.

dejavu157

iTrader: (2)

That is a real good deal for a UL if it is in great condition!

Marklouis

I actually ordered my Lexus 05' LS430 off the internet and had it delivered (after extensive research on the Vin) because I know how bulletproof the LS series are. it was a very Bold and uncharacteristic move for me but well worth it! Paid 21.5K with 50k on the Odo.

caddyowner

Did you have any inspection done? Was it sold with a warranty?

Marklouis

I purchased the Car from http://www.luckymotors.com in Chicago - they currently have 8 Lexus models in stock, but no LS models. Fortunately I have a brother in law that lived 15/20 miles from Luckymotors, so he went and did a test drive and inspected everything I asked him to - he almost bought it himself! haha. but I bought it as-is with the small 90 day warranty with the dealer, and it's still under powertrain warranty. so I took it straight to the stealership when it was delivered to Huntsville and had everthing checked out, just needed new tires.

now it's like putting on new shoes every day.

WBuffettjr

I'm in the market for an LS (430 or 460). I live in central Texas and I've noticed both LS models are much cheaper in Florida, as other posters have said. In fact, there seems to be a much wider selection and a several thousand dollar price difference (makes sense that these correlate of course). I'm thinking of flying one-way down to Florida to pick up something and then drive it back to Texas. I'd get to test drive, get a road trip with my new vehicle, and probably still save a grand or two (or three) after the cost of the mini road trip. Has anyone done something like this before? I'd probably be adding 1,000 miles or so on the car to get it back.

If I bought and had it shipped, I'd have to buy without testing it out. What kind of delivery fees do you suppose one could expect?

caddyowner

^^
There is a guy in MI on one of the MB forums that does that with old Mercedes. He lines up test drives for 3-4 cars in FL and then usually drives the best one home. He uses a budget airline and either throws away the return ticket or buys 1-way and hopefully doesn't need to buy another. FL is a good hunting ground for lightly used luxury cars from retirees.

WBuffettjr

Great to know, thanks! Sounded kind of crazy on its own to fly somewhere without a deal made, and I wasn't privy to any secret market information, but I just noticed doing an "any distance" nationwide search and the sorting by low price rendered a lot of hits in Florida. I'd love to buy straight from the owner -- roll up to a mansion in Boca in my $6,000 Civic Hybrid and buy his LS460 for a song!

I need to start coming up with my story for why I'm standing in a lot in Florida looking for a car with a Texas DL. Probably shouldn't tell the salesman I flew down from Texas just to buy this car