21/04/2026 10:55 am
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
Lexus Forum
3
Posts
4
Users
0
Reactions
100
Views
0
So my old civic finally died on me and I really need a car for my commute into Orlando but I only have like $9,500 to spend total. I saw this 2005 Lexus LS that looks really nice inside but it has 210,000 miles on it which feels like way too much?? I keep seeing people say these cars go forever but I dont know anything about engines or how to fix things if they break down. Im really worried Im gonna buy a money pit and be stuck without a way to get to my job. Is it actually okay to buy something with that many miles in 2024 or am I just setting myself up for disaster because it's so old? Sorry if this is a stupid thing to ask...
3 Answers
10
21/04/2026 11:10 am
Totally agree with what was just said! The LS430 is honestly a masterpiece and youll love how it drives. But seriously, with your budget you could also look at a Lexus ES 350 2007-2012 which is way cheaper on gas and parts. If you stick with the LS, just make sure you save some cash for an Aisin TKT-021 Timing Belt Kit cuz thats the one thing that actually kills these engines! Absolute tanks tho!
1
21/04/2026 12:01 pm
Like someone mentioned, these cars are tanks, but dont let the Lexus reliability hype blind you to the actual running costs. I picked up an LS430 a few years back with 190k miles and while the engine never missed a beat, the little things started adding up fast. In that Florida heat, you gotta check the cooling system immediately. I had to swap in a Denso Radiator 221-3142 because the plastic top tank on the original one cracked. If you arent doing the work yourself, shop labor for the air suspension or even just brakes like Akebono ACT822 ProACT Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pads will eat that budget quicker than you think. Honestly, id set aside at least two grand for immediate repairs even if it looks clean. Look for service records showing the starter and alternator were replaced recently too, cuz those are a total pain to reach on the 3UZ engine.
1
25/04/2026 11:00 am
TIL! Thanks for sharing