Chasing the LS460.. The official hunt begins
02-19-16, 11:04 AM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Chasing the LS460.. The official hunt begins
this is a LONG thread because this is a VERY big deal, for me, atleast.
ok so some of you have noticed more of my presence in this section. being an Ls400 driver some might think im lost and need to find my way home. well reason ive been here so much is that im ready to make the jump. my native lexus tongue is Ls400 and it has been for 15 years. the Ls400 is a world class car, with sleek lines, timeless style, soft ride with creamy seats that feel like a warm leather bath. its got an amazing stereo system, all kinds of gizmos and creature comforts, a glorious exaust note from a bulletproof V8 engine that isn't appauling on gas, and the ability to travel at breakneck speeds that makes you feel like floating on air. it also has the highest top speed of all Lexus LSs. what more could a man possibly want with a car that's seemingly perfect? this car has been an absolute saint. its never left me on the side of the road, and like an old reliable friend, its always helped me along my travles. its a world class car that totally reinvented the way people think of modern luxury, but.. its got one major fault, its age. these cars are bordering on antiquity, and that's its only sin. and sooner or later, even superheros begin to loose there luster. ive heard countless Ls400 horror stories in recent years, and its only a matter of time before the LS400 boogyman decides to pick on mine.
as I said, Ls400 is my native tongue, and I don't speak LS460 but im learning quickly. ive always wanted one ever since they came out, at the end of 2006, since I stood with my face pressed against the darkened showroom window of a closed Lexus dealership in Jacksonville, in freezing 38 degree rain, just to get a look at one. then I test drove a gold on parchment short wheelbase base model at the dealership I currently work at, nearly ten years prior, and right then and there I said to myself. "holy **** I absolutely have to own one of these"... well someday considering the cars were 70 grand and I was a poor 22 year old kid working a minimum wage job driving a nearly 20 year old Ls400 that I could barley keep up with. well time marched on and here we are in 2016. im now 31 years old with some grey hair, and my live is totally different now. the Ls460 has aged too, close to ten years, which means something very cool. THERE FINALLY AFFORDABLE!! WOOOO HOOO!!!!
the problem is that in my car maturity, I haven't aged much. im still driving a 20 year old Ls400, and when I drive it, I feel like the poor 22 year old kid pressing his face against the darkened dealership window drooling and dreaming of a car that id never be able to afford.
so the hunt has begun. im financially able to get one, atleast an early one cause im by no means a rich man. I make just over $40k a year, which is enough to life and have some pocket change after the bills have been paid, and enough for a car note cause I still don't have $15-20k laying around (which is about what there going for these days), but the Ls460 is finally in my reach.
after the last one, the 07 460L that I came within a fingernail of getting and got to know pretty well. that was it. im now flat out hell bent on getting one. I came so close to pulling the trigger, it needed a brake actuator and control arms but they were going to fix that stuff for me before I signed the next 5 years of my pocket change over to Lexus financial, but looking deeper into the car they found some serious gremlins and refused to sell it to me or anyone else, because I have a very important job at my dealership and they want me to be taken care of. bummer but pissing and moaning over that car and not being able to get it, is about as stupid as going to McDonalds eating a Big Mac, being depressed because I wanted the Big Mac that was made 5 minutes before mine and not being able to eat THAT big mac. I mean, Christ! I work at lexus world! and as these cars age aging people are trading them in left and right for the current model, so I can get one and any one I want.
the Ls460 is old enough to be affordable, yet new enough to not be scary, I never cared for the Ls430 cause it was boring to drive and looked like a tennis shoe. the 460 is neat looking and has enough technological gizmos it borderlines on digital witchcraft, which is really neat since I work here not only in Lexus Land, I work in the service department so I get to see everything that drives thru here, next to me is a room with about 50 mechanics working on cars that are all very friendly, that don't mind me looking over there shoulder when working on 460s cause they know that I want one, and just about everybody here wants me out of my 20 year old 400 that leaks more fluid than a WWII submarine rusting at the bottom of the pacific. I like to try to work on my cars myself, well as much as I can do, and ive pulled off quite a few beer fuled tricks under a shade tree with greasy fingers, cursing like a sailor, and with bashed knuckles under the hood of Ls400s.
