In-Depth Review: 2001-2006 [ UCF30 ] Lexus LS 430 **Please consider submitting your car to be reviewed if you live in the Southeast! Other channel: / @craigslistgold It's literally just me looking at craigslist
A friend of mind allowed me to drive his LS 430. After experiencing this car for a day, got accustomed to the smoothness and engineering. By the time I got back into my car, I literally thought my car was malfunctioning, it wasn't.
All of my friends talked so much crap when I was shopping around for my 2005 430. Now they cant believe what a car for the money it is. It is easily the best daily driver I have ever owned.
You are VERY smart to have purchased one. It's my next purchase. I'm gonna do some tasteful upgrades on mine like add blindside detection by a company Vox. I'm carefully gonna upgrade the head unit. I listened to the Mark Levingston and how it compared to newer models and it lacked a bit . I'm looking at sinking about 8k into it so when I'm done I will have the best car in the world for 20k.
2006 UL owner here. Best investment I’ve ever made in terms of a vehicle. Luxurious. Reliable. Underrated power. Out of this world comfort. Old school. To die for. I thought of “upgrading” with a 460. Thank god I didn’t. The profitability for the auto makers on newer cars is tremendous. The LS 430 had very little margin. They do not make cars like that for under six figures any longer. Bag then engineers were in charge of making the cars. Now, it’s the accountants first, then the engineers fulfill that equation as best they can.
How does the air suspension treating you, did you have any issues ? I heard they’re not as reliable as ordinary suspensions. A part from that you’ll have water pump and timing belt to change
BEAUTIFULLY told story of the Lexus LS 430! So much information about what makes this model so special! May I add: Not only did the CEO of Ford own and drive an LS 430, because he considered it the best in the world, but General Motors had bought and taken apart an LS 400 to examine and analyze it and afterward announced and that at the time GM lacked the tools, engineering and wherewithal to assemble a car of this caliber. Hats off to their honesty! Indeed, Toyota, already the most capable car manufacturer in the world, had invested insane amounts of preparation, time, thought, money and effort in the development of both the LS 400 and LS 430. They had something to prove. It showed. I love my 2002 LS 430.
Yes, I remember reading that somewhere about the LS400. GM came right out and said something to the effect of 'we would not be able to produce this car given our current engineering methods and manufacturing processes'. A pretty thorough concession!
My Testimony is this ... I have a 2005 Ls430 which I purchased for $15K in 2015. It had 104K miles when I got it , I now have 213K miles & it still runs smooth to this day with no issues. Very well put together vehicle.
I am one of living witnesses, that you will still see lot of Lexus LS430 still riding along modern cars in UAE. Locals always consider Lexus brand cars (particularly first decade models ) and still prefer driving it over newer models
@@itzjdub282 after 20 years you either gotta swap them to springs or if you really love your car get new bags. easy to find someone to do it cause its a toyota
This car is very famous in UAE we call it F-16😂, also everyone is scared from those who own this car because all of them drive fast and even drive it on sand and water، don't ask me how😂😂😂
I lived in the UAE for 16 years, I was born there out of 5 cars at least there should be 3 to 4 cars that are lexuses, they are literally the best cars to be manufactured in the entire world.
Finally, someone describes the way these drive accurately. The engine is heaven. Especially now that everything is a 2.0t and V8s are gone for the most part. Mine is 16 years old, still drives amazing.
I'm watching this because just today, I was shocked after driving my bosses 2004 LS430 today. The car has 240,000 miles and has only had routine maintenance done. I was blown away at how smooth the engine and transmission operated for being 16 years old and 240,000 miles. Needless to say, it piqued my curiosity. I understand Lexus has always been highly regarded but I was just shocked at my experience with the car. Makes me want to buy one now.
