Damian@FI

Hey guys,

I'm a little confused, I've searched for the right information, but still confused as to which year the LS was updated.
I'm looking at purchasing an '08 LS460 and the dealer says it is an MY09 which is the update, I thought 2010 was the update?

I'm upgrading from an '04 LS430 and want to skip the early models of 460 as I've seen a lot of info about, albeit very minor, issues with the early models.

Any correct advice would be greatly appreciated!

R Z

Hi. End of 2010 was the control arm repairs. Also 2010+ has audio Bluetooth, usb connectivity, among other changes.

With that said, I love my 08. So far no issues with control arms. Car is a dream to drive and for me, a giant leap forward from my 05 430.

Look at the Lexus driver site for all service and have the car looked at by a pro. Good luck.

Damian@FI

Thanks,

So no difference between an '08 and '10 mechanically?

I love my LS, but it's got almost 300,000kms on it, so I think it's time to go and may as well 'upgrade'.
Every 460 I've driven feels just like a 430, I really can't tell what the difference is to be honest, just newer looking sheet metal.

Wandl

comparing to the 2007-2009 model, the 2010 has some minor design changes on the exterior; I don't think anything major but there was change. Control arms didn't get fully resolved until I think the 2011 model. But to answer your question, yes mechanically the same between a 07-09 model and a 2010+ model.

roadfrog

My 08 has 115k miles and has had no issues at all (Control Arms amps, etc) . The only thing I've done is mufflers and water pump.

Nospinzone

Now let me guess, the salesman didn't have any 07 or 08's in stock, but he has a cream puff 09.

I wouldn't hesitate one second to buy an earlier model.

Doublebase

I have an 07 with 134,000 miles, I've replaced a wheel bearing and control arms. Knock on wood i haven't had a single other problem...pretty amazing for a car that's almost ten years old. Total cost for me to repair it has been $650. Not bad.

Damian@FI

Thanks guys,

I love my 430, just completed a heap of upgrades and maintenance so wasn't looking to upgrade for some time, but this car came up: http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/de...13431912/?Cr=5

It has 33,000kms on it, that about 20,000 miles, so virtually just run in AND it's in jet black (my favourite 'colour') with a light interior.
Even better is I negotiated to get the price down to just above what the much more heavily used versions are selling for.
It doesn't get much better than this.

Unfortunately the salesman was extremely unprofessional and it has turned me off, so I'm going to wait for another example to come up.

I don't know where I heard it, but I did hear from a few different people that the '07-'09 (I think) were the ones to avoid. I cant remember why.
Hence my post.

Appreciate the feedback, we rarely see 2010's come up.

comotiger

Wow, this seems like a good deal. This car has the UltraLux package with rear reclining seats etc. and DRCC in a SWB, which is quite unusual. A USD 39,000 price for a 20K mile 2008 MY car may seem a bit high, but if the market is small down under, this could be a great deal. You would want to get it thoroughly inspected for the usual suspects (control arms etc.), and if you can tolerate the salesman, you may not want to pass this one up.

Stereorob

07 08 09 are all about the same with some VERY minor changes. some of the 07s have bugs because they were the very first ones. ive heard some absolute horror stories that were 07 related especially the very early ones produced in late 06. but as you know they are all different. that goes for all Lexus LS. buying an old one is either a home run... or an absolute disaster.

I do know lots of 07s that have come through my service drive though with well 150-200k+ miles on them with original owners that have never had as much as a hiccup with theres. it all comes down to how it was taken care of over its lifespan. ive seen others that were hooned and pretty much all used up and ready for the crusher at 70k because the second owner didn't maintain it at all, all while driving it to death, like a race car. one very sad example I saw was a black/black 08 460 with the executive package that was totally let go of and severely abused. dirty, full of stains and trash. faided paint and body damage. cigarette burns in the carpet and seats. not even as much as an oil change for 50k miles. just deplorable. makes me upset when I see them like that.

anyway 2010 was the refresh model. if someone is trying to sell you an 09 as the updated model, they are lying through there teeth and id be wary. god knows what else they are not being truthful about.

Doublebase

You heard the 07-09 models were the ones to avoid because there's a thread going on in the LS430 side of the house with lots of misinformation in it. It's a classic case of...I'm planning on keeping my 430 and I want to feel like I'm making the right decision. I forget what they call that...probably insecurity.

I can understand wanting to buy a newer model of the 460, it's newer, it hasn't been on the road as long. But if you're forced to buy an 07 or 08, they're pretty damn good cars. As long as the valve spring recall has been done, all you'll have to worry about is the control arms, which can be replaced for around a grand. And I wouldn't exactly say the control arm "issue" doesn't plague the other models, but I would say they're all easily fixable.

Personally I'd buy an 2013 and up...I think the interior looks better and you still get the great drive train that they all have. There was no valve spring recall...it's much later in production and any bugs should be long gone. I own an 07 and so far it's been the most reliable car I've ever owned...ever seen actually. So I can only imagine what a 2013 is like.

R Z

If that's the case, I'd stick with the 430. It's a lot less money.