So I went for a test drive ... also looking for suggestions
12-10-15, 02:33 PM
#16
Advanced
Thread Starter
Okay maybe that was a poor example on my end. No I will not spend $21k on a 430 and yes a car that sits can be in worse shape than one that's regularly driven. I think I would be looking more at something that's closer to $15k or under with 40k or less miles.
The issue with a 460 is that even at $25k I will probably not find a low-mile example. So either I get a higher mileage 460 for more or a lower mileage 430 for less. As for the Avalon, although it might make good financial sense, that car does absolutely nothing for me. To me it's akin to a Camry or an Accord.
The issue with a 460 is that even at $25k I will probably not find a low-mile example. So either I get a higher mileage 460 for more or a lower mileage 430 for less. As for the Avalon, although it might make good financial sense, that car does absolutely nothing for me. To me it's akin to a Camry or an Accord.
12-10-15, 02:46 PM
#17
Pole Position
Okay maybe that was a poor example on my end. No I will not spend $21k on a 430 and yes a car that sits can be in worse shape than one that's regularly driven. I think I would be looking more at something that's closer to $15k or under with 40k or less miles.
The issue with a 460 is that even at $25k I will probably not find a low-mile example. So either I get a higher mileage 460 for more or a lower mileage 430 for less. As for the Avalon, although it might make good financial sense, that car does absolutely nothing for me. To me it's akin to a Camry or an Accord.
The issue with a 460 is that even at $25k I will probably not find a low-mile example. So either I get a higher mileage 460 for more or a lower mileage 430 for less. As for the Avalon, although it might make good financial sense, that car does absolutely nothing for me. To me it's akin to a Camry or an Accord.
12-10-15, 03:17 PM
#18
NADA clean retail for that 2005 LS430 is $19750 so the price is in the ballpark. If the car was driven consistently over its life you don't have as much to worry about. My LS was only driven about 2,000 miles per year before I bought it and I've encountered zero problems. I've done that with a few different vehicles. You will suffer depreciation as you drive it, but not to the degree of a newer car....and if you are going to keep it for the long term you shouldn't worry about that anyway.
12-10-15, 05:47 PM
#19
Maybe I was mistaken, but I thought you mentioned a Camry might be in the running for your commuter car. I only point out the Avalon because it's an often overlooked, very nice car. If you haven't driven a 2013 or newer iteration, it's worth your time. And it happens to come pretty close to your recently-stated $15k allowance. I have no interest in "selling" you one - I don't even own one myself (although my daughter has a Gen 2, which is another animal). But I beg to differ that it's akin to a Camry or Accord ... it's a league above. A blindfold test in a Limited version might surprise you compared to an LS 430.
12-10-15, 06:08 PM
#20
Pole Position
Maybe I was mistaken, but I thought you mentioned a Camry might be in the running for your commuter car. I only point out the Avalon because it's an often overlooked, very nice car. If you haven't driven a 2013 or newer iteration, it's worth your time. And it happens to come pretty close to your recently-stated $15k allowance. I have no interest in "selling" you one - I don't even own one myself (although my daughter has a Gen 2, which is another animal). But I beg to differ that it's akin to a Camry or Accord ... it's a league above. A blindfold test in a Limited version might surprise you compared to an LS 430.
12-10-15, 07:17 PM
#21
I'm glad I stumbled upon this thread as I just had my '05 430 stolen (very upset...it only had 80K miles).
If I were in your situation, I would look at an '05 with less than 100k miles. I would also stay away from the ULTRA. It is famous for having issues with those crazy expensive air shocks and you will find dozens of threads in the 430 section dealing with replacing them for regular shocks.
You will get a much better value if you can find a "Modern Luxury" model, which has all the important options like nav and backup camera, bluetooth, "push button" (not really...you have to turn the ignition, but you keep the fob in your pocket) ignition and Levinson sound. The other model is the "Sport" model... very similar to Modern Luxury, but with the better looking 18 inch rims. Having owned both, I would opt for the nerdy small rims and the superior ride the extra rubber gives.
There are plenty of great examples online for under 15k and nothing should be more than 18k. I certainly wouldn't pay 18k for one.
Just make sure before you buy anything that the timing belt was replaced at the recommended 90k interval. If you find one with less than 90k and there are plenty out there, ask if it's been replaced. If not, point out the around $1,500 - $1,700 procedure that will need to happen. You will need to replace the timing belt and water pump. The water pump is not really needed, but I always did it. because if it fails later, you're looking at removing the timing belt to replace it!
If I were in your situation, I would look at an '05 with less than 100k miles. I would also stay away from the ULTRA. It is famous for having issues with those crazy expensive air shocks and you will find dozens of threads in the 430 section dealing with replacing them for regular shocks.
