I'm looking for a daily driver that I'll be using to commute about 120 miles round trip. Currently I have an 05 nissan altima that I've had for for a little over 10 yrs. Has a little over 150k miles. Has been a reliable daily driver but only in town. I don't trust to drive from clarksville to nashville 5 days a week. Found a used LS430 with 170k miles for 5500$. Would the LS430 be reliable transportation or should i keep looking. Never owned a lexus soi don't know if they are more trouble than theyre worth.
They are very well built and solid cars, but V8 Lexus models are usually more expensive to maintain/repair when something does break. Plus, they don't give great fuel economy which is a big factor when you will be driving 120 miles a day. So, I suggest you look for a lower mileage and newer V6 Lexus like a GS or ES. Those will be cheaper to maintain/fix in the long run. The LS is reliable, but with that age and high mileage some expensive items could come up - it will definitely be somewhat of a gamble. If you don't mind the poorer gas mileage and are willing to put up with a couple expensive repairs, there's nothing wrong with getting a LS - just be prepared. Of course get a pre-purchase inspection on any car you consider before giving the seller any money.
It can easily cost a few thousand dollars to replace the knock sensor and starter on the V8’s due to their location when they do fail. Also the V8 takes up more space and it’s just harder to work under the hood compared to a V6. If you still want luxury and comfort (that the LS would provide), I would look at an ES or GS or possibly even a Toyota Avalon.
That’s some serious mileage. I wouldn’t recommend a Lexus V8 for your requirements. Look at another, cheaper to fix, car.
Scotty doesn’t recommend buying old V8 engines as they can get expensive to repair, as they age.
And I wouldn’t recommend you get an 18yr old car & put 30,000 miles/year on it.
Look for something much, much newer.
The LS is a quality car but it costs so much to maintain and repair. Another thing specific to the listing, too many miles for a daily and overpriced. If you want a Lexus, I would look into a V6 one with lower miles, like an ES350/GS350. Generally for a daily no more than 10-12 years of age and 120-130k miles would be my preference. For 5 grand you could get yourself a Camry/ES.
Also the LS is a fuel guzzler.
Honestly I don't think it is worth paying that much money for such an old car with that many miles.