An electric car is exactly how I describe the driving feel of this powertrain. You just press the pedal and it has acceleration all the way down to the floor, you just go. I've had my 2006 ML for about a month now and it's heaven
That was without question THE finest, most excellent and superb automobile review that I've ever seen ANYWHERE! I've very recently taken more of an interest in the LS thinking that I'd love to have a 2007/2008 LS 460L, but two friends of mine out of state have LS 430's and I had a conversation with the one in NYC over the weekend and he told me that he's selling his 2003 LS Ultra with 75K miles on it for $6K. I became interested until he sent photos of it sitting like a low rider or a Lincoln Town Car with blown suspension air bags as I didn't know that an air suspension was available on the LS 430 and seeing that instantly made me lose interest despite his claiming that the car had been sitting a longtime and that the battery died and that once the battery was charged, the suspension would rise again. All that I could think of was that pain in the rear Mercedes-Benz W220 S-Class and how ungodly expensive those front struts were (as part of the Airmatic air suspension system) at $1000 (or more) each and what a nightmare in terms of cost and maintenance those air suspensions were in general, and how I wanted absolutely nothing to do with them and that nonsense ever. How I wish the Ultra could be had WITHOUT the air suspension. Thanks for this terrific review, you've helped me to justify returning to V8 car ownership for a fourth time after two Cadillac Eldorado's and a W126 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL as the LS 430 will be eons better than those V8 cars I previously owned with a more fuel efficient V8 than my three previous V8 cars.
I'd take this beauty over a Benz love this car never age still look as good as new in next 35 years this car has class just looking at it all around a real sleeper.
I take care of an 85 year old woman that purchased this car back in 2006. I never knew how nice this vehicle was until I drove it for the first time. She only has 50k miles on it and the back seat has never been sat in. I enjoy taking her out to in this vehicle and every once in a while she lets me drive it in sport mode on the highway.
Thank you for doing this car the justice it deserves with such a comprehensive review,. This is my dream car. No one understands why by looking at it. It’s between this exact car or a Tesla, for the self-driving bit and obvious bonus of no fuel/oil costs and associated maintenance. All I need to do is find one for sale from an older couple that had it since new, if I sit in one that still has that pure leather smell, I’ll buy it and know I won’t regret it. My favorite part of this car is it’s vault-like quiet interior. Although you went into significant detail describing this, one nice addition would have been to include some testing of interior noise using a decibel meter. I seem to recall motor trend testing a bunch of luxury cars around this time, the LS430 was #1. It will always hold a special place in my heart. Being a valet attendant for a couple years around 2002, I drove A LOT of cars. This one couple would role through occasionally, I’ll never forget the moment I sat down and shut that door. It was like I had entered a different world. Completely detached from the world in a cocoon of leather, buttery soft everything, and POWER that was so smooth, as you described it’s like a tiger quietly creeping on the prowl, about to pounce for the kill at any moment. Legendary,. Thanks again for this amazing review. I agree with everything you said 100%.
Don’t forget the Custom Luxury package having the additional leather on the door panels and dash! Great great review. Best I’ve seen. And these are truly the best cars made..
Wheel dampers are not monotube , the OE is low pressure twintube built by KYB proprietary for Lexus. A monotube damper would not ride as plush as the twintube. I have owned 5 of these and always sell them in favor of a newer big body luxury sedan and find myself always back in an LS430. Current is an 05 modern luxury with 212k!! Rides like one with 12k. Love these things
The 2001 through 2003 cars are twin tube. 2004 to 2006 are monotube. Reference: www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-3rd-gen-2001-2006/464116-edmunds-inside-line-road-test-2004-lexus-ls430.html
I don’t think that data is correct. I have replaced many 04-06 wheel dampers especially for the front driver side strut mount issue that caused the clunking noise. I am certain that they are all twintube. But will leave it there. Either way this is the BEST review of any car I’ve ever seen. GREAT JOB
I had a 1990 ls400 it was my first car about 7 years ago. I never realized just how reliable that car was I ran it to the ground up until I crashed it and still it never had one issue. It had no breaks I would throw it into park to stop it. I hadn't changed the oil for 20k miles. The engine and transmission and everything just kept going and going
I own an 06 with 90k miles. It's definitely the best sedan I've ever owned (and I'm no spring chicken.) After watching your video I understand why it's so good.
