All, we’re ISO an older LS and would enjoy hearing back from the owners on the forum. Typically purchase cars with 100k-200k+ miles and do my own maintenance. We are leaning LS430. Not opposed to the 400 or 460 however.
* Pros and Cons of each model
* price point not being a factor, how many miles are too many?
* Which years are better and why?
* Which model years have Bluetooth? (Important factor)
* Which model years have Rear Camera? (Important factor)
* Any known issues with each older/high mileage model?
* Which models have timing chains?

Thx for the help with this.

 

2001-2006 models all had backup cameras. Not sure about bluetooth, but either way in a 2006 it'd be terribly outdated. I've seen people take out the screen and put a new one in that has a camera and all your phone needs. Better yet is get one without the screen (so just buttons) and under the climate buttons is where you take out the audio controls and put a screen in there.

2001-2003 has a 5-speed auto and 2004-2006 has a 6-speed. The 5 shifts a bit smoother and there were some problems in 2004 with the 6-speed. It's also easier to service yourself since the 6-speed is a sealed unit. All 430's had the same engine. These are all extremely reliable. I would look for one with around 100k miles. If you drive a lot it can last a long, long time. Being a flagship, you still need to properly maintain it. Only real issues are maybe your steering wheel control goes out or a mirror. Nothing really.

The 460 was of course more technologically advanced inside and out but has much more that can go wrong and are much more expensive to fix. Still a lot better than an Audi or BMW but not on the 430's level. The 460 also represents a time when Lexus decided to built sportier cars, so gone were the days of the smoothest riding cars that the 400 and 430 were. However, most will likely be fine with this since I'm very picky (I bought a 430 recently and replaced the 17's with 16's) and the 460 is still smoother than its competition.

All 430's have timing belts that are interference. All 460's have timing chains.

A 400 is likely too old to be considered unless you find a 98-2000 with low, well taken-care of miles. That's like finding a needle in a haystack. These also have timing belts that are interference and these cars are very similar to the 430, just not quite as many bells and whistles on the inside.

 

I believe the answer to your question of which LS to buy is simply, "yes." Most of your questions are well documented on the forum which I found immensely helpful during my recent search. A lot of people will say buy on condition rather than options. I tend to agree although I lucked out and found a super clean 2004 UL with fairly low miles. I narrowed my search to 2004-2006 because I preferred the looks of the facelift, but some will say the 2001-2003 are more reliable. Good luck!

 

I can confirm that my 2001 Ultra luxury did not come with a factory backup camera, nor does it have bluetooth.

 

2002 UL here as well without backup camera. I don't think think they came on until 2004, unless someone can correct me. No Bluetooth either in mine.

Having owned a 95 LS400, and two 2002s, I would say to go for an LS430. There are several annoyances that were rectified on the 430s that plagued the 1990-2000 models, such as the leaking capacitors on the ECUs, and the stupid front suspension control rod bushings that seemingly always go out and make clunking sounds.

The 430s have a bigger trunk (due to the gas tank being under the car, as opposed to in the trunk behind the carpet), the rear windows actually roll down all the way, larger back seat... to name a few advantages. And since there was alot more 430s sold than the 95-2000 models, there is alot more of them available to pick from on the market.

I worked at Lexus in 2006 when the LS460s first hit the scene, and I was surprised when I drove one at how different and rougher the ride was. Even the LS460Ls with the air suspension seemingly transmitted every road bump into the cabin.

Not sure why they went that direction, but I guess the soft riding quiet car market totally dried up, as there really isn't anything comparable anymore left in my opinion.

 

To add to the above discussion, I would not be at all concerned regarding the engine itself if it has been maintained properly (on schedule, every time) even at 150,000 or more miles. My well maintained '05 drives like new at 135,000 miles. To me the most desirable ones are 2004-2006, based on aesthetics, and one with the Pre-collision system and radar cruise control, found as a option on only the Custom Luxury and Ultra Luxury models. That model of course has the backup camera.

 

13+ 460, it's totally superior except for repair costs if done at dealer. Easier to work on and outside of the brake actuator issue nearly the same level of overall reliability.

My 07 outclasses the 06 that is also in my family with 1/2 the miles as the 460 in every way other than shift smoothness at low throttle input.

 

Thank you for all of your valuable details. Extremely helpful in narrowing down my search. Look's like i'll be making a road trip to look at a 2006 LS 430 UM that has rear camera and BT. Silver/Black with 216K with all serve records.Spoke with service dept who said Timing belt and WP were replaced at 189K.

Thoughts/comments welcomed.

Thx!

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-joined-3.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...n-me-over.html

My experience with them.

 

Silver w/ Blk is a fairly rare combo. I shopped for over a year and only found one but it was too beat up to justify buying. I happily settled for Flint Mica / Blk.

 

Go with the 460 IMO, front suspension issues are overblown, throw on some Mevotech front control arms and call it a day. Every suspension will start wearing by 100-150K miles anyway and have a suboptimal ride. I replaced most of the suspension front and back on my 430 myself and it made a huge difference compared to how I drove when I purchased it. What you have to look out for with the 460 is the brake actuator (ZLG?) and the sticky dash/interior panel (ZLZ) recalls. Find one that has had both done. The 430 is great, but in retrospect is a tad too slow and a tad too old. I still love it, but wish I had gone for a 460, which I was initially scared away from due to its "complexities."

 

The '13 and up LS460 are probably the most reliable of all the LS460s. But you have to pay to play- around $30k for a used one here in WA right now. Considering what you get for that dough, and compared to other newer cars, its actually a good deal. But you have to get past the aesthetics of the front end, which for some is a big minus. I drove an LS460 a while back and it seemed like a much larger car. But I immediately noticed a lot of flaws in how it handled, broke and rode over bumps. It didn't have the build quality I was expecting. To the OP - look at both vehicles and make up your own mind. I couldn't care less which is faster or has more HP.

 

Tell you what. Go check out a clean 430 and a clean 460. If you like the 07-12 460's, focus on a clean one and check it out. If you like the styling changes of the 13-17 years as well as the mouse controller, find a clean example and check it out.

Drive them in every situation you can: freeway, around tight corners, speeding up from stop lights, over crappy roads, etc. Check out the inside and pay attention to the little things, styling elements, controls, etc.

We are all heavily opinionated on this forum. I love the 430 but others prefer the 460. What some consider a smooth ride, I may want better. No matter what we all say on here, your best bet is to track down clean examples and get some real-world experience in them.

Unless you already made your purchase. If that's the case, disregard this message.

 

We have a 2004 base without bluetooth, nav or backup camera. Been a good car but was very neglected by the previous owners. I cant compare to a newer 460. Id guess newer =/= better but will be more modern. Ours does not have air suspension either removing another finicky system.

If you can tolerate, Id go the base model without all the bells and whistles.

 

That's a great idea. They still have a ton of features. Bluetooth, nav, and a backup camera is going to be really outdated by this point. Best to get a base without a screen and put one in with all those features.