Well, I couldn't pass this deal up, so I traded my TL for a Lexus LS430
02-06-2012, 10:44 PM
#1
Well, I couldn't pass this deal up, so I traded my TL for a Lexus LS430
Well, I finally fell for the Lexus Kool-Aid. I lovvvveeeed my TL (black/black/6spd), but I must admit I prefer luxury and comfort to edge and sportiness. Guess I'm an old man.
I have been on/off looking for one of these for a while, and found a beautiful silver on grey 04 with 72k miles for....are you ready? The list was 22,xxx....I got this for $16,900. I actually pay significantly less per month now for a flagship Lexus than I did my TL. Couldn't pass that up!
The car is flawless; looks BRAND NEW inside and out, serviced religiously (by Lexus), garage kept, never smoked in. I just love big body, top line sedans...This one isn't loaded out, the only options it has are the climate seats (with preforated leather) and sonar parking....but I really don't care...this was a car engineered (even before you deck it out with options) to be world class, to compete with the world's finest offerings...and you can definitely tell. The only thing I really wish it had were the 18" sport rims...admittedly, this car isn't beautiful in the way my TL was, but it's definitely not unattractive either. (That's why I was deadset on a 04+ because they fixed the awkwardness of the design with the refresh.) Those sport rims really liven it up. I hope to find some online to buy sometime soon. Still, even without them, it's a big, huge car that definitely has a presence. It's no S500 with the AMG package, but then again, I don't drive around worried that something will break and I'll be out thousands of dollars (of which I really don't have right now). The S-class is my favorite car (see my W140 threads), but there is no way in hell I would have bought an 8 year old 100k Benz with the expectations of driving it for years with minimal (if any) issues like I do this Lexus. Never.
I fall into pretty much wholehearted agreement with all of the professional reviewers' opinions with this car. Which means that, basically, it's a supremely capable and comfortable world-class luxury car...it maybe lacks the passion of the German rivals, but, at the same time, meets (and/or exceeds) them in terms of luxury, build quality, and longevity. Like I said, I had absolutely NO qualms buying an 8 year old Lexus. I could not say the same if it were a BMW, MB, Audi, etc.
It's far from sporty, but I must say, it is surprisingly precise. It is geared towards luxury, so it doesn't corner like a Lotus, but there is a surprising lack of body roll that I would have expected in a car this large and heavy. Nothing upsets the ride. Nothing. Nada. Zip. I've driven about 1200 highway miles on trips since I've bought it, and it's so quiet and comfortable that I have to stop frequently for coffee, because I catch myself nodding off. No kidding. It's that smooth. This is coming from a chronic insomniac too. I am never tired, and I never get tired. Driving this car on the highway makes me nod out, however. I mean, there are maybe 2 cars in existence that provide a more serene/better highway experience: An S class, and the megabuck Bentley/Rollers. I'll gladly put this car up against anything else.
It doesn't beg you to drive it hard through corners or floor it from every light (but the performance is there when you need it); rather, it just wants you to waft it along, and the experience is euphoric. The motor has that subtle V8 roar at low revs, but literally sounds like ripping silk as you rev it high. The way it shifts gears is heavenly. The way I think to describe it shifting gears is being the world's most precise knife cutting through the most tender stick of butter you can find. It will shift through four gears (6spd auto) upon take off, all at around 2-2500k RPM...I'm sure most of you who know luxury cars know EXACTLY what I'm talking about...this imparts a SERIOUS SENSE of luxury....you're going 60 before you know it, and haven't even gone over 2.5k. And all the shifts are at the same points, so it's very linear and smooth.
It's surprisingly fast, too. I'm surprised that only 290HP can propel 4200lbs of car with such ease. I easily believe the 5.9 second 0-60 claim. First, second, and third gears are very short...and the motor is very strong and flexible. Also, the fuel economy is amazing for such a beast. I just drove from Knoxville to Dayton tonight non-stop and averaged 26.9 MPG.
I cream over the interior every time I sit in it. This was a major part of what attracted me to this car. This is a world-class interior. There is NOT ONE cheap feeling part or switch. The wood looks so good that I want to eat it. It's beautiful, and there is so much of it. The seats are so comfortable that it's hard to stay awake while cruising, like I said. I love the gauges too (duh, they invented it!).
Another thing I love about it are the little details.....this screams "FLAGSHIP", and is another reason why I wanted it. For example, the seatbelt buckles are illuminated; the windows slow down on their last half inch or so of travel so they don't slam into their stopping points; there is subtle ambient lighting in the footwells and under the door handles that brightens up when you put the car in park; everything, the OS handles, the glove box, compartment doors, all open up with a damper...like, they open and then slow down to their stopping points; there is padding between the front seats and the center console so you don't drop your phone, etc., down the seat gap; let's not forget the power steering wheel that is quieter than a mouse pissing on cotton; finally, the adaptive headlights are probably my favorite gizmo (and I hope I don't wreck one day just watching them swivel as I steer...they're awesome!).
