Not a Lurker, Brand New Member, Stupid Question: 430 or 460
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Not a Lurker, Brand New Member, Stupid Question: 430 or 460
There I believe I got all the newbie stuff out of the way. I have been looking for my next commuter/highway car. Test drove a 2008 LS and was impressed. But My son works at a new car dealership and 430 just arrived. Hasn't even made it through tech yet.
Spec are as follows:
LS 460
65,000 miles
One Owner
Base Model, RWD (preferable by me) no ML, no heated Steering Wheel, No air suspension (again preferable), ugly *** seafoam green/blue (no offense meant to the owners of the ugly *** seafoam green/blue)
18k and comes with lifetime free inspections, oil changes and washes (not huge but 20 bucks is 20 bucks)
LS 430
83,000 miles
One Owner
Base Model - really unknown options, haven't looked at it
8K
I haven't driven a 430 but I am sure that I will be pleased. it will be smooth quiet and comfortable. I was told that it is "stupid clean". If it is as represnted I am at a crossroads.
is 10k worth gaining 6 years and 15k miles? Will the technology be that superior? Am I going to drive the 430 and shortly realize that I really wanted the 460? Oh who the hell knows.
What are your thoughts, condition being equal go for the 430 or go for the 460?
Thanks in advance.
LDMF
Spec are as follows:
LS 460
65,000 miles
One Owner
Base Model, RWD (preferable by me) no ML, no heated Steering Wheel, No air suspension (again preferable), ugly *** seafoam green/blue (no offense meant to the owners of the ugly *** seafoam green/blue)
18k and comes with lifetime free inspections, oil changes and washes (not huge but 20 bucks is 20 bucks)
LS 430
83,000 miles
One Owner
Base Model - really unknown options, haven't looked at it
8K
I haven't driven a 430 but I am sure that I will be pleased. it will be smooth quiet and comfortable. I was told that it is "stupid clean". If it is as represnted I am at a crossroads.
is 10k worth gaining 6 years and 15k miles? Will the technology be that superior? Am I going to drive the 430 and shortly realize that I really wanted the 460? Oh who the hell knows.
What are your thoughts, condition being equal go for the 430 or go for the 460?
Thanks in advance.
LDMF
#3
Instructor
Since you've posted on the LS460 forum, you'll mostly be getting advice to go for the LS460 over the LS430. However, I also "lurk" on the LS430 forum, and the consensus there (of course) is that the LS430 is the superior car in terms of overall build quality and reliability.
I would personally be very comfortable buying a well-maintained LS430 for $8k. You'd miss out on some tech upgrades and interior enhancements, but would save a lot of money and would be rewarded with an amazing luxury car for a low price. If the upgrades to be had on the LS460 are worth the extra money to you, you'd also be very happy with the 460, I think.
In general terms, many have commented that the LS430 engine is a bit quieter than the LS460 (no direct injection noise), and the ride is a bit smoother (but less sporty).
Good luck!
I would personally be very comfortable buying a well-maintained LS430 for $8k. You'd miss out on some tech upgrades and interior enhancements, but would save a lot of money and would be rewarded with an amazing luxury car for a low price. If the upgrades to be had on the LS460 are worth the extra money to you, you'd also be very happy with the 460, I think.
In general terms, many have commented that the LS430 engine is a bit quieter than the LS460 (no direct injection noise), and the ride is a bit smoother (but less sporty).
Good luck!
#4
Lexus Fanatic
IMHO at this point the LS430 is really old. They look and feel like they're from another era, nav systems are terribly antiquated, etc. The LS460, even the older ones feel much more modern. For me, having had an LS430 and LS460 I would choose the LS460.
The LS430 is a little softer (less so if your LS460 has the air suspension), but they handle quite sloppily. I personally find the LS460 more enjoyable overall to drive for this reason.
The LS430 is a little softer (less so if your LS460 has the air suspension), but they handle quite sloppily. I personally find the LS460 more enjoyable overall to drive for this reason.
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sha4000 (06-06-18)
#5
The dual injection 8 speed 460 engine is a treat to drive. TORQUE pulls from idle. Fast. Does the ls460 have nav?
