I've pretty well convinced myself that I need an LS460.....my intention is to buy a 2008 or newer long wheel base version with under 50K miles.

I've read bits and pieces about a valve spring recall. If I buy a used car that has not had the recall performed, will Lexus still repair it free of charge? Is there a certain year model (2009,2010, etc.) that was shipped with the proper valve springs and does not need to be recalled?

Is the active suspension, which most L's seem to have, a good setup, or should I avoid it?

Is there any other optional feature or package I should particularly make a point of avoiding or buying

Thanks!

 

They will do the valve spring recall for free. I bought my 2007 and the valve springs had not been done. By all means insist on the air suspension on the long wheel base. Also make sure you get the Levinson with the hard drive and navigation.

 

Thanks Larry.

Here's a question - today at the Lexus dealer the salesman told me all LS460's have air suspension that is adjustable in 4 stages. He said the active suspension is a step above that....sounds funny to me but?

 

ahhh no! dont know about lwb but us shorty's dont all come with air maybe overseas but i doubt that as well.

 

That information is off...

For 2007 and 2008, air suspension was an option, but only on LWB vehicles. Starting in 2009, air suspension was available on SWB, but only on AWD cars I believe. In fact, it was standard on ALL AWD cars. From 2010 onward, air suspension is an option on all LS460 cars.

Regarding adaptive variable suspension (adaptive shocks), it seems to go hand-in-hand with air suspension - I have not seen it on LS460s without air suspension.

 

My 2007 LWB didn't come with active air. I believe i have every other option but that and the rear climate control. The rear climate control takes up space in the trunk.

 

You will love the LS 460!

 

Indeed it does... That is the one new thing I learned when my 2008 rolled off the carrier when it was delivered - not great, but oh well! Starting in 2010 (or 2011), the rear AC was redesigned, and it no longer takes up trunk space.

 

Is there any other optional feature or package I should particularly make a point of avoiding or buying

I special ordered mine so that I could get the Pre-Collision System, the key part of that being the radar cruise control. If you use cruise control and haven't tried the radar version, I suggest you test it out. I would never buy another car without it.

 

Thanks all. I thought the sales guy was off because when I asked him where the adjustment button was he took a long pause and said 'somewhere on the dash'.

What can I say...today I was at a bagel shop and there was an 'L' parked outside. It had air suspension and was sitting low and looked as mean as could be. I need one!


On the radar cruise. just what does that do? My wife's Infiniti has the cruise that slows down if you come up on another car but frankly it drives me nuts because even on the most aggressive setting it is too conservative.

 

If I could go back, I would get one without the factory air. Too expensive to repair/replace when (not if) they go bad. It would be cheaper to go aftermarket air.

 

One more question please - I don't really want AWD as I have no need for it - but it seems many cars have it and cost no more. Does an AWD car drive any differently? Does it steer more heavily?

 

I just drove a 2012 AWD for a week (long story as to why... will save for a different thread). Personally, I prefer my RWD L. In terms of handling, there was no perceptible difference. Turning radius is not as tight on the AWD, though.

However, the AWD car has less power, and I could definitely feel the difference. AWD cars also exhibit a shudder under mild acceleration in the 30-50 mph range (plenty of posts on this), and the intensity of the shudder varies across cars. The 2012 I drove did not exhibit this too intensely, but I did feel it quite a bit in a 2011 I drove last year.

 

If you can afford, I recommend 2010 LS460 L

 

A 2010 is probably more than I want to spend but I am curious why you make note of that year model?

I also wonder why the EPA fuel rating of a 2007 is 27MPG highway then all the years after RWD are 24?