Downsides? Not many. Like I said, it's not svelte and edgy looking like my TL, but all that takes to fix it are the Lexus 18 inch rims and 15% window tint, which is all easily attainable. Hmm, the tranny could downshift a tad faster, but I figure it's been babied for 8 years by some old person and may need a little time to adapt to my driving style. That's another reason I bought it....how many original owners (who paid 55k+) for this car are gonna abuse it and not take proper care of it? Not nearly as many as other cars. Lol, I have no problem saying I drive an old man's car. (and I am the only 30 year old man I've ever seen driving one, but lol I feel like the joke is on everyone else) Hmm what else....IDK I'll have to come back to it. The driving experience isn't sport equipped 7 series/AMG S class like, but there is just something about the way this car rides and drives that makes you fall more in love with it every time you drive it. It seems to do everything almost perfectly, like everyone has always said. I thought I would miss my TL, but you would have to pry the keys of this car out of my hand. I will drive it until the wheels fall off, and that will be a very long time. The only car I could think of as being more reliable than an Acura TL is a Lexus LS. Lol. I just couldn't pass up an immaculate Lexus LS for 17k.
So, there's my review and story. I just had to share. Thanks for reading! I plan to stick around AZ; it is BY FAR the best car forum site I've ever encountered!
Feel free to share experiences/opinions!
Sorry for no pics, but you know what an LS430 looks like. Silver with grey interior. Regular burled walnut wood.
I have been on/off looking for one of these for a while, and found a beautiful silver on grey 04 with 72k miles for....are you ready? The list was 22,xxx....I got this for $16,900. I actually pay significantly less per month now for a flagship Lexus than I did my TL. Couldn't pass that up!
The car is flawless; looks BRAND NEW inside and out, serviced religiously (by Lexus), garage kept, never smoked in. I just love big body, top line sedans...This one isn't loaded out, the only options it has are the climate seats (with preforated leather) and sonar parking....but I really don't care...this was a car engineered (even before you deck it out with options) to be world class, to compete with the world's finest offerings...and you can definitely tell. The only thing I really wish it had were the 18" sport rims...admittedly, this car isn't beautiful in the way my TL was, but it's definitely not unattractive either. (That's why I was deadset on a 04+ because they fixed the awkwardness of the design with the refresh.) Those sport rims really liven it up. I hope to find some online to buy sometime soon. Still, even without them, it's a big, huge car that definitely has a presence. It's no S500 with the AMG package, but then again, I don't drive around worried that something will break and I'll be out thousands of dollars (of which I really don't have right now). The S-class is my favorite car (see my W140 threads), but there is no way in hell I would have bought an 8 year old 100k Benz with the expectations of driving it for years with minimal (if any) issues like I do this Lexus. Never.
I fall into pretty much wholehearted agreement with all of the professional reviewers' opinions with this car. Which means that, basically, it's a supremely capable and comfortable world-class luxury car...it maybe lacks the passion of the German rivals, but, at the same time, meets (and/or exceeds) them in terms of luxury, build quality, and longevity. Like I said, I had absolutely NO qualms buying an 8 year old Lexus. I could not say the same if it were a BMW, MB, Audi, etc.
It's far from sporty, but I must say, it is surprisingly precise. It is geared towards luxury, so it doesn't corner like a Lotus, but there is a surprising lack of body roll that I would have expected in a car this large and heavy. Nothing upsets the ride. Nothing. Nada. Zip. I've driven about 1200 highway miles on trips since I've bought it, and it's so quiet and comfortable that I have to stop frequently for coffee, because I catch myself nodding off. No kidding. It's that smooth. This is coming from a chronic insomniac too. I am never tired, and I never get tired. Driving this car on the highway makes me nod out, however. I mean, there are maybe 2 cars in existence that provide a more serene/better highway experience: An S class, and the megabuck Bentley/Rollers. I'll gladly put this car up against anything else.
It doesn't beg you to drive it hard through corners or floor it from every light (but the performance is there when you need it); rather, it just wants you to waft it along, and the experience is euphoric. The motor has that subtle V8 roar at low revs, but literally sounds like ripping silk as you rev it high. The way it shifts gears is heavenly. The way I think to describe it shifting gears is being the world's most precise knife cutting through the most tender stick of butter you can find. It will shift through four gears (6spd auto) upon take off, all at around 2-2500k RPM...I'm sure most of you who know luxury cars know EXACTLY what I'm talking about...this imparts a SERIOUS SENSE of luxury....you're going 60 before you know it, and haven't even gone over 2.5k. And all the shifts are at the same points, so it's very linear and smooth.