but like I said, I don't speak Ls460 and I might as well burn the book on Ls400 cause the 460 is a totally different critter. the 400 is straightforward and not a nightmare to work on, unlike the 460 which looks almost nauseating under its cloths. there are only 4 processes to start an Ls400. bumping the key, sending a signal to the ECU, sqirting fuel into the cylinders and spinning the starter. the Ls460 from the time you hit the start button, needs to go thru 17 electronic processes before the engine roars to life. that's sounds a bit rediculos to me. so does 8 control arms, windows that have to be rebooted like a computer when the battery is changed, as well as 4 fuel pumps -why? and that's just to start. in my job here im a VTS, Vehicle Technology Specialist, which has nothing to do with the mechanics or even hard electronics in the cars, but sitting with folks explaining how all the gizmos in there cars work and how to get the most of them, and ive had quite a bit of seat time in Ls460s initializing windows, programming seats and keys, hooking up phones and updating navi systems so im now speaking Ls460 at least in broken English, which is a start. im watching the guys in the back dig into them and have seen and held some interesting parts, like a 460 starter, a brake actuator, various other terrible things owners should never have to see or touch, and im getting the jist of it. ever seen an 8 speed transmission opened up? its like a fine over engineered jeweled watch.
heres an issue though, the 460 is horifficly complex as it is a technological masterpiece, and it seems like there are way way way too many computerized gizmos in them to freak out and not allow the car to start. so I really need to do my homework on these cars to fully grasp what im heading into, which is totally unkown, uncharted territory.
one thing that is unsettling is that I haven't seen too many super high mile hero Ls460s like the 400s. idk if its just because the 460s are not old enough to see with 200k+ on them yet, or if they don't have the lifespan of the 400s because of electrical bugs, or because the drivetrains are not as solid. I haven't seen a single one with a blown up motor or a bad transmission but im also one of those unlucky people that always has the worst most expensive possible thing break on a car, and I know the 460 parts are like double or even triple the amount of the 400. from what ive seen here, as well as my service drive are mostly computerized problems, or the occasional brake actuator or air shock, and ive seen a few chirping ML stereos, but nothing that prevented from the car from driving. thing is, if I get a 460, I don't have a ton of money for $5,000 repairs, so if it goes im basically screwed. the Ls400 was perfect! they don't break down, and if they do have a problem they will atleast limp home. ive never been stranded in one and when I was younger id barley change the oil in them due to the lack of funds. -seriously I was THAT broke. now that im making $40k a year, im not poverty level but can I get away with driving an Ls460 with just routine upkeep like a 400. the one I have now, my 95, ive had 3 years and haven't had to change anything besides brakepads, wipers, and fluids cause it hasn't needed anything. im not sure how a 15 year old 460 will behave cause if I get one, im going to have it for a very long time.
anyway, back to the hunt. this is my criteria..
07-09 1st gen cause I like the rear end better than the current ones, and I can actually afford one.
my budget is around $20k
long wheel base preferred
its gotta have over 140k on the clock (call me crazy but this is the perfect number because all the stuff that normally breaks has already been replaced, atleast on the Ls400 benchmark standard)
its either gotta be Black on Tan, or White on Grey.
