2003 LS430 repair or replace?
03-30-23 | 01:21 PM
#32
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Joined: Dec 2020
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From: CA
7 Beam in that price range is a death sentence to your lifestyle and any savings you may have.
There is a yt chan called m539 restorations. Check it out just to know what old beamers are.
460 is a great continuation of LS line (and I've been in your shoes once). It's a proper 'newer' Lexus LS. Just better in almost all aspects than 430 (minus the body style not everyone likes compared to 430). But progress comes with price - be ready to spend 2k+ on new ABS actuator (if not covered by new CS), keep about 1-2k on the ready in case something else goes (valley plate leak, steering water damage etc). I'd be staying away from <2010.
Keep 430. Those cars are modern classics and many are being restored (and often stored/displayed). It is still a great classic solid car, but age will show. So IF I'd be keeping my old 430er - I'd be spending silly money just to keep it 'pristine'. I hate unpristine cars regardless of age and model.
Hope this imho helps.
And yes, I also name my Lexi. Current one is 'Alex Phoenix'. Previous 460 was 'Alex' but was totaled by your truly and it's corpse cannibalized to give birth to 'Alex Phoenix' (risen from ashes of Alex). ROFL
There is a yt chan called m539 restorations. Check it out just to know what old beamers are.
460 is a great continuation of LS line (and I've been in your shoes once). It's a proper 'newer' Lexus LS. Just better in almost all aspects than 430 (minus the body style not everyone likes compared to 430). But progress comes with price - be ready to spend 2k+ on new ABS actuator (if not covered by new CS), keep about 1-2k on the ready in case something else goes (valley plate leak, steering water damage etc). I'd be staying away from <2010.
Keep 430. Those cars are modern classics and many are being restored (and often stored/displayed). It is still a great classic solid car, but age will show. So IF I'd be keeping my old 430er - I'd be spending silly money just to keep it 'pristine'. I hate unpristine cars regardless of age and model.
Hope this imho helps.
And yes, I also name my Lexi. Current one is 'Alex Phoenix'. Previous 460 was 'Alex' but was totaled by your truly and it's corpse cannibalized to give birth to 'Alex Phoenix' (risen from ashes of Alex). ROFL
1) https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/JTHBN36F765049181
2) https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/JTHBN36F265051372
3) https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/JTHBN36F665038768
your thoughts on order of value?
03-30-23 | 02:12 PM
#34
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 887
Likes: 196
From: Florida
The finance "trick" only works if you finance through the seller. They earn a fee from the lender. If you come in with a loan from elsewhere, there's no profit for seller. Just wanted to be very clear so there's no misunderstanding why this can help. It doesn't matter what the rate is as long as there's no prepayment penalty.
03-30-23 | 02:46 PM
#35
Nospinzone has it right, pay it off in full one month later. As long as this is a simple interest loan (they almost always are on a used car at this price). You'll pay only a few dollars in interest, assuming that you get a better price on the car. The front end loaded loans of yesteryear are rare.
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Nospinzone (03-30-23)
03-30-23 | 03:21 PM
#36
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From: CA
03-30-23 | 03:47 PM
#37
Shipping sounds good. I give you credit for working out the logistics. If it hasn't been mentioned, a prepurchase inspection by an indy shop is crucial in this circumstance. Lemon Squad has a good reputation but maybe a relative has a knowledgeable shop.
03-30-23 | 04:22 PM
#38
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think I still need an pre inspect?
03-30-23 | 04:26 PM
#39
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: MA
Koollaid (and btw I love your avatar) cash may be king in some deals, but never when buying a car from a dealer who offers financing.
I will give you a real life example. Just before I bought my LS460 in 2007, I was close to buying an almost new Infiniti M45. A buyer took delivery of a beautiful fully loaded model and within a month the poor guy died. The family just sold it back to the dealer. The dealer wanted $47K, which at the time was a great price. I said I'll pay cash and offered less than asking. In that case if I was paying cash, the dealer told me they wanted $48K. They told me flat out, just finance it, pay one month on the loan and then pay it off. The dealer didn't care, they got their referral money from the lender.
Well I passed on the car and bought my 2007 LS460, and never looked back!
I will give you a real life example. Just before I bought my LS460 in 2007, I was close to buying an almost new Infiniti M45. A buyer took delivery of a beautiful fully loaded model and within a month the poor guy died. The family just sold it back to the dealer. The dealer wanted $47K, which at the time was a great price. I said I'll pay cash and offered less than asking. In that case if I was paying cash, the dealer told me they wanted $48K. They told me flat out, just finance it, pay one month on the loan and then pay it off. The dealer didn't care, they got their referral money from the lender.
Well I passed on the car and bought my 2007 LS460, and never looked back!
03-30-23 | 04:42 PM
#40
"The CARFAX Buyback Guarantee helps protect consumers from unknowingly buying a vehicle with a DMV-issued title brand, such as Salvage, Junk, Rebuilt, Fire, Flood, Hail, Lemon/Manufacturer Buyback, Not Actual Mileage, or Exceeds Mechanical Limits. If you find that any of these title problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back according to the terms and conditions of the Guarantee."
This is verbatim from their website. A car can be in an accident, repaired without an insurance claim and it won't show up on Carfax. They aren't guaranteeing the mechanical condition of the car. An inspection is typically $120-$140. There's no substitute for getting a car on a lift. There could be hidden damage or worn components that could cost big money. 17 year old cars here. You know how expensive Lexus repairs can be from your own experience.