The following users liked this post:
sha4000 (06-06-18)
#6
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
IMHO at this point the LS430 is really old. They look and feel like they're from another era, nav systems are terribly antiquated, etc. The LS460, even the older ones feel much more modern. For me, having had an LS430 and LS460 I would choose the LS460.
The LS430 is a little softer (less so if your LS460 has the air suspension), but they handle quite sloppily. I personally find the LS460 more enjoyable overall to drive for this reason.
The LS430 is a little softer (less so if your LS460 has the air suspension), but they handle quite sloppily. I personally find the LS460 more enjoyable overall to drive for this reason.
The 460 pulls so much greater than the 400 or 430 which is to be expected but it puts a big smile on your face when you have to get up and go.
#7
Pole Position
IMHO at this point the LS430 is really old. They look and feel like they're from another era, nav systems are terribly antiquated, etc. The LS460, even the older ones feel much more modern. For me, having had an LS430 and LS460 I would choose the LS460.
The LS430 is a little softer (less so if your LS460 has the air suspension), but they handle quite sloppily. I personally find the LS460 more enjoyable overall to drive for this reason.
The LS430 is a little softer (less so if your LS460 has the air suspension), but they handle quite sloppily. I personally find the LS460 more enjoyable overall to drive for this reason.
I'd inspect any 2008 closely for the following:
- Look at service history (sign up for the Lexus Drivers Site and enter VIN) - see if anything has been done with control arms and brake actuator. These are issues that can pop up on the 2007-2009 model years and seem more prevalent in those years vs. the 2010-2012's.
- Take a close look and feel of all interior panels - especially the areas around all 4 door arm rests and the glove box. There is a known "sticky" issue that ranges from 2007 even up to 2011 model years. Search this forum and you can see all kinds of pictures of what to look for. There is a cosmetic issue and a "feel" that would be noticeable.
Good luck.
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#8
Any car without a heated steering wheel in a cold climate is dead to me. I don't care about the ML though. The green is a deal breaker. Also a LS430 never appealed to me enough to get me out of my LS400.
#9
Take a drive in both cars and buy the one that pleases you the most.
#10
Pole Position
I'd go with the 460 but I wouldn't get excited over that price. Shop around, you can do better. But the thing that's so nice about the 460's is that they were so advanced for their time that ten years later they still are "modern" and technologically advanced.
The 430 is just too old at this point. 8 grand - although certainly less than what you'd pay for a 460 - is still too high for a car that old and outdated.
The 430 is just too old at this point. 8 grand - although certainly less than what you'd pay for a 460 - is still too high for a car that old and outdated.
#11
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
I'd inspect any 2008 closely for the following:
- Look at service history (sign up for the Lexus Drivers Site and enter VIN) - see if anything has been done with control arms and brake actuator. These are issues that can pop up on the 2007-2009 model years and seem more prevalent in those years vs. the 2010-2012's.
- Take a close look and feel of all interior panels - especially the areas around all 4 door arm rests and the glove box. There is a known "sticky" issue that ranges from 2007 even up to 2011 model years. Search this forum and you can see all kinds of pictures of what to look for. There is a cosmetic issue and a "feel" that would be noticeable.
- Look at service history (sign up for the Lexus Drivers Site and enter VIN) - see if anything has been done with control arms and brake actuator. These are issues that can pop up on the 2007-2009 model years and seem more prevalent in those years vs. the 2010-2012's.
- Take a close look and feel of all interior panels - especially the areas around all 4 door arm rests and the glove box. There is a known "sticky" issue that ranges from 2007 even up to 2011 model years. Search this forum and you can see all kinds of pictures of what to look for. There is a cosmetic issue and a "feel" that would be noticeable.
I am going to take the 430 for a drive. I really like the idea of a cheap car that I like and I thought the price was good. But it will have to wow me at this point.
I will keep looking for the "right" car. So I want a:
- 2008-12 460
- White/Ruby/Dark Grey/Dark Blue, ML, 460L, Heated Steering Wheel, Good Maintenance Records and RWD would be nice
- No air suspension
- Check on the control arms
- Check on Arm Rests and Glove Box
- What else am I missing?
