Considering Buying this LS430, Thoughts/Comments?
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
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Hello all,
I've been considering coming back to my roots and getting a Lexus again and am looking for your thoughts. The car I'm looking at is a 2005 LS430 which I will include a link to down below. It has roughly 163,000 miles on it and seems to be in great shape. Price seems OK also, but I'm not filled in on its previous maintenance history as of yet so its hard to say if its a good deal or not. Here's the link: https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
A few questions:
What are the main things I need to look out for as far as the issues that are most common on this model LS? I did a quick search and found a helpful post on this, but I'd like to know what you guys think as well.
As an owner of this car (If you do own an LS430 which I would think some of you do) would you recommend this car?
Thanks,
Wes
I've been considering coming back to my roots and getting a Lexus again and am looking for your thoughts. The car I'm looking at is a 2005 LS430 which I will include a link to down below. It has roughly 163,000 miles on it and seems to be in great shape. Price seems OK also, but I'm not filled in on its previous maintenance history as of yet so its hard to say if its a good deal or not. Here's the link: https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
A few questions:
What are the main things I need to look out for as far as the issues that are most common on this model LS? I did a quick search and found a helpful post on this, but I'd like to know what you guys think as well.
As an owner of this car (If you do own an LS430 which I would think some of you do) would you recommend this car?
Thanks,
Wes
#2
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i bought a 2004 Ultra Luxury with 181000 miles, one owner, full service records and serviced at Lexus dealer only. Paid about the same as what they are asking in the ad. Car runs as if it's new. It sold me on the first test drive.
#3
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It looks like a base model with no Nav and few options. This is a plus. For that money, get as much history and have a reliable mechanic check it out. If body is original and engine and trans strong you should be ok. Plan on spending a few thou to get things in order. If your car had one or two owners is another plus. Good luck and let us know how you make out.
#4
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It would be hard to go wrong at the asking price. I typically look closely at wear items (driver seat and steering wheel are good examples) in forming an initial impression as to the care a car has received. Run the VIN through both Carfax (or the like) and the Lexus driver site to check service and accident history. The former is hardly all-inclusive, but better than nothing.
#5
Pole Position
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It says its a one owner and the price is very good and 40 records on the carfax. Run a carfax and go drive it and if all the vin tags are there buy it.
https://www.auto.com/cars/lexus-ls_4...bn36f455003371
https://www.auto.com/cars/lexus-ls_4...bn36f455003371
Last edited by jimbosr1; 12-05-18 at 09:22 PM.
#6
Lexus Test Driver
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It would be hard to go wrong at the asking price. I typically look closely at wear items (driver seat and steering wheel are good examples) in forming an initial impression as to the care a car has received. Run the VIN through both Carfax (or the like) and the Lexus driver site to check service and accident history. The former is hardly all-inclusive, but better than nothing.
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#8
Intermediate
Thread Starter
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Alright guys, so I have some bad news. I want to trade in my 2005 Prius for this car so I had them take a look and see what they could offer me. They offered me $600... However, this is somewhat understandable for many reasons. The prius has a salavge title, 150,000 miles, the check engine light is on, and it has rust. I can't say it was a waste of time going down to look at the car though since I got an idea of what I can expect to make on my prius if I trade it in. I would have had to pay a $5000 difference which is still a good deal, but I'd rather wait until I can put my prius on the market and try my luck with private party. The saleswoman said that I should expect to make roughly $1500 on it selling it private party.
So, all in all it was worth a shot. I took it for a test drive and it seemed really solid and had no rust whatsoever. The carfax showed that it had minor damage (Backed up into garage door) but nothing major wrong with it. If anyone here is interested in the car its still for sale in Minnesota.
I will definitely be in the market for one of these cars this summer, but until then I'll have to settle for my prius.
Thanks for the input guys!
So, all in all it was worth a shot. I took it for a test drive and it seemed really solid and had no rust whatsoever. The carfax showed that it had minor damage (Backed up into garage door) but nothing major wrong with it. If anyone here is interested in the car its still for sale in Minnesota.