its gotta have the toys. (im a tech nerd and I work as a tech nerd at the dealership)
its gotta have the ML stereo and the HDD, (which I love cause im still clinging to the CD)
its gotta have the self park feature (yes I know stupid option that's pointless that nobody uses but I think its cool)
its gotta have more going on in the back seat than just a bare armrest. luxury package or executive package (if I can ever find one)
sounds like a tall order, I know. but being where I work in the area im in, I can totally see it happening. hunting for a Ls460 wont be like hunting for a clean Ls400, which was a wild goose chase traveling to backwoods car lots with shady salesmen, driving 500 miles out of my way, getting bit by a parrot, getting into a fight with a crazy homeless man, being chased down a dirt road by rednecks with guns, meeting sketchy craigslist sellers, in the middle of the night in terrible areas in town with shifty go-betweens that looked like they were more interested in killing me and stuffing my body in the trunk of there dilapidated Ls400 on huge rims, pretty much every car I looked at was falling apart, and it took 6 months across 5 counties with 39 test driven examples before I finally found the right one. (lots of Ls400s out there that are very tired but nice ones are almost impossible to find), and I gotta say it was quite an adventure Ls400 hunting, and was bittersweet when I finally found the right one, because I was so happy when I did but love the thrill of the hunt and was a little bummed when it was over (call me crazy, I know), but hunting a 460 wont even be a challenge! I work here and see them show up in the trade lot all the time, and my 400 is still in great running condition with lots of life left so I can afford to wait and find the right one.
anyways as they roll in ill be looking at each one till I find the one that matches my criteria, which ill be snapping photos of and posting here asking if there worthy LOL! but it should be interesting to see what pops up.
check back if interested because the hunt is now on, and this thread will be updated constantly.
ok so some of you have noticed more of my presence in this section. being an Ls400 driver some might think im lost and need to find my way home. well reason ive been here so much is that im ready to make the jump. my native lexus tongue is Ls400 and it has been for 15 years. the Ls400 is a world class car, with sleek lines, timeless style, soft ride with creamy seats that feel like a warm leather bath. its got an amazing stereo system, all kinds of gizmos and creature comforts, a glorious exaust note from a bulletproof V8 engine that isn't appauling on gas, and the ability to travel at breakneck speeds that makes you feel like floating on air. it also has the highest top speed of all Lexus LSs. what more could a man possibly want with a car that's seemingly perfect? this car has been an absolute saint. its never left me on the side of the road, and like an old reliable friend, its always helped me along my travles. its a world class car that totally reinvented the way people think of modern luxury, but.. its got one major fault, its age. these cars are bordering on antiquity, and that's its only sin. and sooner or later, even superheros begin to loose there luster. ive heard countless Ls400 horror stories in recent years, and its only a matter of time before the LS400 boogyman decides to pick on mine.
as I said, Ls400 is my native tongue, and I don't speak LS460 but im learning quickly. ive always wanted one ever since they came out, at the end of 2006, since I stood with my face pressed against the darkened showroom window of a closed Lexus dealership in Jacksonville, in freezing 38 degree rain, just to get a look at one. then I test drove a gold on parchment short wheelbase base model at the dealership I currently work at, nearly ten years prior, and right then and there I said to myself. "holy **** I absolutely have to own one of these"... well someday considering the cars were 70 grand and I was a poor 22 year old kid working a minimum wage job driving a nearly 20 year old Ls400 that I could barley keep up with. well time marched on and here we are in 2016. im now 31 years old with some grey hair, and my live is totally different now. the Ls460 has aged too, close to ten years, which means something very cool. THERE FINALLY AFFORDABLE!! WOOOO HOOO!!!!
the problem is that in my car maturity, I haven't aged much. im still driving a 20 year old Ls400, and when I drive it, I feel like the poor 22 year old kid pressing his face against the darkened dealership window drooling and dreaming of a car that id never be able to afford. so the hunt has begun. im financially able to get one, atleast an early one cause im by no means a rich man. I make just over $40k a year, which is enough to life and have some pocket change after the bills have been paid, and enough for a car note cause I still don't have $15-20k laying around (which is about what there going for these days), but the Ls460 is finally in my reach.
