thinking of buying an ls430
11-20-19, 08:23 PM
#62
Every forum I've been on has some of this....getting more special like fine wine, hehe I wouldn't call you nuts, I would say you just like what you have, nothing wrong with that brother, but hardly practical and unbiased as well 
Last edited by CA2WALS430; 11-20-19 at 08:29 PM.
11-21-19, 07:40 AM
#63
Lexus Fanatic
Haha, no offense taken. You nailed it, very happy with what I have. @jayclapp @Peacebay @repairmatt YEZZZZ! But seriously, trying to be unbiased, the 500 is nothing special. It blends with all the other "I have money!" new cars. I am jaded because I live in tech-ville Seattle 15 miles from Gates and Bezos and if I see 1 more freaking $100k+ car in a "special" charcoal gray with a "special" black interior, I am going to vomit!
I bought the LS430 in 2016. I think the sweet spot probably was 2 years before that. Anyone who got one around 2014, I think you nailed it as far as perfect timing. In 2019, again, it's a 14+ y.o. car, it isn't the best choice imho.
One interesting thing is the depreciation. In 2016 the LS was worth more wholesale than my BMW. Today, it's 2 grand less lol It also costs more to insure than the BMW. That is a bit silly, one woulda thought insurance rates are based on performance capability of the vehicle, and wholesale value (drivers on policy being equal), i.e. when those are higher, rates are higher....
edit p.s. I love your area, only been out there twice. But dang if you have to pee in Bellevue good luck lol even the Barnes and Noble is pay to play! (and it was filthy inside) My coworkers said their property values have tripled since 2004--I am not gonna lie, quite envious of that!
Last edited by Johnhav430; 11-21-19 at 07:43 AM.
11-21-19, 07:46 PM
#64
@Johnhav430 you are defining one of the reasons I want to keep these babies going. I am 6'6" tall, and I can sit in front or back! Without you even saying so, I could have guessed that would be what they would sacrifice in the 500. I have never been in a 460, but I would imagine the back seat shrunk there too. A couple years back I went for a post dinner drive in the country, me driving, my 6'5" father next to me, in the back were my 6'1" sister, 6'5" nephew, and 5'6" mother. All were happy.....guess where mom was sitting.
Thanks for the props on the area; I like it too. Just enough winter for me without having to endure what you Pennsylvanians go through. I grew up in a desert, so when I hear the word drought here I get a good chuckle. My rant was only for car purposes.
My hats off to those who can afford the new stuff, but as I am now in my late 40's, I just feel more character in something a little older that is kept up. My friend at work has an immaculate 1985 Nissan 300zx...gorgeous.
Thanks for the props on the area; I like it too. Just enough winter for me without having to endure what you Pennsylvanians go through. I grew up in a desert, so when I hear the word drought here I get a good chuckle. My rant was only for car purposes.
My hats off to those who can afford the new stuff, but as I am now in my late 40's, I just feel more character in something a little older that is kept up. My friend at work has an immaculate 1985 Nissan 300zx...gorgeous.
11-21-19, 11:57 PM
#65
Instructor
@Johnhav430 you are defining one of the reasons I want to keep these babies going. I am 6'6" tall, and I can sit in front or back! Without you even saying so, I could have guessed that would be what they would sacrifice in the 500. I have never been in a 460, but I would imagine the back seat shrunk there too. A couple years back I went for a post dinner drive in the country, me driving, my 6'5" father next to me, in the back were my 6'1" sister, 6'5" nephew, and 5'6" mother. All were happy.....guess where mom was sitting.
Thanks for the props on the area; I like it too. Just enough winter for me without having to endure what you Pennsylvanians go through. I grew up in a desert, so when I hear the word drought here I get a good chuckle. My rant was only for car purposes.
My hats off to those who can afford the new stuff, but as I am now in my late 40's, I just feel more character in something a little older that is kept up. My friend at work has an immaculate 1985 Nissan 300zx...gorgeous.
Thanks for the props on the area; I like it too. Just enough winter for me without having to endure what you Pennsylvanians go through. I grew up in a desert, so when I hear the word drought here I get a good chuckle. My rant was only for car purposes.
My hats off to those who can afford the new stuff, but as I am now in my late 40's, I just feel more character in something a little older that is kept up. My friend at work has an immaculate 1985 Nissan 300zx...gorgeous.
11-23-19, 09:35 PM
#67
People should get an LS430 because they love the car or can get a great deal or both. I am sorry but the LS460 at high miles has more suspension issues than a LS430. At this point both cars are getting dated prior to 2013. I have a 2000 LS400 and a 2005 LS430 both are amazing in their own way. The key is to not buy a POS or get ripped off.... Reality check one will pay a premium for a garage queen with low miles.
01-20-20, 07:34 AM
#70
More info is needed to evaluate your car. At this point, unless an exceptional low mileage LS430 is being considered, anything over 10 grand is considered too much money. A fair amount of reserve money will be necessary for future repairs. Regardless of condition the LS430 is going to require the repair/replacement of all the common items discussed on this forum requiring some pricey items. Bottom line is our cars are old and time has taken its toll. Very few cars are worth over 10 thou anymore with few exceptions. Most repairs are expensive and even DIY need to buy parts which can also be expensive if are quality parts. Loads of decent LS430s are still out there. $6,000-$8,000 is a safer range for cars over 100K leaving room for repairs. They made a ton of these cars. Finding a good one can happen with patience and perserverance.
Last edited by Bocatrip; 01-20-20 at 07:53 AM.
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430SLOwner (01-20-20)
01-20-20, 07:53 AM
#71
It has 7 spoke wheels from 03 or before.
I would also avoid chrome wheels at this age if possible.
For me that itself is a no-go but that is just me.
02-05-20, 12:14 PM
#73
Lexus Champion
02-06-20, 08:08 AM
#74
Rookie
Thread Starter
03 ls430 custom luxury 2 owners zero accidents high autocheck score, pretty good maintenance record and tb/wp replaced in 2018....155k asking $4k
02-06-20, 09:33 AM
#75
Lexus Fanatic
You're in PA you know what I would do? Tell the owner it must pass safety/emissions immediately as a condition of sale (if they are a shop then do the inspection). 2 owners is fine, no accidents is good (but not 100% accurate), 155k miles is not relevant if the car is decent, $4k is not outrageous but could come down a bit. Although I would prefer 06, then 05. 03 will look a little different headlights-wise...