Low mileage, high specification third generation LS in very good condition
Long MOT to March 2024
Beautiful interior with array of luxury equipment including adaptive cruise control, premium sound system, rear privacy blinds, massage seats and vented and heated seats
Just been fully serviced at cost of £800
Very reliable 4.3litre V8 with 294bhp
London ULEZ compliant
The Appeal
The original Lexus LS achieved the unthinkable: it came from nowhere and stole Mercedes’ executive saloon crown. Better built, better quality and more reliable than Stuttgart’s finest, it established a lineage that has evolved through several iterations.
The third generation LS debuted in 2000 and was updated in 2003. It stuck with the model’s calling cards of quality, luxury and refinement but added in technological wizardry, delivering an executive experience that Mercedes still struggled to match.
The thick history file of this low mileage 2005 LS430 attests to attentive owners, which is also reflected in the excellent general condition of its light green metallic bodywork and cream interior. It looks smart and purposeful and has the added advantage, surely unique amongst V8 engined 18 year old cars, of being ULEZ compliant. Combining the reliability of a Lexus with the luxury of a Rolls, this handsome car looks great value and very rewarding for both driver and passengers. 3zIHEc0JnJW4nnEc8sHzPxEYC1ZPcoisGNRRXhBQ.jpg2.18 MB
Unmarked cream leather interior with ruched leather to door trims
Attractive walnut veneers
Rear privacy blinds
Heated, ventilated and massage functions on seats
Premium sound system
Adaptive cruise that works in all weathers
Immobiliser
Optional adaptive suspension firmness and height settings
Infotainment system with satnav
For the third generation LS Lexus apparently took inspiration from luxury hotels and first-class air travel. Whatever the source the result is an interior that can be summed up in one word: sumptuous.
The cream leather and bright walnut veneers of this example give the interior a light, air and certainly luxurious feel. Once you draw your attention away from the numerous toys – including switches for the suspension firmness and height and massage seats – it is clear that this car has been looked after. Just some light creases on the driver’s seat – and slight lifting of the leather on the base – and some discolouration of the passenger seat indicate age. There is also some light wear on the gear selector. The rest of the interior, including the extensive veneers, is unmarked.
The specification includes heated and ventilated front seats, massage function rear seats, premium sound system, adaptive cruise control, rear privacy blinds, electric glass sunroof, infotainment system and a part wood steering wheel. CXDYXVUUfEE5DxhcRTknP0cL1KhUkfj56KiGm7P4.jpg1.14 MB
The Exterior
Light green metallic paintwork in very good condition with no obvious deterioration
18inch alloy wheels with quality Avon tyres fitted
Parking sensors front and rear
Adaptive bi_Xenon headlights
The low mileage of this LS is reflected in the general condition of the attractive light green metallic paintwork. All panels are straight, with no obvious dents or dings and the bodywork, as befits a Lexus of this age, is free of signs of corrosion.
There are only a few marks indicating age. The roof in front of the sunroof has a few small scabs of rust that would likely be remedied by a low cost localised respray. The offside rear wing has a number of light scratches visible in the photographs and there is a small scratch below the door handle on the nearside front door. On the front of the car there are inevitable stone chips across the bumper and front of the bonnet.
The car is fitted with parking sensors front and rear and adaptive bi-Xenon headlights that move with the wheels.
The 18inch factory alloy wheels are generally in good condition, just some light kerbing to the edge of each one. Both nearside wheels also have small areas of corrosion, although not unsightly, and the offside rear has a black mark on one of the spokes. The car sits on quality Avon rubber. Both rear tyres were advisories on the last MOT and look close to replacement.
The MOTs for 2021, 2022 and 2023 refer to corrosion on the underside of the car. The photographs show surface corrosion but it does not appear to be structural and more likely typical of a car of this age. However, the buyer may wish to consider a wire brush and waxoil regime to bring this part of the car up to the same standard as the rest.qrQfIVO1iVFujfmlW013vmwzCbzv5MK0of2xFCtQ.jpg1.46 MB
The Mechanics
4.3litre 294bhp Toyotoa VVTi V8 engine
ULEZ complaint
6spd automatic gearbox
Cambelt service in 2015 at 36,724 miles
Most recently serviced including brake pads in March 2023
The LS430’s 4.3litre V8 engine has a strong reputation for reliability but also has another party trick: it is ULEZ compliant. It is a very smooth, responsive unit. Power is delivered via a 6spd Toyota automatic gearbox with ‘tiptronic’ semi automatic function.
This low mileage car has a thick history file covering servicing and maintenance. The cambelt was changed at 36,724 miles in 2015 – the interval is every 60,000-90,000 miles. The car was also serviced in March 2023, including the brake pads at a cost of £800.
The third generation LS Lexus continued the original car’s unrivalled reputation for luxury and reliability. Sumptuous and quick, it has the added advantage of being ULEZ compliant, a remarkable feat for an 18 year old V8 car and testament to the engineering quality.
This low mileage 2005 LS430 looks the part in light green metallic with its beautiful cream interior. It has clearly been well maintained and comes freshly MOT’d and serviced. If you are tempted by an ultra reliable, cossetting, luxury V8 it looks very appealing.
Notice to bidders
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