after the last one, the 07 460L that I came within a fingernail of getting and got to know pretty well. that was it. im now flat out hell bent on getting one. I came so close to pulling the trigger, it needed a brake actuator and control arms but they were going to fix that stuff for me before I signed the next 5 years of my pocket change over to Lexus financial, but looking deeper into the car they found some serious gremlins and refused to sell it to me or anyone else, because I have a very important job at my dealership and they want me to be taken care of. bummer but pissing and moaning over that car and not being able to get it, is about as stupid as going to McDonalds eating a Big Mac, being depressed because I wanted the Big Mac that was made 5 minutes before mine and not being able to eat THAT big mac. I mean, Christ! I work at lexus world! and as these cars age aging people are trading them in left and right for the current model, so I can get one and any one I want.
the Ls460 is old enough to be affordable, yet new enough to not be scary, I never cared for the Ls430 cause it was boring to drive and looked like a tennis shoe. the 460 is neat looking and has enough technological gizmos it borderlines on digital witchcraft, which is really neat since I work here not only in Lexus Land, I work in the service department so I get to see everything that drives thru here, next to me is a room with about 50 mechanics working on cars that are all very friendly, that don't mind me looking over there shoulder when working on 460s cause they know that I want one, and just about everybody here wants me out of my 20 year old 400 that leaks more fluid than a WWII submarine rusting at the bottom of the pacific. I like to try to work on my cars myself, well as much as I can do, and ive pulled off quite a few beer fuled tricks under a shade tree with greasy fingers, cursing like a sailor, and with bashed knuckles under the hood of Ls400s.
but like I said, I don't speak Ls460 and I might as well burn the book on Ls400 cause the 460 is a totally different critter. the 400 is straightforward and not a nightmare to work on, unlike the 460 which looks almost nauseating under its cloths. there are only 4 processes to start an Ls400. bumping the key, sending a signal to the ECU, sqirting fuel into the cylinders and spinning the starter. the Ls460 from the time you hit the start button, needs to go thru 17 electronic processes before the engine roars to life. that's sounds a bit rediculos to me. so does 8 control arms, windows that have to be rebooted like a computer when the battery is changed, as well as 4 fuel pumps -why? and that's just to start. in my job here im a VTS, Vehicle Technology Specialist, which has nothing to do with the mechanics or even hard electronics in the cars, but sitting with folks explaining how all the gizmos in there cars work and how to get the most of them, and ive had quite a bit of seat time in Ls460s initializing windows, programming seats and keys, hooking up phones and updating navi systems so im now speaking Ls460 at least in broken English, which is a start. im watching the guys in the back dig into them and have seen and held some interesting parts, like a 460 starter, a brake actuator, various other terrible things owners should never have to see or touch, and im getting the jist of it. ever seen an 8 speed transmission opened up? its like a fine over engineered jeweled watch.
heres an issue though, the 460 is horifficly complex as it is a technological masterpiece, and it seems like there are way way way too many computerized gizmos in them to freak out and not allow the car to start. so I really need to do my homework on these cars to fully grasp what im heading into, which is totally unkown, uncharted territory.
one thing that is unsettling is that I haven't seen too many super high mile hero Ls460s like the 400s. idk if its just because the 460s are not old enough to see with 200k+ on them yet, or if they don't have the lifespan of the 400s because of electrical bugs, or because the drivetrains are not as solid. I haven't seen a single one with a blown up motor or a bad transmission but im also one of those unlucky people that always has the worst most expensive possible thing break on a car, and I know the 460 parts are like double or even triple the amount of the 400. from what ive seen here, as well as my service drive are mostly computerized problems, or the occasional brake actuator or air shock, and ive seen a few chirping ML stereos, but nothing that prevented from the car from driving. thing is, if I get a 460, I don't have a ton of money for $5,000 repairs, so if it goes im basically screwed. the Ls400 was perfect! they don't break down, and if they do have a problem they will atleast limp home. ive never been stranded in one and when I was younger id barley change the oil in them due to the lack of funds. -seriously I was THAT broke. now that im making $40k a year, im not poverty level but can I get away with driving an Ls460 with just routine upkeep like a 400. the one I have now, my 95, ive had 3 years and haven't had to change anything besides brakepads, wipers, and fluids cause it hasn't needed anything. im not sure how a 15 year old 460 will behave cause if I get one, im going to have it for a very long time.
anyway, back to the hunt. this is my criteria..
