I知 in the market for an LS460 or an LS430.

I have read that pre 2013 LS460s have issues.

Should I avoid 2007 to 2012? , or does it make sense to buy those years and fix the issues?

My preference is to buy from a Private Party since dealers have gone crazy. I知 finding very little inventory for 2013 and up, which is why I知 asking about 2012 and older.

The other question I had was about the 430 vs 460. I understand the 460s have more features, on account of being newer. But how about quality and reliability? Are 430 built better?

 

You're on the forum for the 460, so, in my opinion, if 2013+ is out of your range, then earlier models are very nice cars. Most likely any trouble spots would be repaired/replaced by the time you buy it. So, having a documented maintenance history is your best friend.

 

I would prefer 2016-2017 since Lexus fixed all the issues and these years have newer infotainment system. I just sold my 2016 to Driveway last week

 

I decided on a LS 460 when parts for my 1993 LS400 were getting hard to find technicians with 93 experience were few and far between. My Lexus service manager recommend 2013+ as the 460 model revision included half of the components on the vehicle. I used Carvana (before prices skyrocketed) for their warrantee and ease of purchase for a 2014 with 75k miles last spring. The Carvana warrantee replaced brakes and rotors and rain sensor after inspection. So far so good. I really love this car. We also own a 2000 LS with 185k, which we thoroughly enjoy, but the 460 is special.

 

I've owned a 1996 LS400, 2004 LS430, and now own a 2010 LS460 L. Kept the 400 and 430 to 250k miles each, have owned the 460 5 years now and it currently has 130k miles. The 460 is a phenomenal car, but it's not as maintenance free as my experience in the others. On the 460, you must look out for the following things before buying:
- interior "sticky" issue on panels - impacted a TON of cars from 2007-2012. That program for Lexus to cover the replacement cost has expired, so if someone didn't have the panels replaced under the ZLZ program, you're out of luck (it's about $6k to replace everything). I would not buy an LS by just looking at pics for this issue alone. You need to have documentation these panels were replaced.
-- Important note: friend just applied for this in December (owns a 2012) and made the cut off date by 1 month. He was told the parts would take 15 months to come in. If he doesn't own the car when the parts come in, the ZLZ program is NOT transferrable to the new owner.
- Brake actuator - mine failed at 99k. Expensive to replace (about $3k I believe), but mine was covered through a Lexus program at no charge to me. I believe that program has expired.
- Control arms - very common 2007-2014. Somewhat expensive, I just did this last summer.

If I were looking right now, I'd buy a 2015 or 2016 unless you find a 2007+ where all of this has been done. If you can't afford 2015, then DO YOUR RESEARCH on the service history of what you're buying (sign up for the Lexus Driver's site where you can see service history by entering the VIN). If the above parts have not been addressed on a 2007-2014, I'd avoid the car or set aside some money for repairs. This is a broad statement and things will vary (if you find a 2014 with 40k miles, you may not have brake actuator or control arm risk).

If you look at the LS430, I'd get an 05 or 06. 2001 to early 2004 had some issues but mine was a late 2004 and was absolutely bullet proof. The 430 styling looks outdated to me at this point, but it is a remarkably smooth car. But both the exterior and especially the interior are very dated at this point.

In short, get the newest car you can possibly afford. Depending on your timing, I might be putting my 460L up for sale in the next couple of months to make the transition to EV. You can send me a DM if you might be interested.

 

The 460 is a more complex car, but also a better car. Its more similar to a "Japanese Mercedes' if that makes sense. Multi-link suspensions have bushings in the control arms that need attention, electronic brake actuator replaces a normal brake master cylinder in the 430 and they are prone to failure.

I had an LS400, an LS430 and two LS460s and the 460 is more dynamic, and IMO at this point the LS430 is just too old a car to enjoy having, for me.

If you put my Mercedes S560, an LS460 and an LS430 up on lifts, you would see the LS460 looks a whole lot more like the Mercedes than the 430, which is a lot simpler.

 

Your Lexus service manager doesn't know what he's talking about. There were some minor changes for the mid-cycle refresh, but they were primarily cosmetic. Having said that, the pre-facelift models are 10 years old or older now so expect some hefty repair bills. What's your budget? If you do go for the older version, check the interior very carefully as the goodwill warranty on sticky interiors has expired.

 

His service writer was right in concept, over dramatic in expression. Over 3,000 components were revised for 2013. The 2013 refresh is way more extensive than a normal mid cycle refresh.

 

Yep, the slightly improved almost everything. The engine actually has entirely different camshafts post 12, it's akin to the early vs late LS400s but without the major output change and trans change.