Ok I went to test drive a LS430... I'm sure it's an awesome car but I want something newer/more modern. I'm now looking at the LS460 or the GS350's... I remember some of the "issues" w/the newer yrs (control arms etc...) but wouldn't those things be fixed already on a 100k mile car?

Fair Q, one that I wrestle with too. Well, I'm a car guy. If it was all about dollar and cents, I would get a CrownVic and be done with it. But I like/appreciate the perks of a luxury car and it basically breaks down to cost/yr. As I stand now, I'll need to invest probably 3-6k (could be way higher, but for arguments sake lets be reasonable) to keep my 650 going for another 5yrs in which time my car will probably be worth next to nothing. Or I can buy a lexus for 10k, drive it 5yrs/70k miles and sell it for ??? 5, 6 or 7k? Total cost on Lex side seems less, not to mention risk of catastrophic failure (timing chain guides, vanos, already leaking oil engine etc...)

Belts aren't really mechanical, not sure how/why Toyota uses them ON AN INTERFERENCE ENGINE!?!?!?

LOL, I thought I was the only nerd who knew of Kilmer. What a strange dude; wears sun glasses (420?), squeeky voice and a face perfect for Radio. And yeah, I bet he favors his Celica, even over AirForce1. hehe

Chris Fix is the man! I painted my friends wheels black using his guide.

Not a fan of FWD cars. I'm trying to stick w/RWD. Who doesn't like spinning up the rear every once in a while?

PS, LexsCTJill wrote 2 sentences, hardly a sermon. Johnhav430 on the other hand went FULL rant on a dealer,,, left a mark didn't it?

Thx everyone for your contributions, Cheers!

 

Not surprised you feel that way, they're really from another era today.

The earlier years the problem areas are 1. Control arms. 2. Sticky dash materials (Lexus had a warranty on these which just elapsed). 3. Brake actuators (also was an extended warranty on these which is elapsed). Higher mileage 460s can use oil, but it doesn't seem to de detrimental.

The control arms aren't a big issue, its a job you can do yourself if you're handy, if not with aftermarket parts and an independent mechanic its about a $1,500 job. Sticky dash is rare, and typically an issue with southern cars. Brake actuator can be a pretty big repair. You'll be able to hear clicking/weird brake sounds when you drive one.

You gotta live your life and enjoy your life also.

They used belts because they're quieter and smoother.

Its a rollover from other threads, not just from this thread.

 

A few pics. The 1st one got me a lot of love&hate on the Bimmer forums, what a bunch of pansies. :0
The 2nd and 3rd are self explanatory.

 

Hahaha

 

Yes.....crude but funny.

 

might as well just find yourself a truck or suv. if you're not going sporty at all and need to tow, trucks and SUVs are pretty comfortable.You also wouldn't have to rent a trailer if you got a truck.

 

Go with the GS350

 

 

I don't tow often enough to justify driving a truck everyday. I've already bought a trailer and it's pretty useful. The only one I was considering was the Honda Ridgeline. A car based truck, but for a decent one you can get a sweet lexus GS/LS.

That's the wisest decision I think. I'm going for a test drive today, but then the little devil inside me says go for the LS. I did a search and it seems Curt hitches doesn't make one for the early LS460's. They make one for year 2012 and up.

Same thing happened with my bimmer. They made a hitch for the 05' model but not the 06'. Not a big deal, I just took it to a muffler shop and they cut&welded as necessary.

I did a search on this forum and found ; they said it took 1hr to install? Hmm.? Another thread stated you need to remove the bumper etc,, a 3hr job and classified as "challenging".