Likes
- Arguably class leading build quality, fit and finish and reliability.
- Phenomenal driving experience.
- The majority of examples on the used market have been very well cared for.
- Could be one of the very best cars in the world.
Used Lexus LS430 review
2000 - 2007
Dislikes
- Fuel consumption can be a concern.
- Electronic gremlins starting to occur due to age.
- Arguably lacks some of the brand panache the alternatives offer.
- Occasional used examples have been poorly modified and mis-treated.
Stuff you should know
- Released in November 2000, the Lexus LS430 (XF30) is a large, luxury sedan manufactured in Tahara, Japan.
- This rear-wheel-drive vehicle is powered by a 4.3-litre petrol V8 engine, initially paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.
- In September 2003, a mid-cycle update introduced a six-speed automatic transmission with a sequential shift function.
- This update also brought improved equipment levels and revised suspension settings. Visually, the updated Series 2 LS430 could be identified by its new front mask, rear garnish, rear combination lamps, and rear bumper with exhaust diffusers. Inside, enhancements included an improved instrument cluster with an information display and rear seat illumination with yellow-amber footwell lighting.
- Standard features for the LS430 included 17-inch alloy wheels, a 470-watt sound system with seven speakers, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, and leather seats with heating and so much more. An optional rear-seat enhancement pack added black semi-aniline leather seats and eight-way power adjustable rear seats with memory and massage functions.
- The updated models extended standard features to include 18-inch alloy wheels, an eleven-speaker Mark Levinson sound system as standard, an improved satellite navigation system, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, radar-based active cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear vision camera.
- Lexus has a stellar reputation for build quality and reliability, and as the flagship passenger car model, the LS430 exemplifies these qualities. The LS430 is known for its longevity and reliability, living up to Lexus’s reputation.
- The Lexus LS430 stands out for its advanced features, solid build quality, and the exceptional reputation of the Lexus brand.
- However, potential buyers should be aware of some common issues which we elaborate on below. It is essential to watch out for these problems and ensure thorough inspections and maintenance checks.
What goes wrong
Exterior
- Boot struts may weaken over time.
- Door lock actuators can become unreliable.
- Rubbers and plastics might need attention if the car has been exposed to the elements; these are generally inexpensive and easily fixed.
- The power mirrors switch connection can become faulty, particularly in hot climates like Australia. Folding functionality issues may require the entire mirror assembly to be replaced, which can be very expensive (over $1000). Alternatively, the power folding function can be disabled.
- Some owners report issues with tail lights, though these are not commonly seen.
- The soft-close door function rarely fails, but if it does, repairs can cost over $1000.
Critical to check for any signs of water in the base of the boot. Water can damage the numerous electronics located on either side of the boot. If water is present, it’s best to avoid purchasing the car. - As these vehicles become more affordable, some owners may cut corners on repairs, especially after accidents. Given the tight build tolerances of the LS430, even minor repair quality issues can significantly impact the car’s aesthetics and performance.
Interior
- While the sounds system is known for its superb sound quality, it’s less renowned for its longevity. Common issues include blown speakers, crumbling speaker foam, and amplifier problems. When replacing speakers, it is advisable to use premium components to maintain sound quality. OEM replacement amplifiers can be very expensive, but a quality hi-fi or electronics repairer can often fix the issues for a fraction of the price.
Mechanically:
- The 3UZ-FE engine is an evolution of the 1UZ-FE and 2UZ-FE engines, all of which are widely considered among the most reliable domestic engines ever made.
- Features a timing belt and water pump that should be replaced every 100,000 km, despite the manufacturer’s recommendation of 150,000 km. This is important given the age of these vehicles; consider not just mileage but also how many years it has been since the last replacement.
- If these engines have been serviced regularly, they are typically trouble-free.
- Higher mileage or poorly maintained examples might show signs of oil leaks and increased oil consumption, but this is relatively uncommon.
