I have a 2011 250 AWD now and considering trading it for a 2008 LS 460 with 55k miles. If trading it, I would probably break even. What do you guys think? I know the exterior of the LS isn't as sporty as the IS, but everthing else is better! I like the ML of the LS, roomier, and especially since it is the flagship of Lexus.

Would you do it?

 

I would do it if I sit in the back with the massaging seat....LOL

Totally 2 different cars...dont expect the LS handles like an IS......

 

I don't think others' opinions are going to be very helpful here since these are two night-and-day cars, and it's all down to personal preference. I have a 2007 IS350 and I love it. My grandfather has a 2007 LS460 and I love it as well. However, I have no need for the added space, weight gain, and resulting fuel economy drop. I also live in the city, and parking an IS is far easier than an LS.

A few considerations though should play in here. You'll be taking a drop in fuel economy, from 22 MPG combined to 19 MPG combined (according to the EPA). You'll also be losing a potentially extremely valuable warranty. I don't know how many miles are on your IS, but you likely have 3+ years left on your factor bumper-to-bumper warranty. Moving to the LS, you lose all of that factory warranty and only have the powertrain.

That to me is the biggest factor here - it's tempting to think of it as you would "probably break even", but in reality you're losing a warranty that could be worth thousands.

My first step would be to head over to the LS460 forum and find out what the common issues and things to watch out for are on the LS.

Out of curiosity, why did you ever buy the IS250 if you like the LS? I don't think many people cross-shop those, since they're so different. If you prefer the LS460, why weren't you looking at it or used LS430s for example back when you were buying your 250?

 

Calvin spells it out well. Frankly, you would not be breaking even. You'd be losing if you consider the depreciation of your near-new IS. No question the dealer is aware of these values when working a trade, or he/she would not be in business. With every transaction, you generally set yourself back financially each time- gain a product, but go into debt for a longer period of time or for a higher price. Look at the entire picture. If you can afford these added debts, then go for it and be happy.

 

Calvin n Hobbes :-D

 

You got money to burn yep. Gonna be a lotta money trading in your brand new car

 

good point.
a new car for a used car... not worth it. although the LS is a awesome car. i would keep my "new" car. and wait few years and get another new car.

 

Haha, thanks for the replies all, and to you Calvin.

The LS is a CPO, so it'll have as much warranty as my IS With 5k miles on it. Now the readon why I didn't buy the LS first is that I didn't know I could afford the LS, so I never paid any attention to it. What I want in a car is comfort, luxury, and blasting my music with the ML sound, haha. Also, now that I have owned the IS for three months, I can see its lack of power. The LS's V8 is going to make me happy, but that's not the main point, or I would have gotten the 350 first.

I just feel the LS is more special in a way, and if I can afford it, why not? I'll be test driving it tomorrow so let's see if it's worth giving up my IS.

Your points are valid and are taking into consideration. Thanks.

 

This is why its very important to some in depth market research before buying a car. You'd be surprised the kind of cars you can get for the money sometimes! But also keep in mind when switching to an LS you'll incur higher costs. Your going to spend more on gas, your going to spend more on insurance, and i'm sure service is more expensive on the V8. If your fine with all those things, it's pretty much down to personal preference. Both are great cars, but like others have said, they serve completely different purposes. IS is more like a sporty looking entry level luxury sedan... and then the LS460 is a full blown luxury yacht on wheels lol.

 

Its definitely encouraging seeing the car's CPO, but do keep in mind that this isn't equal to the factory warranty. I'm not warning you away, just know that anything body/trim related will not be covered, meaning any squeaks/rattles/weatherstripping etc won't be covered. This may not be a concern on the LS; it certainly is on the IS.

I assume you've checked both Carfax and Autocheck? I would, because CL members have bought CPO cars before with extensive accident damage that was on one report and not the other.

Lastly, I'd be very curious to hear the numbers involved. Not to judge whether you're making the right financial choice, since that's all up to you, but more for my knowledge. I never looked at the LS because I wanted something smaller and sportier, but my first two cars were LS400s and my dad and grandfather have LS's as well, and one might be in my future. So if you don't mind, I'd love to hear what they offer for trade vs what the cars listed for, etc.

 

LS n IS = apples n oranges, both good but both totally different.

 

As different as they are the LS is one hell of a luxury ride. Not nimble for darting in and out of traffic like the IS ! Depends if your ready for cruising yet ???

 

if i were you i would keep the IS

 

Do it. I would. But I think I would just look weird driving the LS. It's a big car and I'm a little guy haha.

 

Do it. IS has too many rattles and noise complaints.