New Lexus Virgin

[brownridge]

Hi. my wife says that I am not old enough to buy a Lexus yet ( as she thinks they are an old mans car). But I am pretty determined to buy an LS430 as everyone I have talked to swears by them and I read here that once you have a Lexus, it will spoil you for every other car. I see the engines seem to take starship mileages - seemn one on autotrader with 315k!

Any tips on what to look out for on the early 430's would be appreciated- especially advise on cambelts/ chains?

thanks allan

[steve2006]

Hello and welcome to the club,you are never too young to buy a Lexus although at 21 I wouldn't like the insurance premiums!

The main consideration is a full service history preferably Lexus or a known good independent,mileage as you already appreciate is not so important if the servicing has been done as required.

These are heavy cars so suspension wear is common listen for knocks and bangs when test driving indicating worn components,I think some or maybe all models have air suspension make sure all this works,the ride height system has known problems on the sensors and the things aren't cheap.

There is a good choice out there so be picky,if unsure walk on by to the next one.

If you are not mechanically minded consider an AA or RAC inspection for potential purchases.

The engine does have a cam belt which requires replacement at every 100,000 miles or 7 years the job is complex and costly at around 1K (includes tensioners/water pump) so make sure it has been done or if getting near to replacement work the price down to compensate

Below is a link to a good resource site detailing the specifications of the LS430

http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html

[dave1]

The cambelt is 100,000 miles or 10 years whichever is sooner.

[steve2006]

The cambelt is 100,000 miles or 10 years whichever is sooner.

Cheers Dave,I'm a bloke and therefore cannot multitask so it's either miles or years not the two together!!lol

[brownridge]

Hello and welcome to the club,you are never too young to buy a Lexus although at 21 I wouldn't like the insurance premiums!

The main consideration is a full service history preferably Lexus or a known good independent,mileage as you already appreciate is not so important if the servicing has been done as required.

These are heavy cars so suspension wear is common listen for knocks and bangs when test driving indicating worn components,I think some or maybe all models have air suspension make sure all this works,the ride height system has known problems on the sensors and the things aren't cheap.

There is a good choice out there so be picky,if unsure walk on by to the next one.

If you are not mechanically minded consider an AA or RAC inspection for potential purchases.

The engine does have a cam belt which requires replacement at every 100,000 miles or 7 years the job is complex and costly at around 1K (includes tensioners/water pump) so make sure it has been done or if getting near to replacement work the price down to compensate

Below is a link to a good resource site detailing the specifications of the LS430

http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html

Many thanks- very helpful. Allan

[brownridge]

The cambelt is 100,000 miles or 10 years whichever is sooner.

appreciate it.

thanks allan

[kevinsgs300]

hi and welcome to the club

[brownridge]

Well, I did it...after a disastrous dalliance with a jaguar xj, I have bought a GS 430 which I hope to pick up next week.

It needs new wheels as the chrome ones are badly corroded- so can one of the experts please tell me what size wheels and tyres the 2000 model had as stock?

Thanks allan

[noby76]

i think they had the same wheels as IS's but i might be wrong. either 17 inch which where 215 45 zr17's or if its sport will be 225 40 zr18's. am guessing tires will depend on brand you prefer and how much you willing to spend but these cars prefer premuim tires so Pirelli's , Bridgetones, or Continentals will all do the job.

[brownridge]

Lexus number 2...... after a quick dalliance with a 2000 GS430 which I susequently found out had been treated to a "haircut" of 200k, I part excahnged it for a 2 owner 80k full Lexus SH (shouldda done that before Malcolm!- duh!) which is in much better order. Had a rear caliper sieze and now have the P1651 eml issue but otherwise- all good!