- Both the 5-speed and 6-speed automatic transmissions in the Lexus LS430 are known for their robustness.
- With regular servicing, these transmissions are unlikely to present significant issues.
- There have been occasional reports of valve body complications, but overall, these units are very reliable.
- Compared to most European competitors, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, the Lexus LS430’s engine and transmission are not only equally refined but also more tolerant of neglect.
- While European luxury cars require meticulous maintenance for longevity, the Toyota/Lexus V8 engines can endure substantial neglect before major issues arise.
Exterior
- Boot struts may weaken over time.
- Door lock actuators can become unreliable.
- Rubbers and plastics might need attention if the car has been exposed to the elements; these are generally inexpensive and easily fixed.
- The power mirrors switch connection can become faulty, particularly in hot climates like Australia. Folding functionality issues may require the entire mirror assembly to be replaced, which can be very expensive (over $1000). Alternatively, the power folding function can be disabled.
- Some owners report issues with tail lights, though these are not commonly seen.
- The soft-close door function rarely fails, but if it does, repairs can cost over $1000.
Critical to check for any signs of water in the base of the boot. Water can damage the numerous electronics located on either side of the boot. If water is present, it’s best to avoid purchasing the car. - As these vehicles become more affordable, some owners may cut corners on repairs, especially after accidents. Given the tight build tolerances of the LS430, even minor repair quality issues can significantly impact the car’s aesthetics and performance.
Interior
- While the sounds system is known for its superb sound quality, it’s less renowned for its longevity. Common issues include blown speakers, crumbling speaker foam, and amplifier problems. When replacing speakers, it is advisable to use premium components to maintain sound quality. OEM replacement amplifiers can be very expensive, but a quality hi-fi or electronics repairer can often fix the issues for a fraction of the price.
Mechanically:
- The 3UZ-FE engine is an evolution of the 1UZ-FE and 2UZ-FE engines, all of which are widely considered among the most reliable domestic engines ever made.
- Features a timing belt and water pump that should be replaced every 100,000 km, despite the manufacturer’s recommendation of 150,000 km. This is important given the age of these vehicles; consider not just mileage but also how many years it has been since the last replacement.
- If these engines have been serviced regularly, they are typically trouble-free.
- Higher mileage or poorly maintained examples might show signs of oil leaks and increased oil consumption, but this is relatively uncommon.
- Both the 5-speed and 6-speed automatic transmissions in the Lexus LS430 are known for their robustness.
- With regular servicing, these transmissions are unlikely to present significant issues.
- There have been occasional reports of valve body complications, but overall, these units are very reliable.
- Compared to most European competitors, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, the Lexus LS430’s engine and transmission are not only equally refined but also more tolerant of neglect.
- While European luxury cars require meticulous maintenance for longevity, the Toyota/Lexus V8 engines can endure substantial neglect before major issues arise.
Exterior
- Boot struts may weaken over time.
- Door lock actuators can become unreliable.
- Rubbers and plastics might need attention if the car has been exposed to the elements; these are generally inexpensive and easily fixed.
- The power mirrors switch connection can become faulty, particularly in hot climates like Australia. Folding functionality issues may require the entire mirror assembly to be replaced, which can be very expensive (over $1000). Alternatively, the power folding function can be disabled.
- Some owners report issues with tail lights, though these are not commonly seen.
- The soft-close door function rarely fails, but if it does, repairs can cost over $1000.
Critical to check for any signs of water in the base of the boot. Water can damage the numerous electronics located on either side of the boot. If water is present, it’s best to avoid purchasing the car. - As these vehicles become more affordable, some owners may cut corners on repairs, especially after accidents. Given the tight build tolerances of the LS430, even minor repair quality issues can significantly impact the car’s aesthetics and performance.
