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My LS430 (2005 ultra luxury) was recently in shop (dealer) for a check engine light.... 3rd time in 4 months. They ended up keeping it a month trying to diagnose. Ended up changing the Mass Airflow sensor, and I am hoping,... hoping... that that the CEL stays off now more than 1-2 months. (Already did one Cat plus O2 sensor and Ypipe). Still love the car but getting a bit jittery about it, and definitely want to consider getting off the dealer service track if it keeps having proble
Anyway, I had an ES350 loaner. I feel bad they gave it to me for 4 weeks and tried not to drive it more than necessary (used my wife's car), but they did not seem to mind.
The ES350 felt tighter. I have all original air struts on mine (1 was replaced when the bracket went bad, under my 6 year CPO wrap warranty) and they are not failed, but probably could use replacing at this point just due to how tight the shocks are. Not ready to bite the bullet on a suspension replacement (coil-over or even original) until I know the car is good long term. Never done control arms / bushings either, no indication they are bad from what I have been told.
Second point was that the es350 had better headlights, although I missed the bending lights (AFS) in my LS. I LOVE my LS headlights (very wide, etc.) but wonder if they are dimming / yellowing over time and need new bulbs even though they are not burned out. If I KNEW it would matter, I would spend the money to change them. The ES350 had cornening lights (very useful for low-speed turns).
Loved the automatic heated steering wheel and seats. Car was very quiet too.
That all said, ride quality just did not come close. Despite my car not feeling as tight on bumps, etc. (probably due to struts), the car rides smoother. And the LS you do not hear the engine! You hear a muted exhaust "whoosh" (not even a growl) that is utterly smooth. I was surprised how the v6 in the es350 seemed to "growl" a bit -- not exhause noise per-se, but engine sounds during acceleration. Not bad, not raucous, but I am spoiled by the LS being the closest thing to an electric motor (not that I have ever driven one). Basically no direct engine noise.
The ES seemed to rev really high when shifting. Not that it was not fast enough, but an odd sensation. Not sure if that is gearing for fuel economy or sporty feel, etc. The dashboard materials seemed overstyled but nicely constructed, but not premium.
I miss little things that actually do matter to me, like the pullouts in the side door pockets. It makes it easier to find things there. The new LS doesn't have those either, I believe (I did test drive it once).
Also, on significant acceleration, the tires squealed much too easily, with traction/stability light flashing. The LS never does that.
The lane keep assist actually grew wearisome after a while. I have radar cruise on my LS430 already and prefer the stalk controls.
It is hard to compare a nearly 15 year old car to a new one. The new one is clearly... newer. My car is not in new condition in either driver's seat leather, exterior, or even ride composure over bumps. But I had no urge to purchase an ES. dislike the controls (although I got more used to it), and didn't find it is as smooth. The appearance of the 2018+ LS interior doesn't thrill me. If and when it is time to replace my 05 LS, Maybe a 17 or earlier LS, or maybe time to check Genesis G80/G90 or consider a non-luxury brand, as they have improved so much over the years. I drove a Camry V6 that felt nice compared to the ES... not sure the es is worth the premium to me.
By the way, the stereo (base, not ML) in my ES loaner really sounded plain, quite poor. My old 2001 Buick Lesabre had a better or at least comparable stereo in it.
Some people laugh at me that I am keeping my LS and still like it and have put some money into repairs, but there is something about it that I have not yet been able to replicate on other cars. Not sure I could get myself to by another car getting 20MPG in this day and age (and Genesis is similar), but hard to part with my LS and hoping I will not need to anytime soon.
My LS430 (2005 ultra luxury) was recently in shop (dealer) for a check engine light.... 3rd time in 4 months. They ended up keeping it a month trying to diagnose. Ended up changing the Mass Airflow sensor, and I am hoping,... hoping... that that the CEL stays off now more than 1-2 months. (Already did one Cat plus O2 sensor and Ypipe). Still love the car but getting a bit jittery about it, and definitely want to consider getting off the dealer service track if it keeps having proble
Anyway, I had an ES350 loaner. I feel bad they gave it to me for 4 weeks and tried not to drive it more than necessary (used my wife's car), but they did not seem to mind.
The ES350 felt tighter. I have all original air struts on mine (1 was replaced when the bracket went bad, under my 6 year CPO wrap warranty) and they are not failed, but probably could use replacing at this point just due to how tight the shocks are. Not ready to bite the bullet on a suspension replacement (coil-over or even original) until I know the car is good long term. Never done control arms / bushings either, no indication they are bad from what I have been told.
Second point was that the es350 had better headlights, although I missed the bending lights (AFS) in my LS. I LOVE my LS headlights (very wide, etc.) but wonder if they are dimming / yellowing over time and need new bulbs even though they are not burned out. If I KNEW it would matter, I would spend the money to change them. The ES350 had cornening lights (very useful for low-speed turns).
