Thoughts on this LS430

[SlowV6]

Hello All,

My LS430 fighting fund is finally getting to the point where I might start looking. The 430 buying guide will come in useful.

I have seen this one in full Werthers original spec at what I believe to be a reputable Lexus specialist near Bristol. Some of his prices are very high, but this 430 isn't too far off the going rate and looks in nice nick. If you like gold...

i think it looks a little low at the back, but does the air suspension settle Citroen style when 430s are parked? I thought to ask the experts.

thanks in advance.

 

 

[The-Acre]

Looks nice although I think for that price you could find lower mileage.  The suspension shouldn't go down overnight or "settle" and as a guide on a flat surface it should measure about 27" from the ground to the wheel arch at the rear, that's the centre of the wheel, the front always has a much bigger gap.

[PCM]

Would like to see the underneath.

 

[Malc]

certainly doesn't seem too inexpensive at that high'ish mileage and very few Lexus service history stamps

you've got to want that specific one to want to buy it methinks

Malc

[cruisermark]

I agree with some of the comments above ref getting a lower mileage one.

But

This is one is in immaculate condition

It has been regularly serviced

The seller has a good reputation for selling good quality/condition vehicles

I would therefore definitely consider it

The garage that done most of the servicing has got very good reviews aswell - you could probably give them a call and talk to them.

I think the car has been advertised for about 3 months so you may be able to agree a lower price.

[ambermarine]

Unless the mats in the boot are lead lined the suspension is suspect.

[PCM]

10 minutes ago, ambermarine said:

Unless the mats in the boot are lead lined the suspension is suspect.

It does look a bit low...

 

[royoftherovers]

1 hour ago, cruisermark said:

I agree with some of the comments above ref getting a lower mileage one.

But

This is one is in immaculate condition

It has been regularly serviced

The seller has a good reputation for selling good quality/condition vehicles

I would therefore definitely consider it

The garage that done most of the servicing has got very good reviews aswell - you could probably give them a call and talk to them.

I think the car has been advertised for about 3 months so you may be able to agree a lower price.

"The seller has a good reputation for selling good quality/condition vehicles"

Where is the evidence for this, other than on the Seller`s own website?"

[PCM]

The interior looks lovely.

The MOT history is more that of a 'liked' car than a 'much loved car'.

It's a high milage. I think the mechanicals would be my focus. Rust, leaks, sitting low etc. 

[SlowV6]

Thanks for your replies all. @The-Acre great tip to remember re: the 27" height thank you.

I didn't think my eyes were deceiving me and I doubt the mats in the boot are lead 🙂.  The MOT history is also a bit rough but to be fair the seller claims to have attended to the most recent advisories. I think if it wasn't gold I would be more interested as it does look in good nick (cheap tyres though - always look for that as a warning sign of skimping!)

 

[royoftherovers]

1 hour ago, SlowV6 said:

Thanks for your replies all. @The-Acre great tip to remember re: the 27" height thank you.

I didn't think my eyes were deceiving me and I doubt the mats in the boot are lead 🙂.  The MOT history is also a bit rough but to be fair the seller claims to have attended to the most recent advisories. I think if it wasn't gold I would be more interested as it does look in good nick (cheap tyres though - always look for that as a warning sign of skimping!)

 

Car was not serviced in 2015

Seller makes no claim that everything works

Car was probably not sourced from a Main Dealer (as he claims that his Lexus are)

He gives no undertaking re warranty

Buyer Beware.

[Tinonline]

Sounds like the seller is being more economical than a hybrid 🤪

[BigBoomer]

Saggy rear suspension, I'd walk away for that price.

Looking at the prices, the LS seem to be appreciating.
I paid £4400 for my 2004/03 plate LS with 91k miles in Jan 2018.

[BigBoomer]

If you don't mind black leather & LPG, this looks quite nice.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-Lexus-LS-430-Premium-Pack-4-3-V8-LPG-CONVERTED-FULLY-LOADED-FACELI/123924139967?hash=item1cda744fbf:g:4LYAAOSwutpdkj4t

 

[cruisermark]

1 hour ago, royoftherovers said:

"The seller has a good reputation for selling good quality/condition vehicles"

Where is the evidence for this, other than on the Seller`s own website?"

They have good reviews on Auto Trader

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/dealers/city-of-bristol/bristol/southwest-lexus-limited-10006477

[royoftherovers]

1 hour ago, cruisermark said:

They have good reviews on Auto Trader

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/dealers/city-of-bristol/bristol/southwest-lexus-limited-10006477

But isn`t that the Traders own website?

[cruisermark]

These are reviews which have been left on Auto Trader by previous customers.

[SlowV6]

1 hour ago, BigBoomer said:

If you don't mind black leather & LPG, this looks quite nice.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-Lexus-LS-430-Premium-Pack-4-3-V8-LPG-CONVERTED-FULLY-LOADED-FACELI/123924139967?hash=item1cda744fbf:g:4LYAAOSwutpdkj4t

 

Thanks @BigBoomer. I have also been watching that one. Agree that is a lovely colour (to my eyes!) although I would prefer pale leather. MOT history is pretty clean.

Are there any concerns around LPG (e.g loss of performance) or should this be considered a bonus? Assume the boot space is compromised or do they replace the fuel tank?

Apologies for going off topic and asking questions that have no doubt been asked before!

[The-Acre]

I know you'll all be fed up with me saying this but....consider a Celsior.  There are two very low mileage ones on eBay from Goodmayes where I got mine, the beautiful black one he's had for over a year so I'd be surprised if he wouldn't take 5k for it. 

[BMCWP]

On 10/16/2019 at 11:28 AM, SlowV6 said:

Are there any concerns around LPG (e.g loss of performance) or should this be considered a bonus? Assume the boot space is compromised or do they replace the fuel tank?

I ran a Jaguar XJ8 for 8 years on LPG and it never once gave me any problems - add in to that it was not "serviced" (filter clean) in 4 years as nobody told me it needed it 😎 There will be  a separate tank for the LPG and a filler behind a cap - in this case you can see it down at the rear right in the bumper plastic so at least they did not cut the body. the actual tank will be either a small "donut" tank in the spare wheel well (so no spare!) or a larger cylinder in the back of the boot under the fridge - you will not know unless you ask or look. 
To me its a bonus to have it as it will save you money if you do a lot of miles but don't fall for the hype of getting low MPG it will help but its not a deal breaker 

[Bluesman]

16 years on LPG a mixture of cars for myself and the wife last 11 years in my well loved LS400 and in all that time I have never had any problem with any of the cars (Mercedes, Volvo, Vauxhall, Ford, Nissan) two of the cars I still know and they are still happily running around on LPG.

[Bluesman]

6 hours ago, Greer said:

I've been told by other LPG users (non Lexus) the only difference is the price, about half of petrol

I am paying 49p per litre at the moment which is a lot less than 1/2 price of petrol.

[royoftherovers]

3 hours ago, Greer said:

Wow, yes it is, I think ASDA petrol here is 123p a litre

Mike`s price equates to £2.23 per gallon Alan.

[cruisermark]

The car being discussed has been reduced to £3895  from the original price of £4227

[SlowV6]

Thanks. Yes I spotted that. I can't help but think it is sitting low at the back. Perhaps it is just my old eyes.