The Perfect Second Vehicle?

[Kabanstva]

I’ve been daily driving a 04 LS430 since around 2017. Easily one of the best cars I ever bought. It was worth flying out and picking out a clean one in Los Angeles. I highly recommend it. It goes through the OEM brakes quicker than other cars I’ve owned but besides that it’s incredible.

 

[rexington14]

Love my 100 series! Daily driving it now with 225k on the clock. It needs some maintenance, it's a PITA to have it at the shop and not have another vehicle. I have some family in town for a month sharing a car with my wife, they plan on visiting more often. We just had a baby. All of this has me thinking, the time is near for the extra vehicle. And I like cars/trucks, so much of this is justifying.

I'm thinking maybe get a 2004-2006 LS430 to just cruise around town. Would be easy for my in-laws to drive when they stay with us, would be safe enough and roomy enough for the baby. It'll probably need a fair amount of maintenance because it's 20ish years old, but it and the 100 series could take turns and I'd always have something to drive in theory. Cool factor is there (to me). I'd probably spend $10k.

OR

2014-2016 Tundra. Probably a 4x4. Daily Drive. Plenty of room for a dad mobile. I own some property and often think, I wish I hadn't sold my old 2000 Silverado when I have something big or dirty to move and want to keep my LX clean. I drove a Tundra recently and liked it, but wonder if it would be to big and bulky for everyday driving and I'd get annoyed with parking it. Probably less maintenance required because it would be 10 years newer and I assume a simpler machine than the LS 430. Not as in-law friendly I wouldn't say based on size. I'd probably spend 18-20k on a Tundra.

Any third options? My wife and I are talking about a 40k budget, but I think I might be a little cheap by nature. I'm thinking how could I spend 1/2 or 1/4 that amount... and then get LASIK, go on vacation, pour some money into the LX 470... Stuff like that. I will keep my 100. Probably only drive 5-7k miles per year, so the cars are part transportation, part hobby. I'd love to get a classic or a coupe, but I feel like I want the flexibilty to safely transport the baby in the extra vehicle if needed.

What car does your wife have?

 

[willc]

2001-2006 Lexus LS430 is the pefect second vehicle for the 100 series owner. Lots of interchangable parts, and you only have to keep 1 type of oil and filter on hand.

I love my 2004, paid $6k for a FULLY depreciated luxury car that rides and drives absolutely amazing, better than most new cars even with 20 years of age on it.

View attachment 3804456

that thing is sweet! I think values are up since you bought this unless you have a ton of miles on it. I'm not seeing any in the 6k range that aren't worn out

I’ve been daily driving a 04 LS430 since around 2017. Easily one of the best cars I ever bought. It was worth flying out and picking out a clean one in Los Angeles. I highly recommend it. It goes through the OEM brakes quicker than other cars I’ve owned but besides that it’s incredible.

awesome feedback. thank you

What car does your wife have?

Tesla Model Y. She likes it well enough. she misses her audi q5. we both agree the tesla is an applance more than something like an old lexus with "soul" or whatever you want to say, but she commutes and says it just makes too much sense to drive anything else.

 

[juicemode]

I was just looking too, from what I can see I’ll need $15k to get a clean ls430.

 

[willc]

I just want to point out that if I play my cards right, I could get a regular cab tundra 2wd for like 4-6k, I could get a clean LS 430 for 10-12k, still come out cheaper than a 2014+ Tundra. Still have my 4x4 100 series... have two of the three that could accomodate the baby, one to loan to the in-laws that they could easily drive and climb into... big brain stuff right here.

Would I hate myself for maintaining a fleet of 20ish year old vehicles, having three insurances, registrations, sets of brakes, little bs breaking like seat motors or window regulators, two timing belts to service, etc, etc?

OR would I be respected and admired in my community as a genius? (jk)

Find a nice low mileage CT200h. It’s the most fun you’ll ever have in a golf cart. Typical Lexus fit and finish. Mine is an F sport so that’s cool. And 40 mpg. It’s a “hot hatch” which means it fits a surprising amount inside if you need to.