Loved the automatic heated steering wheel and seats. Car was very quiet too.
That all said, ride quality just did not come close. Despite my car not feeling as tight on bumps, etc. (probably due to struts), the car rides smoother. And the LS you do not hear the engine! You hear a muted exhaust "whoosh" (not even a growl) that is utterly smooth. I was surprised how the v6 in the es350 seemed to "growl" a bit -- not exhause noise per-se, but engine sounds during acceleration. Not bad, not raucous, but I am spoiled by the LS being the closest thing to an electric motor (not that I have ever driven one). Basically no direct engine noise.
The ES seemed to rev really high when shifting. Not that it was not fast enough, but an odd sensation. Not sure if that is gearing for fuel economy or sporty feel, etc. The dashboard materials seemed overstyled but nicely constructed, but not premium.
I miss little things that actually do matter to me, like the pullouts in the side door pockets. It makes it easier to find things there. The new LS doesn't have those either, I believe (I did test drive it once).
Also, on significant acceleration, the tires squealed much too easily, with traction/stability light flashing. The LS never does that.
The lane keep assist actually grew wearisome after a while. I have radar cruise on my LS430 already and prefer the stalk controls.
It is hard to compare a nearly 15 year old car to a new one. The new one is clearly... newer. My car is not in new condition in either driver's seat leather, exterior, or even ride composure over bumps. But I had no urge to purchase an ES. dislike the controls (although I got more used to it), and didn't find it is as smooth. The appearance of the 2018+ LS interior doesn't thrill me. If and when it is time to replace my 05 LS, Maybe a 17 or earlier LS, or maybe time to check Genesis G80/G90 or consider a non-luxury brand, as they have improved so much over the years. I drove a Camry V6 that felt nice compared to the ES... not sure the es is worth the premium to me.
By the way, the stereo (base, not ML) in my ES loaner really sounded plain, quite poor. My old 2001 Buick Lesabre had a better or at least comparable stereo in it.
Some people laugh at me that I am keeping my LS and still like it and have put some money into repairs, but there is something about it that I have not yet been able to replicate on other cars. Not sure I could get myself to by another car getting 20MPG in this day and age (and Genesis is similar), but hard to part with my LS and hoping I will not need to anytime soon.
I agre with all your points. My wife had a 2019 ES 350 for a month while Lexus was doing somebody work on her GS. Although very nice car with all the new tech neither of us really liked it. One thing my wife thought it was lacking is the keyless entry and the buttons on the handles to lock the doors.
Hey boys. Maybe try being satisfied with who you are and what you have, and then you may be happy ... Why spend so much time worrying about what someone else has or is doing...? So what if Scotty Kilmer makes over $1.6 million a year on YouTube and recommends we drive ES 350s instead of LS 430s, or that a helmet wearing marine biologist calling himself ChrisFix makes over $.5 million a year on YouTube telling others things he learned by fixing cars in his driveway.
You both drive LS 430s. That is something to be happy about....
Hey SHA4000 after reading your post it makes me wonder. You guys have a 2010 GS350 I guess by your list of cars and I am wondering if you are saying you prefer your older GS to the newer ES?
I must also add......if you guys havent driven an Acura RL I would love to here your feedback and comparison to the Lexus line. My back up car....the 06 Acura RL has really been impressing me. I just got back from a 500 mile road trip and the car was a joy to drive.
Pro's
Nice 6cyl power from the 3.5L and has paddle shifters if you want to sport it around.
All wheel drive...Acura calls it SHAWD super handling all wheel drive.....the car handles like its on rails
Puddle lights...keyless entry....killer headlights....very good drink holders....thick wood/ leather steering wheel
Sporty feel yet heavy and solid
Interior looks very nice but they had leather cracking issues...wood is nice looking brown vs Lexus Burgandy color?
Some bolstering in the seats but not too much
Rear doors open wide open for easy entry to back seat.....better feature then u would think
Great visibility all around
Averaged around 27 or 28mpg
Bought mine for $5600 with 113k on it...price is right
The engine is quiet, smooth and strong .........much more composed then the loud growling GS350 that I drove...
Cons....
Why build a flagship that looks like a frickin Honda Accord with extra chrome on it? Just doesnt look high end...nice but doesnt stand out.
Acura /Honda.'s spring some oil pump seal leaks when they get older and its an expensive fix
Leather issues and even interior bubbling where glue let go in some cases....u just dont buy those particular cars I guess
I am interested to see how an new RL drives so even though I dont love the way the car looks it is a sleeper and the price is right for these sleepers. The Acura TL stole the show so the RLs barely sold....thus poor resale as well. If the 2008 09 10 RLs drive even better then my 06 that car will def be on my short list. I think it will hold up very well against the GS although wont have the classy looks of the GS.
