Update: Lexus LS430 Repairs

We faced a fairly big repair bill on our 2001 Lexus LS430 - for the radiator and brakes. The question we asked and reality we had to face - was it worth repairing or was it time to off=load the Lexus?

[@ThatOneGamerXD]

I am looking on purchasing a 2003 LS430 with just ONE owner, and only 100k miles, in beautiful condition... Looking forwards to getting it for just a couple thousand.

[@grandtheftauto1233]

Pro tip if you do run into “transmission problems” and it’s hard down shifts that is likely the ECU which isn’t a huge expense to fix. I’m late to the party haha

[@ZoneTelevision]

You guys are still around?? i think it was a few years ago I saw this channel. Nice you're keeping the LS430 :)

[@how2cu]

Atlanta, GA here. Just bought a 2004 LS 430 with 165k on it for $3500. Not a speck of rust, Georgia car. It has a few of the common LS 430 issues: Bad mirror motor on drivers side and one of the air struts is kind of wonky. The rotors are warped and the brakes grab when I brake hard. It's gonna be $400 bucks for parts to put that right. Finally, the key fob remote features don't work. I've tried a couple of guys that show up in a van in the driveway and they couldn't get it to work nor make a new one. Since the windows are expensive as hell, I don't lock the doors anyway. The methheads trash everything here. It's more of a nuscience then anything. Regardless, I'm just saying I would fly down south and drive back one of these before buying one in up north. IMHO.... OK?

[@JoelNickerson6]

Great questions (value vs. repairs, etc.). The cost to own any car has to be measured in the return it gives you (it's a tool, first and foremost, and an emotional object second. Rarely, if ever, is it an investment). Tires, brakes, fluids, etc. can't be put into the matrix of value as ANY car you own will require these items (cost of ownership!). In the cold north with salt covered winter roads, the biggest challenge is corrosion - and investing new parts into a car ('your tool') that is wasting away may not be the best use of your resources. If the car is an 'extra' and you own it because it's something you've aspired to own, you're asking valid questions! What is the value of your resources and how many resources (time and money!) are you going to put into an emotional object that may not be needed? (The days for using it as a tool are over, or not needed as much, and it's emotional value is waning.) My son and I looked at a 'deal' of an LS430 ($2800 USD). We really wanted it as it was 'cheap' but in the end didn't buy it - it needed too many things to make it nice, and if we spent more money on a nicer example we'd end up spending the same $$ in the long run, but have a nicer car! I keep my Honda Odyssey running (275k miles) and ask myself similar questions "If the repair bill is greater than X, do I repair it?" - My answer is, "What does it cost to replace it?" If it's $2000 to swap in a transmission but the car is only worth $3000, so I do it? Well, I don't have $3000+ to take a risk on an unknown, 'affordable' car from someone else. So I repair it. It's been a great tool and will continue to be. However, If it was rusting away I'd rethink it! my latest vehicle (for my wife) was an Odyssey with 200k miles that I bought in Atlanta, Georgia ($5000). Even though it has high miles, it is absolutely rust-free and will give years of service - so long as the body and underpinnings remain solid (which I know it will!). Good luck on your endeavors with your LS430 - it's fun to watch the process. I will hopefully buy one someday, too. (It's an emotional purchase for me at this point;)

[@CMx23]

i think even if it does not make sense to spend say three grand on a repair you could justify it if you love the car. look at what the car care nut did crazy he spend really lots. anyway love the ls430 mine is 2004 with only 115,000 i just wish mine was black like yours

[@user-hk9pn1iy8g]

How often has the car broken down considerably fact lexus and toyota last forever with low maintenance?

[@ug0ts3rvd]

what do you do for work?

[@617michel]

You drive cheap. And, you drive fine cars.