e-man

My fellow 3GS430 Brethren -- simple question. If you had the opportunity to "upgrade" from your 430 to a 2008 GS460, and assuming the miles and condition were comparable to your existing car, would you do it and at what price would it not make financial sense?

e

SC4Hundred

I did a year ago, price difference was about 95k, 2 years newer about 40k miles less.

masboy

iTrader: (30)

i personally wouldn't. but thats because i want to keep this car a long time and 3GS430 3UZ-FE engine is pretty bullet proof to me, same engine with LS430 GS430 SC430. i like to play in a comfort zone i guess.

but if u have a cash & want more torque / HP and don't have any plan to drive it for a very long time, then go for it. it definitely have more kick...vroom vroom!

e-man

SC4 -- just curious, why did you do it?

Mas -- it's not that I have the cash, nor is it that I want more power/torque. I plan on keeping the car for a long time (as I planned on keeping my current 2006 -- I had a 99 GS4 before my current car for 7 years prior to my 2006). I'm currently at 81k miles, so my car is due for a timing belt later this year. As we know, the 460 is a chain, not a belt, so it won't need changing. I'd be moving up 2 model years, shedding about 30k miles, and doing away with the need to replace the timing belt (which, according to my dealer, is around $1,500 all in). Also, most of my miles are highway miles, and with the 8-speed transmission, some guys are saying they are getting north of 25 mpg on the highway (some even saying 28-29). My 6-speed 430 maxes out at around 22 mpg.

Now I realize I'm trying to rationalize this, but let's say the price difference is $10k (don't know that it will be, but let's just say that's what it is). Would I rather spend $1,500 on a timing belt on a 8 year old car when I can put that money towards a 2 year newer car that doesn't need a timing belt, gets better gas mileage, and has a few other upgrades that my car doesn't have (e.g., 5th gen nav)?

Mas -- just curious, why did you say I should do it if I don't plan on keeping it? Are there long-term issues with the 460 engine?

e

twylie

iTrader: (3)

I wouldn't do it for the mileage or maintenance, but would consider it for the Gen5 Nav that opens up some better options for 3rd party A/V. I have an '06 430 w/ almost 80k on it now and the dated Gen 4 Nav is the only thing I'd like to change.

On highway runs (usually 500 miles at a shot), I generally get between 24.5 and 26 running a steady 10 over the posted limit. I've got a few tanks that calculated out in the 27-28 range when I was driving no more than 5 over the limit.

texbanc

I also went from an 01GS430 (187,000) miles to an 09 GS 460 (45,000) miles. Loved the 430 but wanted the extra HP and the 8 speed. After a year I have no regrets. I have gotten 28-29 cruising up US 59 to Ark.

460 is wonderful . I plan to keep it for 5 or 6 more years until I get 200,000 miles.

Tex

Tex

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

I'm happy I chose the 460 over the 430 as well. Why not go with what'll make you happy, even if it'll cost a little extra?

korlexus

I've heard from some 460 owners that it has even better mpg than 430, not only smoother and faster.
It will cost you a little more but I am sure it will satisfy you more
Good luck!

XxGoKoUxX

That it does.... the 8-sp trans helps in stop and go traffic, higher MPG #s are easily attainable.... I drove a LS460 around town for a few days and man, the ability to keep 23mpg in stop and go traffic was amazing. I in no way drove like a grandma like in my 430 either.

These 460's are also bulletproof, so have no fear when driving them. Ask your local GS460 players, LS460 players, GX460 players, even down to your Tundra owners. You'll hear zero complaints

These are the step up to the legendary UZ motors.

jamodeo

iTrader: (1)

My GS460 was the best car I ever owned, hands down. I should never have traded it in.

-Joe

verly6565

are all the gs4oos rear drive

tenshu2k

i dont think i would. the main reason i "upgrade" is because i wan't something a little different.

the difference wouldn't be enough for me to justify paying for it. both have great engines, 460 is clearly better with the transmission and efficiency... but for such a small gain i probably wouldn't bother.

now in regards to your question, going from a 2006-2008, assuming same condition, i would probably pay at most $2000... even that is questionable. i never know how others treat their cars and all the intricacies of having owned it for a while. you could easily be getting into more than you bargained for.

SC4Hundred

I did it because they they don't make that in the new body style anymore. I like the reliability of Lexus in general. I like the GS size instead of LS, living in LA, I enjoy the extra vroom and transmission being 8 speed plus my 430 needed to have timing belt etc done. I will keep 460 for a while lol, as of now I don't even see any cars that I would have instead within reasonable budget.

e-man

Sc4 -- it sounds like your reasoning is similar to mine. Them timing belt service will cost $1500, so if have the opportunity, why not take that money and put it towards a newer model with a more powerful engine that doesn't need a timing belt.

Tenshu -- personally, I think the upgrade is worth more than $2000. Just moving up in model years by 2 years should be worth at least $5,000, right? Maybe more. Assuming i can trace the history of the 460 and am comfortable that it is in as good if not better condition than mine, then I don't see any real downside aside from the money.

SC4Hundred

The key is of course you can find one that you like and fits your budget.