newbielex

Struggling on this one.. Would you get a used 2010 LS460 which we'd have to purchase at around $40K or lease a new 2013 ES350.

I have my local dealer at about $470/month for a luxury loaded ES350.

I'm searching around and I think I can find a 2010 LS460 still under warranty (4yr 48K) for around $40K but of course I'd have to finance it. rates are about 1.99% for penfed right now 60 months.

It's for my father who drives only 5K miles a year. He loves the big cars, but he's getting old and I want simple and safe. He's always loved the LS460 but i'm afraid of maintenance issues 2yrs down the road. I guess I can get an extended warranty? good idea?

He's probably only got 5 more years of driving or so. It's a tough call, wanted some advice on the differences.

of course a LS460 is more power, theoretically nicer but it's 3yrs older and the ES350 has newer tech?

IS350atWOT

iTrader: (1)

Since he's always loved the ls460, I'd say go for that one. It's a lot nicer. You shouldn't have any issues later on down the road. The ls is rock solid.

SW17LS

The LS is way more car. The only reason to choose the ES IMHO is because its new vs used. I never went for the LS back when I drove the ES because I have an aversion to used cars, and I lease for business.

LexRuger

Same. I'm 27 and on my 6th car and the only used car I owned was my first. For what I'm paying for the ES, I could have a had a lot more car if I bought used, but I have way more peace of mind buying brand new.

But if you choose a pre-owned vehicle. A Lexus would be one of your best choices as far as reliability.

SW17LS

Yeah and I understand all the reasons to buy used...and I always intend to but I just can't make myself do it.

corradoMR2

For me 5k miles per year is low wear and tear on a used car so I'd go for owning the LS hands down for its style, build quality, pampering, and panache. If you were going to put 15k miles or so, then the new ES would make sense to me with the lease since you are paying to use the car for that mileage, but at 5k miles, you're "wasting" your lease dollars. I've owned two used RXs, bought them at a good price, and no issues with either of them besides tires and regular maintenance.

What's the mileage on the LS?

Toys4RJill

I would take a new ES over a used LS any day of the week.

SW17LS

The only reason to do that is if you want new, or if you need to lease. I came to that same conclusion every time for those reasons, but the LS is undeniably a superior car in very way.

LexBob2

I'm glad that I don't have to make that decision. I'd really prefer the LS, but also really prefer new vs. pre-owned.

Arty101

I agree with you, but for his dad, a larger car may be the ticket.

bruce van

If he's driving only 5K a year and really loves the LS, go for the LS. It's one of the most reliable cars out there and you can probably count on going up to 100K without any issues.

If he plans on keeping the car for 10 years, that's only 50K miles. That's what I'd do.

coach1

In the past I alway bought used high end cars, BMW, Mercedes, Etc....but these days the used market is flooded with flood damaged cars and it scares the crap out of me. If I was certain of the history I might elect to go used, but on an LS460 that has been well maintained and babied, it might be difficult to one willing to part with it.

NobleSpine

Go for the LS. From 2010 on fewer problems in the LS lineup.

wasjr

Between the 2, I vote LS as well. With only 5k miles per year, you will have a low cost of ownership when you sell it. Additionally, you say he has 5 or so more years of driving. With the ES lease, you will have the same decision again in 2-3 years. To confuse things, a more practical idea might be a 2010-2011 ES350 at around $25,000. Would be smaller than the LS, but still a great riding vehicle.

texas008

Try get a nice used LS460. its in a different level with the ES.
I bought a used LS460, and when doing service in Lexus dealer I get loaner car brand new ES. in my opinion even a used LS handles and feels much better than a brand new ES.
Each and every time I drive my LS, I am amazed how smooth the engine is, how comfortable and quiet the ride is.
Plus, if you drive a ES, you will always think to get the next level which is LS. so you always have some regret. But if you already have a LS, then you won't have that kind of regret.