07-09 1st gen cause I like the rear end better than the current ones, and I can actually afford one.
my budget is around $20k
long wheel base preferred
its gotta have over 140k on the clock (call me crazy but this is the perfect number because all the stuff that normally breaks has already been replaced, atleast on the Ls400 benchmark standard)
its either gotta be Black on Tan, or White on Grey.
its gotta have the toys. (im a tech nerd and I work as a tech nerd at the dealership)
its gotta have the ML stereo and the HDD, (which I love cause im still clinging to the CD)
its gotta have the self park feature (yes I know stupid option that's pointless that nobody uses but I think its cool)
its gotta have more going on in the back seat than just a bare armrest. luxury package or executive package (if I can ever find one)
sounds like a tall order, I know. but being where I work in the area im in, I can totally see it happening. hunting for a Ls460 wont be like hunting for a clean Ls400, which was a wild goose chase traveling to backwoods car lots with shady salesmen, driving 500 miles out of my way, getting bit by a parrot, getting into a fight with a crazy homeless man, being chased down a dirt road by rednecks with guns, meeting sketchy craigslist sellers, in the middle of the night in terrible areas in town with shifty go-betweens that looked like they were more interested in killing me and stuffing my body in the trunk of there dilapidated Ls400 on huge rims, pretty much every car I looked at was falling apart, and it took 6 months across 5 counties with 39 test driven examples before I finally found the right one. (lots of Ls400s out there that are very tired but nice ones are almost impossible to find), and I gotta say it was quite an adventure Ls400 hunting, and was bittersweet when I finally found the right one, because I was so happy when I did but love the thrill of the hunt and was a little bummed when it was over (call me crazy, I know), but hunting a 460 wont even be a challenge! I work here and see them show up in the trade lot all the time, and my 400 is still in great running condition with lots of life left so I can afford to wait and find the right one.
anyways as they roll in ill be looking at each one till I find the one that matches my criteria, which ill be snapping photos of and posting here asking if there worthy LOL! but it should be interesting to see what pops up.
check back if interested because the hunt is now on, and this thread will be updated constantly.
02-19-16, 11:45 AM
#2
It shouldn't be a issue finding the 460 that meets your criteria but your budget may be a little low. Since the 460 is very complex and complicated with all types of technology gizmos you might consider purchasing a extended warranty. When buying a older high end vehicle you can expect some issues. I wish you luck on your search and hopefully the dealership will get a trade-in that will meet your criteria plus give you a employee discount. It took me 3 months to find the one that met my criteria.
02-19-16, 01:00 PM
#3
Pole Position
So here's the long and short of it all. Find an 07 or 08 that has had the control arms replaced, the brake actuator done, and has a record of all services done in a timely manner. Be willing to travel to get it. Negotiate. Check the Lexus Drivers site once you have the Vin. Keep in mind, nothing short of a great personal inspection will tell you the true tale.
In your price range you can actually put some money in your pocket and get the car for less with the higher miles. Personally, I'd try to get one under 100K so long as things have been replaced or well maintained. Here are some options: http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invento...sModified=true
In your price range you can actually put some money in your pocket and get the car for less with the higher miles. Personally, I'd try to get one under 100K so long as things have been replaced or well maintained. Here are some options: http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invento...sModified=true
02-19-16, 01:44 PM
#4
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
high miles don't scare me as long as there taken care of. ill probably just going to get one through my work since I can actually see them as they come in and are processed, plus they will hook me up cause they want me to have one. ive got accsess to better records than lexusdrivers.com, I can see every nut and bolt that's ever been turned on one and talk to the advisors and mechanics that watched over them for there lifetime, and no website can ever give you that. hopefully I wont have to wait too long. no reason to go driving all over gods creation when I can hunt for one literally in my own back yard! should be interesting to see what comes out of the woodwork with the LS500 right around the corner and the 07s creeping in the back door of a decade old.
who knows? I might end up with a LS600hL!! not many of them show up but we do get them in sometimes
who knows? I might end up with a LS600hL!! not many of them show up but we do get them in sometimes
02-19-16, 02:04 PM
#5
Pole Position
You have your heart set on all the things that you are worried about in these cars. If you could only talk yourself into buying a "lower end model", you wouldn't have to worry about as many things breaking, or the initial cost. The base model is still a very hot car and it has the same drivetrain...as I'm sure you know. Imagine paying 20k for one of these things and having to dump $3,000 grand into an air ride? When the non-air suspension will cost you pennies on the dollar to replace a strut.
