Used 2002 Lexus LS 430 Consumer Reviews
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Love my Lexus...Would not buy German again!
I've owner later model German Cars before and while you cannot beat their handling, this car is something out of it's own breed. I call it my "Japanese Mercedes" less all the maintenance costs but all the luxury and ride of a Cadillac. It's the BEST of all worlds if you are looking to feel like a MILLION bucks and drive a vehicle that originally stickers for over $68,000 (I still have the original paperwork). All maintenance has been performed on the vehicle by either Lexus or an Independent Lexus-Certified mechanic who only uses genuine Lexus parts. The vehicle has had synthetic oil from the very first time the second owner owned the vehicle. Only have 115,000 miles and I've been told by an independent Lexus mechanic that the car should easily drive another 100,000 miles or more! Talk about a return on your investment. Fuel charges are high for city driving. Average 11mpg for Los Angeles driving (no freeway driving). During trips, the Lexus just averaged 23-25. I just had it services and drove it cross country from Tennessee. Brake job, inspection, detailing and synthetic oil change from THE Lexus dealer in Knoxville, TN. Next scheduled maintenance is 116,000 miles. LEX-TECH in Silver Lake is the VERY BEST Lexus mechanic around. I've tried to ask them to do more to the vehicle that what was recommended at the time and they actually REFUSED to do the work. They are a very customer-centric and operate under a budget friendly conscious business model. Can't say enough about LEX-TECH if you live in the Greater Los Angeles area.
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I love this car....and I still love this car
I must admit, I've only owned it for 5 days, but I'm so excited about it. We owned a '96 Cadillac Deville, which we traded in when we bought the Lexus. It was a great old car....comfortable, roomy, and built like a tank. Even though I'm nearing being 'an old lady', I wanted something more up to date...including some more recent technology that wasn't available in the cadillac. Update; This car is now 14 years old, we've owned it for two years, and I still love it. Since it didn't come equipped with some of the latest technology, I took it into Car Toys and had a Parrot bluetooth system installed so I could access hands free phone calling, among other features. Outside of a routine oil change, etc. I've not had one major problem with this vehicle. May it ever be thus. Best car I've ever owned. Update 2-6-17; I still love this car! As mentioned before, haven't had one issue with it....(knock on wood!). There are a few minor things happening...like little rattles and oddities, but still minor when considering the age of the car. When I finally get winter's dirt washed off and get the inside cleaned up again, it will be my dream car, again. Update; 8-07-18. Yup...I still love this car! We've now owned if for 3 years and haven't had a dime's worth of trouble with it. Considering it's now 16 years old, I'd say that's pretty amazing.
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- Base SedanMSRP: $10,78887 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $10,000132 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $4,995164 mi away
Satisfied
dependable vehicle. down side. Watch out for leaking seals. I always have something leaking. either valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, transmission gasket, etc. Often mechanics put too much oil in at oil changes, and when adding transmission fluid.Too much fluid equals leaks.
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I'm Concerned!!
Yes, I'm concerned someone will hit my 2002 Lexus LS 430 and total it!!!! I would be devastated. I've owned this vehicle since October 2001 and have 130.000 miles on it. It is perfect! I've never had any problems. You need to change the oil regularly, premium gas, do the required maintenance and you will have the smoothest, most reliable ride on the road. The back seat gives a roomy luxurious ride also! My sons have had brand new Audi, Mercedes, BMWs, Cadillacs but anytime they drive my car, it's the same reaction...."I can't believe this car...it's the smoothest ride I've ever had!" I've changed brakes and tires but other than regular maintenance haven't had the car repaired in any way. No matter where I am getting the oil changed or tires replaced or even getting it washed, someone is asking if I want to sell it. They just don't make cars like this anymore. I'm so happy I own one.
