usedname

Thank you guys for all the advice. Here's another question:

Low mileage 01-02 vs higher mileage 05-06?

I mean, there's a 5 year difference, which is not insignificant. And then there's the extra gear/better mpg. I found an '01 with 35k (!) miles versus like, getting an '05 for 120k miles.

I guess what I'm saying is, in your opinions, particularly w/r/t the LS430, how much does mileage balance out the fact that an older car just has more aged rubber materials etc.?


EDIT: I'm going to share the Lexus dealer history for this 35k car, tell me what you guys think:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eRf...ew?usp=sharing

TominPT

I don't think mileage matters as long as maintenance is followed by the book and the car is currently in good condition. Your link does not work. . . need access. Take a look at the 01-03 and 04-06 in the flesh to see if you like or dislike the earlier 01-03 models aesthetically. Color combo is important.

usedname

I really do prefer the 04-06 better but you're right I should just go see them to decide.

I updated the link, should work now. Kind of an odd history, the person clearly was not driving it much.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eRf...ew?usp=sharing

TominPT

I see references to rodent damage. Hell no, pass on it.

usedname

Haha, could it be that bad? Or is the issue that rodent damage = unknown electrical gremlins in the future?

TominPT

Rodents = droppings, urine, therefore smell, plus all kinds of things can be eaten such as vacuum lines, electrical wiring or insulation, etc. For a car with ultra low mileage and a rodent problem, it tells me the car sat for a long period of time and was neglected. Again, a hard pass on that car from me. A car with 50-150 K miles that was consistently used, and maintained properly, will be just fine if an inspection checks out. As an example, my 05 with 128K miles (dealer serviced to 105K) is in great condition, everything works, suspension is great, no leaks etc. Find one like that, they do exist.

usedname

^Ha, alright I'll pass on that one then.

I'm going to check out this one tomorrow:

2005 w 100k, 3 owners, $13,000
https://www.diamondautoalameda.com/p...-LS-430/642204
carfax:
https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?partner=DLZ_0&vin=JTHBN36F455016668
lexus records:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-9v...ew?usp=sharing


Opinions?

Also is there any way I can get those wheels switched out to regular Lexus wheels?

TominPT

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd...276459949.html

I'd be tempted to look at this one too. Absolutely loaded UL model including Pre-Collision System and dynamic radar cruise control. I happen to love the color combo. It would need careful inspection of the air suspension before pulling the trigger. I would not be concerned about the mileage if it checks out as a 10 in all other respects.

usedname

I like that color combo as well! And that dealer is also selling another vehicle with the exact same colors with 150k miles: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd...276459193.html

Not a fan of having air suspension, and also I'm militantly anti-screen and I have a couple of kids who are going to be in the backseat, so I can't see myself getting that one. Heck I would get a non-nav/non-screen LS if they included the Mark Levinson system.

winterturb

Buy the one In The best condition you can find regardless of year. It will last another 10 years and if it cost you 10k and 1k a year to maintain that’s still cheap driving $200 a month for such a great car is cheap cheap cheap driving. Don’t get too caught up in price think long term ownership cost.

430SLOwner

Car has been for sale for well over a year and no takers. Why? Is seller unrealistic with price for the car? Is there a problem(s) with the car? Is/was seller unwilling to agree to lower price to compensate for issue(s)? Are much newer cars available in the market for the asking price of a 20 y/o car?
https://bid.cars/en/lot/0-25464598/2001-Lexus-LS-JTHBN30F810038804 is this a true report??? Salvage title??? Was it just the bumper damage pictured??? Was there more unseen undercarriage damage??? Is report legitimate???
Cars stored in climate controlled garage and etc. may age better than cars left outside and etc. How did owner maintain and etc. Was a car mostly babied or often run hard. Compare interiors and etc. of low mileage cars versus high mileage cars. Moving parts you cannot easily see wear too.
(Salvage titles generally effect prices adversely and significantly. more: https://www.thebalance.com/pros-and-...tle-car-527266)

usedname

I don't believe the car I posted was a salvage, and I stay away from salvage titles.

Believe it or not, in the space of the time I've started this thread, I've missed out on 3-4 LS430s, including an excellent 92k mile specimen that I found on facebook marketplace posted just 5 hours prior, and the owner of which I messaged immediately trying to set up a time. Very frustrating.

Meanwhile, I pulled the trigger on a 2012 LS 460 with 82k miles, Mark Levinson and sport package from Carmax. I'm waiting for it to be shipped. We will see if I keep it, and if I do I will get the MaxCare warranty to ensure that if the air suspension goes out in the next 4 years it will be on their dime.

...But I'm still looking for LS 430s. I just can't let go of that greenhouse/low beltline. I'm wondering if I'm just projecting what I feel when I'm driving my LX470, which has huge windows and the most amazing rear-wards visibility. I'm sure the LS430 is not like that, but in buying an LS460 I keep thinking I'm sacrificing a lot of road view.

Striker223

The 430 is very much like that, the 460 feels much tighter inside and you can't see out the back and sides anywhere near as easy

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I have to disagree, you can see just as well out of the 460. If course the 430 windows are slightly bigger so I'm not debating that part. I specifically want the most view all around in ANY car so that's why I could never downgrade to any of the other Lexus models and the 460 fits that case. The view won't be like that LX in either the 430 or 460 but trust me you will still be able to scan everything. I'm ALWAYS scanning my windows and mirrors on the highway because of the way I drive so I like a wide unobstructed view.

430SLOwner

both 2001s have same VIN: JTHBN30F810038804.... (congrats on your new purchase!)