Hey boys. Maybe try being satisfied with who you are and what you have, and then you may be happy ... Why spend so much time worrying about what someone else has or is doing...? So what if Scotty Kilmer makes over $1.6 million a year on YouTube and recommends we drive ES 350s instead of LS 430s, or that a helmet wearing marine biologist calling himself ChrisFix makes over $.5 million a year on YouTube telling others things he learned by fixing cars in his driveway.
You both drive LS 430s. That is something to be happy about....
Just what I needed. Lesson on self-worth and happiness from someone trolling a 2 generations old Lexus sedan forum.
There's no question that new in most instances feels tighter, fresher, and of course has the benefits of newer technology. An old car can be problematic, although many LS430 owners have been spoiled to have fewer problems for a fairly old car. Bottom line is old is still old and sooner or later some of us may be reaching deeper into our pockets for repairs. Personally, if push comes to shove....I would consider an earlier GS350 (prior to the spindle grill)....but if too much time went by and the GS got too much older, the Spindle grill will start looking better! lol However, the point that I would like to make is... my LS430 ownership is based primarily on not having any car payments, and up till now, no prohibitive repairs. When the reliability starts going south (for any reason) or repairs are over the top expensive, I too will be considering another Lexus, most likely a GS. I'm sure I'd miss the LS430.
Yep well said....That is definitely weighing on my decision. At 150k on the dial more maintenance is in the near future to keep the ole gal on the road. Mainly suspension items which are beyond my DIY skills. Struts....rubber bushing....ball joints...boots.....o2 sensors....possibly cat converters....rear brakes. Yes any used car will need this type of maintenance but comes a time when you have to decide where to spend the couple of G's.
I have made the hard decision........
after approx 5 years of blissful ownership.....I will be listing my 04 LS430 for sale today on Craigslist. My car is mint so I will be asking for top dollar and will only let her go when I get my price.
Life is too short to not try different things....even knowing the 430 is a beast.
Yep well said....That is definitely weighing on my decision. At 150k on the dial more maintenance is in the near future to keep the ole gal on the road. Mainly suspension items which are beyond my DIY skills. Struts....rubber bushing....ball joints...boots.....o2 sensors....possibly cat converters....rear brakes. Yes any used car will need this type of maintenance but comes a time when you have to decide where to spend the couple of G's.
I have made the hard decision........
after approx 5 years of blissful ownership.....I will be listing my 04 LS430 for sale today on Craigslist. My car is mint so I will be asking for top dollar and will only let her go when I get my price.
Life is too short to not try different things....even knowing the 430 is a beast.
You have pictures and option lists? I'm looking for another one and I don't care about diy since I'm a mechanic, if it's in great shape cosmetically that's more important that anything else to me. I'll strongly consider buying your old 430 depending on those factors since the mileage is very low
Ya I will see if I can find some pics.......my girl is a peach.
Cyprus Pearl color
Nav screen
Heat and cool seats
Like new Pirelli P7 tires
Tan color leather interior...let me see if I can post a glamour shot...but being a mechanic there is no way you would pay what I will be asking.
Ya I will see if I can find some pics.......my girl is a peach.
Cyprus Pearl color
Nav screen
Heat and cool seats
Like new Pirelli P7 tires
Tan color leather interior...let me see if I can post a glamour shot...but being a mechanic there is no way you would pay what I will be asking.
You would be surprised what I pay for things I like, I'm a trust fund kid actually lol! Mechanic is just my fun job since I wanted to learn how to build stuff
I assume yours is a UL and everything works on it?
... At 150k on the dial more maintenance is in the near future to keep the ole gal on the road. Mainly suspension items ... Struts....rubber bushing....ball joints...boots.....o2 sensors....possibly cat converters....rear brakes. ... you have to decide where to spend the couple of G's.
... .....I will be listing my 04 LS430 for sale today on Craigslist. My car is mint so I will be asking for top dollar ...
Here is a pic or two......I only drive the car on the weekends.......always fresh clean oil and filters........she is a garage queen. Always claybar and waxed. She has a light window tint that looks great as the sun goes down a bit. The Cyprus Pearl color also changes dramatically as the sun goes down. Damn she looks good Interior is just as clean.....literally spotless
Here is a pic or two......I only drive the car on the weekends.......always fresh clean oil and filters........she is a garage queen. Always claybar and waxed. She has a light window tint that looks great as the sun goes down a bit. The Cyprus Pearl color also changes dramatically as the sun goes down. Damn she looks good Interior is just as clean.....literally spotless
I really like that, interior pictures? What work does it need done that you mentioned early in the thread?
11-30-19, 10:37 AM
tried an es350 "by force..."
Interior is just as clean.....literally spotless