Interior
- While the sounds system is known for its superb sound quality, it’s less renowned for its longevity. Common issues include blown speakers, crumbling speaker foam, and amplifier problems. When replacing speakers, it is advisable to use premium components to maintain sound quality. OEM replacement amplifiers can be very expensive, but a quality hi-fi or electronics repairer can often fix the issues for a fraction of the price.
Mechanically:
- The 3UZ-FE engine is an evolution of the 1UZ-FE and 2UZ-FE engines, all of which are widely considered among the most reliable domestic engines ever made.
- Features a timing belt and water pump that should be replaced every 100,000 km, despite the manufacturer’s recommendation of 150,000 km. This is important given the age of these vehicles; consider not just mileage but also how many years it has been since the last replacement.
- If these engines have been serviced regularly, they are typically trouble-free.
- Higher mileage or poorly maintained examples might show signs of oil leaks and increased oil consumption, but this is relatively uncommon.
- Both the 5-speed and 6-speed automatic transmissions in the Lexus LS430 are known for their robustness.
- With regular servicing, these transmissions are unlikely to present significant issues.
- There have been occasional reports of valve body complications, but overall, these units are very reliable.
- Compared to most European competitors, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, the Lexus LS430’s engine and transmission are not only equally refined but also more tolerant of neglect.
- While European luxury cars require meticulous maintenance for longevity, the Toyota/Lexus V8 engines can endure substantial neglect before major issues arise.
Should you buy it?
Absolutely, not only should you consider buying a Lexus LS430, but it’s also hard to see why you’d opt for any other car in this class.
When compared to its competition, the LS430 stands out with its superior build quality and better reliability. It is more resilient to poor maintenance, and the cost of parts and servicing is more affordable. Unlike the horrendous depreciation experienced by its European competitors, the right LS430 can often appreciate in value. Additionally, fewer LS430s were sold, making it more exclusive compared to much of the competition.
Even when considering subjective factors like driving experience, sense of quality and luxury, practicality, and available equipment, the LS430 easily matches anything European. All this comes at a price well under $35,000, making it an excellent value.
For the best experience, aim for a post-facelift example and ensure you perform all the necessary pre-purchase inspection checks. Given its exceptional attributes and growing status as a future classic, now is the perfect time to invest in a Lexus LS430.
Absolutely, not only should you consider buying a Lexus LS430, but it’s also hard to see why you’d opt for any other car in this class.
When compared to its competition, the LS430 stands out with its superior build quality and better reliability. It is more resilient to poor maintenance, and the cost of parts and servicing is more affordable. Unlike the horrendous depreciation experienced by its European competitors, the right LS430 can often appreciate in value. Additionally, fewer LS430s were sold, making it more exclusive compared to much of the competition.
Even when considering subjective factors like driving experience, sense of quality and luxury, practicality, and available equipment, the LS430 easily matches anything European. All this comes at a price well under $35,000, making it an excellent value.
For the best experience, aim for a post-facelift example and ensure you perform all the necessary pre-purchase inspection checks. Given its exceptional attributes and growing status as a future classic, now is the perfect time to invest in a Lexus LS430.
Should you buy it?
Absolutely, not only should you consider buying a Lexus LS430, but it’s also hard to see why you’d opt for any other car in this class.
When compared to its competition, the LS430 stands out with its superior build quality and better reliability. It is more resilient to poor maintenance, and the cost of parts and servicing is more affordable. Unlike the horrendous depreciation experienced by its European competitors, the right LS430 can often appreciate in value. Additionally, fewer LS430s were sold, making it more exclusive compared to much of the competition.
Even when considering subjective factors like driving experience, sense of quality and luxury, practicality, and available equipment, the LS430 easily matches anything European. All this comes at a price well under $35,000, making it an excellent value.
For the best experience, aim for a post-facelift example and ensure you perform all the necessary pre-purchase inspection checks. Given its exceptional attributes and growing status as a future classic, now is the perfect time to invest in a Lexus LS430.
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Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Jun 08, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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