LS460 Buyer Tips
03-25-19, 11:41 AM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
LS460 Buyer Tips
I am cross posting this because I want opinions both the LS430 and early 460.
I've had a '92 LS400 (205,000 miles) that's been in the family since 1994; wife now drives it. I have wanted an LS430 for years now but didn't have a need until now. My 2015 Optima got hit & run yesterday and it will no doubt be a total loss. I have no idea how much I'll get from it (thought it had about $3,500 in modifications) and I still owe about $9K on it. have USAA insurance and gap insurance. I suspect I will have about two weeks to find a new car before I have to take over the rental car cost.
I am looking for something in the 2007-2010 LS460 range; really trying to stay under $15,000 and the lower the better. I am curious about any gotchas in the 460 model I need to know about beyond timing belts. I read something here about mechanical arms. I don't really know what those are.
Any packages to be avoided/not worth the cost of maintenance?
DVD navigation - the maps are literally on a DVD disk? Are they still updated?
How long does air suspension last?
Do most replace the air with a standard suspension?
I've had a '92 LS400 (205,000 miles) that's been in the family since 1994; wife now drives it. I have wanted an LS430 for years now but didn't have a need until now. My 2015 Optima got hit & run yesterday and it will no doubt be a total loss. I have no idea how much I'll get from it (thought it had about $3,500 in modifications) and I still owe about $9K on it. have USAA insurance and gap insurance. I suspect I will have about two weeks to find a new car before I have to take over the rental car cost.
I am looking for something in the 2007-2010 LS460 range; really trying to stay under $15,000 and the lower the better. I am curious about any gotchas in the 460 model I need to know about beyond timing belts. I read something here about mechanical arms. I don't really know what those are.
Any packages to be avoided/not worth the cost of maintenance?
DVD navigation - the maps are literally on a DVD disk? Are they still updated?
How long does air suspension last?
Do most replace the air with a standard suspension?
Last edited by Dubbayoo; 03-27-19 at 05:14 AM.
03-25-19, 05:33 PM
#2
Also, the 430 has a timing belt, but the 460 has a timing chain, so no need to worry about that.
I think you're in one of the better areas for pricing. Most of the 460s in GA should be RWD, which means more power, cheaper suspension parts, and slightly better gas mileage.
Living in a hotter environment means you need to watch out for the sticky interior panels, and when you do buy a car, use a sunshade when parking outside.
Check this post to see how bad it can get - https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ess-story.html
I think you're in one of the better areas for pricing. Most of the 460s in GA should be RWD, which means more power, cheaper suspension parts, and slightly better gas mileage.
Living in a hotter environment means you need to watch out for the sticky interior panels, and when you do buy a car, use a sunshade when parking outside.
Check this post to see how bad it can get - https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ess-story.html
03-26-19, 12:24 PM
#3
You are probably not going to find a lot of LS430s that are in great shape. You should be able to find a decent 2010- 2012 LS460 RWD for about $20K. I know it's more than you want to spend though.
03-26-19, 02:33 PM
#4
Pole Position
For what its worth, my buddy just bought an '07 for $12.4k @ 115,xxx miles. It is in pretty awesome shape. The radiator cracked about a month after he bought it. We had it replaced in 3 hours with $150 denso replacement.
03-27-19, 05:29 AM
#5
Intermediate
Thread Starter
The 2010 is the best one to buy if you are not buying a 2011, as it has seen a lot of updates to the suspension and brake actuator that the others did not. The 07 and some 08-09 have had reports of wind noise issues.
The air suspension and the brake actuator are probably the biggest failures that you can experience, as the brake actuator service is well over $3,000 and the air shocks are $1,200 apiece. Air suspension durability is entirely variable, as some have lasted over 200,000 miles and some die within 100,000 miles. You never know, and that's why I skipped it.
When you look at the car history on Lexus, if it's an 07-09, make SURE it has the brake actuator replaced. If not, I would just skip it entirely. If you don't find one with the comfort plus package, you don't get the nice leather-wrapped armrests that greatly improve the looks and prevent the sticky armrest issue. If you decide not to get one, as they're extremely rare, make sure to get the VIN of the cars you're looking at and call your Lexus dealership to verify that they are covered for the sticky dash and door pieces.
Check for accidents and if the windshield has been replaced. I cannot tell you how many of the cars I saw where they reused the old clips or lost the rubber trim, which causes wind noises.
The air suspension and the brake actuator are probably the biggest failures that you can experience, as the brake actuator service is well over $3,000 and the air shocks are $1,200 apiece. Air suspension durability is entirely variable, as some have lasted over 200,000 miles and some die within 100,000 miles. You never know, and that's why I skipped it.
When you look at the car history on Lexus, if it's an 07-09, make SURE it has the brake actuator replaced. If not, I would just skip it entirely. If you don't find one with the comfort plus package, you don't get the nice leather-wrapped armrests that greatly improve the looks and prevent the sticky armrest issue. If you decide not to get one, as they're extremely rare, make sure to get the VIN of the cars you're looking at and call your Lexus dealership to verify that they are covered for the sticky dash and door pieces.
