I have been lurking on this board for a long time without posting. Wondering if I should buy a 07' 460L without ML(but no wind noise) or keep my 02' 430. The car is beautiful and I can definitely hear the difference between ML and non-ML. But on an extended test drive to include highway speeds, the car has ZERO wind noise.

 

I don't see any correlation between an ML or non-ML and wind noise. Your observation can be more accurately attributed to the door assembly and its interface with the car body. Wind noise has surfaced in all physical configurations as recorded in this forum, and the symptoms are being localized and addressed, whether by Lexus or our trusted members here. There may be other solutions in the future that will solve more elusive conditions for other members that have not had success to date. It is a work in progress., but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

As far as your LS430 vs LS460 dilemma, I can offer my own experience. My initial interest when purchasing the LS was directed at a brand new '06 LS430. The dealer didn't have a 460 in the showroom - needless to say, I was in love with the 430. I was ready to ink the deal, but wandered into another dealer that had a 460 on the showroom floor. Being the cad that I sometimes am, I fell in love all over again. I was totally impressed with the vehicle and bought it on the spot, taking delivery the next day. It cost me an extra $20K as there wasn't much room to bargain at the time. I am still completely satisfied with my decision and have never looked back.

Hope that helps!

 

The ML vs non-ML and the wind noise were two separate issues. I've noticed that a lot of people had the problem. I've test driven 5 different 460s
and didn't think wind noise was that bad. This one, however, was significantly quieter than the other ones; no noise at all.
This now makes me wonder if I can live without ML. I'm very much into music and the ML is a great sounding stereo. The non-ML still sounds pretty good, though

 

If you like music, stick with the ML. The ML system is much better than the regular system. You also get the 20 GB hard drive and GraceNotes DB with the ML version.

 

I would also try to get the ML system. I hve really enjoyed having my music stored on the hard drive. Yes, you can make a disk containing MP3 formatted music and have approximately 130 songs per disk (6 x 130 songs is a ton of music), but I really enjoy doing the random play on the HD between all my songs. Yes, you can do random on the CDs as well, but, when it moves between CDs there is that hesitation as it moves the new CD into place. A small thing, but a bit of an annoyance. I did discover that while you can't record MP3 formatted songs onto the hard drive, if you burn a CD from your iTunes Library (would assume it would work from other MP3 services) in non-MP3 format, you can record that music onto your HD! I didn't know this until yesterday. With the low cost of CD disks these days (I didn't think I'd ever use all the blank CDs that I had stuck in a drawer) it is not a big deal to record more of my songs to disks just to be able to transfer the music.

Also, not sure the non-ML system can play DVDs. Not a big deal if you aren't going to get the NAV over-ride installed, but if you are, it's nice to be able to play DVDs while on long highway trips....in surround sound! Just my 2 cents.

 

I would suspect that there are LOTS of hungry dealers. 93 octane here just passed $4.25/gal. Even LS buyers are value conscious...that's how most of us accumulated the wealth to become LS buyers! At this price for fuel, car sales across the board (except for the kiddie cars and hybrids) has to be crashing and burning.

 

The non-ML version sounds great but of course inferior to the ML version. The bass of the music is just not there in the non-ML version. In USA the difference is only a few grand and u do not have to wait for a car so I would get the ML version if I were u.

 

I think I will just wait and get the ML.
Thank you guys!

 

I still own both a 2002 LS430UL and a 2008 LS600hL. My next door neighbor has a 2007 LS460. The cars (430 - 460 or 600)are night and day difference. As wonderful as the LS430UL was, the newer generation is clearly better.

 

I turned in an '04 LS430 for a new '07 LS460. I have regreted this decision. My 430 was really perfect - never an issue (as were several Lexi I have leased).

The 460 has the wind noise problem and has been back to the dealer a few times for other issues. Lexus is also not the old Lexus. They have become arrogant and indifferent.

In my experience and opinion the LS460 changes over the LS430 are not worth the money.

I can't wait for my lease to be over.

 

I also turned in a '04 LS430 for an '07 LS60 BUT NEVER regretted moving up in style, luxury and quality.

 

I heard about the wind noise issue; even experienced it on on of my test drives.
Part of the reason I was considering this particaular non-ML model was that it was tomb quiet. No wind noise at all! Much,much quieter than my 02' LS

 

If it were me....no comparison hands down the ML system is the best on the market and absolutely worth getting, you will enjoy it every time you turn it on.

You really should consider a 2009 AWD. Do what ever it takes, work a little longer or what ever to step up. Don't get an 07.

 

as a matter of fact no comparison between 460 and 430!!!!
sure 460

 

Don't really need AWD...live in Vegas and have an 05 RX for that anyway.