8462 messages,
Last post on Dec 12, 2012 at 10:05 PM
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Lexus LS 400/LS 430 Forum.
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Lexus LS 400, Lexus LS 430, Sedan
#7926 of 8462 Re: 2003 LS 430 [tennesseelexus]
by rgsw
Jul 25, 2006 (4:23 pm)
I agree with the post, "suggest you look for a 2004". The 2004, 05, and 06 were nearly the same product. The early production 2004s had a recall and replacement for the transmission and fuel pump. As for "White", the Lexus white never had the "pearlesence" like some GMC products. I thot the white was more of a metalic white and very good looking. I thot I preferred white, then I got to looking at all the government and commercial vehicles here in NM, they were all white. I now have the green "cypress pearl" and like it very much. Good luck in your search.
Jul 25, 2006 (6:59 pm)
Unfortunately, I only have $36K by Mrs TennesseeLexus and I can get a reasonable 2003 LS430 with nav at that price. The 2004 would cost at least $5k more.
#7928 of 8462 Re: 2003 LS 430 [tennesseelexus]
by nvbanker
Jul 26, 2006 (7:48 am)
I had an 03 - it was just about perfect. I had only 2 repairs - the Lexus Link had repeated faults that they could fix for a while, then it would start faulting again. And the telescoping steering wheel got squeaky after a while, the Universal Joint knuckle was replaced. It was a great car, can't think of any reason you shouldn't love it.
#7929 of 8462 Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
by mmm1
Jul 27, 2006 (7:01 pm)
I know the subject of rain sensing windshield wipers has been discussed on this and other Lexus forums before but I would like an update from others on their experience with this device. I recently rode in a friends Mercedes and it had rain sensing wipers. I couldn't believe how much better they were than the ones in my 03 LS and my 05 RX 330. They really worked as advertised--a little rain, a little wiper action--a lot of rain a lot of wiper action and they were consistent. Quite the opposite of my Lexus rain sensing system on both cars. Sometimes the slightest mist will make the wipers work very rapidly and other times a downpour will cause them the work slowly and intermittantly. This is one of the few Lexus features that I have found to be worthless and very poorly designed. I am wondering if any of you have experienced this problem with the infra red sensor and, if so, have you been able to convince the dealership to replace the sensor with a new one that works properly? Perhaps it is such a poorly designed system that Lexus simply has no sensors that work properly.
#7930 of 8462 Rain-Sensing Wipers
by jfz
Jul 28, 2006 (4:09 am)
I have owned an E320, LS430, and an RX330 with rain-sensing wipers. I actually like the Lexus system more. Both systems have a similar sensor and adjustment for sensitivity.I would not be surprized if they used a common OEM supplier. The MB system has one irritating trait--if the system is left on, the wipers will always make a single sweep across the windshield every time the car is started. Many Lexus owners leave the system on--and never realize it.
Both systems will make rapid sweeps in misty/foggy conditions. I have found both systems work best with a clean windshield and when the glass has been treated with Rain-X. The shape of the vehicle also effects the air and water flow across the windshield. My best performer was the current Chrysler minivan, followed in descending order by the RX330, LS430, and the E320.
Try the Rain-X, use it often, lower the sensitivity, and enjoy a great system.
Jul 28, 2006 (9:02 am)
A new discussion has been created to talk about the XM and Sirius options. Some recent posts have been moved there.
If you haven't already, be sure to go to the main LS group and click on Track this Discussion (on the right just over the discussion list) so you won't miss any other new LS discussions!
#7932 of 8462 Re: Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers [mmm1]
by nvbanker
Jul 30, 2006 (5:34 pm)
I have had no trouble with mine, they seem to work about right. Not perfect, but pretty good. Seeing how there is only one small target at the top of the windshield that senses, it's easy to misfire if you're not in a downpour. I like 'em.
#7933 of 8462 Re: Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers [mmm1]
by sv7887
Jul 30, 2006 (8:22 pm)
mmm1,
I had to have the rain sensor replaced three times on my 2002 LS430. It seems like a common problem, I've had my ES loaners do the same thing. The wipers on my S430 don't seem to be any better than the '05 LS430 I had.
Your windshield should already have a water repellant coating on it. The Ultra series LS430's have this glass all around I believe.
-Sam
#7934 of 8462 Auto Auctions...............LS430
by tennesseelexus
Jul 31, 2006 (10:39 am)
I am contemplating buying a 2003 LS430 from a dealer(not Lexus)...........he has been around for around 9 years and has sold over 8,000 cars in that time. He is well known and has a good reputation. I want a 2003 LS 430 white, w/Nav and less than 35k miles. I have a price in mind (around $35-36k). He thinks that his full-time buyer can find one like the one I want. He will be going to Manheim Auctions to find the car.
My question is how much do dealers actually buy these cars for? I know they have to make a profit but I am curious as to what "auction" prices are. I realize a more popular car will command a higher price but other than that what profit are we talking about? $2k, 3k.......................
#7935 of 8462 Thanks and more questions
by cneuman
Aug 02, 2006 (5:02 am)
Thanks to all on this forum for the valuable information always available here. I was trying for a long time to decide between a new car and a used LS. I finally chose a used LS. I am mostly happy with the decision, so far, however it's only been two weeks. I say mostly, because I have noticed extreme wind noise, when all of the windows are closed. What could be the cause and the cure? I'm only getting 17.5 mpg, according to the dash info. How accurate is this known to be? Also, I've noticed a chip in the windshield. Can anyone tell me what the product is that's supposed to stop it from spreading? Does it really work? How much would a new Lexus windshield cost?
Thanks again,
cn