semar

is the 2002 ls430 rustprone? How do cars from the east stand up to salted roads?
Is the exhaust system a stainless steel product?

from newbie checking out first buy

98SNAKETR

subbed

I'd like to know this as well

warminwisc

200k plus miles on two ls's never even a blister of rust in wisco with plenty of winter driving. Steel exhaust not sure never a problem or heard of one on this site so I assume SS.

Owczar

LS430 from 200 to 2003 have a problem with rust under door panel and trunk cover.
Exhaust is a stainless steel product, but after 100k miles you could have problems with it. It depends on which climate it was used.

You can find some photos on this forum.

warminwisc

Too bad about Gen 1. Mine where 04

semar

@owczar
can you be more specific? Like inside of the doorframe? or just where the door frame touches the door sill? does the door have drainholes?
what part of the exhaust will rust? muffler? center section, all of it?
where do you buy replacement parts?

Owczar

I found some topics:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ving-rust.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-the-hood.html

There is some topics on another forum but I am noit sure if I can give links.

You can find some photos by search phrase ls430 rust on google images.


Entire exhaust isn`t top quality, but at first there will be hole on mufflers. I didn`t replaced it becouse it is still silent, but I saw holes on the top of mufflers. I was looking for used parts but I saw that is a common problem. I will order custom parts or I will look for OEM parts.

I think that salt in cold climates has an big impact for this situation.

semar

I have used POR 15 for rusttreatment with great success on areas that are not visible externally (unless you crawl under the car or lay on your back and admire the underside of the door)