430 or 460 (The Mother thread.)
#152
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: The Sunshine State (Florida)
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Last year I paid about $18k total for my 2003 LS 430. No one seems to realize that it's nearly 10 years old, b/c it looks so great.
When I test drove the 460 I liked it, but I made a mental note that nothing much that I saw there made me discontent with my own car.
So it seems wise to get another 430, and with a bit newer model year, there are likely a few 'freshened up' aspects despite the same name as your former car.
When I test drove the 460 I liked it, but I made a mental note that nothing much that I saw there made me discontent with my own car.
So it seems wise to get another 430, and with a bit newer model year, there are likely a few 'freshened up' aspects despite the same name as your former car.
#155
I owned a 2004 430 for several years until my local Toyota dealer blew the engine while doing maintenance and had to buy it from me. I rushed out and bought an Avalon (nice car but not a Lexus). I want to get back in an LS but cannot decide between a 05/06 430 for $20 - 25k or a 07/08 460 for $35 - 40k. I loved my 430 but I am concerned that the interior (i.e. cassette) is getting dated and if I buy another one it will really look dated over several years. Do you think a 460 with essentially the same miles is worth $15k more than a 430?
#156
Lexus Fanatic
Looks like a pretty nice one...needs a good polishing and its missing the OEM shift ****...
#157
Pole Position
I have tried so hard to like the 460 but it doesn't feel screwed together as well as the 430s are, and the new "green" materials are a big step down. The 8sp auto is a great idea in theory but not as smooth as the 430. It also has the recent high-beltline problem affecting visibility. Watch for engine problems early on (valve springs IIRC).
I do like the silence of the 460's power door closers.
I do like the silence of the 460's power door closers.
#158
Lexus Fanatic
I don't believe the 460 has the "green materials" the way the lower end vehicles do. All the plastics in the 460 seem pretty similar to the 430 to me.
If you look at say an ES350 compared to an ES330, you can see the difference with the green materials in the dash pad, etc.
If you look at say an ES350 compared to an ES330, you can see the difference with the green materials in the dash pad, etc.
#161
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (3)
I read In ls460 forum how a guy took his to the dealer and he needs new control arms etc. I'm guessing the new Ls has multi upper and lower control arms like euro cars Audi, Benz, bimmers. He was quoted 4500 for the repair normal wear and rare at. 60k . Valve springs are another major problem like the is350. I love the styling though I think they look great I'm sure they drive nice too
#162
My preference of 430 to 460 is purely exterior styling. The 460 looks too big Camry for me and not unique enough compared to its siblings. Mechanically I've driven the 460 on a 200 mile trip and enjoyed it very much. Not enough to outweigh my dislike of the exterior though.
#163
Advanced
I prefer the classic look of the 430 with its lower waistline, larger windows and better rearward visibility. The current trend to gun-slit windows will eventually pass. I just can't get excited by the $75,000 LS460 that doesn't look much different from a $30,000 Kia Optima.
Last edited by Jabberwock; 07-12-12 at 07:22 PM.
#164
Moderator
I prefer the classic look of the 430 with its lower waistline, larger windows and better rearward visibility. The current trend to gun-slit windows will eventually pass. I just can't get excited by the $75,000 LS460 that doesn't look much different from a $30,000 Kia Optima.
#165
The problem with the LS460 is I have a hard time identifying it until I get behind it to see the lettering or the exaust tips. It just looks too much like the ES350, or a big Kia.