To Upgrade Or Not
#1
To Upgrade Or Not
I was able to pick up a nice 2000 LS 400 with only 53K miles about 6 or 7 months ago. Previous owner already did timing belt and water pump. Car is good to go. Great condition inside and out.
I recently made a big sale at work and got some nice commision. I was thinking about upgrading to a 08 LS 460 L. It's more luxiourious inside and has updated styling on the outside. The common sense approach is to drive the LS 400 untill the wheels fall off and save the money. But man those 08 LS 460L's are sweet.
Doesn't help matters everytime I take my LS 400 to Lexus to get the oil changed the mechanic always goes on and on about how the 2000 Lexus LS 400 has one of the best engines Lexus has ever made. Bullet Proof.
I recently made a big sale at work and got some nice commision. I was thinking about upgrading to a 08 LS 460 L. It's more luxiourious inside and has updated styling on the outside. The common sense approach is to drive the LS 400 untill the wheels fall off and save the money. But man those 08 LS 460L's are sweet.
Doesn't help matters everytime I take my LS 400 to Lexus to get the oil changed the mechanic always goes on and on about how the 2000 Lexus LS 400 has one of the best engines Lexus has ever made. Bullet Proof.
#3
To tell you the truth, I wouldn't go for the 460 but would get a 600H. To me the feel between the 400 and 460 is less dramatic than the 460 to 600H. I test drove them back to back and man, that 600H really feels special compared to the 460. The tranny feels great when you put your foot in it, no lag. It just goes were the 460 takes a little longer to think. just remember there will always be used LS's on the market so take your time. Having money in the bank is more important, especially right now. Just be patient and when you're ready you will make the right choice for yourself. Take care bro and good luck!
#4
Your choice.
Personally the styling of the UCF2X is Really-really nice 400's are becoming less and less. These aging LS's to me are sweet and are proven with many out there.
I do like the 460's though the techno gadgets is overboard if you want a basic driving car. You'll adapt. The 460 for the safety aspect is high priority and that merits consideration. I'd hoped to get a 460 this year but I just haven't been feeling it and the valve spring coupled with wind nopise issues just turns me off. As long as ours will go, I'll keep it and see what becomes.
I'd looked at the Infinity M but wife within a few seconds is She hasn't liked their sedans at all. The GS grows on me but IDK.
Personally the styling of the UCF2X is Really-really nice 400's are becoming less and less. These aging LS's to me are sweet and are proven with many out there.
I do like the 460's though the techno gadgets is overboard if you want a basic driving car. You'll adapt. The 460 for the safety aspect is high priority and that merits consideration. I'd hoped to get a 460 this year but I just haven't been feeling it and the valve spring coupled with wind nopise issues just turns me off. As long as ours will go, I'll keep it and see what becomes.
I'd looked at the Infinity M but wife within a few seconds is She hasn't liked their sedans at all. The GS grows on me but IDK.
#6
Thanks.
You found a nice one. I'm amazed at the nice LS's have been coming out of FL and that applies to the 430's as well. When time comes, if I can't source one locally, I know where I'm looking. Typically the senior owners maintain them well and with their limited driving, they turn up with low miles. That's what I want to find.
When the 460 came out in '07, I told myself that was the next one and then all the little PITA's came up. Most have been fixed by now, that left a sour memory and to me, the LS build has shifted a bit. I can't say it is "bad" though I felt it was missing something.
One of my car buddies relayed a friend of his had been a LS lover since the '91 and had a '09 460. He wasn't pleased and he test drove a Panamera. After a few days, he put in his order for a Panamera S. He loves the car. Though I dunno the longevity aspect and that rear end isn't "pretty" to my eyes. He relayed he put in a 46" or 50" flat screen, can do Home Depot runs and the luggage capability is like having a small truck. We can't carry much in the LS400 so I was like The 2+2 seating can be a drag.
I'm thinking of the 460 so I'll have to drive one again and see what feelings it brings out. It hasn't grown as me as much as I thought it would. Meanwhile I still like the 400 even with the limitations. I'd get an '06 430 if something happened to this one but that car is not my preference and the 460 is about at the same point. Just the safety aspect edges it out.
You found a nice one. I'm amazed at the nice LS's have been coming out of FL and that applies to the 430's as well. When time comes, if I can't source one locally, I know where I'm looking. Typically the senior owners maintain them well and with their limited driving, they turn up with low miles. That's what I want to find.
When the 460 came out in '07, I told myself that was the next one and then all the little PITA's came up. Most have been fixed by now, that left a sour memory and to me, the LS build has shifted a bit. I can't say it is "bad" though I felt it was missing something.
One of my car buddies relayed a friend of his had been a LS lover since the '91 and had a '09 460. He wasn't pleased and he test drove a Panamera. After a few days, he put in his order for a Panamera S. He loves the car. Though I dunno the longevity aspect and that rear end isn't "pretty" to my eyes. He relayed he put in a 46" or 50" flat screen, can do Home Depot runs and the luggage capability is like having a small truck. We can't carry much in the LS400 so I was like The 2+2 seating can be a drag.
I'm thinking of the 460 so I'll have to drive one again and see what feelings it brings out. It hasn't grown as me as much as I thought it would. Meanwhile I still like the 400 even with the limitations. I'd get an '06 430 if something happened to this one but that car is not my preference and the 460 is about at the same point. Just the safety aspect edges it out.
Last edited by RA40; 08-14-11 at 02:32 AM. Reason: paragraph adjustment/spacing
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#8
I would say to make sure you know exactly what you're going from and going to first... in terms of pros and cons. and if you feel your finances are in line... go with your gut instinct, but always take your time.
#9
Those do sound nice when the gas pedal is put down. Wouldn't want the maintenance aspect if thinking Toyota to Italian exotic. I want to say it will have a similar wallet bite as the Ferraris. There was a discussion I thought in Car Chat about this.
#12
I had a '98 LS 400 and a '07 LS 460 at the same time. They are completely different cars and have different rides. I liked both, but sold the '98 mainly because having 2 cars was too many. I sold the '98 because it was older and had more miles on it. The '98 probably ran smoother. The '07 has a lot more power. If you don't need/want the power, keep the LS 400.
Greg
Greg
#13
I'm going to keep my 2000 LS 400. The styling and technology upgrades of the 460 are sweet. I test drove a 460. The **** pit design is awesome but I feel even though it's the top of the line they have cut some corners on the interior. The gadget technology is great but the seats for example aren't near as comfortable as my 2000. Not near as plush or as much padding. I'll wait see what the new design of the LS looks like supposibly due out late 2012.