tobe1424

Hello CL

I need some advice.

I am going to a bit of a crisis since I purchased my 03 ls430 UL 89K miles for $13,600 from a dealer. I am 26 years old and my salary is comparable to that of a school teacher. I've financed newer sport cars: 06 Mustang GT, 04 RSX type S -for more money! But now my significant other says I made a horrible choice by financing a 9 year old car with 90K miles on it. She despises the choice and she hates the car for some reason. Mind you, everyone else is bedazzled by the car.

I decided to purchase an ls430 since i want to slow down a bit and enjoy full blown luxury and avoid any speeding urges i get while I drive a sports car. Not to mention I almost killed my self in my former car(06 mustang gt) when I knocked over 2 giant tree.

With all this said, do you guys think I made a bad choice for the following reasons?

-Buying a car this old doesn't make sense?
-the price of ownership is ridiculously expensive?
-car with that many miles is a POS?
-paying >$300/month for a honda accord lease is a smarter idea than owning an 03 ls430 for >$300/month...(PS. I hate leasing cars)


The car is in good/excellent condition In/out with 0 accidents and all service records. I personally enjoy in fixing things myself if I could. I am a retired part time hobby auto technician. I have build several engines from scratch to say the least. But still carry the love of fixing things. I am good at fishing for deals on the web. And I strongly believe that owning a car isn't an a investment. But a car like this will be superior to many and it will easily last 200 -300K the way I maintain my cars. I also look forward to the 5 year mark for my car payments to end. And then keep the car for another 5 years and take advantage of not having car payments and having one nice car for long road trips

CL: Does it sound like I am stuck in deep waters? Or is purchasing this car a smart/joyful decision

My final words: Best car in the world in terms of luxury, ride, maintenance, overall cost when compared to other vehicles...at the end of the day it's one bad aZz Yota!

ancdmd

No you made a good choice, and your girl should appreciate it. These cars are just getting broken in at 90k miles. The only thing to have a slight concern about is that you have the 90k service to do if it hasn't been done already, its the timing belt/water pump/spark plugs and maybe valve cover gaskets and a few other items. Since its the UL the air suspension can get expensive to repair, each shock costs $900 for the part alone. One option in this case is to get a coilover setup from BC or Megan and be done with the air suspension altogether, but cross that bridge when the time comes.

I'd advise making sure the service is up to date, remove all the trans fluid (@11 quarts) and replace it with Amsoil fluid, and you should be good to go for another 100k miles. Minor things will need attention from time to time but nothing that can't be fixed with a reasonable amount of money provided you check on here for repair advice and get parts from Sewell with the clublexus discount.

tobe1424

Thanks ancdmd. I appreciate your input.

I forgot to mention that 3k miles ago they changed the valve cover gaskets, all fluids were flushed...from brake to transmission..filters...etc...i am just worried about the timing belt (which i just say a DIY thread on here) and the air springs..which is the bridge you mentioned i should cross when i get there..

thanks again for your input and advice.

t

Jbthompson

Don't sweat it. I am in a similar situation as you, just bought an 01 UL and have had moments of panic about financing an older car. My friends rag me for wasting money on an expensive car, but my car cost half of what theirs did and mine is way nicer.

You made a good choice, these are great cars that will last a long time. You could have bought a new Hyundai!!!! But who wants that!!????

Jbthompson

Also with a lease you are stuck with it. Atleast with a finance deal you can sell and walk away!

jimbosr1

these cars are tanks,dont worry.i paid $31k for my 06 over 2 years ago at 3,75 percent.
i just refianced it and took out $12k equity for a total of $29k at 2.49 percent for 48 months.how many cars can you say that about?

Dirtyd210

Paying close to 14K is 2004+face lift model $$$... base model,,,that is.. I guess for the extra 03 Ultra Lux features under 90k its not a bad deal.... I would just hate to be making a car payment down the line when one of those "little" things do pop up... Not a bad deal tho..

I've put 80k in the 3 yrs I've owned mine and i havent had any huge problems yet.. Just hit 200k a few weeks ago..

Congrats on the ride...

tobe1424

good deal with the refinancing!

Im sure your car will see the 300K mark with no hesitation. I forgot to mention that I walk to work everyday...i average about 6-9k per year on miles...hopefully the LS will appreciate that..

i was craving for a 04' facelift model but they all had plenty of miles and were not UL. Plus this one also had the records for its 90K maintenance...

tobe1424

sorry for the small pic..i forgot to use m$ powertoys to resize.

DSFBLEXUS

Just bought my 06 LS ML w/ 64k last friday. Same thought process went thru my head for months-r these 200x models worth it? Im a 30 year old high school teacher/coach and feel like a true high roller right now knowing im driving a $65k flagship and paid less for what a brand new chevy impala costs(my previous whip). From what everyone has said these LSs r in it for the long run. Great Choice- tell wifey to enjoy the ride

john339

We just purchased a 2001 ls and my wife wasn't happy about the car.
Only two or three weeks new and she loves it. Quiet, nice sound system and all the comforts of our living room. Maybe more.
She will love it when her friends see it and start asking questions.

yoreg1911

Sir, you have a great ride. I have an 03 LS430 UL with about 45000K on it and I have not had any trouble with it. It still handles like new. My only suggestion would be to get the timing belt done due to the miles and also the age of the vehicle. Other than that you should be set for a while. I suggest the timing belt replacement because you probably have an interference engine and if it breaks it would be bad. Take your lady friend on a long drive and I believe she will appreciate the car then.

yoreg1911

I had the same experience with my wife. She wants one now. Go Lexus.

yoreg1911

I totally understand about having the car down the line and having an issue pop up but I suggest keep up with the recommended service and you should be fine.

yoreg1911

I too wanted the new facelift but when I found my 03 430LS UL with low miles (38K) and one owner last year I had to get it. I am thoroughly happy. Safe travels...