The roads here around Fort Worth and Dallas are pretty bad in some areas.
I have not had any alignment or suspension problems yet...almost 53,000 miles. I replaced two tires recently that were mostly on the front and they had even wear all the way across, so that tells me that the alignment is OK. At least at this time.
You are very right... there ain't much out there for $18,400.
Sounds like you got a heck of a deal.
I also looked at the LS430. Too much money plus I wanted to buy American.
As for maintenance costs, I don't think, based on what I have read, that you will have any trouble from the engine or transmission for a long time. Assuming regular and proper maintenance.
I constantly read about them going over 200,000 miles with no major trouble.
But I have also read, that after a few years...and usually over 100,000 miles, (at least on the older ones)... they were prone to leaking oil here and there. Sometimes around the case half seal which is expensive to replace. (you have to pull the engine)
Personally...if it was a good car...and wasn't just pouring oil out...I would just add a quart every now and then instead of pulling the engine.
I would not want any high dollar car without some kind of warranty.
There is too much expensive stuff that can go wrong.
And with a nice car...I want to KEEP it nice.
An old beater...no problem...I am a pretty good shade tree mechanic and I can keep it running with some baling wire and a pair of pliers.
Something electrical goes out... 1 switch for a buck and a roll of good heavy gauge wire from Autozone..and I will have it working in very short order.
But I am not going to do my GOOD car that way. It will be fixed RIGHT and most likely with the OEM parts that came on it so that it will STAY fixed.
I too like the nav system. Some people don't, but everyone to their own opinion.
Have you ever walked to the garage and looked in at it and thought.....
"Yep...and it's all mine."
Texas Jim