jimxo

I'm wondering if buying a 2000 LS430 is better than buying a LS400.

I'm not looking for perfection since my two dogs will be riding in the back. I would never call a Lexus a beater but I need a decent used car under 10,000.

I found a few LS400 for 5-6k with 130k miles.....wow. I don't what repairs will be need on a higher mileage LS.

Any advice you can give me is appreciated.

Jabberwock

under 10k and 2 dogs in back = LS400

CarGuy89

An LS400 would be your best bet. I really haven't seen many 430s go under 10k (unless the buyer knows the seller). The 430 is more modern, but it also means there are more things to break/go wrong. If you do get a 430, I would suggest getting the base model or premium trim and avoid the nav system (at least $1-2k to repair DIY).

I hear really good things about 400s (and still do a double take when I see one pass, especially a clean '97+ model). They were supposedly the pinnacle of reliability and build quality. Check out the 400 part of CL though before rushing out to buy one as there are quite a few threads that deal with costly failures.

jimxo

great info. I found a few LS400 96-99 models from 6-8k.

I search the forum.

Bocatrip

Considering the car is still 13-15 years old, it's best to try to get as late a model year as possible. Of course service records are of primo importance. Good luck.

slclexus

Wow. I'm sorry, but dogs in a Lexus? Really?
That's what SUVs with cage screens are for.
Unless, of course, your dogs are veeerrrrry discriminating as to their ride.

Doc

Jabberwock

Brakes on the later model year LS400s were much improved over earlier versions

MONFRAN

I think that your best bet would be to spend a little extra money and purchase the LS 430 over the 400. Although the 400 is considered a basic smart move as far as reliability, when problems occur, they occur. If you plan on keeping the car for a period of time (how many years in dogs' life) get the LS 430; if you plan on a short run, get the 400. That's how I would approach the situation.

jimxo

Thanks. I'm looking at the IS300 as well. 2001 can be had for under 7,000. I don't care if the car get beat up a little. I just want a good running car.

MONFRAN

The IS300 is a little small considering you 2 dogs.

MONFRAN

CarGuy89

Yeah the IS is a pretty small car, about the size of a 3 series (which I had for a bit). I always felt a bit squished at 6 ft, 190 lbs (a bit overweight I know haha, but I'm lazy) and I'm sure my backseat passengers did as well. They're more low slung than you probably imagine so getting a dog inside might turn out to be a PITA. If you're just looking to haul dogs around and use it as a beater, why not something like an older Honda CR-V or Toyota Highlander? Maybe a Subie wagon? Those can be had at less than 10k and will be pretty reliable and much cheaper to fix, maintain and put gas in than an LS.