I will definitely be in the market for one of these cars this summer, but until then I'll have to settle for my prius.
Thanks for the input guys!
#9
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Alright guys, so I have some bad news. I want to trade in my 2005 Prius for this car so I had them take a look and see what they could offer me. They offered me $600... However, this is somewhat understandable for many reasons. The prius has a salavge title, 150,000 miles, the check engine light is on, and it has rust. I can't say it was a waste of time going down to look at the car though since I got an idea of what I can expect to make on my prius if I trade it in. I would have had to pay a $5000 difference which is still a good deal, but I'd rather wait until I can put my prius on the market and try my luck with private party. The saleswoman said that I should expect to make roughly $1500 on it selling it private party.
So, all in all it was worth a shot. I took it for a test drive and it seemed really solid and had no rust whatsoever. The carfax showed that it had minor damage (Backed up into garage door) but nothing major wrong with it. If anyone here is interested in the car its still for sale in Minnesota.
I will definitely be in the market for one of these cars this summer, but until then I'll have to settle for my prius.
Thanks for the input guys!
So, all in all it was worth a shot. I took it for a test drive and it seemed really solid and had no rust whatsoever. The carfax showed that it had minor damage (Backed up into garage door) but nothing major wrong with it. If anyone here is interested in the car its still for sale in Minnesota.
I will definitely be in the market for one of these cars this summer, but until then I'll have to settle for my prius.
Thanks for the input guys!
#10
Lexus Fanatic
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I bought my car from a GMC dealership so I learned some things. Never spent more than $2k on a used car before. They will fix things free after the fact. I get the feeling that is a slim chance at a used car dealer, and zero chance with a private sale.
My car had a bunch of things wrong that I missed because my test drive was too short. High mount bulb out. Driver door actuator not working. Brakes pulsating. Zero coolant in reservoir and showing in radiator. Cupholder broken. interior rubbed off on b pillar driver side. driver seat bottom sag. mirror switch non responsive at times. telescope weak. pass mirror glass autodim glass gel gone. Keep in mind this is a Lexus, anything we don't DIY is a joke of a price (example the mirror is like high $400's for the part alone, a brake sensor wire over $100 list)
What surprised me, that was since it was a new car dealer selling a used car, they fixed everything free. I even said I wanted Lexus OE parts used for the brakes. Proving that the dealer had integrity? They returned all the old parts in Lexus boxes, and they told me sorry for the delay we were told to replace the caliper bolts and they are coming. Had to go back for the door actuator.
It's a given imho if the door actuator was not replaced, it's going to need replacement. but I bet a lot of folks out there don't even know. How often does one lock the car, then put the fob out of range, and check the doors to see they are locked?
But also since this is basically a 2000 car, it's easily DIY and maintainable...good luck
My car had a bunch of things wrong that I missed because my test drive was too short. High mount bulb out. Driver door actuator not working. Brakes pulsating. Zero coolant in reservoir and showing in radiator. Cupholder broken. interior rubbed off on b pillar driver side. driver seat bottom sag. mirror switch non responsive at times. telescope weak. pass mirror glass autodim glass gel gone. Keep in mind this is a Lexus, anything we don't DIY is a joke of a price (example the mirror is like high $400's for the part alone, a brake sensor wire over $100 list)
What surprised me, that was since it was a new car dealer selling a used car, they fixed everything free. I even said I wanted Lexus OE parts used for the brakes. Proving that the dealer had integrity? They returned all the old parts in Lexus boxes, and they told me sorry for the delay we were told to replace the caliper bolts and they are coming. Had to go back for the door actuator.
It's a given imho if the door actuator was not replaced, it's going to need replacement. but I bet a lot of folks out there don't even know. How often does one lock the car, then put the fob out of range, and check the doors to see they are locked?
