Cowboy0724

Thanks guys!!! I just got home with my "new" LS430 and I could not be more happy. I looked this car over very carefully and I can't find a thing wrong with it. It has 22400 miles but it looks like it is brand new. I even asked the dealer to put it up on the rack I could not find anything wrong underneath (It spent approx 4 yrs. in Deleware but does not show any rust, I think the owner may have not driven it in the winter). It rides like a dream and there is nothing so far that I can find fault with. I made the deal I mentioned above and feel that I might have gotten a little more off, but I'm very satisfied with the car and as someone said early in this thread, I could have spent more valuable time looking around for a better deal, but my time is worth something and I plan to keep this care for a long time, so a few more dollars really doesn't matter over time. The dealer did readily agree to give my wife new floor mats and that makes her happy. This form is great and I really apprecitate the feedback. I plan to visit here often and join the fun.

I am also looking for a 2005-2006 LS430 and have found that the dealers are much (3-4 thousand) over private owner or non-Lexus dealer. I am looking at a 2005 LS with 22000 miles and in outstanding condition. This book value runs from 28900 to 35400 and I have tenatively agreed to pay the dealer 32000. A friend of mine in the are tells me that the car is not worth more than 28000 based on what similar cars are selling for at auction. I like having the 3 year/100000 mile warranty, but I don't want to get taken to the cleaners. The dealer also charges $498 to do the paperwork and claims it is not negotiable. With taxes and all I am looking at $33500 to buy this car. The car is in excellent condition and I don't want to spend much more time looking, but it's hard to determine what it's worth to deal with a Lexus Preowned.

OK. One more question on buying a 2005 LS430 (preowned certified) with 22370 miles in showroom condition from a dealer in Winston Salem, NC. The dealer actually had this car on his showroom floor. I have agreed to purchase this car for $32000 plus tax, title, tag ($498 to dealer for doc fee). I am finding it hard to determine if this is a good deal or not. The various book values run from $29800 to $34,500 and the internet (ebay, Carmax, Car Trader, etc.) are all over the place. I suspect that mileage and condition have some bearing on asking price, but I can't really get a feel about what is a good deal on a car like this one. I might add, this is my first used car, ever, and I am 60 years old. I usually buy new cars but can't see myself spending $90,000 on a car at this stage of my life. You guys have been dealing with Lexus for some time and this is my first Lexus. What do you think?

Thanks guys! I think I will have the dealer put the car up on a rack and let me inspect it. That might satisfy my obcessive nature. Also, I contacted Lexus Preowned Warranty folks and they claim that each dealer must inspect for rust and guarantee that there is not rust visible on the car at time of sale. If I buy the car with this understanding I will demand that the dealer put it in writing at time of sale. I keep my cars at least ten years and therefore like to feel comfortable in the purchase decision. Great website!!

I am in the process of buying a 2005 LS430 with 22137 miles. It is a Lexus Certified Preowned and was owned by one person who lived in Wilmington, Deleware. My question is should I be concerned with possible rust issues (since it was owned in Deleware) and how can I protect myself from rust issues in the future. With such low mileage I concluded that the possible rust should be minimal but not sure if this logic is sound. I plan to keep this car at least 10 years and it will be used in the Appalachian Mountains in NC (where we salt the roads in the winter). I wash my cars after each snow/salt event and keep the undercarriage clean with pressure washing. But with a used car, I don't know how I would be able to determine if the first owner used the same care techniques. I have fallen in love with the car. I looked at a number of new cars and none came close to this car in quality, ride and quiet operation. Hope this question makes sense and thanks for any replies.