It's surprisingly fast, too. I'm surprised that only 290HP can propel 4200lbs of car with such ease. I easily believe the 5.9 second 0-60 claim. First, second, and third gears are very short...and the motor is very strong and flexible. Also, the fuel economy is amazing for such a beast. I just drove from Knoxville to Dayton tonight non-stop and averaged 26.9 MPG.
I cream over the interior every time I sit in it. This was a major part of what attracted me to this car. This is a world-class interior. There is NOT ONE cheap feeling part or switch. The wood looks so good that I want to eat it. It's beautiful, and there is so much of it. The seats are so comfortable that it's hard to stay awake while cruising, like I said. I love the gauges too (duh, they invented it!).
Another thing I love about it are the little details.....this screams "FLAGSHIP", and is another reason why I wanted it. For example, the seatbelt buckles are illuminated; the windows slow down on their last half inch or so of travel so they don't slam into their stopping points; there is subtle ambient lighting in the footwells and under the door handles that brightens up when you put the car in park; everything, the OS handles, the glove box, compartment doors, all open up with a damper...like, they open and then slow down to their stopping points; there is padding between the front seats and the center console so you don't drop your phone, etc., down the seat gap; let's not forget the power steering wheel that is quieter than a mouse pissing on cotton; finally, the adaptive headlights are probably my favorite gizmo (and I hope I don't wreck one day just watching them swivel as I steer...they're awesome!).
Downsides? Not many. Like I said, it's not svelte and edgy looking like my TL, but all that takes to fix it are the Lexus 18 inch rims and 15% window tint, which is all easily attainable. Hmm, the tranny could downshift a tad faster, but I figure it's been babied for 8 years by some old person and may need a little time to adapt to my driving style. That's another reason I bought it....how many original owners (who paid 55k+) for this car are gonna abuse it and not take proper care of it? Not nearly as many as other cars. Lol, I have no problem saying I drive an old man's car. (and I am the only 30 year old man I've ever seen driving one, but lol I feel like the joke is on everyone else) Hmm what else....IDK I'll have to come back to it. The driving experience isn't sport equipped 7 series/AMG S class like, but there is just something about the way this car rides and drives that makes you fall more in love with it every time you drive it. It seems to do everything almost perfectly, like everyone has always said. I thought I would miss my TL, but you would have to pry the keys of this car out of my hand. I will drive it until the wheels fall off, and that will be a very long time. The only car I could think of as being more reliable than an Acura TL is a Lexus LS. Lol. I just couldn't pass up an immaculate Lexus LS for 17k.
So, there's my review and story. I just had to share. Thanks for reading! I plan to stick around AZ; it is BY FAR the best car forum site I've ever encountered!
Feel free to share experiences/opinions!
Sorry for no pics, but you know what an LS430 looks like. Silver with grey interior. Regular burled walnut wood.
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smcafee (01-26-2017)
02-06-2012, 11:15 PM
#3
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projektvertx (01-26-2017)
02-06-2012, 11:22 PM
#5
אני עומד עם ישראל
We're a patient bunch.... 
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MrX123 (02-07-2012)
02-07-2012, 01:15 AM
#7
Your Friendly Canadian
Join Date: Dec 2007
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You started a thread before you got pics?
You sir, are a noob.
You sir, are a noob.
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02-07-2012, 06:28 AM
#9
AZ Community Team
Congrats on the LS430, I've driven many at Lexus events and they handle really well for their size and ride. 
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MrX123 (02-07-2012)
02-07-2012, 07:46 AM
#10
congrats on the new car... you will enjoy the comfort and luxury of the lex... not sure if it is evident in the LS, but in my GS sometimes the ride is a bit TOO pillowy for me... many guys on the c-l board don't like the floaty feel... if i am not mistaken, the 3UZ in the LS is the same 4.3L in my GS... so you should have 300hp/325ft-lbs...
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MrX123 (02-07-2012)
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MrX123 (02-07-2012)
02-07-2012, 08:47 AM
#13
Three Wheelin'
Lexus LS430 is a really nice luxury sedan. great catch.
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MrX123 (02-07-2012)
02-07-2012, 09:18 AM
#15
Team Owner
iTrader: (4)
02-07-2012, 10:45 AM
#19
Moderator
Congrats. Very nice cars.
In for pics.
In for pics.