I am used to buying new, cheaper Japanese cars, 2018 Civic, 2014 CX-5, 2013 FRS, and 2012 IQ. I sold my Civic with 6k, because I didn't need to drive long distances after retiring from the reserves and bought a 2003 LS430 with 115k, for 6k. I took all of the profit, 6500 after taxes and paid down my mortgage. While a stupid idea financially, my wife complained constantly about the Civic which she would inherent after her biannual accident, which we would probably have to trade in at that time anyway. The main point is, it felt like a major upgrade instead of going from an new car to old. When it is raining, it feels like it is sunny, the car makes me feel confident everything is okay. Cheaper cars would get blown around, not this car, the weight and the power make the puddles on the freeway seem to disappear. I look forward to driving again, like I did when I was from 17-22 (I am 52). There can be noise and chaos going on outside, when the door shuts and the radio is on and the heated, comfortable seats, it is like I am transported from Everett, WA, to heaven instantly.
I absolutely love my 460L. But seeing this amazing review on my first favorite model Ls I’m over here dying for one. My dream is to have all the Ls models one day. Best cars made IMO as well.
GHTW GHTW I been having some issues with my car throwing lights from time to time. But they cleared up eventually. Wish it wasn’t doing that but all is well now! Hope you get it fixed.
@@ericdolby1622 hi Eric. I live in the uk and bought my 2006 Ls430 with 120000 miles on the clock for £4300. The car has a couple of niggles like the rear reverse camera doesn't work correctly. However the build of these cars is unbelievable. I have owned 2 Audi A8 and this is far superior. You cant go wrong. I am going to upgrade the alloys to 19"
It’s a great car to drive, there are some issues that no one talks about. some parts wear out very quick and are very expensive to buy. I try to list the things that happened to my 05 under 80,000k. 1. Telescope and tilt steering wheel motors 2. Front wheel bearings 3. Rear sunshade 4. Alternator 5. Radiator leaks If you are considering to buy one get someone to check these things by a professional mechanic it worth paying a mechanic to check it out! Also some engines slugs if the maintenance is poor. Thanks for the review.
JAVAD TALEBI I disagree ., mine has 260k miles and got it my self around 220k miles and seen it go before 220k ,. Nothing but rotors, brakes and normal oil changes , this thing still buttery smooth surprisingly only had it since june July
Subwoofer? I bought and 10 year old Avalon about 13 years ago and on the way home I cranked the stereo and sent 6 by 9 paper throughs the back window in Florida.... Garaged parked car..... had it replace before I got back to New Orleans!! lol. some things need to be replaced and we are considering a 20 year old car.... I would probably replace all the speakers with JBL even if it had the Mark Levinson set up.... some maintenance is unavoidable!! New Lexus cost 140K... and far more inferior in my opinion! So if we drop 8 grand to bring this up to original condition! Goal achieved!!! ;-) And punch out another 200k in travel miles!!! @@Jack14432
I bought my 1st ever Lexus 2005 LS430 back in 2016 Father's day, 2 previous owners with only 86K+ miles, I love it every time driving on the weekend, it's so quiet, comfortable and the awesome Mark Levinson sound system, until today...now have 126K+ miles still drive like the day I bought it. Everyone love it when riding in it.
Agree, great review. As a former mechanical engineer and studied vehicle engineering and owns a 06 LS430 UL, owned a brand new 06 BMW M5 (worst car I ever had). LS430 is indeed the best car ever made, especially the last year model (06), which is the best one of all years. Appreciate almost everything on this car, except the wheels and telescopic steering column. I even get mechanic manuals for LS430, I never done anything like this before. I intent to do bushing, mount overhaul and keep it forever.
Just bought a 2006 LS430, just based on the test drives I've done it's the most amazing car I've ever been in. Gonna be hard to get into any other car after using this as a daily
I still get MANY compliments on my black on black 2005 LS Ultra Luxury package. It is a very classy handsome car; strong and stellar even at 190k miles.
Same. I've got an 06 gs black on black. Lexus of this era somehow manage to look modern and elegant. The ls and gs of that generation ( in my opinion) look alot better than the new respective models
Great review. Really provided vivid, detailed, accurate facts that I can relate to. I've kept my eyes on the car over the years and to see you review it in such a manner of transparency. It provides me a breath of relief for my choice. I personally traded in an 07 Chrysler 300c for an 06 Modern package LS 430 with 89k miles on the dash currently about a month ago. I really enjoy this vehicle. So far I've completed an alignment for a very minor pull, not a big deal, however I have a weird clunk when the weight of the vehicle leans in a certain area. I've taken it to a local mechanic who's been in the Lexus business for awhile and states it could be chassis related and an easy fix. He's confident it's not suspension, thank goodness... (No air suspension on this one). I hope its not too terrible.. I really want this car to last me awhile!
