At 248k, I went to a '10 460L
#46
Racer
I put about 550 miles a week on my car, those miles keep climbing....
Been eyeing 07-12 460s.... why is laser cruse so uncommon ????? One feature I have always wanted and it's not looking like I will find it
#47
Def recommend Napa Valley as a place to visit. Gorgeous country, nice roads, plenty of great places to eat. You'll enjoy the drive w/ that new LS.
#48
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Update: After about 2 months I've put 5k miles on the 460. Some folks here asked for an update around 6 months in, but I've probably covered almost 6 months worth of miles in 2 months.
I do miss a few things about the 430 - I prefer the engine from the 430 (how quiet it is at idle, the longer gears). There is no question that the 460 engine sounds and feels very different. I have gotten used to it but it has taken the full 2 months and 5k of miles to settle in a bit to the difference. As the heat is starting to rise here in FL, I've noticed I don't hear the engine at all when the A/C is on medium. In my 430, I don't think I could hear it when A/C was on lowest fan speed (you almost couldn't hear it with the A/C off). I think because I have driven a 400 and 430 for the last 11 years, I became really accustomed to a certain engine feel and sound. The 460 is different for sure.
Interior: I find the interior to be a massive upgrade. The contouring around the door panels, gauge redesign, quality of leather (mine has semi-aniline), shape of the seats - it's a big difference to me. My car has black interior (which has drawbacks), but I have to say it makes the car look pretty sick at night from the inside. I also really appreciate the rear passenger window sun shades (may be exclusive on the L- not sure)
. With those up and the shade up in the rear window, it really helps block even more light (windows are tinted as well) and keep the car at a more comfortable temp. Only thing I don't like about the interior compared to the 430: I don't think the rear air vents put out enough air unless you run the A/C at the highest level. I felt the 430 air flow out of the back vent was more in-line with the fan speed I ran up front.
Exterior: I have always loved the styling of a '10-'12 with the polished 19" 5 star wheels. I really like the exterior lines of the 460. I tinted the windows and got it fully detailed and clay bar'd. It's a beautiful car, unique color (down here) and I think the "L" gives it a better road presence while it's moving.
Drive: Once you get used to hearing a bit of engine noise (but gets totally drowned out with A/C fan and music) - I am incredibly happy with the ride quality. In hindsight, I have to wonder if my 430 needed a suspension/shocks treatment (I went 248k and it was never suggested so I never did it). I also wonder if the extra 5 inches of wheel base on the 460L translate to a different ride. It's pretty phenomenal- and I find that I have been going faster than I thought at virtually every speed range (35mph, 45mph, 70mph etc) - the car is smoother and quieter so it's easy to underestimate your speed.
Overall: I have nothing but good things to say about the 9 years I had my 430. I still see a few well-maintained ones driving around my area and I still really like the styling. But overall, the 460 has been an awesome upgrade for me. I still almost can't believe the deal I got on the car - so I feel like the value is off the charts for the quality of the car.
I do miss a few things about the 430 - I prefer the engine from the 430 (how quiet it is at idle, the longer gears). There is no question that the 460 engine sounds and feels very different. I have gotten used to it but it has taken the full 2 months and 5k of miles to settle in a bit to the difference. As the heat is starting to rise here in FL, I've noticed I don't hear the engine at all when the A/C is on medium. In my 430, I don't think I could hear it when A/C was on lowest fan speed (you almost couldn't hear it with the A/C off). I think because I have driven a 400 and 430 for the last 11 years, I became really accustomed to a certain engine feel and sound. The 460 is different for sure.
Interior: I find the interior to be a massive upgrade. The contouring around the door panels, gauge redesign, quality of leather (mine has semi-aniline), shape of the seats - it's a big difference to me. My car has black interior (which has drawbacks), but I have to say it makes the car look pretty sick at night from the inside. I also really appreciate the rear passenger window sun shades (may be exclusive on the L- not sure)
. With those up and the shade up in the rear window, it really helps block even more light (windows are tinted as well) and keep the car at a more comfortable temp. Only thing I don't like about the interior compared to the 430: I don't think the rear air vents put out enough air unless you run the A/C at the highest level. I felt the 430 air flow out of the back vent was more in-line with the fan speed I ran up front.
Exterior: I have always loved the styling of a '10-'12 with the polished 19" 5 star wheels. I really like the exterior lines of the 460. I tinted the windows and got it fully detailed and clay bar'd. It's a beautiful car, unique color (down here) and I think the "L" gives it a better road presence while it's moving.
Drive: Once you get used to hearing a bit of engine noise (but gets totally drowned out with A/C fan and music) - I am incredibly happy with the ride quality. In hindsight, I have to wonder if my 430 needed a suspension/shocks treatment (I went 248k and it was never suggested so I never did it). I also wonder if the extra 5 inches of wheel base on the 460L translate to a different ride. It's pretty phenomenal- and I find that I have been going faster than I thought at virtually every speed range (35mph, 45mph, 70mph etc) - the car is smoother and quieter so it's easy to underestimate your speed.
