guds

I am contemplating buying a 2003 LS430 from a dealer...........he has been around for around 9 years and has sold over 8,000 cars in that time. He is well known and has a good reputation. I want a 2003 LS 430 white, w/Nav and less than 35k miles. I have a price in mind (around $35-36k). He thinks that his full-time buyer can find one like the one I want. He will be going to Manheim Auctions to find the car.

My question is how much do dealers actually buy these cars for? I know they have to make a profit but I am curious as to what "auction" prices are. I realize a more popular car will command a higher price but other than that what profit are we talking about? $2k, 3k.......................

Hi,

Why dont you find a dealer who can let you accompany him into the Manheim Auction (Riverside ,CA). You can then inspect the car prior to bidding and decide beforehand on how high you would like to bid. You can also make a deal with your dealer on how much you would pay him over the cost of the car ($100 ~ $500).

This way you would be more in control. I can try and get you the name of a dealer in the LA area who may be able to facilitate that.

Goodluck

guds

My LS430 is coming up to 20K miles. The Maint Reqd Soon message light has come on. The owners manual just shows this maintenance as an oil change, tire rotation, and maybe air conditioning filter.

Its more convenient for me to have my local, trusted mechanic do this sort of thing than to take it into the dealer. But if I do that, how can I turn OFF that message light ? I went thru the video screen, and found a Maintenance section, and it has a way to reset the counters. But doing that doesn't seem to have anything to do with the indicator light - they seem to be separate systems entirely. I've search the owners manual and do not find this.

Thanks.

I perform almost all of my '04 LS 430 maintenance myself (I am an aerospace engineer and I so I enjoy doing these). Anyway, in order to reset maintenance lights, here is the procedure:

1. Turn ignition switch on ( do not start car)

2. Press "Trip" button to display odometer display only (press it 2 or 3 times to get correct display)

3. Turn off engine

4. Press "Reset" button

5. Turn ignition switch on as in "1" above while holding down "Reset" button till "Maintenance Required" display disappears.

Hope this helps. You can also call the Lexus dealership service to get other service related info or call me for other user info

Goodluck

guds

Replaced my 2004 LS430 (29K miles) front and rear brake pads with OEM parts. Very easy procedure. I took pictures and will try and load them up with procedure for future DIYs. Sent me e-mail if you have any questions.

Goodluck

guds