New To This Forum..about To Purchase 2002 Ls430 Ultra

[tonymo]

Glad to find an informative forum like this. I'm in Atlanta and about to purchase an 2002 LS430 Ultra with 104k on her. I'm waiting on the loan approval and should have her by the weekend. She's silver with the cream interior and gray wood trim.

Listed for $14,999 and talked him down to $14,500.

Only a couple of immediate issues I noticed when I first checked her out.

Sunshade when going up, one side stays down or only goes up halfway. (read on the forum that this MAY be fixed easily)

Arm rest in the front doesn't fit properly when putting it down. (kind of have to move it up for it to sit properly)

I feel like i'm rolling the dice somewhat because I haven't found any service records since 06 from the dealer. But that could mean that she was serviced

at a Lexus/Toyo Specialist and not the dealer. I plan to get the timing belt, water pump etc done immediately just so I can sleep at night. She starts up flawlessly, super quiet and there are no warning lights or sensors displaying. Paint job and interior are immaculant.

I found 2 Lexus/Toyo specialist here in Atlanta that I will try out. I'm also considering spending $85 to have a post-inspection done at the specialist.

Also I noticed that the audio control buttons in the back are a little sticky. Is that an easy fix? Maybe some liquid spilled in there by the cup holders sitting next to it.

You guys/gals think $14,500 is a good price for her?

Are there any issues that I should be looking for at this mileage?

Thanks

TonyMo

[landar]

Whether or not $14,500 is a good price is strictly up to you. It's certainly not unreasonable. However, I do want to point out that you have one thing "bassackwards". You should make the "post-inspection" with a Lexus specialist a "pre-inspection" ...ie: before you plunk down the cash. Personally, I would have talked them down a grand for the timing belt and water pump. But if you really like the vehicle, the extra $500 is not a big deal. But an inspection by a pro before you actually buy would be a VERY good idea.

[1990LS400]

That's quite low miles for a 2002. However, the UL is incredibly complex so don't be surpirised if you have an occasional multi-thousand dollar repair bill if you want to keep everything working. You might want to check out the cost of replacing just one air strut before you buy - that might change your mind.

The shade could be a simple fix or require a complete replacement. Get an repair estimate on it and anything else wrong - like the sticky rear audio controls - before you proceed. No maintenance records for six years is a huge red flag. If you are buying from a dealer can you speak with the previous owner first?

I'd recommend having an inspection by a Lexus dealer before you buy - they've probably seen way more UL's than most shops. I can't see $85 buying much of an inspection. That's less than an hour's work at a good specialist shop and way less than that at a Lexus dealer.

[tonymo]

Glad to find an informative forum like this. I'm in Atlanta and about to purchase an 2002 LS430 Ultra with 104k on her. I'm waiting on the loan approval and should have her by the weekend. She's silver with the cream interior and gray wood trim. Listed for $14,999 and talked him down to $14,500. Only a couple of immediate issues I noticed when I first checked her out. Sunshade when going up, one side stays down or only goes up halfway. (read on the forum that this MAY be fixed easily) Arm rest in the front doesn't fit properly when putting it down. (kind of have to move it up for it to sit properly) I feel like i'm rolling the dice somewhat because I haven't found any service records since 06 from the dealer. But that could mean that she was serviced at a Lexus/Toyo Specialist and not the dealer. I plan to get the timing belt, water pump etc done immediately just so I can sleep at night. She starts up flawlessly, super quiet and there are no warning lights or sensors displaying. Paint job and interior are immaculant. I found 2 Lexus/Toyo specialist here in Atlanta that I will try out. I'm also considering spending $85 to have a post-inspection done at the specialist. Also I noticed that the audio control buttons in the back are a little sticky. Is that an easy fix? Maybe some liquid spilled in there by the cup holders sitting next to it. You guys/gals think $14,500 is a good price for her? Are there any issues that I should be looking for at this mileage? Thanks TonyMo

Pre-purchase inspection is actually what I meant and the car is there now.

Thanks for the reply