Check for accidents and if the windshield has been replaced. I cannot tell you how many of the cars I saw where they reused the old clips or lost the rubber trim, which causes wind noises.
03-27-19, 06:11 AM
#6
There are a few LS460s for sale in Florida for about $13K. However they all have over 100K miles on them. Sometimes you luck out and you find a low mileage car for a reasonable price, but they tend to sell quickly. You might find some nearer to where you are. Look on Auto Trader.
03-27-19, 06:24 AM
#8
That is very helpful. Thank you.
Yeah, $20K is more than I can spend at the moment. I was not prepared to buy another car when this happened. Until this happened my plan had been to drive my Optima til 2025 then look for a 2018'ish LS. I'll be content to get 5-6 years out of something until I'm in a better position. My LS400 ran like a top until 2016 when the wife started driving it.
Yeah, $20K is more than I can spend at the moment. I was not prepared to buy another car when this happened. Until this happened my plan had been to drive my Optima til 2025 then look for a 2018'ish LS. I'll be content to get 5-6 years out of something until I'm in a better position. My LS400 ran like a top until 2016 when the wife started driving it.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=233210851
03-28-19, 09:57 AM
#9
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Is everyone in agreement to take a later LS430 (2004-2005) over an earlier LS460 (2007-2008)?
Last edited by Dubbayoo; 03-28-19 at 12:28 PM.
03-28-19, 10:23 AM
#10
Pole Position
I'm not. I had an 05 LS430. It was a good car. I liked it. I love my 08 LS460. IMPO, much more stylish, many more bells and whistles and no 430 style timing belt. No matter what used car you buy, unless it's a CPO or you have an extended warranty, prepare for repairs. If you have the money, find yourself a 2011. My neighbor had one and never had an issue. He just traded up to a 2016 and that's the only reason he doesn't still drive it. Just my 2 cents.
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Dubbayoo (03-28-19)
03-29-19, 06:35 PM
#11
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Now that I look into it more I think you're right about the dated 430 look. It isn't different enough from the 400 to justify it. I did drive three 460's today.
2011 RWD felt very sporty driving but it was at one of those shady dealers I wonder about.
2010 460 L AWD felt sluggish initial acceleration, better from 30-35mph. I think it was the UL because it has the recliner seat in back. This thing was loaded; not that I will ever be in the back seat but it was cool to see.
2008 460 just felt very bland driving, like it was meant for seniors. This was the best kept vehicle condition and record-wise.
I feel like I want either black inside/out or White ext/beige interior.
2011 RWD felt very sporty driving but it was at one of those shady dealers I wonder about.
2010 460 L AWD felt sluggish initial acceleration, better from 30-35mph. I think it was the UL because it has the recliner seat in back. This thing was loaded; not that I will ever be in the back seat but it was cool to see.
2008 460 just felt very bland driving, like it was meant for seniors. This was the best kept vehicle condition and record-wise.
I feel like I want either black inside/out or White ext/beige interior.
03-29-19, 10:44 PM
#12
Advanced
I can perhaps help a bit.
Use this car search site that looks at every site all in one location:
https://www.autotempest.com/
I can suggest that any LS 460 from 2007 and newer with lowest miles is the best bang for your buck.
Good luck!
Use this car search site that looks at every site all in one location:
https://www.autotempest.com/
I can suggest that any LS 460 from 2007 and newer with lowest miles is the best bang for your buck.
Good luck!
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Dubbayoo (03-30-19)
04-01-19, 05:46 AM
#13
Intermediate
Thread Starter
04-03-19, 01:00 PM
#14
Advanced
04-03-19, 06:47 PM
#15
Intermediate
Thread Starter
I'm still waiting on insurance proceeds but I put down a $1,000 deposit on a White 2010 w/beige interior. Single owner, no accidents, 128K miles; bought, maintained and traded in all at the same dealer I'm buying from. I put it into the Lexus Owners site and the owner hit every single 5K maintenance interval up to 125K except one. Just yesterday the dealer put on new brakes, tires and detailed it.
At $15,300 out the door I may have overpaid but I couldn't pass up that maintenance record. I got $15,900 for the totaled Optima minus the $9K I owed on it. The insurer of the person who hit me is going to reimburse me $1,000 for tax, tag and title; $500 deductible; $1K for lost work plus medical and my broken eyeglasses. I may come out pretty good as much as I hate losing the mods I had on that car.
At $15,300 out the door I may have overpaid but I couldn't pass up that maintenance record. I got $15,900 for the totaled Optima minus the $9K I owed on it. The insurer of the person who hit me is going to reimburse me $1,000 for tax, tag and title; $500 deductible; $1K for lost work plus medical and my broken eyeglasses. I may come out pretty good as much as I hate losing the mods I had on that car.