#12
Pole Position
I like the idea of waiting for the right car, no $!K TB service is a bonus. I have been looking for a while now and the 08-12 models do not come up locally very often.
This is my main concern for the vehicle, quiet, comfortable, good road manners and reliable.
Great advice Thanks!!
I am going to take the 430 for a drive. I really like the idea of a cheap car that I like and I thought the price was good. But it will have to wow me at this point.
I will keep looking for the "right" car. So I want a:
This is my main concern for the vehicle, quiet, comfortable, good road manners and reliable.
Great advice Thanks!!
I am going to take the 430 for a drive. I really like the idea of a cheap car that I like and I thought the price was good. But it will have to wow me at this point.
I will keep looking for the "right" car. So I want a:
- 2008-12 460
- White/Ruby/Dark Grey/Dark Blue, ML, 460L, Heated Steering Wheel, Good Maintenance Records and RWD would be nice
- No air suspension
- Check on the control arms
- Check on Arm Rests and Glove Box
- What else am I missing?
The biggest thing the 430 has going for it is the quiet, incredibly "still" and smooth engine. When you drive the 430, come to a complete stop somewhere- turn the radio and AC off and listen to how quiet the engine is. You'll probably have to look at the RPM's to know the car is on. While I think the 460 drives better overall and wouldn't give up my 460, I definitely miss the feel of that 430 engine.
The good news is you really can't go wrong - you just have to decide if you like the 430 exterior & interior. My experience with all LS's (having owned 400, 430 and 460) is reliability is not a concern.
#13
Pole Position
Go with the LS460. While the 430 was a good car in it's day, it's day has long passed. As a previous owner of an 05, I can tell you straight up, it was a good car, but I was never in love with anything about it. Now my 460 . . . . . !!!!!!
#14
This is how I think of both as an owner.
2002 LS430: Invincible tranquility, highly reliable (other than replacing the oxygen sensor to turn off the check engine light), soft and smooth ride. Be prepared with the $1200 90K job (If that was not done by the previous owner).
2010 LS460: Tastefully re-designed cabin with a bit more wood-trim on the doors. More user-friendly navigation panel (Although it may not be too useful now). Very sporty, at least to me. You need some luck. The alternator was defective shortly I bought mine Personal opinion: I love the design of turning signals at the side mirrors.
If you tend to lean toward LS460, you may want to look for those made beyond 09 with less service recalls and problems (this is what I was told by dealer but again, my alternator...). If you favour LS430, be advised that there is no resale value considering the age issue (I am committed to keep my 430 until the date of death). So, it is hard to say depending on your values and what the critical factors are for consideration.
2002 LS430: Invincible tranquility, highly reliable (other than replacing the oxygen sensor to turn off the check engine light), soft and smooth ride. Be prepared with the $1200 90K job (If that was not done by the previous owner).
2010 LS460: Tastefully re-designed cabin with a bit more wood-trim on the doors. More user-friendly navigation panel (Although it may not be too useful now). Very sporty, at least to me. You need some luck. The alternator was defective shortly I bought mine Personal opinion: I love the design of turning signals at the side mirrors.
If you tend to lean toward LS460, you may want to look for those made beyond 09 with less service recalls and problems (this is what I was told by dealer but again, my alternator...). If you favour LS430, be advised that there is no resale value considering the age issue (I am committed to keep my 430 until the date of death). So, it is hard to say depending on your values and what the critical factors are for consideration.
#15
Former Sponsor
I say ... purchase the 430. And then you can wonder what it would have been like to have a 460 from that day until you buy one. In the mean time, you could surf into the 4LS forums from time to time and think about things. And, maybe you'll hear a 460 with Exhaust Vents drive by and begin shopping for one later that evening.
Or ... just purchase a 460 and skip all the above. Then a few days later you will be thinking, "430? What was I thinking?"
Up to you.
Or ... just purchase a 460 and skip all the above. Then a few days later you will be thinking, "430? What was I thinking?"
Up to you.