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'02 Lexus LS430 Ultra
Recently purchased a '02 Lexus LS430 with the Ultra package. This vehicle replaced a LS400 with well over 250,000 miles. You cannot compare the bullet-proof reliability of Lexus vs. the other so-called luxury brands. This particular Lexus is giving me 25+ mpg on the highway along with the best ride imaginable. No squeaks, no rattles, nothing out of a vehicle that is over 12 years old! Doesn't use a drop of oil and when you do change the oil it looks like it is still brand new. The Ultra package gives extra refinement especially to the rear seat passengers. The reclining, massaging seats are extraordinary for a journey of over a few hours. Definitely a 5 star vehicle and one I recommend.
Smooth
This is the first used Lexus I ever purchased. I have been strictly a Mercedes guy up until now and didn't know quite what to expect. This 2002 LS430 is the most quiet, smooth riding car I have ever been in, far surpassing my many Mercedes and the few Rolls and Bentleys I have been in. It is, without a doubt, the finest car ever made.
Simply the best!
I already purchased 6 LS400's, and last year, i decided to try a Benz S430. I was just about to buy it until I went to the autoshow and sat in the Lexus LS430 Ultra-lux. It was the best car I've seen! Well, guess what, I have myself a 2001 Lexus LS430 Ultra-luxury, millenium silver on black leather. The best, even better than an S-class!
Superb car
I bought it with 28K on the odometer. Now I have 130K. Car has been virtually trouble free. I do regular oil changes (every 5K) and standard maintenance as per the manual. I recently changed from 93 octane fuel to 89 and I'm now getting between 24-25 mpg in mixed driving and 27 mpg on the highway at an avg. speed of 80 mph. I noticed a slight improvement in fuel economy with no change in performance. I had no problems with a car so far, not a single minor thing went bad. This car has been over designed and it shows; you feel like it'll go forever. I moved to Lexus from Audi, which was a great car to drive as well, but it started falling apart after 35K. I use my Lexus as a daily commuter.
Love this car!
Purchased as a CPO with 43,000 on the clock. Looked high and low for a black on black and finally found one. I have put 60,000 miles on the car (it has 104,000 now) and love it every time I get in it. Drives great, handles well and brakes hard and solid. Very smooth ride and still beautiful! Only issue was one of the mirrors would not fold all the way. Dealer replaced both under warranty with 2006 mirrors and promised they will outlast the car. Trunk struts went out too and were also replaced. Only issue is with the center arm rest. All the padding is gone. No idea but it is flat. Everything else works like new! Ac is ice cold and the heated seats could cook eggs.
WOW!!
I wanted the best big luxury vehicle for the money. It's a sleeper. Amazingly quiet. I've had people tell me they can't even hear the engine when the car is on. At 100+ mph, the LS 430 commands the road. If I had to buy another car, then I'd get another LS 430 in a heartbeat!
Had Them All....540, M5, S500, C4Turbo
This machine is an excellent balance of power, comfort, design and efficiency. Reliabilty speaks for itself. Punch it, it moves. Not like a C4, but pretty close. Sit in it. You pick: drive it if it's moving. Sleep if it's still. Looks are conservative, but interesting. Gas mileage is as advertised, 18 city, 25+ highway. I drive very fast. Machine handles the same at 115 mph as at 30 mph. Quiet, smooth, stuck to to the road. Very nice.
Great Car
I bought this car used 64k, it has been one of the better cars I've owned. I have had all the big ones except Jag. This is up there with the Benz's and Bimmers, I have only replaced the battery and tires but it has been very dependable. Gets 25mpg on hiway. Nice sound system. One Sunday I drove 12 hours from Jersey to Detroit sleeping for about 2 hours in the car, attended a service and turned around and drove 12 hours back. 60 miles from home before I had to stop and sleep again.
Best Car I've Ever Owned
Trouble free, low maintenance, smooth, efficient, powerful and a huge trunk over 20 cubic ft. Just change the fluids and you're good. Classic good looks and good re sale value.
