hmt

Hi,

I am a newbie on this forum. I was thinking to buy a GS430, but now also thinking about LS430. Can you LS430 owners please let me know if this car historically have any problem? I know it's top of Lexus, but is it worth to own? Does this model or any of the LS any any problem that I should be aware before buying it? Is it reliable if I do my routine maintenance? I can't afford LS460, so that's out the door, thinking either last model of LS400 or newest LS430. Can you please tell me what you think and what you've experienced?

Thanks in advance.

caddyowner

Drive a GS and a 04-06 LS and decide which you like better. The only item I wanted to avoid was the air suspension on the ultra luxury trim level.

mewhee

Hi HMT -

Ive owned both LS400's and LS430's with the 430 being the superior car (imo) but not by a whole lot and mainly because of the updated electronics, amenities and styling. Both are terrific autos but keep in mind that even tho they're out of production, they're expensive to fix should something go wrong and as w/ us humans, the older we get, the more things break down.

That said, it sounds like you may be on somewhat of a budget but for around 15k, you can get yourself a great LS430 in the 2002 to 2003 range. Add a couple of thousand for low mileage and you have an outstanding vehicle.

Hope this helps -

Will and the Furry Ones in the OC

Jabberwock

Totally different cars - try them it will be an easy choice as when you compare directly you will almost certainly like one much better than the other - neither is a bad choice just way different type of automobile. For me the LS 430 was the easy choice.

Dirtyd210

Go w/the 430.... the LS400's are cool solid cars, but for just a little more you can get IMO the best styled LS Lexus ever made... The 460's are still a little pricey and I like to pay cash and get it over with. I also think the 430's look a little bit bigger although the specs say the 460 is... Either way you go your getting a Lexus.... You decide...

iloveGS4xx

iTrader: (2)

ls430 for sure we had owned ls400 for years it was a great car but a bit old now so stick woth 430 its a beast we like to more than ls400. Good Luck

jdp1955

LS 430, 2005, Silver with Ecru interior, bought in 2008 with 41k miles. It has been bullet-proof. Silent, comfortable, good milage, great dealer in Charlotte. I've clayed it a couple of times the Zainoed it to a shine!

hmt

Thanks for the opinions/advises. I think I wasn't clear on my first post. I am more worried on known problem (if there're any) than the drive itself. I know it's a car so of course it has problem, but I am talking about the same problem that happens to most of the lexus in this model. I was looking at the Benz S500, but after reading owners have way too much problem with air suspension..That's why I started to look at Lexus....Yes my budget is around $15K....I am 36...Am I too young to drive a LS? Looks like a bossy car :~)....

caddyowner

^^^
Look at the pic thread and tell me if some of those look like cars belonging to retirees.

aypues

ill be 32 in august and i'm driving an 04 LS (UL)...haha. I love that I don't feel bumps in the road and the headlights are super bright and have long reach at night. Good gas mileage too. You don't even hear the engine. Might as well be a hybrid.

hmt

Do all LS models have air suspension or just year/package/trim level? I'd like to stay away from air suspension. I know it's very comfy, but easy to break...

GS don't have air suspension, do they?

caddyowner

^^
The air suspension was only available on the ultra luxury version of the LS.