I have a 98 LS 400, I am planning to get an LS430 01-03 soon.

Can those who had a 400 comment on differences between both cars.? Kind of things you appreciate right away and over a period of time.

Thanks.

 

Hmmm

98-00 LS400

290HP 4.0LV8
Nak Audio Option
First Generation U.S.A. Navigation
Last model with an available phone - I think?
Standard 16" Annoys with Availble 16" chrome/Platinum Edition for 2000
Two-toned standard/ Monotone for Platinum Edition
VVT-i-introduced

01-03 LS430

290HP 4.3LV8 With 20lb added torque
Mark Levison Audio Option - NAK is better
Ultra Luxury package offered
Heated seats all the way around
Cooled Seats up front
2nd Generation Navigation - Very nice compared to the LS400
Rides alot quieter
Availble 17" Chrome Wheels
MONOTONED!!!
Cabin is larger than the LS400
laser adaptive cruise control
Obstacle Assist which is not offered on the LS400
Parking Assist

Eh thats what I can think of right now...I know there was alot of changes made. 90% of the car is different though.

 

Thanks for that input.
I am also trying to find out the driving characteristics that differ from one car to another.
I love heavy feeling massive cars. LS400 is a medium sized car, and it drives like one too.
So I was wondering if the steering inputs are a bit sportier, or more cetered on the highway.


Mark Levinson is worse than Nakaichi?? I have regular Pioneer in mine, but I have heard the nakamichi sound it wasnt anything special at all.

Do all Navigation cars come with Mark Levinson? I really dont want to add a box in a trunk like I did in my LS400, but I will do it if I have to.
I sure hope the mids and highs are strong.

 

My comparison will be based on my '97 LS 400 vs. my '03 LS430.

The most significant difference is that in the LS430 there is a much more significant buffer between the road and driver than in the LS400. The ride is much more cushioned, the engine is softer, the road noise is even further dampened, shifting is much smoother, etc. etc. As I've said before, the LS430 feels like it basically drives itself.

The 430 is also a heavier car and it feels heavier, in part because the steering is also dampened (again, part of buffer between the road and driver). You'll barely feel the road (if at all) while turning the wheel. However, the engine power is MUCH better (significantly more low-end torque). The most amazing thing about the LS430 is how much torque it generates at low rpms.

Overall, the LS430 feels much more luxurious than the LS400 did, and that's a big step forward for Lexus. Of course, if you want a sporty feel, you'll have to look elsewhere - although I don't have any experience with the Sport version of the 430, but I can't imagine the handling feel is much improved there.

 

Great, thank you very much. This is EXACTLY what I wanted to hear.

 

I had a 98 400 and traded it in for a 04 430. Be prepared to give up some fuel economy. I was able to get a pretty consistent 31 MPG at a 75 MPH on cruise control in the 98, best I have done in the 04 was 29 MPG. (Same trip, ~4000 miles of mostly interstate).

Vern

 

Worth the upgrade for the ride and perfomance. I went from a 96 LS to a 01 430, I'd never look back....

 

That's quite a drive

Jonny

 

I have owned a 90, 96 and 98 LS in the past and currently own an 02 LS. Here is my impression of the major differences between the models:

The 90 compared to the 96 – interior organized better. It felt slightly roomier. It felt lighter and stiffer and how more power.

98 had greatly improved low end torque feel, and had better transmission. The 98 pulls at as little as 1500rpm, where with the 96 you’d have go at least 500rpm higher to get the same pull. The interior room was similar. The body felt stronger and stiffer (heavier?) than the 96.

02 added even more low end torque feel (though not as big of a difference there was between the 96 and 98). The 02 interior feels much more roomy than the 98, especially the head room front and rear. I know listed specs do not indicate this – I wander why?

 

Some commenets. Own a '00 LS400 and a '05 LS430

The cars are completely different in almost every regard.

The LS430 is a large sport sedan. The LS400 is a cruiser.

The LS430 is faster, quieter, handles better, is roomier, more luxurious, has more storage space and a bigger trunk. Corners that I could only take at 60pmh in my LS400 I can take at 80mph in my LS430.

The LS430 seat has more controls.

Highway gas mileage on the LS430 is better, but city gas mileage on the LS430 is worse.

The steering is heavier on the LS430.

I think that the maintenance costs are lower on the LS430. My dealer is charging $400 for the 30k service, I think that the 30k service on the LS400 is higher.

Having said all of this, the LS400 is an absolutely phenominal car. The LS430 is a great car too, they are just very different vehicles.

 

You must be on a different maintenance schedule or something... make sure you're comparing the same service between the two models. I did a 7.5k interval on my LS400 and am doing a 5k interval on my LS430, and either way the 30k intervals are scheduled as major maintenances (they are the most extensive service done). I wish it only cost $400.

 

Actually it's $380 plus tax at my local dealer for the 30k maintenance on the LS430. You are correct, it is a major service. Unfortunately it is not "the most expensive service done." On the LS400 that'd be the service where the water pump is changed (90k I think).

We have a local dealer who charges $725 for the 30k LS430 service. Feel free to PM me for the names of these dealers and you can verify this yourself, although I doubt you'd want to make the drive to PA.

Have a nice day.

 

I didn't say it was the most expensive, nor was I just referring to the 30k. I said that the 30k interval services are the most extensive.

Still, I'm surprised at the $380 cost. It's good there are some dealerships with competitive prices. My local Lexus dealership charges more than that just for the labor on the 30k LS430 (I think it was around $450). The total was $650 or so plus tax, and I added on some optional replacements so that drove the price up also.