My First LS430 experience so far

Paul in Norfolk · February 15, 2020

After much research I take the plunge and buy the best LS430 I can find, an 04 with 70k, one owner from new, full history and 3 keys. My first Lexus.

Driving it home there is a drumming sound, after moving all wheels around I change both front wheel bearings and it's fixed - silence!

A small squeak developed at idle on cold mornings, changed the cam belt, water pump and accessory belt, fixed.

Bought at huge expense a roof rack from USA, £300 ouch. But it is really good😁.

A few minor bits like boot and bonnet struts, caliper dust boots etc fitted and it is the most beautiful driving experience, I look forward to turning that key every single day 😍

Owned it 3 months now (3000m) and next will probably be an LPG conversion.

Any advice or hints for the LPG would be welcome.

lex - eleven · February 15, 2020

Nice car Paul and 70000 miles is really good. I've got two at the moment as one was damaged but is being repaired at the moment. ( couldn't wait so bought a second one). I hadn't known that there was a roof rack a available for the Lexus. Probably only my opinion but for me it's like having a roof rack on a rolls royce.

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The-Acre · February 15, 2020

I must say an LS with roof rack does look weird! Better than a canoe sticking out the back window though!

royoftherovers · February 15, 2020

I thought the canoe was the roof rack!! You know what these Americans are like.

Welcome Paul.

Paul in Norfolk · February 15, 2020

I appreciate the roof rack might divide opinion but for me it's essential as my wife has an SLK (folding roof) and I like to canoe on the Norfolk broads and be able to get DIY stuff home. It can be fitted/removed in a few minutes.

inflames · February 15, 2020

Looks very good to me mate and your in my part of world also.

Malc · February 15, 2020

thought the canoe was your other means of transport this coming weekend :unsure:

Malc

inflames · February 15, 2020

9 minutes ago, Malc said:

thought the canoe was your other means of transport this coming weekend

Malc

🤣

Paul in Norfolk · February 16, 2020

17 hours ago, inflames said:

Looks very good to me mate and your in my part of world also.

Hi In flames - I haven't seen a single other LS430 in Norfolk, where about are you? I'm Wymondham.

inflames · February 17, 2020

On 2/16/2020 at 8:45 AM, Paul in Norfolk said:

Hi In flames - I haven't seen a single other LS430 in Norfolk, where about are you? I'm Wymondham.

I am in Norwich. But commute to near Wymondham everyday for work. I see some Ls430’s, the other morning on my drive into work I saw a LS460 and a LS600h. I am currently considering getting back into a Lexus and have always wanted a LS.

Antharro · February 17, 2020

Welcome. 🙂 Get the radiator changed before it grenades and wrecks your transmission! And ideally get a proper transmission cooler fitted. Then, check all four airbags for wear along with their linkages, then assuming all's well, check it's up to date on servicing including auto box and rear diff fluid. With all that done, you'll be good to go!

Paul in Norfolk · February 19, 2020

I've not heard of the radiator issue but have heard about upgrading the transmission cooler for towing.

If the suspension goes then I guess I'll fix it, as mentioned it has full Lexus service history so I hope that means something.

My understanding is that the transmission fluid should be changed at 100k? If so I have a little while to go. Thanks for the input, I'm guessing the air suspension is expensive to fix.

inflames · February 22, 2020

Its a small world, earlier in the week i went out to my car at work, on the way i looked over to the next row of cars and see your LS parked in the same car park as mine. 👍

Malc · February 22, 2020

Paul, there is much esteemed wisdom spoken on this Forum about the necessity to deal with the radiator issue before it becomes a terminal one

Please take heed, don't ignore it, it will probably save you £000' or writing-off your car

This is FACT and not just heresay

Best wishes with whatever your decision on this BUT you have been warned about it .... it is of course your decision

Malc

Paul in Norfolk · February 28, 2020

Thought I had replied to this a week ago!

After the advice from Antharro I read up and looks like it was good advice, I had heard of upgrading the transmission oil cooler for towing (an official Lexus upgrade I think?). Is this a separate independent oil cooler or is it a beefier combined radiator? Just weighing up the options.

The-Acre · February 28, 2020

2 hours ago, Paul in Norfolk said:

Thought I had replied to this a week ago!

After the advice from Antharro I read up and looks like it was good advice, I had heard of upgrading the transmission oil cooler for towing (an official Lexus upgrade I think?). Is this a separate independent oil cooler or is it a beefier combined radiator? Just weighing up the options.

I fitted an oil cooler to a previous LS430 but came to the conclusion it's even easier to just replace the radiator. At least that way you know your radiator is good for some time. If you intend towing anything other than a little trailer to the dump then a separate cooler is recommended. My current car had what looked like an ok radiator but I put a new one on just in case, plus nice fresh Toyota coolant! An easy DIY job.

Paul in Norfolk · September 9, 2020

So I took the advice of members and fitted a transmission cooler, seems to work fine, drove from Norwich to Edinburgh and back, over 800miles, never missed a beat and 33mpg. Now I can stop worrying about trashing my transmission! And a nice photo by Edinburgh Castle too.

BartLexusFan · September 10, 2020

Since I csnt find a decent roof rack for 2nd gen GS (nonexistent), I might avoid buying RX, and stick to saloon cars. Used to have 04 LS430 and loved every minute with it (guess how it died? Yeah, coolant from radiator and transmission fluid mixed...) Can you point me in the US £300 roof rack direction? Does this price include shipping? Customs?

abtx · September 10, 2020

I like the roof rack! Have one on my GS430, managed to find an original one here in the UK on eBay. Guess I was lucky. Enjoy your 430!

abtx · September 10, 2020

1 hour ago, BartLexusFan said:

Since I csnt find a decent roof rack for 2nd gen GS (nonexistent), I might avoid buying RX, and stick to saloon cars. Used to have 04 LS430 and loved every minute with it (guess how it died? Yeah, coolant from radiator and transmission fluid mixed...) Can you point me in the US £300 roof rack direction? Does this price include shipping? Customs?

I have a GS430 (mark 3) - had the fluids mixed too, but a garage flushed it enough times and it works except for shuddering. I'm not sure if this means that the transmission needs replaced. Did you experience any shudders (30/40mph) or were the symptoms more serious?