Budget of ~$10k - should I consider an LS430?
11-10-13, 08:32 PM
#16
Okay, so I'm finding 2004's with 120-150k miles in the $12-13k range within a 500 miles radius on craigslist. I'm also finding 2005's and 06's with 180-200k miles in the $11-13k range.
We've narrowed what we want down to a 2004-2006 LS430, ideally with the Custom Luxury package, otherwise with the Modern Luxury + Sports package. My dad owns an 05 ultra luxury, and the only problems he's had in the last 80k miles has been that suspension. I don't mind high mileage, but what specifically would you all be concerned about with a 190k mi car vs a 130k mile car? Other than the gadgety electronic features, making sure they all work, are there any significant mechanical concerns with these cars as their miles climb?
We've narrowed what we want down to a 2004-2006 LS430, ideally with the Custom Luxury package, otherwise with the Modern Luxury + Sports package. My dad owns an 05 ultra luxury, and the only problems he's had in the last 80k miles has been that suspension. I don't mind high mileage, but what specifically would you all be concerned about with a 190k mi car vs a 130k mile car? Other than the gadgety electronic features, making sure they all work, are there any significant mechanical concerns with these cars as their miles climb?
In general, going with lower mileage is always a better decision vs newer year with all things equal. We all know things are never equal but I think you know what I mean.
How many owners, service records, and weather / road conditions are just a few factors. I personally would go for the lower mileage vs higher mileage car. Don't forget about the $1400 90 thousand mile timing belt / water pump maintenance.
Why not look for a 98 - 2000 LS400? Private owner should get you a low mileage model for less then 8 grand.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 11-10-13 at 08:40 PM.
11-10-13, 08:42 PM
#17
UL conversion to coils / struts is really not that expensive. Not too much more then replacing the shocks on a worn out standard setup. And by 180,000 miles 80% of the stock suspension will need new struts / shocks.
In general, going with lower mileage is always a better decision vs newer year with all things equal. We all know things are never equal but I think you know what I mean.
How many owners, service records, and weather / road conditions are just a few factors. I personally would go for the lower mileage vs higher mileage car. Don't forget about the $1400 90 thousand mile timing belt / water pump maintenance.
Why not look for an 98 - 2000 LS400? Private owner should get you a low mileage model for less then 8 grand.
In general, going with lower mileage is always a better decision vs newer year with all things equal. We all know things are never equal but I think you know what I mean.
How many owners, service records, and weather / road conditions are just a few factors. I personally would go for the lower mileage vs higher mileage car. Don't forget about the $1400 90 thousand mile timing belt / water pump maintenance.
Why not look for an 98 - 2000 LS400? Private owner should get you a low mileage model for less then 8 grand.
I'm curious about this suspension conversion. I have no interest in slamming the car as seems to be popular. I would want as close to the stock euro tuned suspension as possible. How much could I do the whole swap for when the need arose if I got the UL?
11-10-13, 08:46 PM
#18
The LS400 seems to be a fantastic car, it just doesn't do it for me. I'd rather pay a little more and get a lot more.
I'm curious about this suspension conversion. I have no interest in slamming the car as seems to be popular. I would want as close to the stock euro tuned suspension as possible. How much could I do the whole swap for when the need arose if I got the UL?
I'm curious about this suspension conversion. I have no interest in slamming the car as seems to be popular. I would want as close to the stock euro tuned suspension as possible. How much could I do the whole swap for when the need arose if I got the UL?
11-10-13, 09:16 PM
#19
don't be afraid to low ball these dealers , sometimes these cars sit on the lot for month and months , and they just want to make space.
I purchased my 03 with 68 000miles for $7850+ $65.00 for certification.
I know I was incredibly lucky but if you work hard at it you can find the right car for you , $10 000 is a lot of money, you should have no problem finding a decent one.
I purchased my 03 with 68 000miles for $7850+ $65.00 for certification.
I know I was incredibly lucky but if you work hard at it you can find the right car for you , $10 000 is a lot of money, you should have no problem finding a decent one.
11-11-13, 02:12 AM
#20
Driver School Candidate
The Canadian car prices is mush cheaper, then US one.
In USA you can get for 10 k, something like 2001-2003 no navi screen, but 100k miles or with screen but 160 k miles.
Or you can get something, with some amount of work, even chipper then 10k.
I get my 2001 black on black 160 k, Navi, clean title, with some problems, and already fixed, by myself for less then 600$.
Paid for the car 6k 3 month ago.
So you need to shop around, to get most valuable deal, for the money that you have in your pocket.
In USA you can get for 10 k, something like 2001-2003 no navi screen, but 100k miles or with screen but 160 k miles.
Or you can get something, with some amount of work, even chipper then 10k.
I get my 2001 black on black 160 k, Navi, clean title, with some problems, and already fixed, by myself for less then 600$.
Paid for the car 6k 3 month ago.
So you need to shop around, to get most valuable deal, for the money that you have in your pocket.
11-12-13, 10:59 AM
#22
Could you guys offer feedback on this one?
http://www.galesburgtoyota.com/vehic...s?vuid=4747825
The carfax shows no accidents, regular servicing at a lexus dealership, 2 owners.
If I can talk them down to $10k and doing the timing belt swap (and any other occasional pricey maintenance) do you guys think this could be a good buy despite the high mileage?
http://www.galesburgtoyota.com/vehic...s?vuid=4747825
The carfax shows no accidents, regular servicing at a lexus dealership, 2 owners.
If I can talk them down to $10k and doing the timing belt swap (and any other occasional pricey maintenance) do you guys think this could be a good buy despite the high mileage?
11-12-13, 03:28 PM
#24
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/og02x85cjehb60r/3EDqN8PQjB
That's the carfax. First owner about 115k in about 4.5 years (25k mi per year). Second owner added 60k in 3 years (20k per year).
11-12-13, 03:58 PM
#25
don't be afraid to low ball these dealers , sometimes these cars sit on the lot for month and months , and they just want to make space.
I purchased my 03 with 68 000miles for $7850+ $65.00 for certification.
I know I was incredibly lucky but if you work hard at it you can find the right car for you , $10 000 is a lot of money, you should have no problem finding a decent one.
I purchased my 03 with 68 000miles for $7850+ $65.00 for certification.
I know I was incredibly lucky but if you work hard at it you can find the right car for you , $10 000 is a lot of money, you should have no problem finding a decent one.
If it didn't, somebody REALLY screwed up at that dealership, unless they just give away LS's in Toronto. A car like that at a dealership in the US would probably be at least $15,000. And usually cars are cheaper in the States than they are Canada, at least that''s been my experience.
I definitely wouldn't use that as an example of a typical deal someone can find, that's like hitting the jackpot at Vegas.
