rwallican

I saw a beautiful 05 LS430 with nav and 37k for $28k. I might go look at it this week.

Wow! 28-30mpg? That's worth it!! Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to start by running at my local indie's shop. He gets plenty of people in there looking for 95-00 models. I'll list for $8000.

That's about the same as here in Texas. Maybe a little higher here.

If I'm not mistaken, it was 2005. I researched the 2004 vs. 2005 on cars.com and that's what was mentioned.

I'm thinking about purchasing a GX (also considering the LS 430 if my dad doesn't hand down his 2000 Silverado). This is my 2nd option. Just wanted to know what the big differences are between the 04 and 05? I know the engine got a bit more powerful in 2005 but is there anything else from those of you that already have them (Ride comfort, audio/nav upgrades, gas mileage, etc)? I put about 20k miles/year on my cars and it will be an everyday vehicle.

Are you satisfied with the 04? I'm kinda leaning toward that year.

I've seen them run anywhere from 7-10k. I actually saw one (Dallas-Fort Worth) with 222,700 miles for $8900!! And this was an individual seller. I'm thinking of listing it at $8000.

Thinking about purchasing an 04 or 05 LS430. Any major differences in you guys' opinion? I have heard that a couple of kinks with the audio system and power equipment were corrected in 05. I'm seeing the certified pre owneds run about 4k cheaper for an 04. If there is no difference, I'll just get that.

Just wondering what your thoughts are on a price range. I bought it with 42k at the Lexus dealership in 2003 and it now has 129k. Black with tan interior. Have all service records (some done at dealership but most at my local indie) and it is currently up to date. Immaculate condition. No door dings, lustrous paint, driver's seat has minimal cracking. No interior stains. No sunroof (got a good deal on it for that reason). New set of Michelin MXV4s (less than 1000 miles). I'm about to inherit a 2000 Silverado from my dad (mostly going to be used for hauling dogs, tailgating, and mountain biking) and I've just got that bug to buy something! I'm considering that GS 350 or newer LS430. What do you think is a reasonable price to ask for it?

Does anyone know what year, if ever, the LS started coming equipped with an auxiliary plug in (for IPOD, MP3, etc.)?

Anyone ever had their EGR tube replaced on the 95-00 LS400? Just wondering what you paid and what the tubes cost (I was told there are 2 of them).

Well, looks like I'm going to get those tie rod ends and ball joints replaced on my 96LS. Ever since I had my rack/pinion changed out last year, I haven't been able to get rid of the wobble at 50-60 mph. I've had the tires rotated and balanced 3 times (even road force balanced) and a bent wheel fixed since the replacement. I also changed the rear knuckle bushings and had the strut rods replaced as well. It was mentioned to me that the new rack and old tie rod ends/ball joints don't work well together. What do you guys think? I figure it has something to do with the rack replacement since prior to that, I had a perfectly smooth ride.

122,000 on my 96ls. I had to replace the power steering system last year along with the rear knuckle bushings and front strut rods, motor and transmission mounts. Other than that, no problems. I've been thinking about selling it next year but, seeing the high mileages that you are getting, I might just keep it and add a truck to my collection (Toyota Tundra of course!). The only thing that "scares" me now is some of the other things that may potentially go out (i.e. ac unit, starter, etc.). But I've been riding without a car payment for a couple of years so I guess I can afford to put a little $ into it.

Funny, I have 20's on a 96ls and don't have those problems. If it's not simple to fix and if you can sell them, go ahead and then buy some 19s. I have 245/35/20's all the way around.

sweet!

Have you had your 90 ls for all 225,000 miles? A salesman at the dealership has a 95 and he told me he never put premium in it and has been running it for over 200k miles. These cars are tanks!

Wow! Thanks nc211. The alignment is perfect. I was thinking that maybe the rack was bad. I'm not a big DIYer so I might just get all of that replaced. I hate taking things back over and over again. I'm definitely going to ask for the senior tech. I've had an indie doing work for me but came to realize that I wasn't saving much money and it was inconvenient because i didn't get a loaner. My Service Advisor at Lexus is really fair. He throws in extras all the time and they're pretty honest. If I have to put a few hundred $ into the car, so be it. It's paid off and in immaculate condition. I know that all of this stuff is made to wear out and when it does, you either buy a new car or replace it. I haven't heard any clunks going over bumps. Those strut rods were gone. The car wouldn't hold an alignment because the rubber in them was eroded. So, I'll talk to my service guy about the outer tie rods and lower ball joints and go from there. Just for my knowledge, what would be the chances of having a defective rack? And it does suck having these nice wheels and that wobble at high speeds.

About 7 months ago, I had the dealer replace my power steering system (rack & pinion, pump, lines). Ever since, I get a vibration in the steering wheel at highway speeds (60-65mph). It was fine before I took it in. Granted, I do have 20" wheels, but they are very classy, high quality and they were on about a year before the steering system went out. Anyway.....I was told by the dealer that I needed new strut rods and rear knuckle bushings and the shaking would go away. Did that. Then i found out that I bent a rim.....Got that fixed. Just had my 120k service done and the dealer rebalanced and rotated all 4 wheels. Still getting the vibration Could the rack/pinion be the culprit? I'm tired of trying to get this problem diagnosed and really don't want to spend anymore money doing so.

This is a highly debated argument. I've had my 96 for going on 5 years now and have alternated.....a couple tanks of premium and a couple of regular. I do notice more power with the premium but sometimes I feel cheap and just wanna save a few dollars. My mechanic cleaned the throttle body at 120k and commented on how clean it was. I'll continue my method.

I think it's all in how you look at it. I like going to the dealer because of the loaners and because you don't have to sit and wait on your car or have some "courtesy van" drop you off at home. I used to use an independent shop for all of my services but it just became too inconvenient. When they did the 90k service, they let me borrow their 90 honda accord to get around in! I paid about $300 less but had to get around in that junk! To me, it's like anything else---you get what you pay for. You will definitely pay less at "other" places, but you won't get that Lexus service. And, to me, there's peace of mind having someone work on your car that's highly trained and up-to-date on all new technologies. I also love the car washes when it gets cold outside. You have to pay for convenience and I'm definitely willing to do so when it comes to my car.

Thanks. My buddy has used them and says they do excellent work.

Well, I've found the source of my "wobbling" steering wheel. I bent a rim! Anyone ever done this and, if so, what's a good cost estimate to repair?

I'll have to see it in person. You can actually get information off the Lexus.com website. I wondering what the MPG is going to be.

Any thoughts on it? It's not as "different" as I thought it might be.

Alignment and tire balance are both "perfect". Had the tires check again this morning. I think this warrants another trip back to the dealership so they can check out that rack. Like I said, I never had this problem before it was put on. Any other thoughts on this?