MobbinVIP

iTrader: (16)

Hey everyone,
I have been in the 2gen GS family for awhile now & thinking about picking up a LS430 or ....

Anyways to my question
The 430 I am looking at is an 02 UL package with around 170,xxx

What do I need to look at so I wont be in the whole with repairs?
What goes out a lot?
What service's should I ask the guy if he has done or not?

Any help would be great! Thanks everyone!

Jabberwock

For that high miles you need to be very sure to check that its had excellent maint history. They can run twice those miles with good maintenance, but if it was poorly maintained in the past you may be buying a money pit on wheels.

Jbthompson

For sure check on timing belt, regular fluid changes and really look over the air suspension. Check power mirrors, door actuators, power door closers and check the glass for delamination. I just bought an 01 ultra with 150k and wouldn't normally consider a car like that but it had been really well taken care of.

MobbinVIP

iTrader: (16)

Thanks for the advice!

The owner said it didn't get driven 90% of the time he has owned it & that at 150k he did major tune-up.
Hopefully I will get a chance this week to go check it out.

Thanks again!

jwillis123

the more the documentation the lower your risk. I would add to Jabberwock's advice by encouraging you to not fall in love with any particular car you look at. Be as patient and as objective as possible. get a good buy and you can fall in love with it later after money changes hands.

There are definitely well cared for LS430's out there. Good luck!:thumbup

MobbinVIP

iTrader: (16)

Thanks

I talked to the guy over the phone earlier & he said some pros & cons
Pros:
Everything power works(windows/seats...)
Kitted
comes with all OEM parts
Major tune-up has been done (water pump, belt, etc)

Cons:
He said that a rock hit the sensor/laser for the cruise control? He said it wouldn't work anyways because the kit blocks it?
Q-panel has been rolled/pulled & need to be repainted
He also said something about breaking from high speeds it gets shaky?
wheels have been crkd & fixed 3 times

jessehu

wheels with that many repairs might be causing the shake at high way speed?
you should drive the car yourself to get a good judgment

ippo

If it shakes, I wouldn't take it.

I had a 1GS which shakes pretty bad when braking on a cruise speed. It could be anything, if it's just the wheels than it's fine but you won't know until you put other ones on it and test drive it. Maybe he still has the stock wheels to test?

Few days ago I just made an emergency brake while driving 105mph (I just saw a motor mice in time :P) and was braking 'till 75mph. The LS slowed down like a tank! Straight line, no shaking, it felt solid as rock.

MobbinVIP

iTrader: (16)

I might not get the wheels just because of the abuse they have seen

He does have the stock wheels & I am planning on test driving it with the stock wheels not the 20's that he has now. Hopefully it will be a quick fix if anything

ippo

I hope so too, keep us posted!

Jabberwock

Sounds way to to modded for me. But different strokes for different folks.

hypervish

If the car shakes when braking from highway speeds, then the rotors are likely warped or their is pad buildup on the rotor.

warminwisc

My 04 has 175k miles and is really solid, so miles do not equal the problems you have. Look elsewhere, Autotrader private owners and expect to drive or fly after it checks out with an inspection and full service history paint work check.

MikeFoxx

iTrader: (8)

Great advice in here .... In the same boat as op. good luck on the hunt!!!

sajack

Buy a factory stock LS That hasn't been messed with. Most LS 's were originally owned by conservative, well-to-do folks who had better things to do than screw with their cars.