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MrX123 (02-07-2012)
02-07-2012, 11:18 AM
#20
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Love the LS. Congrats!
Please don't do those VIP shit.
Please don't do those VIP shit.
02-07-2012, 01:36 PM
#21
Lol, gotta love AZ. I am NOT a noobie lol. I have been on this forum for several, several years. Don't let my post count fool you!
I don't feel like quoting everyone specifically, so I'll just generally answer. I really do appreciate everyone's replies.
Keep em coming!
I got the car so cheap because my Acura was worth more than I owed on it, as well as my uncle (who's fairly high up) works at the dealership.
I will post pics later tonight. I am currently in a place with awful internet, and it would literally take an hour. I will get to it later. This thread is pretty worthless without pics; I agree!
And regarding the "floaty feel", I honestly don't think it's a huge floatmobile. At least not as much as I was expecting, given what I've read over the past 20 years. It's CERTAINLY NOT the 1990 Cadillac Fleetwood (not hating on GM) that I thought it may be. It is rather plush, but the suspension rebound (or whatever) is quite nice. It's definitely tuned more towards comfort than sportiness, but that's okay because I prefer it.
Don't go anywhere guys because I will have pics on here by later today!
I don't feel like quoting everyone specifically, so I'll just generally answer. I really do appreciate everyone's replies.
Keep em coming!I got the car so cheap because my Acura was worth more than I owed on it, as well as my uncle (who's fairly high up) works at the dealership.
I will post pics later tonight. I am currently in a place with awful internet, and it would literally take an hour. I will get to it later. This thread is pretty worthless without pics; I agree!
And regarding the "floaty feel", I honestly don't think it's a huge floatmobile. At least not as much as I was expecting, given what I've read over the past 20 years. It's CERTAINLY NOT the 1990 Cadillac Fleetwood (not hating on GM) that I thought it may be. It is rather plush, but the suspension rebound (or whatever) is quite nice. It's definitely tuned more towards comfort than sportiness, but that's okay because I prefer it.
Don't go anywhere guys because I will have pics on here by later today!
02-07-2012, 01:59 PM
#22
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
in for pics. Congrats!
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MrX123 (02-07-2012)
02-07-2012, 02:39 PM
#24
Instructor
Congrats, man! A buddy of mine drives a mid-90's LS whenever he's in CA (in-laws' car) and swears that it feels brand new in every sense of the word. Hope this one lasts you just as long!
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MrX123 (02-08-2012)
02-07-2012, 02:41 PM
#25
Senior Moderator
In for pix. I like the more modern Big Lex better, but this one definitely is a nice cushy ride. Enjoy in good health!
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MrX123 (02-07-2012)
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MrX123 (02-07-2012)
02-07-2012, 03:10 PM
#30
LOL! I was waiting for a comment like that....lol, the car came with those all weather floormats...I've left them on, because they are a perfect fit, and like I said, the interior looks brand new so I'd rather not screw up the floormats, which are extremely plush BTW. I'm trying to keep this car as spotless as it was when I got it. The ambient lighting kinda reflects off of the clear material, though.
02-07-2012, 03:12 PM
#31
You think they just downrated it 10hp in the LS for marketing? You know, since the GS was the "sports car" of the Lexus lineup then. I don't see why they'd bother with 10hp. Regardless, it feels stronger than 290HP.
02-07-2012, 03:13 PM
#32
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Nice! Congrats again man. Great looking sedan. I've driven my mother in law's LS460 couple times, and it's like driving the heaven.
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MrX123 (02-07-2012)
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MrX123 (02-08-2012)
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MrX123 (02-08-2012)
Especially that dealer decal. 
Just removing that would do wonders!
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MrX123 (02-08-2012)
02-08-2012, 12:56 PM
#37
Oh Hullow
I seriously must be a 2 year old, because I actually laughed out loud at that....
I've always loved the LS430, and I would definitely grab one given the opportunity. It is an admittedly boring "old man" design, but I love it for some reason or another. Plus I am sure it drives heavenly. Congrats on the pick up. Let us know how she treats you maintenance wise
I've always loved the LS430, and I would definitely grab one given the opportunity. It is an admittedly boring "old man" design, but I love it for some reason or another. Plus I am sure it drives heavenly. Congrats on the pick up. Let us know how she treats you maintenance wise
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MrX123 (02-08-2012)
02-08-2012, 01:58 PM
#38
Team Owner
I'm jealous. I've always wanted an LS430 but now I that commute 100 miles a day I needed a damn gas sipper. 
02-08-2012, 02:10 PM
#39
Thanks for the compliments, guys!
02-08-2012, 02:26 PM
#40