Overall: I have nothing but good things to say about the 9 years I had my 430. I still see a few well-maintained ones driving around my area and I still really like the styling. But overall, the 460 has been an awesome upgrade for me. I still almost can't believe the deal I got on the car - so I feel like the value is off the charts for the quality of the car.
#49
Thanks for the update, I'll probably get a newer car here soon as well.
I definitely think most of the suspension was clapped out by that point, so your hunch is likely correct. I drove a friend's LS400 (which probably from the factory has a cushier ride than the LS430 did) and it was amazing how sloppy the suspension was and how that translated to an uncomfortable ride.
I am incredibly happy with the ride quality. In hindsight, I have to wonder if my 430 needed a suspension/shocks treatment (I went 248k and it was never suggested so I never did it). I also wonder if the extra 5 inches of wheel base on the 460L translate to a different ride. It's pretty phenomenal- and I find that I have been going faster than I thought at virtually every speed range (35mph, 45mph, 70mph etc) - the car is smoother and quieter so it's easy to underestimate your speed.
I definitely think most of the suspension was clapped out by that point, so your hunch is likely correct. I drove a friend's LS400 (which probably from the factory has a cushier ride than the LS430 did) and it was amazing how sloppy the suspension was and how that translated to an uncomfortable ride.
#50
Pole Position
Glad to hear you're enjoying the car...surprised you can hear the engine (I must be going deaf, I can't hear it unless I'm standing near the hood). I hear nothing inside, it's like a tomb...took me three months to get used to it. I found I was close to falling asleep to and from work for a while...didn't know why at first, but then I realized how quiet and relaxed it was inside. Then again I was coming from driving a Honda Accord, not a LS430 (big difference).
5,000 miles in two months? Glad to know I'm not the only one that drives that much...and you've got me beat by a little.
5,000 miles in two months? Glad to know I'm not the only one that drives that much...and you've got me beat by a little.
#51
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Glad to hear you're enjoying the car...surprised you can hear the engine (I must be going deaf, I can't hear it unless I'm standing near the hood). I hear nothing inside, it's like a tomb...took me three months to get used to it. I found I was close to falling asleep to and from work for a while...didn't know why at first, but then I realized how quiet and relaxed it was inside. Then again I was coming from driving a Honda Accord, not a LS430 (big difference).
5,000 miles in two months? Glad to know I'm not the only one that drives that much...and you've got me beat by a little.
5,000 miles in two months? Glad to know I'm not the only one that drives that much...and you've got me beat by a little.
#52
Pole Position
LOL at feeling like you may fall asleep to and from work. Huge upgrade from your Accord! I used to drive more - pretty consistently would rack up 55k-60k per year, now I do about half that. But that's why I love the LS- it's a great car for burning up the highway. Silent, great gas mileage for a car of this size, and insanely reliable. On my LS430 and the LS400 before that, I put a total of 250-260k miles on those cars and never did anything beyond normal maintenance to either one. The LS line is really outstanding for overall reliability.
Best of luck with your car.
#53
Glad you found the noise livable and that you are happy with the car. The engine noise and all my mechanical problems were too much for me to accept, especially given how fantastic my 430 had been and how expensive the 460L was. My next ride will probably be a Tesla when my current 430 needs replacing. I don't think Lexus is going back to the formula that made the 430 so successful.
#54
Instructor
Glad you found the noise livable and that you are happy with the car. The engine noise and all my mechanical problems were too much for me to accept, especially given how fantastic my 430 had been and how expensive the 460L was. My next ride will probably be a Tesla when my current 430 needs replacing. I don't think Lexus is going back to the formula that made the 430 so successful.
#55
Lexus Fanatic
Glad you found the noise livable and that you are happy with the car. The engine noise and all my mechanical problems were too much for me to accept, especially given how fantastic my 430 had been and how expensive the 460L was. My next ride will probably be a Tesla when my current 430 needs replacing. I don't think Lexus is going back to the formula that made the 430 so successful.
#56
Noise isn't necessarily a bad thing (as long as it is not some sort of failure).....drove the BMW to work today and backing it out of the garage, it ticks like a ******. It's got piezo injectors. The exhaust is also loud esp. given I'm used to the LS430. imho the mannerisms of a vehicle are really something one gets used to, someone who drives a BMW daily doesn't feel it's loud or should be as silent as a LS430, and perhaps someone who has a LS430 finds a BMW intolerable in some cases, it's about what one likes...I do like how with the LS430, it's like you or the car are not even there, you're just driving a pillow top mattress on the highway. But this experience also gets me to appreciate the other side, when one is connected and reminded they're commanding a machine...I like both experiences...
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