View attachment 3804421

love this! But I'm 6'3" 230-240 depending on the holiday eating. Idk that I'm fitting in here with a car seat in the back. Love the CT though

Lexus RX350 or the Highlander would be affordable and reliable...

Idk why, but the idea of having two SUV type vehicles hurts my brain. I guess I'm thinking of covering more use cases. I feel like a truck or Sedan would lead to more versitility although after my GS350 I did say never again with sedans because they're so limited. So maybe an rx350 would be perfect. LS 430 would be a lot higher on the cool car scale though imo

 

[rexington14]

Would I hate myself for maintaining a fleet of 20ish year old vehicles, having three insurances, registrations, sets of brakes, little bs breaking like seat motors or window regulators, two timing belts to service, etc, etc?

OR would I be respected and admired in my community as a genius? (jk)

You might not hate yourself, but is your wife going to hate you for spending weekends maintaining and tinkering with multiple older cars while she is watching the baby? Are you planning on more kids meaning you'll eventually have even less spare time?

Maybe time to consider a Sienna? Or, that RX350. I'd recommend the previous gens with the 2GR. A '13-'15 with < 100k miles can be had for like $14-$18k depending on condition/mileage. It's a really good value there.

 

[Hudson Bay]

I’m in a similar situation, also considering a Tundra for overland adventures and daily use. From what I’ve read, the 2014-2016 models seem incredibly reliable, especially with the 5.7L V8 engine. For overlanding, the Tundra’s payload capacity and durability are big draws, but how does it handle modifications like suspension upgrades or rooftop tents? Also, are there any specific issues with these years I should watch for, like frame rust or drivetrain concerns?

 

[rbrave]

You might not hate yourself, but is your wife going to hate you for spending weekends maintaining and tinkering with multiple older cars while she is watching the baby? Are you planning on more kids meaning you'll eventually have even less spare time?

Maybe time to consider a Sienna? Or, that RX350. I'd recommend the previous gens with the 2GR. A '13-'15 with < 100k miles can be had for like $14-$18k depending on condition/mileage. It's a really good value there.

Love the LS talk!

Hate to be the practical bearer of grown up news, but this is the answer if you are expecting to have family visiting for extended periods, or if you plan on having more kids. Why take two vehicles somewhere when you can take one?

Also, when you put the seats down in a van they have massive cargo space. Put money into a good trailer if you need to haul stuff that isn’t suitable for the interior.

Last, as someone who had LASIK 20 odd years ago, it is absolutely worth it. My wife finally had PRK for even worse eyes, and noted that there are few investments in life that are as significant of a daily improvement if you have bad vision.

 

[FxFormat]

The only problem with buying a used 430 is how many of them are clapped. I have 2 of them, one is mint and the other one i bought from a drug dealer or something and it's clapped, chrome grills, ripped seats, giant subs in the trunk. But homie did his oil changes and hasn't wrecked it according to carfax . I have to clean it up and get a shop to refinish the seats.

 

[Kabanstva]

I was just looking too, from what I can see I’ll need $15k to get a clean ls430.

Absolutely insane what the car market for used cars right now is. I bought mine for $7,200 out the door November of 2017 with only 121k miles which is nothing for that car. It was the color I wanted too and zero rust. People have gotten way too greedy these days.

 

[Kabanstva]

Absolutely insane what the car market for used cars right now is. I bought mine for $7,200 out the door November of 2017 with only 121k miles which is nothing for that car. It was the color I wanted too and zero rust. People have gotten way too greedy these days.

View attachment 3804634

View attachment 3804635

View attachment 3804636

View attachment 3804637

View attachment 3804638

Pics after I fluid filmed it and gave it a good cleaning

 

[Kabanstva]

Test drive an LS400 too and see how you like it. My boss has a 2000 LS400 and it’s a great car. Very different from a 430. It drives “smaller”, the LS430 is a huge car and sometimes you feel like a chauffeur driving it. Much taller dash, cabin feels bigger etc. the 400 is very different feeling. I would drive both to see which one you prefer.

