Super Sharp 2004 Lexus LS 430 with 96k Miles
For August 24, 2024, our used car find is this well-cared-for 2004 Lexus LS 430 with under 100,000 miles, excellent cosmetics, and a strong maintenance history. It’s offered by a private seller on Craigslist in the Tri-Cities area of Washington State for $15,000.
Here’s what makes this one special.
Introduction
The LS 430 is the third generation of Lexus’ flagship luxury sedan. It debuted for the 2001 model year and received a thorough refresh for 2004, including updated front and rear styling, a new six-speed automatic transmission (replacing a five-speed unit), adaptive headlights, and an improved Mark Levinson stereo, among other changes.
We think the revised front end with its more aggressive headlight design is a subtle but desirable upgrade over the prior iteration of the model, which looks frumpy by comparison. The new six-speed gearbox not only improves acceleration — 60 mph arrives in about six seconds — but it also makes the car feel even more relaxed at highway speeds.
In Car and Driver’s Big-Money Luxury Sedan Comparison at the time, the refreshed 2004 LS 430 beat out heavyweights from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Jaguar to take the top honor, with veteran journalist Patrick Bedard calling it, “The next step up from silk underwear.”
The Listing
This particular LS 430 has many compelling qualities. We like its relatively low mileage, its handsome color combination (Flint Mica over black leather), and its minty-fresh appearance inside and out. It’s also had some key maintenance work taken care of already, including a timing belt at 81k miles and new Michelins at 91k miles. Clearly, this car has been well-loved throughout its 14-year history with the current owner.
We also like the fact that this one doesn’t have some of the LS’s overly complicated options, such as air suspension, that can beleaguer owners with hefty repair bills.
In the words of the seller:
2004 Lexus LS430 is finished in Flint Mica over black leather upholstery, the car has 96,811 original miles and is in excellent condition. It is powered by a 4.3-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic overdrive transmission. It is further equipped with a backup camera, navigation, a power operated sunroof, wood interior trim, cold air conditioning, a power-operated rear window shade and a Mark Levinson audio system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and the Premium Package, which added parking assistance, heated and cooled power-adjustable front seats, and heated rear seats and many other power options.
I have owned this car since for over 14 years and always kept it garaged and covered. New Michelin Defender tires at 91k miles, new water pump and timing belt at 81k miles. Car was used as a road car and gets 26mpg at 80 mph. This is a beautiful car and price is firm at $15,000.
Fifteen grand for a used LS 430 is strong money. But it’s not unheard of for such a nice example. The closest comparable listing on Bring a Trailer from the last few months sold for $15,500, and it had an accident in its history. Based on that, we think this one would be well-bought for $14,500.
Find it on Craigslist HERE while you still can.
Details & Specs
- 2004 Lexus LS 430 (UCF30)
- 96,811 miles
- 4.3-liter DOHC V8 (3UZ-FE)
- 290 horsepower
- 320 lb-ft of torque
- six-speed automatic transmission
- rear-wheel drive
- 3,990 lbs
- Flint Mica exterior
- black leather interior
- JTHBN36F940133643
Additional Photos
