Skip to main content

When you’re shopping for luxury cars, there’s typically a compromise between reliable and affordable. There’s no shortage of used luxury cars out there that fall below the $10,000 mark. However, many of them carry substantial repairs, expensive parts, and general unreliability. There is, however, a solid answer to the affordable luxury car equation: the Lexus LS430.

How reliable is the Lexus LS430?

Lexus LS430 front 3/4 in flint mica from Cars and Bids
2004 Lexus LS430 | Cars and Bids

The Lexus LS430 is a phenomenally reliable car. It’s a perfect middle ground for an affordable luxury car and a reliable used car, thanks to its Toyota roots. Don’t believe us? Let’s take a look at this LS430 that just sold on Cars and Bids for some proof.

This gorgeous Flint Mica 2004 Lexus LS430 recently sold with a final price of just $8,000. Sorting through the pictures, you’ll find that this car’s black leather interior looks virtually factory-fresh. If you didn’t know any better, you would never guess that interior is 20 years old. That’s not even the most impressive part, either. A glance at this LS430 would never hint that it’s done nearly enough miles to travel to the moon. Look at the odometer, though, and you’ll find it has over 216,000 miles.

The impressive reliability of the LS430 is largely due to its powerplant, the Toyota 3UZ V8. According to Motor Reviewer, the 3UZ has no typical issues or failure points. Basic maintenance and upkeep can easily result in these engines lasting north of 300,000 miles.

That’s all well and good, but how do the LS430’s interior features hold up in a modern world?

Luxurious and comfortable even after two decades

Interior of a 2004 Lexus LS430 affordable luxury car displaying black leather interior and infotainment system with GPS navigation
Lexus LS430 Interior | Cars and Bids

Looking through the list of luxury features on the LS430 will make you genuinely wonder how long some of this technology has been around. For example, despite being nearly 20 years old, this LS430 has both heated and ventilated seats. In addition, though this particular example does not have it, many LS430s were equipped with Bluetooth integration from the factory.

The LS430 also has rain-sensing intermittent wiper blades, HID headlights, GPS navigation, and a good bit more. Sure, the infotainment system is a bit outdated. Overall, though, the LS430 has withstood the test of time quite gracefully.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable luxury car with a budget of $10,000, the LS430 is a solid option. It provides the luxury and comfort of some of its competitors with the peace of mind that comes with Toyota reliability. Plus, having a purring V8 up front certainly adds to the experience!

Related

7 of the Best Used Lexus Models

Best in Sedans & Coupes
Avatar photo
Senior Writer, Social Content

Braden Carlson

Braden Carlson has been an automotive journalist since 2019 and joined MotorBiscuit in 2022. As a self-professed Aerospace Engineering dropout, Braden has combined his engineering expertise and obsession with cars to step into automotive journalism.

When he’s not writing about cars, Braden can be found wrenching on his extensive collection. Whether they’re built for style, drifting, going fast, or just enjoying time spent on the road, Braden relishes working on cars and, ultimately, “making something from them.” Braden is most inspired by the individualism people can display when modifying their vehicles.

To keep himself up to date with the industry, Braden follows a variety of automotive websites and checks in with them daily.