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LS and more
The LS 430 was a step up from my ES 300. The features are abundant, yet fade away fairly quickly. The car is quiet and extremely comfortable. The front seat gives the feeling of driving a smaller car, but the rear seat passengers have all the room anyone could want. I enjoy the nav system and the Mark Levinson stereo is fantastic. Suprisingly, the car handles extremely well in the snow and slop of a Cleveland winter. The VSC and "snow" button do make a difference in the handling and performance. The gas mileage is something I should have paid a bit more attention to. I get about 17 - 19 in the city and 24 on the highway. My twin engine boat came a close 2nd in fuel burn!
Great except brakes
I have now had the car one year. I have had no complaints until now. Actually, I love the car. But, when I brought the car in for the $15k check, they told me that the car would need brakes soon. Either the Lexus has the worst brakes ever, or the dealer was trying to rip me off. Either way I'm not happy. I thought I left the sleazy dealerships behind when I bought a Lexus. In any case, I am now going to have to have the brakes checked by someone else because I don't trust the dealer any more. One other thing, the lastest NAV disk is out. The big upgrade is that it now includes Canada, which actually is a plus for me.
The finest Luxury Sedan in the world
this sedan is very quiet and the display is very well display. I have test drove the s class and the 7 class and i can only say that the ls430 is the better than those because the navs on the s class and the 7 class are not easy to use. plus the navs are using cds. the lexus uses dvd which covers the whole U.S. For the s class and the 7 class they use cds which only covers the state the car is in.
ls 430
I had an LS400 back in 1994 and was very happy with it but after about 100k miles I drove a 1997 Mercedes S420 and I liked it and bought it drove that for about 40k miles and trouble began after all it was a mercedes and not a lexus traded it for another lexus and have driven nothing but lexus ever since and now I own 2 Lexus vehicles and I love my new LS430 it is quieter and has a softer ride and the best navigation in the market due to it being touch screen.
It is perfection. An honest review
I have always made jokes of Toyota/Lexus because I have owned 7 BMWs from 3 series to 7 series a Lincoln a mercedes and a Ferrari. I always stood true to my BMW 740i & 525 but I just purchased an LS430 Ultra Lux for $60k and its the best ride, feel, comfort, and luxury I have ever had not just in overall value package but truly an impressive vehicle bar none.
Love Life With Her
This car is absoluting amazing. Every aspect is flattering in numerous ways. I currently own a Cadillac STS, CTS, and this car. This Lexus owns each in its own manner. The power steering is just soo fun to use along with the V8 engine. On first drive you'll be hooked.
great car
Awesome car -- a little stodgy but perfectly built and equipped. The GPS is 1000% better than the Mercedes or the BMW.
Great Car, But Can I Have My Caddie Back
The car is amazing. I've got 2000 miles on it now and there have been NO issues; perfect in every way. If you like gadgets and electonics, this is the car for you. And even better, everything works as it should. And did I say quiet? Oh, and perhaps I forgot to mention that the ride is like skating on smooth ice, yet sporty enough to get off the dime quickly and take a tight turn on command? Styling is nice, but not distinctive. My '94 Fleetwood had a distinctive style that stands out in the crowd. The Lexus looks like any other import. The LS430 is an outstanding car. But will my next car be a Lexus? The jury is still out...I still think about my Caddie.
LS430
My lexus ls430 is an o.k. car. The engine is under powered. It is very quiet and the ride is nice though I just dont like the car at all. It was a horrible buy. The dealers at the dealership treated me like I was buying a geo metro. I should've bought the new Q45. The sound system in the lexus is horrible! It is very tinny and doesnt sound very good at all.
Be reasonable in expectations
After following Edmunds reviews I finally decided to purchase the 2002 model with all options included. The car is reasonably well built but has its limits. The engine starting process is rather loud to compare with idle. Steering wheel leather deteriorated quickly. Instead of road noise, the wheels/tires seem to produce constant unpleasant hiss. Two separate thermometers show outside temperature while the driver has no idea what the inside temp levels are. Sound system is good but with very limited adjustment possibilities. Radio often loses station in city driving and this downgrades the overall sound. Change of gears from 2nd to 3rd is late for 1 sec driving normally without kick-down.