Hi Matt, thanks for the nice comments. On the clunking noise, my first suggestion would be to look at the lower ball joints. They are one of the things on the LS that wear out the most often, due to the weight of the car. Mine (1993) were replaced at about 80,000 miles.
@@atomicautomobile8537 Thanks for the feedback! I'll have to look into that if our chassis examination fails! Overall, I still love the ride quality so for now, I made a good purchase :-)
**Friendly update to anyone reading this, my Mechanic confirmed that the manufacturing behind this vehicle was primarily computerized, and they wanted to make sure NOTHING was out of spec, therefore they proceeded to have extremely tight bolts on the chassis that made the vehicle spawn this weird clunk noise. All my mechanic did to stop it was loosen the bolts, and re-tight them. This eliminated that clunk and the vehicle is running like a beauty. Don't hesitate to buy this vehicle!!
My 2003 ls430 sport suspension with 175k lowered on springs is not quick but is fast specially at highway speeds and a joy to drive, I’m definitely not thinking of getting rid of it anytime soon
Great video! I just bought a one-owner 2004 LS430 - silver with light gray interior - 130K miles. Everything works, almost new Continental tires. Had a local Lexus dealer do a top-to-bottom look-see and the only thing it needs is the timing belt package done. I love this automobile! My other is a 1979 Ford Thunderbird convertible with less then 28K miles. Between these to vehicles, I'm in auto heaven!!
DO IT DO IT DO IT!! I just grabbed an 05 LS430 sport edition in December with 124K miles. I absolutely love it. So much so that now that my 2017 Q7 is coming off lease in a couple of months i just picked up a 05 LX470 to replace it!!!
I'm in Australia and I own a 89 JDM base model Celsior (LS400). I own it only because it came up at the right time at the right price, so I purchased it (almost without seeing it). I knew nothing of Lexus or Celsior, other than the name. I had never even been in a Lexus. The owner just brought it around and parked it on my driveway, leaving it running. It seem to throttle back all by itself after 30 second or so and after talking to the guy for a while, I thought he had turned it off. When he popped the hood I realized it was still running! The owner told me of its few faults and I took it for a drive. It was a 29 year old car (at the time), and it was SMOOTH to drive! It was quiet! We have a nice stretch of hwy close by so I took it for a blast to see if it had issues that would only show up at speed. Close to 250kph (150mph) and it was still quiet (ish) and smooth, and the motor felt strong! I paid him the money before I got back to my driveway! That was 2018, I still own that car and it still hasnt given me ANY grief at all. I have only ever owned 2nd hand cars, so I know a thing or 2 about how cars age and what normally wares out at what stage in their life cycle. Its odometer is not working but shows 290K KM. Its issues? Paint is bad (laquour is peeling off), the A/C does not work (Eventually I'll get around to fixing that), the power steering ACV needed replacing (very common fault) and finally the Console LCD was dead. I replace the ACV and that faulty LCD and its run like a dream with only fluid changes every 6 months ever since. I looked at the rocker cover gaskets. It still has the original style rubber gaskets only used at the factory. I dont thing the rocker covers have ever been removed. It always starts strong on the 8th or 9th compression (done for oil pressure?) and has never missed a beat. I am no end impressed. My next daily will be another Lexus, probably an LS430 and I will store the Celsior (original JDM first year Celsior - might be worth a bit in a few years time now that its technically a Classic). Toyota, that billion you spend on R&D in the 80's was not in vain. Damn guys, you definitely hit a home run with the Engine and all things Lexus/Celsior. Loved your video, and I couldn't agree more with your assessment of the LS430 and early Lexus in general. Its my next daily driver as soon as I can find a good one in Australia (even if I have to fly over to another state to get one). I'm sure my Celsior could last for a long time yet, but Im thinking get the paint and A/C done, then store it or sell it to someone who will appreciate it.
