The car I was looking at in south carolina sold before I could get down to see it so I'm back at it again. I just found a 2006 custom luxury, black on black in what appears to be excellent condition both inside and out with 91,000 miles on it. Its fully serviced minus the 90,000 service that the owner declined i guess because they knew they were selling it or trading it in. The Water Pump and Timing Belt was changed 11/22/2014 at 65,006 miles. The car has radar cruise control as well. They are asking $12,450. What do you think? Its a dealer car as well. Its also another car that I would have to try and fly out to somehow to see which at this time of the year is crazy $$$. I feel like this could be the one if I move fast enough. Thinking about having a company such as Lemon Squad check the car out for me. I know from what Ive read that it isn't optimum but my options are limited.

 

I'll throw my numbers out, paid $14.x in 2016, 81,000 miles. Today I have 111k, and carfax shows my car as being worth $5,220.

I tell myself well as long as you don't plan on selling, ignore the $5,220. But the reality is that kind of depreciation in only 26 mos. is on par with a brand new car. But it is so large because I overpaid.

Assuming the car you're looking at has less miles than mine, maybe it's worth $6,500? Now that's trade-in and you're buying retail, so sure the dealer has to make some money. But not $6k. I'd offer $9k, let them ask you to leave, and go up to $9800. Don't end up like me! And to show I'm not a complete idiot, there were cars like mine selling for over $16k at the time at the Carmax's of the world, and my car was originally listed at $15,800!

(to put it in perspective, say I overpaid by $3k--well, at least I enjoy the vehicle, can work on it, and I did not buy a Golf R or M2, which I was considering prior--I'd be on the hook for that for another year in payments, but on top of that, I would have squandered over 50k)

 

I wouldn't worry about the timing belt/water pump as it was done in 2014 so you are good there. Price is too high in my opinion. $10,000 seems to be a more realistic price. . We are talking about a 13 year old car but of course price is determined by what the consumer is willing to pay. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

I do intend to keep the car forever as thats what I do with my cars. But yea I think you guys are right, shoot around that price and see what happens. I told myself I didn't want to pay more than 10,500. I just can't seem to find a car I really want close to me thats not 600 miles away hahaha.

 

Little,Check out this dealer in atlanta they have a one owner 05 with 40k miles asking $12900. My be some wiggle room.
Marietta Auto Sales

 

It is certainly possible to get a bargain because these cars are pretty old. But in most cases at this point there is going to be a very a significant difference between well maintained cream puff LS430s and the average LS430 that has some combination of high miles, sketchy maintenance, and is beat/worn inside and out.

If a buyer wants premium quality well maintained LS430 they will most likely have to pay a premium price especially if the seller is car savvy, patient, and knows the value of what they are selling (like a large car dealer).

I'm guessing nobody is getting my car for less than $10-12K at some point in the future given the shape that I keep it and because I am quite happy to wait as long as it takes for the right buyer to come along (if and when I do sell it).

 

My take is that a 2006 Custom Luxury with DRCC and PCS is the most desirable of all LS430's. I tried to find a 2005 or 2006 in around 2009 and I couldn't find a single one in a nationwide search. I found a few Custom Luxury's but none had DRCC and PCS and none of those were in a color I liked.

I wouldn't worry about paying a little more than you think it's worth if you are going to keep it a long time. A few on Lexus forums called me crazy in 2003 when I paid "too much" for a 38K mile perfect metallic white 2000 LS400 - about 205 from the last LS400 made - but it was EXACTLY what I wanted in color, equipment and condition and I drove the car 140K miles/11 years before selling it to a friend. I never for a minute regretted the purchase.

 

Don't be afraid to "overpay" a bit for a car IF it's nice and has the color/options that you most desire. Enlist Lemon Squad pronto and take it from there.

 

Looks to be in excellent condition with a great service history. If it were me, I would have them drop it off at the Lexus dealer for a PPI. If everything came back ok, purchase it and have the car shipped to you. That's what we did with our SC430. Never saw it in person. Btw, looking at comparable '06s on AutoTrader I think it's worth $11-12k. Over paying a little isn't a big deal with these cars especially if it's what you want.

 

A couple of thoughts. I would not be afraid to "pay up" for the right car. You are looking for a very specific car that hasn't been produced for 12 to 13 years. You will drive it for a long time. If it is what you what, buy it enjoy it and ignore those on this forum saying you paid too much. It is unlikely you will find another.

I used Lemon Check to buy a '06 ML w/42k from Lexus of Tuscon sight unseen. It was very helpful and worth the money. Alternatively or in addition, see if a Club Lexus member lives in the area and ask them to check it out for you. Many are generous with their time and would be happy to do it for you.

 

In a strange sense this vehicle is an oddity...it's one of those cars that for the most part cannot be killed it just goes and goes. Set it and forget it. Then tech-wise it's basically a 2000 car, simple, no direct injection, no turbos, almost a 90's DME or what do you call it the brains of the car.

Like a Land Cruiser. Again, if driving forever (be forewarned that could be a long time), cost is less relevant. But also be practical and don't end up paying for stuff out if the gate, have the seller do that.

I suggest a nice 2 hour test drive as if you are running errands locally. This would uncover stuff that's broke.

edit ECU was what I was trying to think of but I call it a DME

 

Well once again I'm too late. It's SOLD.
Back to the drawing board for maybe one last time and then I may be moving on from this car.

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I believe it is possible to find the car you want if you keep looking. There are plenty of good examples out there. But, you have to act fast when you see the one you want! They do not last long...

 

No kidding. I saw a mint 2006 maybe 45 miles from my house. It was a one-owner car, with 65k miles. He only put it on his local Craigslist, with a price of $13k, and it was gone within a day.

 

Hang in there, one will come along. I snagged mine the day the dealer posted it about 200 miles from my location. Gave them a $500 deposit over the phone, drove down and picked it up the next day. As a price reference, I paid $8500 for my 05 in April, with 117K on it. Full documentation, timing belt done at 91K. Good luck!