vraa

iTrader: (2)

If you haven't seen an LS430 yet, get the LS460.
Trust me, when you skip an LS generation, the *new* LS is AMAAAAZING.
I went from a 1994 LS400 to a 2005 LS430UL. NIGHT and DAY difference!

rominl

iTrader: (4)

agree, the 01-03 was pretty bad, the 04, wow

new safety feature? pre-collision

vraa

iTrader: (2)

IMO precollision and all it's friends are just there to massage your wallet.

I can tell you that I've activated it's features during hard driving, but didn't experience anything when I really got into a small crash. I guess it has to be really life threatening to be of use (but then why would it activate during hard driving?)

But on the other side of the coin, how much is life worth. Is the paltry sum of a few thousand dollars worth the assurance of the best possible chance of survival when things go sour?

I guess in the end it just depends on how much you want to spend / what's already on the dealer lot. At least it was for us.

One thing that's amazed me through the "evolution" of the LS is the continued commitment to delivering not just the pinnacle of motoring comfort, but doing it in the most professional way.

I don't know what the demographics are of Lexus owners (nor do I care this late in the game) but from my perception (an angle of immigrants) it seems as if a lot of technical based folks would buy Lexus cars. That means it just wasn't subjectively "better" but objectively "better". Just different backgrounds.

One of the biggest examples I see in the LS is the audio system. From the 1st generation LS400 with it's Nakamichi sound system all the way upto the latest 19-speaker Mark Levinson system in the LS460 / 600. Anyone can say what they want, but the most full auditory experience for me has always been in the LS430. The "premium" system in BMW's have always let me down (mainly due to cheap parts like low quality speakers) or the snake-oil Bose systems in Mercedes with their muddy bass and no highs. I've heard good things from Audi's B&O setup, but never have heard it in real life

Another 0.02$.

Helmar

In 1999 I moved from a 1993 Camry (which my daughter now drives and is still extremely reliable) to an LS400.

One of the things I really liked about the LS400 was that many of the functional controls were the same as the Camry.

I've never understood the trashing of Lexus by comparing it to the Camry. To me, it's the highest compliment.

Having been through each of the generations, LS400, LS430, and now LS600hL, one of the best features has been that they've carried forth many of the well designed controls from the earliest models. If it works, and works very well, why change it?

One small example is the cruise control. On my LS600hL it's is exactly the same as it was on my Camry.

I suppose the lesson is that new and different is not always better. Sometimes old and the same is best by far.

Lexus has certainly learned that lesson by leaving the best features and controls alone, and only changing and improving what truly benefits from change.

HBH

jettie1767

I certainly agree with the post that if you skipped a generation, you will definitely say WOW on the current one. I skipped the 2001 model series because I thought it was bland and copy of the old S-class. I had the LS model series before that which was a great car. Now, I have the LS460 and all I can say is WOW.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

very interesting comments from helmar but now that i think about it, that's very true. i love the fact that i can jump in pretty much any lexus/toyota and able to control most of the stuff

last time i stepped into a bmw or mb, i was like an idiot

vraa

iTrader: (2)

That's because when you jump in the Mercedes, half of the controls don't work. And when you jump in the BMW, you're just in awe of the incredible lack of logic that goes through dumping everything into a computer.

HappyDad

Thanks to all of you who responded to my inquiry regarding new safety features. I also wondered if anyone knows the differences between the 2007 and 2008 versions of the LS460? Thanks.

encore888

There is not much difference, here is a thread about it:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=302343

HappyDad

Thanks. I found Lexus' announcement of price and style changes for its 2008 vehicles on the Clublexus.com site. I have copied below the portion dealing with the LS460 and 460L:

"Launched in the fall of 2006, the all-new LS 460 and LS 460 L have received overwhelming accolades and enjoyed spectacular consumer acceptance. For the 2008 model year, the LS will carry over unchanged with the exception of one new exterior color, Opaline Pearl.

The long wheelbase LS 460 L offers a new Air Suspension package that includes 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with 245/45R19 all-season tires, Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Adaptive Variable Air Suspension.

The 2008 LS 460 will have a base MSRP of $61,500, an increase of $500, or 0.8 percent. The base MSRP for the LS 460 L will be $71,500, an increase of $500, or 0.7 percent."