kyk007

Ladies and gentlemen, it's been a long time since I last posted, but the time has finally come to put this out there.
My trusty '98 LS400, which I've had for 3 yrs. now has been handed off to my Father, and I am now in search of
a worthy replacement. Impossible you say? Well, I have thought the same thing as well, and thus the reason for
my posting. Without further ado, here are my candidates for what my next car might be (in no particular order):


1. 98-00 LS400: need I say more. This car proved to be as reliable as advertised, if not moreso. I only replaced the alternator and a few niggling parts during my 3 yrs. of ownership, with nary a hint of trouble otherwise. Economy was very good, and I routinely got 28+ on highway stints. Trouble free, smooth, and timeless lines.

2. 06-07 GS350: I am not as knowledgeable about this car by virtue of not having owned one, but from what I can gather, the 2GR is one heck of an engine. In combing the forums, I do know these cars have some minor issues, but I do love the look of the car. Why should I consider this car? For all you fans out there, give me your personal experience and why you like this car.

3. 04-06 LS430: all the LS400 is, and perhaps a tad bit more refined. That's the conclusion I came to after reading what a few others have voiced in their ownership with the 430. Reliability seems to be on par with the LS400, and while the lines are not quite as classic as the LS400, it is nonetheless one superb car.


OK, there you have it. Are there other cars that I don't have on my radar that you think might make a worthy replacement? I'm obviously looking for reliability, having been spoiled by the LS400, but am open to other comments or recommendations you all might have. I look forward to your stories and input, as always.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

can't never go wrong with another LS400. I will most likely always have one in my stable as the space permits. we all know and love these things!

the 3rd gen GS is nice. my father had a 350 for awhile and it was very smooth but I think it needed more power. it's a step up from an IS, which is at the sporty end. the GS a great compromise of luxury and sport.
I had a chance to modify a few of my friends' 3GS one being an air suspension install and it went great. he had a GS430 so the V8 has the right amount of power!

the 3rd gen LS would be a smoother transition from a 98. 04-06 has the upgraded LED tails and facelift making it more updated. the 4.3 V8 comes standard! my vote goes for this, being a flagship model with more amenities and refinement of the GS even if it's slightly older. the LS is more luxurious than sporty, as it's always been.

it comes down to your driving preference, sport or luxury.

Banshee365

I just saw an 01 ultra luxury LS430 with 9,600 miles if you’ve got $15k or so to spend.

SW17LS

I wouldn't get that generation GS personally. Lots of issues with rattles, etc...and overall its going to feel like a step down from the LS. My vote would be the 04-06 LS430, if looking at an 01-03 LS430 I'd rather have the LS400.

I actually liked the way my 98 400 drove better than the 04 430, the 430 is softer but wallower, if that makes sense. Its much more of a "barge". The 04-06 430 is a much newer car though which is why that would be my choice.

Legender

I totally agree with the barge statement on the 430. I prefer the LS400 for my daily commuter and use a 2001 LS430 for long travel trips. The 430 will have parts available longer I'm just based on age. The 400 will, generally, need more attentive maintenance for general things that wear our over time/use.

Amskeptic

I find the 98s are already too far gone frou-frou to be as classic as the simply elegant first generation with the NON-INTERFERENCE 1UZFE, but that is me,

This is your opportunity to strafe the internet for a unusually low mileage example of the car you know and love. That is what I did, and I had a plane ticket from Pensacola to Salt Lake City within 24 hours of finding pretty much my exact car but with only 57,000 miles.
Still happy with it even if I did have to do micro-surgery on the speedometer needle this morning . . .
Colin

kyk007

Gentlemen, thank you all for the feedback on what my next car should be. Truly there is no bad choice, but as all of you point out, it's a matter preference. My apologies for a late reply - being out of town, I got behind and finally was able to get caught up on here and elsewhere.

At this point, I am leaning toward getting an 04-06 LS430. I can't say anything bad about the LS400, it was my introduction into the world of the UCF20 LS', and has completely spoiled me forever. Anymore, when I sit in or drive another car, it feels like it drives rough.

In checking out the color combos for the LS430, I find myself strangely drawn to the Saddle interior. No, I didn't expect that, but looking at a few pics, it looks amazing. Exterior color, well, the Briarwood Pearl is unique and definitely to my liking. I live in Seattle, so black on black is out.

For all you LS430 guys, feel free to share what color combo you have. I'd love to hear more.

Legender

You've chosen wisely, my friend. But, very difficult in finding the unicorn you search for. Saddle interiors are sought after and extremely rare. Not sure why more weren't sold, but they are few and far between. Good luck in your search.

kyk007

Legender, I am finding what you say to be so true. I think I've come across maybe one saddle interior in the last few months, and so I know I'll probably have to adjust my expectations, or choose another color perhaps. Thank you for your feedback.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

great choice and I completely understand that after driving the LS400 that any other car is just not smooth or seems unrefined. the LS430 will be smooth as well. good luck finding the color combo and condition in your budget! I love saddle interiors too!