LS430 Owners; What would you buy if you couldn't quite afford an LS430?
07-14-22, 09:02 AM
#46
Instructor
I'm starting to get the feeling that buying a $10k '04 LS430 is a risky move. I'm selling a BMW M5 to get away from 'risky', and $14k+ is out of my budget at this point.
So I'm curious, if you were to spend less than that, say $8k or less, and your desire was an '04 LS430 in terms of build quality, reliability, power, modern-ness, amenities, reliability, appearance, build quality, and reliability, what would be your pick?
The top two that come to mind for consideration are the 1998-2000 LS400, and the 2001-2005 GS430. My impression is that the LS is a higher build quality, while the GS is more modern, and a bit quicker. Since it's a car primarily for my wife at this point, I've been encouraged to look at the 2004 RX330 as well, which is closer to $9k.
Thoughts?
Edit: I also see a fair number of '01-'03 LS430's around $8k. If I'm honest, I have a really tough time getting over the appearance of it. That said, if it's 3x the car vs any other option, and you believe I can get a great example at $8k, I'd be open to looking at that option as well. Just curious what you would do with that budget?
So I'm curious, if you were to spend less than that, say $8k or less, and your desire was an '04 LS430 in terms of build quality, reliability, power, modern-ness, amenities, reliability, appearance, build quality, and reliability, what would be your pick?
The top two that come to mind for consideration are the 1998-2000 LS400, and the 2001-2005 GS430. My impression is that the LS is a higher build quality, while the GS is more modern, and a bit quicker. Since it's a car primarily for my wife at this point, I've been encouraged to look at the 2004 RX330 as well, which is closer to $9k.
Thoughts?
Edit: I also see a fair number of '01-'03 LS430's around $8k. If I'm honest, I have a really tough time getting over the appearance of it. That said, if it's 3x the car vs any other option, and you believe I can get a great example at $8k, I'd be open to looking at that option as well. Just curious what you would do with that budget?
Ford Crown Victoria models through 2012
Lincoln Town Car models through 2011
Many fine examples still out there. Cheap prices. Parts easily obtainable. (300,000 mile life easily if engine oil changed regularly. Many livery vehicles of this platform were driven 400,000 and 500,000 miles.) Guy down the street just bought a 2008 Town Car with 90,000 miles on from an elderly lady (original owner) for $1500. It looks great. Crazy prices still being asked by dealers. Suggest trying to buy from owner if looking for any of these great cars....
07-14-22, 06:43 PM
#47
Nissan/Infiniti had some relatively low production V8 RWD models I considered buying at some points in my life.
The 02-04 M45 was a complete failure for them but overall a very solid car despite the ugly dashboard and controversial exterior design. They were rare to begin with but now years can go by without seeing one. It will never become a collector car worth six figures but had I gotten it when they were selling for under $10K in good shape, I would have kept it around.
The other Infiniti to buy is the 99-01 Q45t or Anniversary Edition with the more aggressive suspension and body work. This is a hated car in the enthusiast community but I tend to disagree with the criticism. Yes, it is a total pig on gas and kind of slow but it is a luxury cruiser that was never made to go fast. People think that because it uses a timing chain that means it is maintenance free. The tension/guides let go and destroy them as the chain also stretches with age. I personally LOVE the conservative styling inside and out. Only the gauge cluster looks very cheap and out of place in the flagship sedan. A super nice one was in the $7-9K range about 10 years ago. Now they have a bit of a cult following. Some pop up on Autotrader once in a while but the nice ones are gone in a few days.
The 01-03 Jaguar XJR and XJ Sport were also great buys 10 years ago. These can never be primary transportation but are more like toys for adults. They will break and it will cost big bucks to fix them properly. The exterior styling is outstanding. The interior is good but on the cheap side when it comes to small details. The XJRs have gone crazy in price. It is over $20K now to get into one worth owning.
The 02-04 M45 was a complete failure for them but overall a very solid car despite the ugly dashboard and controversial exterior design. They were rare to begin with but now years can go by without seeing one. It will never become a collector car worth six figures but had I gotten it when they were selling for under $10K in good shape, I would have kept it around.
The other Infiniti to buy is the 99-01 Q45t or Anniversary Edition with the more aggressive suspension and body work. This is a hated car in the enthusiast community but I tend to disagree with the criticism. Yes, it is a total pig on gas and kind of slow but it is a luxury cruiser that was never made to go fast. People think that because it uses a timing chain that means it is maintenance free. The tension/guides let go and destroy them as the chain also stretches with age. I personally LOVE the conservative styling inside and out. Only the gauge cluster looks very cheap and out of place in the flagship sedan. A super nice one was in the $7-9K range about 10 years ago. Now they have a bit of a cult following. Some pop up on Autotrader once in a while but the nice ones are gone in a few days.
The 01-03 Jaguar XJR and XJ Sport were also great buys 10 years ago. These can never be primary transportation but are more like toys for adults. They will break and it will cost big bucks to fix them properly. The exterior styling is outstanding. The interior is good but on the cheap side when it comes to small details. The XJRs have gone crazy in price. It is over $20K now to get into one worth owning.
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