You will get a much better value if you can find a "Modern Luxury" model, which has all the important options like nav and backup camera, bluetooth, "push button" (not really...you have to turn the ignition, but you keep the fob in your pocket) ignition and Levinson sound. The other model is the "Sport" model... very similar to Modern Luxury, but with the better looking 18 inch rims. Having owned both, I would opt for the nerdy small rims and the superior ride the extra rubber gives.
There are plenty of great examples online for under 15k and nothing should be more than 18k. I certainly wouldn't pay 18k for one.
Just make sure before you buy anything that the timing belt was replaced at the recommended 90k interval. If you find one with less than 90k and there are plenty out there, ask if it's been replaced. If not, point out the around $1,500 - $1,700 procedure that will need to happen. You will need to replace the timing belt and water pump. The water pump is not really needed, but I always did it. because if it fails later, you're looking at removing the timing belt to replace it!
12-10-15, 08:48 PM
#22
06-05-16, 05:58 PM
#23
06-06-16, 02:10 PM
#25
I'll be honest. For a long commute, I think I would crush miles on a lesser expensive vehicle. However, I totally see the comfort and safety aspect pointing it back to a larger vehicle.
If it were me, I would be taking a long hard look at the GS vehicles. I actually quite LOVE about every GS vehicle, 350, 430, 460. A GS 460 would be a hoot IMO. Safe, attractive, likely less expensive.
If it were me, I would be taking a long hard look at the GS vehicles. I actually quite LOVE about every GS vehicle, 350, 430, 460. A GS 460 would be a hoot IMO. Safe, attractive, likely less expensive.
06-06-16, 02:56 PM
#26
Lexus Test Driver
I'll be honest. For a long commute, I think I would crush miles on a lesser expensive vehicle. However, I totally see the comfort and safety aspect pointing it back to a larger vehicle.
If it were me, I would be taking a long hard look at the GS vehicles. I actually quite LOVE about every GS vehicle, 350, 430, 460. A GS 460 would be a hoot IMO. Safe, attractive, likely less expensive.
If it were me, I would be taking a long hard look at the GS vehicles. I actually quite LOVE about every GS vehicle, 350, 430, 460. A GS 460 would be a hoot IMO. Safe, attractive, likely less expensive.
LS is a great light traffic commuter. I do 150mi+ on mine on any given workday.
06-06-16, 03:05 PM
#27
7milesout
06-06-16, 03:26 PM
#28
Lexus Test Driver
Yeah, seems i've read that before now that you mention it. The scarcity would be a good reason to find one ... but the price premium would not. Seems I read the GS 430 is among the most bullet proof of all Lexus vehicles. I cannot explain why, but I am drawn to GS vehicles. They look great, really good proportions.
7milesout
7milesout
The 3GS 430 are great cars but you run into that whole "timing belt vs timing chain" issue again and are also going back to a 6spd auto from the 8spd.
Truth be told I was originally looking for a 3GS or 4GS but quickly realized that looking for anything but a 350 was going to be an exhaustive search for the right car.
I figured the flagship car would likely yield less variance (Let's face it, a "base model" 4LS is at least as loaded as most other new "loaded" cars, and therefore easier to peg what a "fair" price is depending on mileage and vintage.
06-06-16, 04:50 PM
#29
Pole Position
Maybe the LS you drove didnt have a OEM windshield? thus the wind noise?
The LS30 is really quiet- its pretty much the same feeling as the ls460 but probably more solid all around. If you pick up a 05-06 there are hardly any problems with those.
I owned a ls430 before & 2 of my friends still do, one has a ultra luxuary and the other has the comfort package. They are both close to 200k one of the might be in the 250 ballpark..usual brake/engine oil and timing belt changes not a single issue.
LS430 is a far superior car than the accord probably much safer too. I really thought the ls430 absorbed bumps and imperfections better than the 460 does.
i would say go for it you can find a decent mileage 05/06 for about 15-17 k or so.
The LS30 is really quiet- its pretty much the same feeling as the ls460 but probably more solid all around. If you pick up a 05-06 there are hardly any problems with those.
I owned a ls430 before & 2 of my friends still do, one has a ultra luxuary and the other has the comfort package. They are both close to 200k one of the might be in the 250 ballpark..usual brake/engine oil and timing belt changes not a single issue.
LS430 is a far superior car than the accord probably much safer too. I really thought the ls430 absorbed bumps and imperfections better than the 460 does.
i would say go for it you can find a decent mileage 05/06 for about 15-17 k or so.
06-06-16, 05:32 PM
#30
Pole Position
And you're right, the LS 460 is a great light traffic commuter. I personally think this may be the best commuter car I've ever driven...the gas mileage is very competitive...the highway ride is stable and easy...the power is always there when you need it and the comfort is top notch. Great commuter. Plus the car can steer like a much smaller car...makes parking a breeze. I've averaged 27 mpg for the last month, as soon as the weather got warmer my mileage jumped from 26 to 27.
Last edited by Doublebase; 06-06-16 at 05:36 PM.