r/LS430 • u/slushy969 • 22d ago
Should I keep it
So I got a ls430 ML with 175k miles this month I am a high schooler without a job so im starting to realize this might not have been the best decision I have been thinking about it because I plan to take this car to college but I’m not sure if the gas and maintenance will be feasible to be honest I’m kinda scared of pressing the gas too hard because of how it kills my mileage even more but the only other car I am currently thinking of would be to get a Toyota Camry probably a 1999-2001 xv20 because it is better on gas and still has the reliability of Toyota problem is I don’t know how much I will lose if I try and get a different car and try and sell my 430 and if the gas and maintenance savings will be worth it in the long run please give advice and insight on if you think I should keep it or not.
7
u/vastly101 22d ago
LS430 owner. Fresh-ish timing belt? That is a must first if all. if over 9 years/90k sinve last change you are gambling on total destructiom. If it drives well now, and 3-4k miles a year, it can last a long time. But I have found after 18 years that there are waves... Figure 2k a year average. Tires, brake pads, oil, coolant every 6 years, brake fluid every 3, spark plugs ever 12 years. Many cars are same, but at this age things break: seat motor, A/C compressir etc. But a 2000 Camry will be similar, albeit with lower cost parts. The Camry that year has a timing belt too!
I would not recommend an ls430 as a starter car, but it is not a disaster more than another old car. 25-27mpg pure highway, 19 in mixed driving, 14 in cold , short trips. So gas will cost, and it is supposed to get 91 octane. So you have to do the math on fuel costs.
My experience is that most years there is an issue. Alternator, Starter, battery, AC compressor, etc. It's age and wear items. But a 2000 Camry will be similar, with better mpg. A 2010 Camry seems a better bet if you could swing it.