westopill

I'm on the fence on whether or not I should go with an LS430 or a 460. My budget is no more than $10,000. If I went with an LS430 I could get a UL edition with probably 150-200K miles on it. If I went with a 460 It'd probably be high mileage and be a base model if its under 10K. I'd like to know what you guys prefer. Personally I like the interior of the LS430 more, but I like the exterior styling of the 460 more. Also, the LS460 has almost 100 more horsepower and gets better gas mileage. (although from what I've researched it seems as though the 430 and 460 have about the same 0-60 times).

Currently I'm pretty set on getting an LS430 UL, but what do you guys think? Is it worth the upgrade from a 430 to 460?

Thanks,
Wes

Little

I've been a long time lurker of the LS 430, i mean loooooong time. I'd say a high mileage UL will hang around a lot longer and give you time to ****** up if the right one comes around. If you start looking for the super clean lower mileage ones, you need to act basically the same day or so that they come out as I missed out on everyone that was THEEE ONE because I acted too slow but with good reason as everyone was around 600-700 miles away and I needed to see in person. I've since started to look at the LS 460 and I tell you I really like the looks of this car. Having only driven the 430, I can't compare the two but I'm heavily leaning towards the 460 now just by looks and also the LWB version. They have their string of problems but nothing I can't handle. Its a tough call in the price range you are looking as the 460's as just not really there yet in price, even higher mileage. I have found a few close to that range and before even looking at the pictures i knew something had to be a mess and sure enough every time the interior is just destroyed. I don't know what people do to some of these cars to look the way they do inside.

caverman

I think you'll be hard pressed to find a LS460 for $10k or less that is not trashed or a basket case. $12K or so you can pick up a decent high millage '07 - '09. On the flip side, trying to find a good LS430 is getting harder and harder and when you find that really good one they are usually gone that day. You probably need to go find an early LS460 that you can go look at and drive even if you don't plan to buy it. It will help you decide if you want to stick it out for a 430 or look for the 460.

TriC

Get to know the market for the 2 cars better and drive both before deciding. It could be hard to find a good 460 for less than 10 grand. 430s are a different story. For instance, there's an '05 UL on Craigslist in Pittsburgh with about 100K for slightly less than 10 grand that might be worth exploring. One with in excess of 150K should sell in the $6000 to $7000 range.

Dave144239

Some of the high mileage early 460s are not looking too bad for under $10k. This one, even though it had accident damage at some point, seems to be in good shape.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

Johnhav430

With that budget imho LS430. There is a likelihood that you can set it and forget it and fix a lot of things yourself. Otherwise if a LS460 you want '13+,which I don't believe is in that price range.

Keep in mind the newest of the 3rd gens are the 2006's, and their wholesale values are in the $5k range. So at retail $10k, you have plenty of wiggle room.

Funny I don't feel like someone who drives a $5k car, but that's reality lol (dang that's weird when the avg. car is beyond 30k today)

LS430FL

Having owned 2 LS430's and now an LS460L, if I had your budget I would go for an LS430. Long run I think much better reliability. For $10K, if you look around youll find a modern luxury or custom luxury LS430 with under 100K miles. The 460's in that price range may look ok but I would bet they need some service. With my personal experience going through repairs on both cars, the 460 seems to be far more expensive to own and when service is required the repairs seem to be more expensive. I do have a warranty on my 460 but seeing what it would have been makes my eyes bulge, I never had repairs like that on either ls430. the 460 will have a more modern feel but the 430 has a timeless design.

westopill

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. I think unless I do happen to find an LS460 with no accidents reported and under 200K miles, I'll just stick with a 430. I've seen some cheaper LS460 though, and maybe once springtime rolls around they'll be more affordable. I'll keep my eyes open, and If you guys find any good deals please let me know.

Also, I'm interested in the air suspension models. Do the air suspension struts last, or is it better to stay with macpherson struts?

Bob04

LS430. Without a doubt. I've owned both, and now I own 2 430s. I doubt Lexus will ever make a car as good as the 430 again.

Daspyda

iTrader: (1)

It doesn't matter what the car looks like as it's hard to see the outside when you're driving it...

Stay away from the air suspension unless you want to maintain/replace the bags. Owners frequently change to springs.

westopill

I kinda figured air suspension would be high maintenance. I'll avoid air suspension.

Johnhav430

Back in late 2006, I insisted any new car I get, has to have LED tails. My buddy said why? How often do you drive behind your own car?

Flash forward to getting the LS430 in Oct. 2016. I didn't even know it had LED tails. And thinking back, the Honda Civic of the time had lenses that mimicked the way the LS430 LEDs look...

BCT

There are some who think that early years of LS460 should be avoided due to various problems. You need to do some reading if you have not (not trying to say bad things about 460 here). Also the 430 UL version has those expensive shocks incase you do not know.

Not trying to scare you but want to make sure you understand that while both are are exceptionally built car, they are getting old. Stuffs will need to be replaced due to age and/or wear and tear, and some of these aren't cheap.

ls430w140

Bob04

If a $10K budget means you don't have several thousand available for repair at any given time, I wouldn't recommend a 430 with air suspension or any 460. Or really any high end luxury car, even if it is 10 or 15 years old. Repairs are still very expensive and can run into the thousands.