l am considering a used 2002 Lexus LS430. It is in excellent condition with 79K miles. This is my first time buying used, and I've just had my 1999 American Ford Windstar die out at 150K miles.

I am debating between this and a new, similarly priced Toyota, but if the Lexus can last a good ten years withroughly 12K each year, then it is the obvious choice for me. I've never had any experience with Lexus (or any import car for that matter), so I am not quite sure what to expect. For you Lexus owners, how far can l expect this car go without breaking down on me? Thanks a lot for your input!

This car is made by Toyota. If you take car of it it will last forever l have 1989 Toyota pickup with 450,000 and still runs strong and does not use oil and l have had it sense day 1 got it with 12 miles on it.

You got 150k out of a Windstar, & they were not know for being the most durable, trouble free vehicles. So either u were very lucky & band-aided it (bare minimum repairs) or perhaps u actually took care of it & did the maintenance.

A Lexus LS430 should take u well into 200k with minimal repairs. Maintenance will be a little costly, & repairs can be expensive, but it will not require much of either. l would get it. You can get a plain jane Toyota like 10 other people in the parking lot at work, or u can have a top of the line luxury car. l would choose real wood & nice leather with an excellent sound system.

My only concern would be maintenance, as u r close to a 90k service interval. l believe this car has variable valve timing, so l do not think there is a timing chain to replace. l would consult with/call a Lexus dealer & price out the service & see what is involved. On the older models it was a good $1000 - $3000 service.

If you maintain it well it will easily roll another 5-6 years at the rate of 12-15,000 miles per year. Mine is a 2003 and it has 100k and it has not broken down since l bought it, one of my friends has a 1994 that still rolls perfectly, another one has a 1996 that is doing just fiiiine. Theyre good cars that do not die that soon.

That Ford Winstar shoud've last u 200K or more. Lexus is car like any other car. If u have problem making Ford Winstar last, than u whould have similar problem with Lexus. Winstar is actually better car for people who do not know much about cars because it is driven by timing chain. Lexus LS430 is driven by rubber belt, that requires replacement every 90K miles. Engine is interference - which means if the belt breaks, then it would trash ur cylinder head.

Lexus, if well taken care of, can last up to 300K. But u can usually get 200K out of almost any cars in the market as long as u maintain them properly. Body is weak, & usually develop rust around 5 years. Rust problems r serious with these cars. Most frequently encountered problems r the brake caliper bolts rusting, & completely seizing in the mounting point. Drilling out these buggers take hours, & it not a good way to spend ur after noon fiddling with ez out.

These side way V engine blocks r difficult to work on, increasing ur maintaince cost due to labor complications. The access to the rear cylinder block is not possible due to the intake minifold in the way. Making simple job like replacing spark plugs ten times more difficult.

Check ur local library, bookstore or online for Consumer is Reports. Their recommendations will give u a broad idea about reliability.

l drive a 2002 & it still looks brand new with 41K on it. While l would like to think all Lexus owners take the same care we do, l know that is not always the case. However, overall, l have great faith in Toyota/Lexus autos.

Out of about 8 models, l think 6 r rated Consumer Reports Best Buys. No other manufacturer has that.