David M

Could you guys who have or had both tell me what the biggest differences are, please? We're looking at the 430 Ultras but if the 460 is only about 10k more (autotrader.com) I'd like to know if it is worth that extra money.

We must have the Levinson stereo and gps, and would really like the air suspension unless the 460 standard ride matches the 430 with air.

I know the tranny now has 8 speeds vs 6.

Is the cabin quietness the same?

Does the 460 have dvd audio? The 430 does not.
Can the 460 play mp3 or ogg files?
Does the 460 come with built-in line level input or output? Or do we have to buy an aftermarket piece to get full functionality?

Looks like EPA mpg is really close between the two. What are you guys finding for mileage in the real world?

Any big issues I didn't think of here?

Thanks for helping me with this much money!

350Dave

Air ride is only available with 460L. Aside from that, the answers about what the 460 with ML has would be:

yes, yes (and yes), yes, no.

Enjoy...

thequickad

430 and 460 are very different cars, 430 is designed to be a very quite luxury sedan and 460 is designed to be a very fast sport sedan (not as quite). The 8-speed is faster but noiser and the 460 has louder exhaust noise. 460 is a different approach and a departure than the 430. I think Lexus is going to lose older buyers who perfer a quite and comfortable car but gain younger buyers who want a faster sports sedan.

430 does not play MP3, nor does it play DVD.

When climbing a steep hill, the 8 speed is noiser as it up and down shifts more often vs the 6 speed where you can ride a gear for longer range. But the 460 is faster and the dash has a newer more futuristic look.

I am hoping Lexus will bring back the 430 lineage but not sure if they would? I don't like the performance sedan, noiser ride.

Mike_TX

^ Well, you got two opposing views right there, didn't you? ^

I didn't own an LS430 (didn't like the stodgy look), but I had two different LS400's before getting my '08 LS460, and I agree they are different cars to some extent.

For my money, the LS460 is a better car in lots of ways. The performance is light years ahead of the 400, and I LOVE having that 380 hp under the hood when I need to pass a big truck or otherwise get out of the way. The 460's ride is more controlled, but FAR from firm or harsh. The electronics are just getting better.

And quietness? I really don't think I would want a car any quieter. You hear just enough of the engine sounds to let you know it's there and rarin' to go. It's not intrusive at all, IMO. I'm not crazy about the way the transmission revs after a downshift, but having those 8 cogs really makes for a relaxed and efficient highway cruiser.

Speaking of highway cruising, I have repeatedly gotten over 30 mpg on the road, and for a car this big and heavy, that's astonishing.

So, yes, the 460 is a bit more high-strung a car. But many of us think that's a good thing. And I'm one of those "older buyers" mentioned above ... mid-sixties.

If you want a real estate agent car to tootle around in at low speeds and impress people by taking in a whisper, the 430 might be your ride. If you want a little more excitement in your car, the 460 is the one.

Just my opinion, of course. You should drive both and make up your own mind.

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TBB9373

I had a 430 Ultra 2006. When my lease was up I was going to buy it but decided to get a 460 instead.
A. I love the 460
B. I liked the 430 better. It was the best car I ever owned.

If I had it to do over, I would have bought the 430.

daryll40

I am the opposite. I had a new 2003 LS430 that got wrecked about 5 months after I bot it (deer) so I then got a 2004 430 (again, new). Not ultra but NAV and ML. Fantastic car that I loved like my grandmother. Traded it in Oct 2007 for a leftover (new) 07 LS460 that I LOVE like my mistress!

'Nuff said!

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

only $10k difference?

Either that 430 is overpriced or that 460's conditions/mileage/options is beaten up. I would take the 460 if everything is comparable.

The 430 is an excellent car and a bargain right now but if you can find a crazy deal, then go for the 460

Stoks

Well, since you asked for an opinion, I'll give you mine.

I have the LS460 SWB and have driven it now for 2 years. I absolutely love the car! Anyone who says the 460 is a noisy car is off their rocker. The car is extremely quiet. It does however, provide you with a reminder that the engine stands ready to deliver when you put your foot down. There is a noticeable growl when you do so. And, it's a good sound.

I have a business partner who had a 2006 LS430 Ultra and I was able to drive the car on several occasions, and I can tell you that as far as I'm concerned, the 430 doesn't come close to comparing to the 460. The interior felt extremely dated compared to my 460, and I genuinely found his car to be much more noisy than mine. I cannot understand a preference for the 430, unless it is for sentimental reasons. I know that people's tastes are different, but I'm dumbfounded to hear someone actually prefers the 430.

For $10k more, I'd be springing for the 460. No question.