I’d agree with some of what he said. The 460 is undeniably more complex and will require more maintenance. But, from a cost perspective remember in 350k miles a 430 would have about $5,000 in timing belt replacements the 460 won’t have, so gotta keep that in mind when comparing long term ownership costs.

What I don’t agree with him about is styling. The 430s just look really old today, while even early 460s look much more modern.

 

Eh, the style of early 460s is so boring and they look so similar to the ES it's annoying. At least the 430 is distinct and has the long running look of a high end car.

The timing belts are not a big deal compared to what happens to 460 brake and suspension systems. I'm still debating a late 460 or GSF when I move on from my 430 since at least a GSF gives me some performance for the extra repairs needed.

 

I don’t agree. I think the early 460s are beautiful, and size wise nobody would ever confuse one with a Camry.

The 01-03 430s were hideous, the 04-06 430 is much, much better looking but today they are clearly from another era.

As for the timing belt, it’s a $1000+ job, and it has to be done every 90k miles. It’s all money, whether you’re doing a timing belt or control arms every 90k miles money spent is money spent. And the timing belt is a guaranteed cost, while most owners don’t replace the brake actuator.

I liked my 430 fine, but I wouldn’t want to drive one today. Too old. I wouldn’t choose to drive an original 460 either because it too is lacking features I want but I would choose one over the 430

 

In my opinion, having had an 05 LS430 and now two LS460's, there's a total difference. I never liked my 430. I found it boxy and very outdated. Face it, after the 400, which I loved, the 430 was a huge disappointment to me. The navigation screen never felt like it fit the car. It's a huge out of place honkin piece of plastic with a small monitor and then rolls down to a nice smooth looking console. Before I get all these 430 purists up in arms, this is my opinion and it's the reason I got rid of the car as fast as I did. My 08 LS460 was a game changer. Wish I had gone from the 400 to the 460, but I didn't have the money at that time and was ready for a change. Everything about the 460 was an upgrade. The console with the monitor fits and flows like it should. The upgraded electronics were a welcome. Having the backup monitor was a huge help as well as the parking sensors. The car felt more sporty than the 430. And for me, it looks tons better than the 430. I never had issues with control arms, or brake actuators. My friend who bought it doesn't either. Plus he is taking advantage of the brand new interior thanks to Lexus. My maintenance on the 08 LS460 was 2 batteries and numerous oil changes. There was some cosmetic work done, but that was entirely my choice.

But yeah, there can be issues with the 460. So that's why, when I got the 14 F Sport last August, I got an extended warranty. For the next 4+ years I don't have to worry about it. The 430 is a good car for those who love it. But for me, the 460 is, and will continue to be, the better car.

 

Of the 400, 430 and 460s I had my least favorite one was the 430. Not to say I didn’t like it, I did I just liked it the least.

The 400 and the 460s have a low sleekness that I really like, and they’re a little more dynamic where the 430 lacks any dynamics.

 

350k is a testament to the longevity of ALL LS models to date!!!!

 

I guess I will weigh in as well. I've had the 400 (early 90's), 430 (2004) (still have it with 260K miles I think), and the 460 (2013). The 400 was my least favorite, with the most uncomfortable seats I've ever sat in. I lusted for the 430, which I thought to be very stylish (yes it looked like a S class). My 430 has served me well and I have changed the timing belt twice. Still trying to figure out if I will change the belt once the beast gets to 270K miles. The LS460 in my view has a body which is not that exciting or sexy, although definitely more modern looking than the 430. I very much appreciate the newer technology (except for that d*mn noisy engine) and general face lift of the car. Once my warranty runs out on the 460, I think I'll be moving to a G90, but that is 4-5 years away.

 

I’ll take the looks of the 460 over the 430 any day...the 430 looks like a Ford 500.

 

Yes, people forget how much it costs to replace your timing belt every 100,000 miles...the water pump, the tensioner kit, the seals, etc, etc.

The 460 has the control arms, the interior panels (for some) and the brake actuator (for some). Other than that these things are pretty much bulletproof.

He does mention power and fuel economy in the video - the 460 will also save you $1,000’s in fuel compared to the 430 over those 350,000 miles. I averaged 25.7 mpg in my 460 (lifetime average).

 

26 mpg at a quiet smooth 90. You drive smoothing worse. Not me. Other than the Sc.