Hi Folks,

I sold my 2003 ls430 last year and have been missing it DEARLY. I have been driving my 2004 Jaguar XJ8 and love the steering feel, responsiveness, handling, acceleration, etc. However I miss the creature comforts and luxury of the LS. I am planning to buy one soon. I can either get a 2004-2005 with about 50-60K or can spend about 10-15G more for a 2007 LS460.Besides bodystyle what would be the key difference beteween the two? The 2004 LS430 is an amazing bargain right now and can be had for about 22-25 with low miles, LS460 about 34-35K. How do I justify the extra 10K, is it worth it?

What I love about my jag most is the quick accelration and responsivness which the LS never had. Does the 460 deliver significantly better performance? What would be a better car for the money dollar for dollar?

Thanks much!

Viper

 

Not sure if you've lurked around on the 460 boards, but do some reading there. I agree the $10k-$15k+ increase in price for the 460 is steep. Then again, I don't know how much you have in savings, 401k, stocks, land, etc..lol.

You should read up/ask about potential issues (problems) to look forward to on a 460. This place has potential issues (problems) to expect on a 430 down pat. Also keep in mind I, personally, would NOT CONSIDER the 1st model year of the 07+ body style---which means now you're in the 08's and that's big $$$$$ (especially from the dealership.)

If performance/acceleration is a must have/hang-up for you, you could always supercharge a 430 with the $$$ that you save. Someone posted they were going to supercharge their 430, but I think that idea was just an overzealous owner.

My thoughts say get an 06. You know you will love it dearly, as you stated, and it's lines and looks are just different enough from the 01-03 for you to think you're in a "new" LS.

 

I agree with LS430 DE, get the 2006 if you stay with the LS430. Check with our fellow members on the LS460 section and ask them questions but, be sure to ask them to be totally candid about the good and bad of the LS460. Most folks dont like to say bad things about the cars they chose because they feel it makes them wrong and there egos cant take that. You already know the issues of the LS430!!

If I were to get the LS460 I couldnt say anything but what Ive heard but, out of respect for LS460 owners I'll let them answer that question sir. I would be able to say this though. The 2008 would be the better choice year wise due to the fact most issues happen in the 1st year of redesigns! I wouldnt have issue if you get a 2007 certified pre-owned LS460 because the warranty would cover that but, the safe side is the 2008 LS460.

AS LS430DE said, check with the LS460 section because they have experience over there with the LS460. I favor the LS430 myself because of cost but, see were your going with the LS460. If you get another ride, why not the new body style. I guess that may be the way to go with the LS460. Any car you decide to get thats an LS(430/460) is the right decision!!!

 

Man, how heavy a foot do some people have? I've driven a Jag XJ8 and it didn't impress me much. I think the lack-luster driving that some people have with the LS might be resulting from the transmission re-mapping that can be done with a TSB for 2004/2005 that alters the shift time. I recently had it done and the car drives much better now.

As for which vehicle, if you're looking at '04 or '07 and you've already asked if the $10K is worth it, then you obviously have reservations about the 460 either from a design or price standpoint. So, just get the 430. You know how it is already having owned it, and the problems are well documented here. The '07 is nice, but to me, not $10K more nice.

If '07 pricewise is issue, then '08 is more of an issue. '04 or '06, don't really matter, pretty much the same car, just older or newer.

 

I'm in the get the LS430 and grab an 06 model, if the LS460 is tugging at you go for the 08. Like the others said spend some time over on the LS460 board, there are some straight shooters over there about LS460.

 

Guys, thanks a bunch for your opinions. I did some lurking around on the LS 460 forums and it seems that there is a major "wind noise" issue when you go over 45mph. Also seems that the seats are not as comfortable as the 430.

I have therefore decided to go with a 2004-2006 430. Just need to find the right deal now :-)

 

Add me to the list of people who actually prefer the LS430 to the 460, all things considered. Here's my test-drive summary. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...-to-ls430.html

 

I remember that thread... brought on quite some conversation at the time. Don't remember if I got into it or not.

I agree with what you said, there was a little more noise in the 460 and it was not that substantially better, atleast from the quick test drives that I've done in the 460. My longer stint was actually at a Taste of Lexus event about two years ago. We actually took the vehicle onto the main road and drove in "real life" situation of local and highway. When we were lining up initially, I actually thought the engine was turned off so it would not just idle. Ended up it was already on... it was that smooth idling.

Anyway, I liked it, but like the OP, did not feel that it would be worth the $10-12K more over a 430. Although, if you load up the 460 with all the potential new goodies like driver monitoring, lane assist, etc. the 460 is quite a big improvement in electronics.

Still, I'll take my 430 and drive it to the ground.

 

I guess it depends upon how one values those things whether or not they are an improvement. I have no interest in bells and whistles monitoring my driving, or the silly, slow-*** self-parking gimmick, so they are at best useless to me, and if I can't turn them off once and for all (not have to switch them off every time I start the engine), they are actually a negative in my opinion of the car.

What I DO like about the 460 electronics is the absolutely awesome sound system.