6 month experience
A volume button on steering wheel would also help as well as the 3 current ones for the Radio etc.
LS430
Fun to drive,powerful,silky smooth on and on.
Best Luxury Today
The Lexus LS 430 is hands down the greatest luxury sedan of the year. It surpasses BMW and Mercedes by a huge margin. The interior ergonomics are simple to operate and the enigne rides like silk, even though you can never hear the engine or feel its accleration. The Lexus LS 430 is such a great car. If you are looking for quality, style, comfort, and an overall great car, the Lexus LS 430 is the car for you!
MY LEXMOBILE
GREAT CAR OVERALL, FUN TO DRIVE , LOVE THE TOUCH SCREEN NAV, LEVINSON STEREO BETTER THAN IN MY HOUSE. WHEN EXITING CAR ALL DOORS LOCK EXCEPT DRIVERS, CAN BE ANNOYING, ALSO WINDOWS TOUGH TO GET USED TO ONE TOUCH UP OR DOWN IS OK GETTING WINDOW TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE IS THE TRICK, OVERALL A NICE CAR,
What a Car!!!
Great fun. Can't believe the car's gadgets and wonderful ride.
2002 lexus 430
the quality and workmanship are supurb and the ride and handling beyond belief the technology rivals anything on the road today
The Best Luxury Sedan PERIOD
An outstanding value. Fit and finish are great. The car is so quiet you don't know the motor is on. I got the sport suspension to liven it up a tad. This is the car you need if you want the finest car made. It really is automotive perfection.
Best piece of machinery i ever owned
Great ride, handling, uncluttered instrumentation, more than enough power, lots of trunk space -- non onstentatious styling.
The Best Lux Car over $50,000
Wonderful ride, fast comfortable and terribly reliable. Nothing ever goes wrong with it. More comforable ride and seating than the S500 and with the Ultra Lux pack it has more toys that a person could ask for. More than the S600 and a fraction of the cost.
Nothing's perfect but this comes close
I've owned many vehicles including MB, Cadillac and Toyota, but this is the ultimate vehicle in all respects. The quality of workmanship, attention to detail, comfort, luxuriousness is unparalelled.
All the toys o the S500 and $30,000 less
The LS 430 Ultra, has more comfortable to ride,is more reliable, absolutely no service problem the LS 430 is, without question the best Luxury car on the market bar none. Quietest smooth riding car on the market. Excellant performance. I've had 7 Lexus, never had a service problem with any one of them.
Greatest
After almost three years I have never had a problem. Routine maintenance has been the only requirement.
The Lexus I bought seven months ago
The most comfortable car to drive and to own. If this is a wagon with awd I would'nt want any other car.
QUALITY & SMOOTHNESS TO THE 10TH POWER
I've owned my LS430 since April 04 and during this time I've continually thanked myself for selecting this particular vehicle. It's clear to me that the Lexus (Toyota) manufactures spent a great deal of time focusing on quality in this model. I must applaud their attempt. The have DONE IT!!!
2002 Lexus LS430
This is my first luxury car and bought used to avoid sticker shock. The only item needing warranty replacement were the two gas-filled lifters for the trunk's lid. I bought as "like new" with 23K on the clock. The original owner replaced the Yoko 390's with Michelin XSE MXV4's as they wore out too soon. The ride is not super quiet over interstate pavement joints which may be exasperated by these new tires. I don't know. Also, the AC is so powerful that even in a Gulf Coast summer the fan speed on "Auto" has to be manually moderated. This involves using the Navigation touch screen. A nice problem to have though in Houston. I am 100% happy with this car even in our new era of $3/gallon gas.
The LS430 is second to none.
I bought the LS430 in February 2002 with the Ultra Package Option. The stereo system on board is unbelievable and so does the DVD Navigator. The car can respond to your voice command!
Great car!
