SW17LS

LS400 was an extremely quiet car in its day. When we got ours new it was like nothing we had ever heard it was so quiet. But, technology has improved and now that level of quiet is more ordinary. Newer cars are quieter.

My 24 Mercedes S580 I just got is far and away the quietest car I have ever driven. It’s actually remarkable

iamreal2

I was watching YT videos and reading reddit/club lexus. I appreciate the info.

This will be my first car. I wanted a nice comfortable ride that feels like it's on a cloud and quiet. I settled on the 98' LS400 a few years back but never got the vehicle. I live between NYC/Upstate NY so I assumed I should get FWD/AWD but I rather get AWD.

This is why I was leaning towards a LS 460/LS 460L but I've heard maintenance is pretty high on this vehicle compared to an LS430/LS400. I think I may save the LS 460 for a 2nd car but for now I wanted something decent to get around and get used to driving in NYC. I'm also looking at RX300/RX350/IS350/GS350 but wasn't sure which of these would come close to the LS or if there are any other models I am missing that would be a good first car. I wouldn't mind getting a 200k + mileage car if it's been maintained well.

SW17LS

The LS460 is not a cheap car to maintain. You have to be prepared to spend $2,000-$3,000 on repairs at the drop of a hat. LS430 and LS400 are very simple by comparison, but they are now so old that getting parts can be an issue.

For a first car in NYC I would get something less expensive and much newer.

iamreal2

Do you have models/years you recommend?

What would you recommend as a yearly budget for repairs/maintenance for the LS460? I know this would depend on the mileage and what has been previously serviced. I am getting a 2 PPIs done as well.

SW17LS

If you want a Lexus I would recommend an ES, newest you can afford.

LS460 over 200k miles? At least $2,500 a year in maintenance. Possibly more.

iamreal2

Thank You!

Striker223

The 400/430s are so old now you are looking at inability to get parts at all and jobs like cam seal failure and upper oil pan failure due to age. That's more expensive than any of the 460s common jobs

Striker223

More like $5-8k instantly on new suspension, rad, engine mounts, valley plate, leaks, and services day one if you want it to actually drive and work correctly.

iamreal2

Yeah I watched a video explaining some of the common problems and prices. I never owned a car so I really have nothing to compare it to. But wouldn't these things be checked during the PPI? If I know down the line in 1 year/5k miles I have to replace suspensions that would be reasonable. Are you saying that unexpected issues can instantly cost 5k-8k because that would be something lol

ES350 is what I settled on for 1st car or maybe I'll go all in on the LS460L. I really wanted that AWD though

iamreal2

Is there a list of common things to look for when purchasing a LS 460 or an ES350?
Is there a site to look at cost of repairs/maintenance of cars?
I was looking at B58s but I wanted to pursue a more affordable reliable car.

SW17LS

There’s literally nothing to worry about with an ES, they are totally solid.

davidhaile

?? I'm probably looking at $4500 for front end work this week, but the car feels like it will run forever after that. 2010 LS460, 170k miles. I admit that I'm new to the Lexus world, but I think I know cars. Maybe.

SW17LS

It will run forever it’s just going to need work in order to run forever. Next it may be the brake actuator, or a valley plate leak, then it will be control arms again. It’s just a complex vehicle, it’s not a Camry. Still WAY cheaper to keep running than a BMW or Mercedes.

davidhaile

Your "It's not a Camry" statement: I am nearing that age where my next car could be my last! My son has a 2006 Avalon that has a lot of similarity with my 2010 LS460. It is in much worse shape than the LS460 so I can't really compare them for quiet smooth ride, etc. A new hybrid Avalon is certainly cheaper than the equivalent hybrid LS500H. Does the 2024 Avalon have simpler suspension than the 2024 LS460? If I buy a new car before I'm gone, I expect it to last 15 years of light retirement driving.

SW17LS

The ES and Avalon are much less sophisticated than the LS. There is not 2024 Avalon or 2024 LS460. The Avalon is discontinued and the LS is now the LS500. The Avalon and the ES are essentially the same car. They are FWD and have simple rudimentary McPherson strut suspensions. The LS460 (and the LS500) have much more complex multi-link suspensions with multiple control arms that are much costlier to replace. They also deliver a better ride and better handling, it’s just a trade off.

So that’s one of the many reasons why an ES is much cheaper to buy and also cheaper to maintain and repair.