This car is so serene, calm, and confident. Not to mention the unbelievable reliability. I'm not worried about getting stranded somewhere. True, it doesn't have the European flare and performance but I'm not looking for that.
In 1997 I was hit by a car while on my motorcycle breaking my femur in 5 places and broke both wrists . One of the trauma surgeons had recently survived a horrific wreck that should have killed him, he was driving an LS 400, many ER trauma surgeons went out and bought an LS because they saw how the Dr had survived an unsurviovable wreck ion other lesser cars!
I have had 3 Lexus LSs I think this is the most beautiful body style. Im 6'5" I drive about 30K miles a year. I will never buy another Mercedes. I just had a bluetooth stereo adapter installed and now love my books on tape!! For an extra touch go on Amazon and buy the Lexus door lights my kids thought that was "Fresh" STOP do no pass Go! BUY THIS CAR!!
When I was a little wealthy back in 1998 I bought a 1991 LS400 with 37000miles genuine. Used to do 120 miles a day. The salesman said the type of journey I was doing the car would return 30mpg UK and it did just that. The car came with Dunlop D8 tyres. After a few years of body roll I was advised to change to Michlin premicy tyres what a fantastic improvement. Bought for 17500uk 1998 sold for 2500uk 2005 what a great car never forget the experience .
I owned the 2005 LS 430 in this exact color combo of White with beige leather... It was a dream car and still my very favorite of all the cars since then...
I have always liked these, I have never owned one. Here in the Uk running a V8 is very expensive due to our high fuel prices, I know I ran a 650i for two years. Also here in the UK Lexus has a reputation for being boring old people’s cars and not considered as a luxury make. To many years of a German bias from our car journalists. Saying that I loved my previous IS200, I would still like one of these nevertheless.
Loved Toyota/Lexus of 1990-2006. 2007-current can't hold a match to the overall quality and precision of manufacturing. They made the grand mistake of the domestics and Europeans and chased volume over quality. I still see 2nd and 3rd generation LS' on the road and looking in close to new quality. Sure, it wasn't as splashy as a S-Class or Audi A8, in quality and especially reliability, it trounced them all.
Thank you for your thorough voice-over description of this engineering marvel. My 2004 Ultra version ("Président") has the interior scheme you spoke of so highly. Unfortunately, my "azul" or midnight blue metallic masterpiece still needs some refreshing (French vehicle now but originally from Barcelona)... As fate would have it, I filled it up yesterday with "SP 98" while the diesel pumps were out of service because the latest strikes have put a stop to diesel delivery to gas stations. And my Lexus has the same pollution-rating sticker as some 2 or 3 year old vehicles. Just more reasons to get one, but the prices seem to be rising except for right-hand drive versions in continental Europe. The vehicle shown does not have the air suspension. If I ever manage to finish all the refreshing needed, please come and examine my Lexus Ls 430 with air suspension (those OEM struts cost a fortune to replace!). Actually, the air compressor for the air suspension is much louder than the engine.
One of my bassoons had birds-eye maple, my current bassoon has yugoslavian mountain maple; also, my mum's friend had one of these, she LOVED it, and drove with her "driving gloves"...my mum would always laugh whenever she drove by in the neighborhood
The most beautiful car that Lexus has ever built. My 18 year old daughter wanted to drive my 2001 BMW 740iL. I didn't agree. I bought a 2006 LS 430. She loves it. I'm very glad.
The Bluetooth you're not sure about... It is forward compatible with all 2006-2019+ phones. But it only does handsfree calling, not music streaming like more modern versions. (Aftermarket Bluetooth kits for factory headunit are available thou).
Yes handsfree calling it does. But the party on the other end cannot hear you well. So it's useless practically. Own 2004 LS. Also do not use the phone book and other things on it. The clock runs on its own time. Faster than real time and you have to change it every so often. That's a pain. Navigation sucks. Mark Levinson should be ashamed as the subwoofer blows out. (Did on my previous 2005 LS and current 2004 LS - Very poor quality. And I do not play loud music with lot of bass. Quality of Mark Levinson is a shame compared to the LS. Apart from some of these minor things, its a great vehicle. Drove previous LS 2005 to over 200000 miles with no repairs and still running fine and traded it for 2004 LS with 86000 miles and now at 113000 miles
I have the 2003 and I love it. Glad I don’t have the air suspension bc that will cost a liver or kidney when the maintenance time comes. I really want to upgrade to last year of LS430
I've got an 03 with th ultra luxury package. The air suspension still works flawlessly at 240k miles. I looked at prices to replace all the bag if the time comes. It is 750 usd for each front and 1000 usd for each rear. So pretty expensive but those I believe would be the only parts that would break down.
