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Seems like the prices are going up on Ls430's with mileage under 100,000.
This wouldn't surprise me. Why? Because I want one and am in the market to buy one. I swear, I could be in the market for a Yugo and the price will jump 5K by the time I'm ready to buy.
Seems like the prices are going up on Ls430's with mileage under 100,000.
Hope you're right, LS430FL. We paid $16.9k for an 06 with 48K miles. Hopefully we can drive it for a few short years and sell it while still under 100k and get into an '11 460L.
Edit: Just caught myself. We won't be selling. Already promised the 06 LS to my Dad when we upgrade to a 460L someday.
My buddy insists on southern cars.....well, easy for him since he lives in Tampa. I had been using cars.com for the most part, and kept my eye on one in particular, because it was in FLA for 8 yrs per carfax. Once I bought the car and linked the VIN to me, the lexus driver website matched up with carfax. 81k and no timing belt--I'm on the fence about it. > 9 yrs., and 90k coming up. I did find a Japanese indie but have yet to ask for the price.
IF YOU ARE BUYING FROM A LEXUS DEALERSHIP, I can tell you from experience, 2 stated they will replace the timing belt and water pump, to be included at the selling price. Since I did not buy either car, I did not try to negotiate a lower selling price, and the timing belt. Not all LS430's are overpriced at dealers--I saw a '05 with 88k, asking $14,600. A bit high, but not overly high. Willing to do the timing belt/water pump at $14,600. The body had been repaired as I could see with my own two eyes, even though carfax was clean 1 owner no accidents (food for thought).
I've put 1,000 miles on the car I bought 2 wks ago already, it had the typical issues......3rd brake light, front ash tray 12V outlet, door actuator driver's door not functioning, one master key fob dead (broke apart when replacing battery, the piece that holds the key out and in), hood and trunk struts weak, telescope motor dying, rear sunshade not extending on one side, mirrors acting funny to include the switch, rain sensor not acting as I would expect (checked and yes to Lexus windshield), but might be normal. Maybe these are things you can check on your potential cars.
The most important to me, the door actuator, was replaced free of charge. I hadn't used a key in 18 years to lock/unlock--first world problems, eh? Good luck.
edit: I'm thinking that to our advantage....this is a car that not everybody likes--it is big and seems to imply retirement. My buddy made a joke (and he owned a 2nd gen LS), to stop obsessing over the mpgs, and start memorizing early bird specials and the best places for shuffleboard. And I know from my own observation at a Lexus event in summer 2005--even at that time nobody was interested in the 2006 LS430. No line to drive the car, line for the other models. So the desirability factor, plus the fact that these are driven by some who don't drive a lot, is really in our favor when we're trying to buy a used one. Mine sold from a new car dealer at the average private party price per kbb--the door actuator and front brakes/OEM parts (the old brakes were 20% worn and I saw they are Akebono pads--I think the rotors are some cheap replacements though and were pulsating) aren't getting done by a private party, for that price....
Hate to say it but most people see an LS as a bland looking car that's at least 10 years old. Private party sales usual sit for awhile then the seller lowers the price, etc, etc. Also lots of "fantasy pricing" on Craig's. However a good one at a California Lex dealer usually disappears pretty quickly. Found a just listed 04 Briarwood ML (100k) at a Bay Area Lexus dealer. Needed a window motor and some small stuff. Dealer would't cover. Went back the next day to buy it anyway. Sold for 12. There was a very nice 04 Cypress Pearl ML w/ 100k (Lexus of Marin) for 13. Sold instantly. I bought my 04 Cypress Pearl ML Sports (100k) the day it listed. Guess it also depends where the car is located. CA is a unique market. It's hard to find low mileage cars. When dealers list lower mileage cars, it is always a premium price.
Hope you're right, LS430FL. We paid $16.9k for an 06 with 48K miles. Hopefully we can drive it for a few short years and sell it while still under 100k and get into an '11 460L.
Edit: Just caught myself. We won't be selling. Already promised the 06 LS to my Dad when we upgrade to a 460L someday.
16.9 at LOR? that's a realistic price considering the mileage and package. Lexus of Pleasanton has an 04 Base in the 16's (I think 16.9). Sounds like your car is starting to feel like a Lexus. You may end keeping it for awhile. Take a look at the 4th Generation section. There's a lot more discussion about mechanical problems than in here.
16.9 at LOR? that's a realistic price considering the mileage and package. Lexus of Pleasanton has an 04 Base in the 16's (I think 16.9). Sounds like your car is starting to feel like a Lexus. You may end keeping it for awhile. Take a look at the 4th Generation section. There's a lot more discussion about mechanical problems than in here.
You are absolutely right, tallcaguy. I had all these lofty expectations and a grand perception of the LS but was a little disappointed after a month of ownership. But now, after the right tires (Pirelli P7+) and proper tranny fluid level, the car is really starting to shine and, like you said, starting to feel more like the Lexus flagship. I may very well end up driving it a long time. As much as I'd like a LWB 460, I'm not in any rush at the moment.
We purchased our 06 private party from a very nice lady in Los Altos, CA. There were other interested buyers that came by with devices to measure the paint thickness and even someone that was ready to get on a plane from out-of-State to come and see/buy the car. My Dad and I drove down to Los Altos twice in the same day (3x total over the weekend, ~800 miles total) to close the deal but all worth it in the end.
You are absolutely right, tallcaguy. I had all these lofty expectations and a grand perception of the LS but was a little disappointed after a month of ownership. But now, after the right tires (Pirelli P7+) and proper tranny fluid level, the car is really starting to shine and, like you said, starting to feel more like the Lexus flagship. I may very well end up driving it a long time. As much as I'd like a LWB 460, I'm not in any rush at the moment.
We purchased our 06 private party from a very nice lady in Los Altos, CA. There were other interested buyers that came by with devices to measure the paint thickness and even someone that was ready to get on a plane from out-of-State to come and see/buy the car. My Dad and I drove down to Los Altos twice in the same day (3x total over the weekend, ~800 miles total) to close the deal but all worth it in the end.
Glad it's working out. Even if nice, an older used car usually needs some small repairs and adjusts. Once you get a 430 running smoothly, it's hard to find something else that drives as well. Maybe the 460 but doesn't sound like they are quite as reliable (especially the early ones). Has anyone heard of something to measure paint thickness? It would have to be incredibly accurate.
Salsaman, I'm also on the fence about when to change the TB on our '06. We purchased six months ago with 48k and I had every intention of doing the TB since it's 10 years old. However, 9500 miles later and I still haven't done it. Thinking I may do the spark plugs and TB by the end of the year. To answer your question though, if I was buying out-of-state I would probably just drive it 1500 miles home (assuming everything else on the car was working properly).
Johnhav430, my independent mechanic quoted $695 for the timing belt, water pump, and a few other belts (parts, tax, and labor all included). He said it's another $200 if I want to do the idler pulleys too and belt tensioner but that those are normally not due until a very long time. Here's an image of the quote:
Salsaman/Johnhav, just had the TB/WP and sparkplug service today at 59,020 miles. The old TB still looked and felt strong without signs of wear. I believe the old TB is about 11.7 years old. Here are some pics of the old TB:
Salsaman/Johnhav, just had the TB/WP and sparkplug service today at 59,020 miles. The old TB still looked and felt strong without signs of wear. I believe the old TB is about 11.7 years old. Here are some pics of the old TB:
thanks for posting pics FT1, nice to see the potential effect of time....doesn't seem very bad. Doesn't seem like time itself is a big factor per the pics....
10-17-16 | 05:40 PM
