2004-2005 Lexus LS430
 

Anyone have experience owning these luxury sedans? Anything major to worry about? Gas mileage not an issue for me since drive to work not that far. I drive to Las Vegas and San Diego a few times a year and would be nice to have family ride in comfort during these long drives. Price range $17-22k. Thanks for any info.

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/sch/Lexu...04+lexus+ls430

I adore these things. Solid all the way around, i regularly see them with over 200k and the owners are astonished how predictable the ownership costs are. Of coyrse sone had random issues as no car is 100% full proof but nothing to shake your head at.

my is300 at 187k feels SOLID !



Lexus surely is the Best way to go if you want a high mileage reliable beater.

A number of LS's have passed through my family over the years, including the one you're considering. I'll echo what's already been said in that they've all been dead reliable with lots of miles accrued.

Rock solid; probably the most reliable auto trans ever built. I had an LS400 a couple year prior to the release of the 430. The starters are not any less reliable than other cars but are a serious PITA to replace. If you get one with higher miles, try to get one with the starter replaced. You have to pull the damn plenum off the engine to replace the starter. Total cost is $1k at the dealer so it isn't that bad but if you DIY you'll need back surgery after bending over the hood for an entire day.

A coworker of mine had one. Only sold it to get into a newer GS350. Even for being 8 years old, that thing was clean as a whistle and gave him no trouble at all. I don't know exactly what the mileage was when he sold, but I'm thinking it was over 100K. The car rode great and had decent power as well. The navigation display is dated though, but that's what you're going to get out of a 10 year old car. It'd make a great family cruiser.

my parents have one. they bought it brand new and now it has just over 100k and it's solid car. absolutely no issues at all. i looked up 100k maintenance and there was none. just some fluid change and that was it. even the water pump replacement isn't needed until 200k.

If I need a big family sedan, that's what I will be looking for.

My parents have a 2004. I suggest going for a 2005 as 2004 was the first model year for the mid-cycle which added new bells and whistles and revised existing features.

The following has broken in the 04 LS we have (bought at 35k, now has 110k):

-Navigation Screen
-CD Changer
-One Rear Strut
-Subwoofer (mark levinson system)
-One Power Folding Mirror
-Parking Sensors
-multiple O2 sensors
-Corrosion on/behind wheel hub, required rust removal with drill bit (we drive the car in snow with snow tires)
-Front Driver side wheel bearing

Despite the above, I highly recommend the LS. Note my parents bought the car certified so the total cost of the above repairs was $0, except for removal of the corrosion on the wheel hub.

Look out for the "ultra" package, and touring has different brakes (4 piston fixed bbk). Also, if you see a glass plaque covering the Lexus sign, the car has pre collision and radar guided cruise control which is infinitely better than laser guided which is included in the bumper because it can be used in foggy conditions. Besides that, the "ultra" also has rear reclining and some have a fridge. The 5 spoke rims are better as well. I was going to buy one but I ended up going with the S class because I like to waste money on airmatic. My family too has had a ton of LS's and they've been good to us.