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September 5, 2020 3:16 pm by

Low-mile Lexus: 2004 LS 430 with 35k Miles

For September 5, 2020, our used car find is this two-owner 2004 Lexus LS 430 with just 35k miles, which is listed on craigslist by a private seller in the Denver area for $12,000.

Here’s what makes this car special.

Introduction

Introduced in 2000 (as a 2001 model), the third-generation LS is highly sought after for its understated good looks, quiet ride, and incredible longevity, with examples regularly racking up 200k miles or more with relative ease.

In its road test of the third-gen car, Car and Driver gushed that “it seamlessly balances first-class cabin comfort and the latest in gee-whiz technology with effortless performance.”

Also notable is its extremely low 0.25 drag coefficient — the same as a first-gen Honda Insight — which helps to deliver not only decent fuel economy for such a big car (18 mpg combined, according to the EPA) but also keeps the interior “silent as a medieval chapel,” according to Car and Driver.

The Listing

This particular car, with only 35k miles and two prior owners, is one of the cleanest we’ve seen in a very long time.

The Black Onyx exterior looks quite distinguished here and is somewhat unusual for the era, when most Lexuses seem to be painted in lighter colors like gold or silver. Inside, the black leather seats — said to have been inspired by British Airways’ first class chairs — look to be free of wear, while the wood trim still shines like new.

We also like the fact that this example lacks a factory navigation system, which would be quite outdated by this time. Better just to use your smartphone anyway.

The venerable 3UZ-FE V8 engine under the hood makes a healthy 290 hp and 320 ft lbs of torque, powering the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic gearbox. An extra cog was added for the 2004 model year, a nice upgrade from the prior 5-speed unit.

The seller reports that this car has been pampered all its life, being put away each winter and also receiving its services exclusively from the local Lexus dealership.

It’s rare to find such a clean, low-mile example of a third-gen LS, which makes the asking price here of $12,000 perfectly reasonable. We don’t expect it to last through the weekend.

Details and Specs

  • 2004 Lexus LS 430
  • 35k miles
  • 4.3 liter V8 engine (290 hp)
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Black Onyx on black leather
  • for sale by owner for $12,000
  • Lakewood, Colorado
  • JTHBN36F140150985

 

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