Other than that - weather you make 40 grand a year or not - purchasing a 15,000-20,000 dollar car isn't exactly nuts. A Camry will cost you the same, and the LS is no Camry...it's actually a tremendous value play at that price point (as long as you don't buy one with all the bells and whistles that may break).
Other than that - weather you make 40 grand a year or not - purchasing a 15,000-20,000 dollar car isn't exactly nuts. A Camry will cost you the same, and the LS is no Camry...it's actually a tremendous value play at that price point (as long as you don't buy one with all the bells and whistles that may break).
02-19-16, 02:14 PM
#6
Stereorob that's what I'm talking about. Employment at a Lexus dealership or any other dealerships should come with a few perks and advantages. Your next LS may be in the parking lot?
02-19-16, 02:17 PM
#7
I hate to say this but, based on what you've told us, I don't think you should buy an old LS460. You can barely afford to buy the car and don't have the reserves to pay for any major failures. The ES350 is a wonderful car with no real weaknesses - seriously consider this car - take a test drive before you dismiss it.
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02-19-16, 02:23 PM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
You have your heart set on all the things that you are worried about in these cars. If you could only talk yourself into buying a "lower end model", you wouldn't have to worry about as many things breaking, or the initial cost. The base model is still a very hot car and it has the same drivetrain...as I'm sure you know. Imagine paying 20k for one of these things and having to dump $3,000 grand into an air ride? When the non-air suspension will cost you pennies on the dollar to replace a strut.
Other than that - weather you make 40 grand a year or not - purchasing a 15,000-20,000 dollar car isn't exactly nuts. A Camry will cost you the same, and the LS is no Camry...it's actually a tremendous value play at that price point (as long as you don't buy one with all the bells and whistles that may break).
Other than that - weather you make 40 grand a year or not - purchasing a 15,000-20,000 dollar car isn't exactly nuts. A Camry will cost you the same, and the LS is no Camry...it's actually a tremendous value play at that price point (as long as you don't buy one with all the bells and whistles that may break).
if im gunna be stuck with a car note I gotta love the car. and after driving an LS, even a very old LS, it would be a major downgrade still to get a new camry, plus there is NO WAY id allow one in my driveway. funny you mention that. that's what the wife wants us to get and I flat out refused. sadly after all this time she never has gotten the Lexus LS thing. she sees our Ls400 as "a dated looking old car she is scared of driving". she actually suggested I trade the Ls400 in on a new camry. I usually let her have her way but I had to take my ***** out of her purse for that one.
guess I really shouldn't worry. when i got my first Ls400 (a 1990) 15 years ago, it was an older car then and had 167k on it, about the same age as a early 1st gen 460 is now, with its own computerized stuff, and i ran face first into it knowing absolutely NOTHING about it at all or anything even about lexus in general. well after 15 years of seat time in them owning multiple models and trim levels, they've never let me down. maybe its just the fear of the unknown. something that's been a problem ive struggled with for the last few years. idk.
02-19-16, 02:27 PM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
02-19-16, 02:31 PM
#10
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I hate to say this but, based on what you've told us, I don't think you should buy an old LS460. You can barely afford to buy the car and don't have the reserves to pay for any major failures. The ES350 is a wonderful car with no real weaknesses - seriously consider this car - take a test drive before you dismiss it.