But also since this is basically a 2000 car, it's easily DIY and maintainable...good luck
#11
Intermediate
Thread Starter
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I've got my eyes set on a new potential LS430 for me to buy. I'm going to take a look at it on Tuesday. It has basically a brand new engine that was installed by Lexus. Apparently one of the mechanics forgot to put the gas cap on, so the engine was ruined and had to be replaced. 127,000 miles on the car, and 47,000 on the brand new engine. Owner claims that it was serviced at Lexus its whole life. It is also a three owner car, so that's something to consider. Here's the ad: https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/r...786389656.html
#12
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I bought my car from a GMC dealership so I learned some things. Never spent more than $2k on a used car before. They will fix things free after the fact. I get the feeling that is a slim chance at a used car dealer, and zero chance with a private sale.
My car had a bunch of things wrong that I missed because my test drive was too short. High mount bulb out. Driver door actuator not working. Brakes pulsating. Zero coolant in reservoir and showing in radiator. Cupholder broken. interior rubbed off on b pillar driver side. driver seat bottom sag. mirror switch non responsive at times. telescope weak. pass mirror glass autodim glass gel gone. Keep in mind this is a Lexus, anything we don't DIY is a joke of a price (example the mirror is like high $400's for the part alone, a brake sensor wire over $100 list)
What surprised me, that was since it was a new car dealer selling a used car, they fixed everything free. I even said I wanted Lexus OE parts used for the brakes. Proving that the dealer had integrity? They returned all the old parts in Lexus boxes, and they told me sorry for the delay we were told to replace the caliper bolts and they are coming. Had to go back for the door actuator.
It's a given imho if the door actuator was not replaced, it's going to need replacement. but I bet a lot of folks out there don't even know. How often does one lock the car, then put the fob out of range, and check the doors to see they are locked?
But also since this is basically a 2000 car, it's easily DIY and maintainable...good luck
My car had a bunch of things wrong that I missed because my test drive was too short. High mount bulb out. Driver door actuator not working. Brakes pulsating. Zero coolant in reservoir and showing in radiator. Cupholder broken. interior rubbed off on b pillar driver side. driver seat bottom sag. mirror switch non responsive at times. telescope weak. pass mirror glass autodim glass gel gone. Keep in mind this is a Lexus, anything we don't DIY is a joke of a price (example the mirror is like high $400's for the part alone, a brake sensor wire over $100 list)
What surprised me, that was since it was a new car dealer selling a used car, they fixed everything free. I even said I wanted Lexus OE parts used for the brakes. Proving that the dealer had integrity? They returned all the old parts in Lexus boxes, and they told me sorry for the delay we were told to replace the caliper bolts and they are coming. Had to go back for the door actuator.
It's a given imho if the door actuator was not replaced, it's going to need replacement. but I bet a lot of folks out there don't even know. How often does one lock the car, then put the fob out of range, and check the doors to see they are locked?
But also since this is basically a 2000 car, it's easily DIY and maintainable...good luck
#13
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I've got my eyes set on a new potential LS430 for me to buy. I'm going to take a look at it on Tuesday. It has basically a brand new engine that was installed by Lexus. Apparently one of the mechanics forgot to put the gas cap on, so the engine was ruined and had to be replaced. 127,000 miles on the car, and 47,000 on the brand new engine. Owner claims that it was serviced at Lexus its whole life. It is also a three owner car, so that's something to consider. Here's the ad: https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/r...786389656.html
#14
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Check the folding mirrors to make sure they work properly. If they are set on auto, should fold and extend to correct position. On mine, driver’s overextended making use difficult. Also, mirrors shift down when reversing, returning to normal position after shifting to drive. Mirrors could take days of work by you to correct or hundreds if you pay somebody else to fix.
Also, check all 4 power door locks to make sure they work. This is a common point of headaches also.
Check telescopic operation of steering wheel.
If this stuff doesn’t work, might try to haggle some more money. Some common stuff I found on my car that other people seems to have trouble with also.
Also, check all 4 power door locks to make sure they work. This is a common point of headaches also.
Check telescopic operation of steering wheel.
If this stuff doesn’t work, might try to haggle some more money. Some common stuff I found on my car that other people seems to have trouble with also.
#15
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Rick Sanchez is the smartest man in the universe
Last edited by JffGRY706; 03-01-21 at 06:10 PM.