Comprsrguy

Hello all, been lurking on here for awhile and just joined today for my first post. Recently purchased a well kept 03 Lexus LS 430 with 94k miles, non ML, non Nav. It's my "new" sales car after selling my 2000 Lexus LS 400 with 220K, which still ran like a sewing machine. The one before that was a 2002 Lexus IS 300. Before these I was a Acura/Honda fan but after driving the LS series I am convinced these are some of, if not the best, most reliable vehicles ever mfg, bar none. Anyway, got the 2003 for a really good price $7,700. Note, I sold the LS 400 for $5k so do the math!! Incredible. It has always been a N.C. car and garaged kept with no accident history. No dents or dings! The underneath is even spotless! It's getting harder and harder to find these low mile jewels. Looks like a found another winner! Thanks again guys for a great forum!

JJLS430

Beautiful car...congrats!

LSGarry

Nice looking ride and I like the white with the chrome wheels. Sounds like you got a good deal on it to. I just sold my '02 with 156K on it for $8300.
Enjoy your new ride.

tallcaguy

Welcome to the club. Congrats on a nice car. Agree the white w/ chrome looks good.

tallcaguy

You did pretty well considering the 156. Am sure the car looked perfect. Did the Sport help? Have an 04 ML Sport (108). Full dealer service records. Looks good, runs perfectly. Well some chips on the hood (paint not electronic). I've been told it's 12 private sale (CA). Based on comments in here, probably 10 (non CA).

Bocatrip

Yes, you have done very well with you LS400 trading into the 03 LS430 with very little extra money for the exchange. Most impressive is what you got for your LS400. Wow! Regardless, no matter how well maintained our older LS430s are and( they are all older lol) they do require repairs that are not obvious but around the corner regardless of the condition you purchased it at. I figure any newly purchased LS430 regardless of condition (if not repairing on your own) just add $1500-$2000 within the first year to get it just the way it should be. LS430 repairs are extremely expensive and many things do break or are not in working condition. Suspension alone is costly and most early cars do not have bushings and ball joints replaced not to mention oil leaks which are just starting as well as the rear main seal wihich doesn't show it's ugly head until it's dripping on the floor. Good luck my friend. You have a beautiful car and I wish you many miles of trouble free driving. I understand your fondness for our cars as after 8 years of ownership I'm not giving up my 2001 LS430! Enjoy

tallcaguy

In the LS's I've owned, no major problems (other than predictable TB and LCA's). A good service history a must for these cars. Are oil leaks more likely to happen in LS's in states that have winters or big temp changes? We get hot summers (100+) but mine stays under the car cover on those days. Generally drive pretty moderately. It's a Sport so does get pushed occasionally. Surprisingly it now shifts super smooth (did 2 D/F's 5k ago). Like any used car, takes awhile (and some $$) to get it in good shape.

LSGarry

I don't believe the "sport" helped all that much in this particular sale as the guy who found it on Craigs was looking for a car for his sister to drive. He came over for a look and quick drive and then called his sister that he had found the car for her and gave me some $$ to hold it till she could get here. Once she got here she walked around it and then handed me the asking price in cash. Got lucky on that one but I think she did also.
Sounds like you have a sweetie of a car there and wouldn't be surprised if with patience you could get your 12K there in Cali.

Legender

Steal of a deal on that car. Nice find and congrats on the sale and upgrade to the 430.

caverman

Nice car!

Looks like it's absolutely worth the $2k upgrade.