02-19-16, 02:53 PM
#11
the ES350 is a car I never even considered allowing myself not to hate until recently. the ones since 07 or so are actually pretty damn nice, still fairly simple and are more gutsy than most realize. infact the ES is probably one of the most misunderstood luxury sedans of modern times. it was originally launched (2nd gen) as a sports sedan and was even offered with a manual transmission! (wonder how many of those still exist) don't get me wrong, I like the ES, but I cant downgrade, and ill never own one because FWD. if they made the ES in RWD I would absolutely consider one.
02-19-16, 03:10 PM
#12
Pole Position
I gotta have the toys lol. after playing with them constantly not having the toys is not an option lol
if im gunna be stuck with a car note I gotta love the car. and after driving an LS, even a very old LS, it would be a major downgrade still to get a new camry, plus there is NO WAY id allow one in my driveway. funny you mention that. that's what the wife wants us to get and I flat out refused. sadly after all this time she never has gotten the Lexus LS thing. she sees our Ls400 as "a dated looking old car she is scared of driving". she actually suggested I trade the Ls400 in on a new camry. I usually let her have her way but I had to take my ***** out of her purse for that one.
guess I really shouldn't worry. when i got my first Ls400 (a 1990) 15 years ago, it was an older car then and had 167k on it, about the same age as a early 1st gen 460 is now, with its own computerized stuff, and i ran face first into it knowing absolutely NOTHING about it at all or anything even about lexus in general. well after 15 years of seat time in them owning multiple models and trim levels, they've never let me down. maybe its just the fear of the unknown. something that's been a problem ive struggled with for the last few years. idk.
if im gunna be stuck with a car note I gotta love the car. and after driving an LS, even a very old LS, it would be a major downgrade still to get a new camry, plus there is NO WAY id allow one in my driveway. funny you mention that. that's what the wife wants us to get and I flat out refused. sadly after all this time she never has gotten the Lexus LS thing. she sees our Ls400 as "a dated looking old car she is scared of driving". she actually suggested I trade the Ls400 in on a new camry. I usually let her have her way but I had to take my ***** out of her purse for that one.
guess I really shouldn't worry. when i got my first Ls400 (a 1990) 15 years ago, it was an older car then and had 167k on it, about the same age as a early 1st gen 460 is now, with its own computerized stuff, and i ran face first into it knowing absolutely NOTHING about it at all or anything even about lexus in general. well after 15 years of seat time in them owning multiple models and trim levels, they've never let me down. maybe its just the fear of the unknown. something that's been a problem ive struggled with for the last few years. idk.
I understand, you're in love...it happens. You get that itch and you have your sights set. I have the base model, it's pretty loaded as far as a car goes. I don't have air ride and I don't have the self parking feature - those are two things I personally wouldn't want anyway. And as far as the backseat goes, it doesn't have recliners or a cooler, but obviously this doesn't affect my driving experience. I do wish I had the better stereo system...the base stereo is a disgrace for a car like this...it has 15 speakers and it still sounds like crap. Other than that it has everything else.
02-19-16, 06:03 PM
#13
Lexus Fanatic
I too would seriously suggest that you consider a more basic model. Our 400 and 430 were totally loaded, but my 460 only has the comfort package and the ONLY thing I wish it had
was semi-aniline leather. I'm leasing this for business, but I have every intention of buying it at the end and driving it a long time, and thats one of the reasons I stayed low on the option side.
My GS had rear audio/climate controls and sunshades, etc too...that stuff is cool for about 5 minutes and then its just one other thing to break.
was semi-aniline leather. I'm leasing this for business, but I have every intention of buying it at the end and driving it a long time, and thats one of the reasons I stayed low on the option side.
My GS had rear audio/climate controls and sunshades, etc too...that stuff is cool for about 5 minutes and then its just one other thing to break.
02-20-16, 05:14 AM
#14
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
my Ls400s have all been rock solid and without a single mechanical failure in the first 4 years. they seem to be gold up to 250k miles. can I get away with that in a 460? or are they more prone to failure due to the complexity of them? I hate the 430, and the 400s are just getting too old.