The car does everything a luxury sedan should do, and does it well. It is dependable, good looking, smooth riding, powerful, spacious inside without being bulky outside, and has a big trunk for lots of cargo. I could not be happier with a car.
KEH review of 2002 Lexus LS430
The best car we have owned. Fully adjustable to make passengers comfortrable. Only minor problems readily and easily corrected by regular maintenance and dealer service. Highly recommend.
Lexus' Persuit of Perfection.
I've owned this car for 3 years and have about 54,000 miles on it. One thing that continues to impress me is the integrity of this car. It is as solid and quiet as the day I first got it. I have not had one service issue in three years, (Lexus did ask me to bring it in so they could re-program the navigation system and upgrade it to their existing service level, they gave me a full tank of gas and sent me a check for $50.00 for my trouble). The fit & finish are the best I have ever seen. The ergomomics are outstanding, every control & feature make sense and is easy to use. This might not be a perfect car but it is the closest thing I have run across.
LS 430
I have owned several S-Class Mercedes models. The LS 430 is their equal in every way--except for the substantial price savings. This is the finest luxury sedan sold in the U.S. Outstanding acceleration and great comfort are two of its greatest attributes. I am 6'4" tall and have plenty of leg and head room. I drove this car over 100 miles in one day and was not overly tired. If this car has a shortcoming, I haven't found it yet.
'02 LS 430 Ultra Lux
Great car! 800 miles per day is like a ride to the mall. Comfort from every angle. The seats, steering colum have many adjustments that can be easily changed for different positions for the long trips, including the climate controls.Just came back from Orlando Fla.Averaged about 24 MPG on the highway and hit speeds well above the posted speed limit. The Nav system is a must if you are not good on directions (like me ).
Never Driven a Better Car!
At 6'5" and 290lbs., I find it difficult to find a truly comfortable car. Forget the exemplery reliability of this vehicle...the ride is beyond any possible expectation. More amazing is the fact that the ride is exactly the same after 40,000 miles! Responsiveness and handling are excellent and the service is unmatched. Cannot imagine every buying a car elsewhere. I am more spoiled.
ALL S-CLASS BUYERS, LOOK AT THE LS430!!!
Oh my god this car is the best i have ever driven and owned. I am so glad that i traded in my 2001 S500 for an Ulta-Luxury LS430 in Black Onyx with Black leather. Very luxurious and extremely good value
Comfortable around town cruiser
I bought the LS430 for family and guests to have something to drive around town in comfortably and safely. If you want a real comfortable and sports sedan buy the Audi S8!
PERFECTION!!!!!
The best car Lexus ever made. I have owned over 7 LS400's, since they first came out in 1989, and have been drivin' them since. I have a beautiful Milleniunm Silver on black with Ultra- Lux. You get power rear seats with massage, power sunshades, best GPS, Mark Levinson sound (the best ever!), parktronic and distronic (really cool), beautiful wood trim, really soft leather, rear climate and audio controls, for just $64,000! BRAND NEW! YOU GET MORE THAN A S600 OR 760lI FOR LESS!!!
A Smooth, Exciting Advanced Automobile
After owning two luxury automobiles, a Mercedes and a Jaguar, it was difficult for me to believe that I could ever own anything as exceptional. However, based on my research, the reviews and testimony of friends and collegues; I decided, for my next purchase, to consider the Lexus LS 430. This car has exceeded my expectations in its performance and handling and smoothness, and the technology is absolutely amazing. It is unbelievable and in a class by it self. If there is anything more outstanding than the Lexus LS 430, I would not even want to know because I am sure I could not afford it.
Fantastic car!
I bought a 2002 LS430 with 78,000 miles on it in Feb. 2008. I sold my 1997 LS400 for this and what a difference! You wouldn't know this car from new, no dings, dents, or scratches! The previous owner serviced it with regularity. The car has the Ultra Luxury package so it has every option offered. I drive mostly highway miles and am impressed with getting 25+ (up to 27.5 already) driving it! A good solid ride. I am very pleased with it after 8 months of ownership and 9,000 miles.