SC47

Thanks guys !

Ricklin

You have come to the right place. There are many good and knowledgeable folks here. IMHO the LS 430 is the best value in used cars, period. This of course assumes that a big luxury car is what you are after. A well maintained LS 430 with a reasonable amount of miles on it is a great investment in your personal comfort and safety. Get the Lexus service records.

Johnhav430

When I purchased the LS430 in 10/16, a 2014 Camry with 35k miles was the same price. A conventional person (like a coworker) would go Camry, that is 8 yrs newer. Now, not sure if the delta changed.

SC47

Given the opportunity I'd rather get a Lexus.

Romanova

I wanted a large highway cruiser that had to be RWD and have a V8. Not too many options... a Crown Vic or equivalent, but that wouldn't stack up against a Lexus. I'm sure there is an Infiniti, but they are the Chrysler of Japan so they were out. Really weren't many options. LS400 was too outdated for me and the LS460 just isn't as well built as the LS430. Did my research here and then began my search. Been happy with it ever since. A few updates and some subtle touches and I have the perfect highway cruiser that doesn't draw any attention at all. 100 mph on the open highway? You bet. Need to pass a slow moving car? Open her up and she'll get it done quick.

I just don't think a Camry is going to mirror the driving dynamics of an LS430.

Natey2

My 2005 LS430 (V8) gives between 12.5mpg (worst on record) and 24.5mpg (best on record/mostly freeway).
The latter is almost unbeatable in a V8.
I'm sure a 4-cylinder car would give much better gas mileage.

Thomasin

I have given up the idea of brand new LS500 (Affordability is the major issue, I don't want to starve for 5 years; besides the cabin design is not as nice as my 2010 LS460 except the Lexus clock).

Never worry about reliability of Lexus. However, you may want to check the maintenance history using the VIN of the car you are interested in through:
https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/history

Please note that only services done at the dealership are on the record.

LS430 involves the use of timing belt compared with timing chain in LS460. Make sure the 90k service (when the timing belt should be replaced) is performed thoroughly.

As for repair, the only time I can recall is to get the bloody actuator of the front passenger door replaced (approx $650). Actuator failure is very common for LS. Of course, this is not something critical to care about. Occasionally, the right mirror may not fold properly (approx 5% of the time). Well, what can you complain other than these trivial issues for an aged car?

Not sure if $7900 is a good deal for a 14-yr old car depending on your perspective. I bought my 02' LS430 a few years ago for slightly more than $10k with dealer fees and tax. Mark Levinson audio system is a bonus although its repair can be a nightmare. Fortunately, this has not happened to any of my LS yet. As for 2019, LS430 still does not look outdated. FYI, I cannot think of any cars that can offer you a quieter and smoother ride than a LS.

IMXCITD

iTrader: (1)

I'd keep watching and researching.....wait for a clean LS430...plan to spend 8-10k plus to get into a clean LS430 w service records. It will be worth it.

Ricklin

Did my first really long day behind the wheel yesterday. Left home @ 6 AM and arrived in Meridian ID @ 8 PM. About 650 for the day.

I love this car. The seats have so much adjustability! I really enjoy extending the seat bottom, takes the pressure of my Sciatic nerve, no pain is a good thing.
Superb mileage on the highway for a 2 ton V8 sedan. I took her up to 105 for a 30-40 mile stretch....man, could easily drive all day at 100, if it were not for those guys with the blue lights on top. I was especially impressed seeing over 20 MPG @ 100 on the display.

I do far too many days like yesterday, I am 100% certain I'm in the best car for me. I esp. enjoy it's 'stealth' the LS does not stand out on the road. It's just another car.

Image is important, the LS fits me like a glove. It looks great, and it works great.