LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

430 or 460 (The Mother thread.)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-14-12, 05:26 AM
  #106  
warminwisc
Lexus Champion
 
warminwisc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: wi
Posts: 2,876
Received 31 Likes on 28 Posts
Default

The ES vs LS not even a discussion after I drove two as a loaner. It competes against the A6 and 535 either of which I have driven and would take hands down over the ES. The new MB I bet are sweet in that class. But they are a different class and none have the power and refinement of the LS. Though I sure liked the 535ix it was 6 years newer than my LS but a little tight.

I have sat in the 460 at the dealers showroom and the inside seemed pretty sweet to me. More like a cockpit and all the controls at your finger tips off the armrest. I was checking out the 09 AWD lately but shoot I have better things to do with 500 a month extra for 4-5 years.
Old 02-14-12, 05:58 AM
  #107  
thinkin
Pole Position
 
thinkin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Land of Oz
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

The ES is a really nice Camry. It is not remotely in the same universe as the LS430.
Old 02-14-12, 08:05 AM
  #108  
Enigma869
Driver
 
Enigma869's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I guess I'm in the minority here in that I like the styling of both the LS430 and LS460. I never liked the LS400. Always thought it was awful looking. That said, Lexus has never really been known for building great looking cars. Hell, the SC is one of the most hideously ugly cars I've ever seen in my life (especially when factoring in the price tag and how an SL Mercedes looks next to it).

I recently decided to purchase another Lexus (previously owned a 2001 RX and a 2004 LX470). I came very close to buying a very low mileage 2001 LS430, but then came across a 2007LS 460 L with the executive seating package (i.e. back seat is a recliner with built in massage) and DVD player with only 19K miles on it. Even though I thought the 460 was head and shoulders above the 430, there was also a HUGE prrice difference between the two vehicles. I'm not quite sure that I understand some of the previous comments about the quality of the interior in the 460. I've owned a whole lot of cars in my life (Mercedes, Jaguar, BMW, and Lexus), and I've NEVER seen a nicer interior on any vehicle. Heck, the entire steering wheel that isn't wood is wrapped in high quality leather and the freakin' thing is heated! I think this may be the first vehicle that I've ever owned that has a nicer back seat than the front seat. I'm 6'4" and have more leg room than I know what to do with in the back seat.

I will say this...I have two young children, and I would probably be a whole lot more comfortable with them in the back seat of the 430 than pushing all the buttons on the console of the 460. They're both great cars, and I still may pick up a 430 if I can find just that right car for my wife.

John
Old 02-14-12, 09:23 AM
  #109  
sojah
Lead Lap
iTrader: (1)
 
sojah's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: JP (oki to be precise :D)
Posts: 4,918
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Enigma869
I will say this...I have two young children, and I would probably be a whole lot more comfortable with them in the back seat of the 430 than pushing all the buttons on the console of the 460. They're both great cars, and I still may pick up a 430 if I can find just that right car for my wife.

John
my LS430 UL has all the buttons on the rear center console/arm reset too, but it has a lock button you can hold down in order to disable the buttons from getting pushed by passengers., not sure if the 460 has this option or not though.
Old 02-15-12, 04:00 AM
  #110  
scottgolf
Pole Position
 
scottgolf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: IA
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

enigma, 01 430s should not be compared to the 04 to 06. the tranny and the ride are a lot different. also the 18 inch wheels make a erfect fit between handling and lux.
Old 02-15-12, 11:33 AM
  #111  
Tee
Moderator
 
Tee's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 3,761
Received 68 Likes on 57 Posts
Default

All of this is subjective. You can't get to know the 460 until you live with for while, sitting in the 460 in a show room or a short/long test drive won't cut it! As for comparing an ES to any LS from 01 plus is a 'LOL' moment followed by you can't be serious?!! They are two different class cars...... apple meet orange, I can't even take one seriously after comments like that even if they owned both.
Old 02-20-12, 11:47 AM
  #112  
realperson
Driver School Candidate
 
realperson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: wa
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default stuff like this ruins a forum thread

Totally agree with Tee. What a bad joke comments. LS460 is a real limo. LS430 was on the way., but granted quieter. The ES are you kidding me. The ES is a nice car, not a limo experience. Ever tried to cross your legs and stretch out in an ES300. Idiots.
Old 03-12-12, 12:58 PM
  #113  
Quipper
Driver
 
Quipper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: The Sunshine State (Florida)
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Tee
All of this is subjective. You can't get to know the 460 until you live with for while, sitting in the 460 in a show room or a short/long test drive won't cut it
Good point. When I did test drive one, though, I found myself remarkably content with a 430 for now!
Old 03-13-12, 06:19 AM
  #114  
vcheng
Driver
 
vcheng's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by Jim_Chow
If you're only getting 22mpg on the interstate in you 430, something is wrong. I (and other 430 owners I've spoken to) get 28mpg going 75-80mph on a flat interstate. If you drive a slow 65, you can probably get 32-33 mpg. I drive up a mountain from 5400 ft to 7000 ft everyday and still get 25.8, and that's going 75-80 uphill!

I second that. I am consistently getting 25-28 mpg on the highway, cruising at 75-85 mph, and 20-22 mpg in the city on my LS430. A steady cruise at 60 gets 30 mpg.

(These figures are with E10 gasoline, and would be even better without ethanol.)

I drove an LS460 with a view to upgrading, but it did not feel like an upgrade as others have mentioned (except the power) so I dropped the idea, and am now planning to hold on to my car for quite a while.
Old 04-05-12, 09:35 PM
  #115  
alexisi55
Driver School Candidate
 
alexisi55's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: nj
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Unhappy LS 430 vs. 460

I have the 2010 lexus LS 460 RWD. I had the 2006 LS 430. The LS 430 was a much better ride. The suspension on that car was superior.
Old 04-05-12, 10:41 PM
  #116  
GS4_Fiend
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (22)
 
GS4_Fiend's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: CA
Posts: 7,061
Received 105 Likes on 83 Posts
Default

You need to understand that the LS460 is much heavier than the LS430. Tire and tire pressure plays a role and the integrity of the struts also.
Old 04-06-12, 04:29 AM
  #117  
Brewmyown
Pole Position
 
Brewmyown's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: IL
Posts: 301
Received 13 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

They are only 250 lbs different in weight which is not "much" heavier. That weight alone would not make a noticeable difference in the ride quality. Its got to be just a different type of suspension. More firm struts, different springs, etc., etc.

Alexisi, per the specs I see the interior room is bigger in the 430. Do you notice it being smaller in the 460?
Old 04-06-12, 06:06 AM
  #118  
caddyowner
Lead Lap
 
caddyowner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: MI
Posts: 4,810
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

I considered both the 430 & 460 back in 2010 when I bought. I found the 460 to be a bit narrower in the front seats than the 430.
Old 04-06-12, 07:17 AM
  #119  
Slvr surfr
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
 
Slvr surfr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: dc
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

Thank guys for throwing water on my future LS460's fire. lol. Theyre just so sleek tho.
Old 04-06-12, 07:29 AM
  #120  
caddyowner
Lead Lap
 
caddyowner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: MI
Posts: 4,810
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

I was looking at a new 460 at the dealership yesterday. Very nice, but the new GS better fits my current needs and desires.


Quick Reply: 430 or 460 (The Mother thread.)



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 02:20 PM.