 

[erse]

Another vote here for the LS. I had a 2004 a few years back. Sold it with 180k + on the clock, nothing wrong with it at the time I was just dumb and wanted something different. Regretted selling it within a few months. It was low maintenance in the years I had it and a joy to drive.
I now have a low mileage <70k 2002. Honestly they are hard to beat in many respects. The only downsides are the occasional high dollar repair and for you the driving experience will be similarly sedate to a 100 series. Yes they are bit more spirited to drive than a 100 but they are not performance oriented so maybe it would feel like more of the same?
However they are quiet, comfortable, surprisingly good every day vehicles, easy on gas (though premium fuel) and honestly just great to look at in the morning when you go out to the garage. My old 04 and LX, both of which I regretted selling!
There aren't many vehicles I can say that about

 

[erse]

My 02

 

[krice118]

as a father of 2 under 3, get a more reliable rig that will need less attention. I vote a newer tundra. Can’t beat the utility of a truck bed.

Crew max 5.7 will compliment a 100 quite nicely. They also have a great turning radius compared to other half ton trucks so hopefully won’t take the I laws too long to get used to driving it.

 

[Kabanstva]

Every time I drive the LS I’m reminded that Toyota just nailed it with that car. The drivetrain is perfect for the curb weight of the vehicle. 100 series is almost perfect, I just feel like the motors were underpowered. I can hit 80+ in the LS without even thinking about, literally keeping the RPM below 2,200 while accelerating. You really feel the torque. The 100 you gotta make it work to get up to highway speeds and stay there. 100s needed that extra 100+ hp that we never got.

 

[willc]

Absolutely insane what the car market for used cars right now is. I bought mine for $7,200 out the door November of 2017 with only 121k miles which is nothing for that car. It was the color I wanted too and zero rust. People have gotten way too greedy these days.

View attachment 3804634

View attachment 3804635

View attachment 3804636

View attachment 3804637

View attachment 3804638

wow... this thing is clean!!

 

[willc]

Love the LS talk!

Hate to be the practical bearer of grown up news, but this is the answer if you are expecting to have family visiting for extended periods, or if you plan on having more kids. Why take two vehicles somewhere when you can take one?

Also, when you put the seats down in a van they have massive cargo space. Put money into a good trailer if you need to haul stuff that isn’t suitable for the interior.

Last, as someone who had LASIK 20 odd years ago, it is absolutely worth it. My wife finally had PRK for even worse eyes, and noted that there are few investments in life that are as significant of a daily improvement if you have bad vision.

this is no doubt the sensible advice. you and @rbrave are technically correct, but... I'm not there yet unfortunately. Still want to enjoy owning the vehicle and seeing it in the driveway. So, can't go too practical, but I can't be too unpractical either. Thanks for the feedback on LASIK that's great to hear.

 

[willc]

as a father of 2 under 3, get a more reliable rig that will need less attention. I vote a newer tundra. Can’t beat the utility of a truck bed.

Crew max 5.7 will compliment a 100 quite nicely. They also have a great turning radius compared to other half ton trucks so hopefully won’t take the I laws too long to get used to driving it.

you make a strong case for the tundra. I think @rexington14 might be on to something, too with maintenance and time. It might be easier for my wife to stomach spending 20-25k upfront and then having a 10-year newer vehicle that'd theoretically need less maintenance. But we'll see. Might come down to how the deals are looking. I think the gen 2.5 tundra seems more reasonably priced right now than the LS 430 or gen 1 tundras. Like the word is out on how the LS and Gen 1 are great so they're commanding premiums, but the Gen 2.5 is maybe overlooked right now due to the Gen 3 tundra being out and feature-rich.

 

[Rhetoric]

Might be an Oddball...but Buick Regal TourX ...Basically a rebadged Opel Insignia in AWD station wagon form.View attachment 3803690My Sister and BIL got one used a couple years ago, they've been really happy with it.

This is my wife’s primary vehicle. It has quirks but it has treated us great since new.