The bottom line is that LEXUS makes an outstanding product. Yes it’s a Toyota by bloodline - but they elevate their engineering to another level for LEXUS. I own a 2013 GS 350 AWD. Best car I’ve owned and I’ve had two Mercedes and other fine cars. I’m sold on Lexus.....PERIOD!!!
my 2004 LS430 Looks like it just rolled out of the showroom. It just turned over 27,000 Miles and I love it ! Unfortunately I have to sell it :( if anyone is interested please feel free to contact me.
I've worked at a Lexus dealership for over a decade. I've driven most of the models (LFA is the only one that I've never driven). No other model compares to the absolute joy that is the 2006 LS430. it's the smoothest car I've ever driven.
I got a clean 2004 LS430 with 57,000 miles on it. I totalled it with just under 80,000 miles... I'll miss that car so much. Now I'm in a 2007 LS 460 L but still miss 430 very very much.
@@theodoreyoung8777 I actually had a 460 for about three days. Took it back to the dealer due to a vibration. They said it was transmission - $8,000. I said eff you and this car, give me another one. That's why I have the LS430 now. I'm just over 100,000 mi. I will keep it til 200,000 mi at least. I had an LS400 that I kept to around 208,000 mi.
Steve Wingate Wow $8,000 that’s another thing I heard those parts are stupid expensive was going to ask u the difference between the two but u haven’t had the LS460 long enough what are the differences to u between the 400 and 430?
Steve Wingate I also think the 2006 430 is the best looking LS ever it has that European S class look to it without all the nightmare repair issues I heard and read a lot about I ain’t going to live Mercedes Benz always been my favorite since a child but after all my research I made a change of decision and decided to own a Lexus ima still get that S class Mercedes Benz though it’ll just be for the weekends lol
Just bought ls430 2006 with 150k kilometers, my friends who doesn't know about this car are surprised why I bought old car lol they don't know this Lexus
Theodore Young I change it for a Audi A 8 good car but didn’t have all the luxuries that the Lexus , I might go back to Lexus one day Great cars Thanks
You have a nice voice dude. I am a happy owner of a 2004 Lexus LS430 but massively heartbroken. Took my baby to the Toyota dealer for a starter replacement, and they damaged the engine. It needs a new engine but I will find one and reuse it. In the meantime, I will fight with the thugs who destroyed my babe. You will not understand what a beautiful vehicle this is unless you own one.
A F A Wow very sorry to hear that I have a 2006 Lexus LS430 and couldn’t imagine the heartbreak and they say Toyota is as trusted a Lexus Dealership to work on Lexus cars after hearing this won’t go to Toyota for any maintenance work only for transmission fluid changes that I only do their because the Lexus Dealerships in my area don’t do them thanx for the info and I wish u the best with your LS430
It is the best Lexus LS I own this very year and it’s been a wonderful car. It just doesn’t break down. I’ve spent under 400 dollars since new and it has about 115,000 miles now. I’m looking for another one with less than 40,000 miles one owner. I hate the new ones. Not V8s and pissy little engines that will not hold up like this V8!
I really appreciate the compliment and am glad that you like the videos. They will continue to come. By all training I am a technical person but really enjoy representing cars this way.
I own an 05 Toyota Crown (‘Royal Extra’ trim - the base model). It shares the external sheet-metal and similar interior mouldings to the Lexus, and it is also rear wheel drive. But that’s about where the similarities end. My Toyota Crown has a 2.5 litre V6, and only about a quarter of the electrics as the Lexus. The Crown is a great car is it’s own right, but it wouldn’t have had the +10 year long service Toyota staff manufacturing it, and would have much of its running gear from the general Toyota Parts bin.
