Difference between LS430 01-03 and 04+ models
03-01-19, 04:50 PM
#46
Back on topic:
OP - I chose a '03 LS430 due to one of the recognized and mentioned maintenance items: easy to service transmission w/dipstick and proven 5 speed transmission at the time of purchase mid-2017.
No issues with the purported radiator or wheel bearings you mentioned thus far, nor noted in any of my vehicles previous maintenance records via lexus drivers owner site.
Good luck! It's difficult to go wrong with any well sorted and documented LS430.
OP - I chose a '03 LS430 due to one of the recognized and mentioned maintenance items: easy to service transmission w/dipstick and proven 5 speed transmission at the time of purchase mid-2017.
No issues with the purported radiator or wheel bearings you mentioned thus far, nor noted in any of my vehicles previous maintenance records via lexus drivers owner site.
Good luck! It's difficult to go wrong with any well sorted and documented LS430.
Last edited by OG Member; 03-01-19 at 05:32 PM.
03-02-19, 05:13 AM
#48
Driver School Candidate
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aypues (03-02-19)
Haha! Ricklin loves to hijack threads and have story time about himself...
01-01-20, 12:16 PM
#50
Many thanks to all of you again for all of your input - very helpful!
I must say that I do find it interesting to still see how popular Beemer's, Merc's and Audi's still are, yet every mechanic I've spoken to (I've asked at least a dozen mechanics this type of question) all say that these cars are overrated money pits. Strange how they still sell well and I do wonder why not more LS's have been sold. Lexus should be the prime brand for the luxury car market yet it seems as if the European brands still dominate. I do find this odd.
Speaking of which, @BCT and @AJT123 how do LS430 cars generally compare in terms of maintenance and repair costs VS Beemer's, Merc's and Audi's from your knowledge and experience? Anyone else is more than welcome to jump in with their thoughts.
Thanks.
I must say that I do find it interesting to still see how popular Beemer's, Merc's and Audi's still are, yet every mechanic I've spoken to (I've asked at least a dozen mechanics this type of question) all say that these cars are overrated money pits. Strange how they still sell well and I do wonder why not more LS's have been sold. Lexus should be the prime brand for the luxury car market yet it seems as if the European brands still dominate. I do find this odd.
Speaking of which, @BCT and @AJT123 how do LS430 cars generally compare in terms of maintenance and repair costs VS Beemer's, Merc's and Audi's from your knowledge and experience? Anyone else is more than welcome to jump in with their thoughts.
Thanks.
In 10 years I have repaired Toyota for 1000Eur(rear shocks, 4x brake disks and leakage in power steering). MB was little bit more expensive, in 3 years I used almost 2000 Eur for the repairs(front upper arms(if I translated right), radiator, ABS/BAS fault, Brake disks and sensors for brake pad wear and lots of small problems).
ABS/BAS fault was very nice, car returned back to the time when there was no ABS, traction control and brake assist.
Also Toyota has passed yearly inspection every time with first try, MB had always something to fix and had to take it there second time.
Friend of mine has -04 MB S class, not sure what size of engine it has but it's diesel V8. He has some problems all the time and I'm not sure if LS430 has the same problem with air compressor. Every year just before the winter he takes off the compressor, changes the air dryer stuff(silica gel?) and puts it back. Says that if he doesn't do that the air suspension is not working well at winter.
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slybydesig
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
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05-07-09 05:32 AM