This is verbatim from their website. A car can be in an accident, repaired without an insurance claim and it won't show up on Carfax. They aren't guaranteeing the mechanical condition of the car. An inspection is typically $120-$140. There's no substitute for getting a car on a lift. There could be hidden damage or worn components that could cost big money. 17 year old cars here. You know how expensive Lexus repairs can be from your own experience.
03-30-23 | 04:56 PM
#41
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From: CA
"The CARFAX Buyback Guarantee helps protect consumers from unknowingly buying a vehicle with a DMV-issued title brand, such as Salvage, Junk, Rebuilt, Fire, Flood, Hail, Lemon/Manufacturer Buyback, Not Actual Mileage, or Exceeds Mechanical Limits. If you find that any of these title problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back according to the terms and conditions of the Guarantee."
This is verbatim from their website. A car can be in an accident, repaired without an insurance claim and it won't show up on Carfax. They aren't guaranteeing the mechanical condition of the car. An inspection is typically $120-$140. There's no substitute for getting a car on a lift. There could be hidden damage or worn components that could cost big money. 17 year old cars here. You know how expensive Lexus repairs can be from your own experience.
This is verbatim from their website. A car can be in an accident, repaired without an insurance claim and it won't show up on Carfax. They aren't guaranteeing the mechanical condition of the car. An inspection is typically $120-$140. There's no substitute for getting a car on a lift. There could be hidden damage or worn components that could cost big money. 17 year old cars here. You know how expensive Lexus repairs can be from your own experience.
facts...lesson listened too and learned...
THANK YOU!
03-30-23 | 04:58 PM
#42
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Rookie
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 45
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From: CA
Koollaid (and btw I love your avatar) cash may be king in some deals, but never when buying a car from a dealer who offers financing.
I will give you a real life example. Just before I bought my LS460 in 2007, I was close to buying an almost new Infiniti M45. A buyer took delivery of a beautiful fully loaded model and within a month the poor guy died. The family just sold it back to the dealer. The dealer wanted $47K, which at the time was a great price. I said I'll pay cash and offered less than asking. In that case if I was paying cash, the dealer told me they wanted $48K. They told me flat out, just finance it, pay one month on the loan and then pay it off. The dealer didn't care, they got their referral money from the lender.
Well I passed on the car and bought my 2007 LS460, and never looked back!
I will give you a real life example. Just before I bought my LS460 in 2007, I was close to buying an almost new Infiniti M45. A buyer took delivery of a beautiful fully loaded model and within a month the poor guy died. The family just sold it back to the dealer. The dealer wanted $47K, which at the time was a great price. I said I'll pay cash and offered less than asking. In that case if I was paying cash, the dealer told me they wanted $48K. They told me flat out, just finance it, pay one month on the loan and then pay it off. The dealer didn't care, they got their referral money from the lender.
Well I passed on the car and bought my 2007 LS460, and never looked back!
why 460 and not 430?
is this a pandoras box question?
04-02-23 | 12:02 PM
#44
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 490
Likes: 60
From: Georgia
been reading on 430's vs 460's vs 7 series...
(never drove the 7 series, always liked the look.)
put my '96 Fleetwood in shop (hit a dear still in mourning) so needed a 4-door reliable car, was talked into a '03 LS430 (only because the color teal green). She does not have the same smooth land yacht feel like my Fleetwood Brougham nor does she have the same muscle as the 5.7-liter V-8 that's had some touches done.
Now don’t any of you let “Phahleetsha” (what I named my Brougham) know buy I absolutely love this LS430. Had to apologize to the person (my long time mechanic) for all of the negative things I said about “Alexis“ (what I named my LS fourthirty.)
Here is my question to all of you LS owners/lovers.
Alexis has a high engine slow oil leak, cost me around 4 grand to repair and with the other things wrong at her age looking at around $6500 to repair the rest…she sits at 217k miles real clean nice car other nicks and nacks stuff is not really important to repair yet will need to be done.
Should I repair or replace?
I've be Looking at another 430 or a newer LS430 or a 460? gave myself 10 grand budget
PS…I did see a real nice 7 series in that price range that made me look at it twice..
Truth will set me free, do not hold back.
koollaid
(never drove the 7 series, always liked the look.)
put my '96 Fleetwood in shop (hit a dear still in mourning) so needed a 4-door reliable car, was talked into a '03 LS430 (only because the color teal green). She does not have the same smooth land yacht feel like my Fleetwood Brougham nor does she have the same muscle as the 5.7-liter V-8 that's had some touches done.
Now don’t any of you let “Phahleetsha” (what I named my Brougham) know buy I absolutely love this LS430. Had to apologize to the person (my long time mechanic) for all of the negative things I said about “Alexis“ (what I named my LS fourthirty.)
Here is my question to all of you LS owners/lovers.
Alexis has a high engine slow oil leak, cost me around 4 grand to repair and with the other things wrong at her age looking at around $6500 to repair the rest…she sits at 217k miles real clean nice car other nicks and nacks stuff is not really important to repair yet will need to be done.
Should I repair or replace?
I've be Looking at another 430 or a newer LS430 or a 460? gave myself 10 grand budget
PS…I did see a real nice 7 series in that price range that made me look at it twice..
Truth will set me free, do not hold back.
koollaid
04-02-23 | 02:03 PM
#45
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 11,794
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From: Ohio