Ls430 vs ls460
02-13-14, 01:20 PM
#1
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Ls430 vs ls460
I have a 2002 LS430 and am considering going to the 460. Was wondering if anyone has owned a 430 and a 460 and how they compare. My 430 rides silky smooth and I can't imagine getting any better ride. Does the 460 ride as smoothly and quietly as the 430? Also, which year had the valve spring recall? Was it 2007 or 08? Thanks in advance for all replies/advice.
02-13-14, 01:56 PM
#2
Over the years I have read owners of previous LS versions write very fondly of their cars and voicing some slight disappointment with the 460 model. Unfortunately I don't remember much of the specifics, and I don't think there were any dedicated threads so a search might not bring up anything. I'm sure some guys will chime in.
As far as "quietly", you can search for wind noise issues. Some of the 2007 and 2008 cars were recalled for valve spring issues, but do not let this stop you from buying one of these models. I have never read of any owner having a failure whether they had the recall done or not. Even if you buy a car that hasn't had the recall done, Lexus will still do it for free, plus they will give you a $500 credit and the dealer will fill your gas tank. I made a point of bringing mine in on fumes!
As far as "quietly", you can search for wind noise issues. Some of the 2007 and 2008 cars were recalled for valve spring issues, but do not let this stop you from buying one of these models. I have never read of any owner having a failure whether they had the recall done or not. Even if you buy a car that hasn't had the recall done, Lexus will still do it for free, plus they will give you a $500 credit and the dealer will fill your gas tank. I made a point of bringing mine in on fumes!
02-13-14, 02:37 PM
#3
i owned ls460l, i never owned ls430 but have driven plenty. in terms of ride, ls430 is smoother and quieter period, coz' of the suspension and also the tires. ls430 has better insulation too imho, especially from the engine compartment. ls460 has more engine noise in general.
but at the same time ls460 is noticeably faster and also better handling imho, with a bit more connected feel
but at the same time ls460 is noticeably faster and also better handling imho, with a bit more connected feel
02-13-14, 02:49 PM
#4
Driver School Candidate
Both great
It's really a matter of taste, and this is just my personal opinion...
I had an 06 LS 430 and now a 2010 460 and I think they're both very smooth and very quiet cars. I had the 430 till 90k and never had a problem with it.
The 430 had hydraulic power steering but was so overboosted it might as well have been electric. The 460 is electric but actually slightly better (still very numb)
The 460 is better dampened (both non-air suspensions) and somewhat quieter at speed, but louder at idle because of the DI noise.
The 460's engine feels marginally more powerful, but I think I like the 6 speed auto in the 430 better than the 8 speed in the 460 that needs to drop 3-4 gears on the highway to actually go fast.
On the whole, the 460 is a much better car (to me) but I really miss the big windows of the 430. In terms of reliability, you have to realize that the 430 was basically an update of the original LS 400, the 460 had a whole new engine, transmission, suspension, it was bound to have some teething troubles (mine has been flawless so far, but I have had it only 2 months).
I had an 06 LS 430 and now a 2010 460 and I think they're both very smooth and very quiet cars. I had the 430 till 90k and never had a problem with it.
The 430 had hydraulic power steering but was so overboosted it might as well have been electric. The 460 is electric but actually slightly better (still very numb)
The 460 is better dampened (both non-air suspensions) and somewhat quieter at speed, but louder at idle because of the DI noise.
The 460's engine feels marginally more powerful, but I think I like the 6 speed auto in the 430 better than the 8 speed in the 460 that needs to drop 3-4 gears on the highway to actually go fast.
On the whole, the 460 is a much better car (to me) but I really miss the big windows of the 430. In terms of reliability, you have to realize that the 430 was basically an update of the original LS 400, the 460 had a whole new engine, transmission, suspension, it was bound to have some teething troubles (mine has been flawless so far, but I have had it only 2 months).
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sypherjak (06-21-20)
02-13-14, 07:00 PM
#7
Moderator
Plenty of threads on both LS430 & this forum about it, here is my take from a while ago.
I always enjoy reading/posting in the 430 vs. 460 threads including this one. I have owned a 04 430 and now a 07 460 for entire yr now (man time flies) since the accident. It is all subjective and relative to the owner/ potential owner of the cars how they make them feel. I really love both gens what they bring to the table b/c they are two different animals in how they perform, look, and ride. I have given my 2 cents on this topic a lot and think some are too hard on the 460 b/c they spend so little time with the car, the engineering of the 460 is quite amazing and takes some time to soak it all in. It's amazing that a 4.6 L V8 can get the same MPG as a V6, the most I have gotten on the hwy heading to DE from Atl was over 28, city mix is 21/22 & city 18+/19+. I have truly enjoyed my ownership of both amazing cars and highly recommend them to anybody looking. I answer their pros /cons question which comes down to what they are looking for in a car and their driving habits. Funny someone posted here earlier that we can get used to how nice these cars are to a point we get a little jaded, I felt like that after getting the 460 wondering why I did not have the same over whelming feeling like I did when moving from a 4Runner to the 430. Reason being I was already coming from a top shelf car in its own right that I loved and going to its successor did not seem like a giant leap. After a yr of ownership I have grown to appreciate how fantastic the 460 is while understanding just how fortunate/blessed to be able to have owned two outstanding machines! If you guys every go out to lunch with co-workers or ride with your friends who own non flagship cars or even you rent a car you will see just how fast you think Toto we are not in Kansas anymore! It brings you back to ignorance is bliss quickly; it’s a reminder just how great both gens are. Let me say it did not take me a yr to appreciate the 460 but it took more than a quick test drive to really grasp the progression of Lexus new vision for the LS. Believe or not they are two members here that own both! Again I love them both like a wife an ex girlfriend who I will always have love for, neither are perfect but both are very special. If any of you are interested in the design of the 460 check this out: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/lexus/2...60-ar1945.html
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02-13-14, 07:16 PM
#8
02-13-14, 07:57 PM
#9
The cost of repair is significantly higher with the 460. Parts are very expensive. The 460's are not as reliable either. That is not just my opinion but pretty well documented. Also reference consumer reports. They are fantastic cars but expensive to own. I would not recommend owning one without a warranty at this point. Also, the 430 is not a refresh of the 400. It was a total redesign just like the 460 including new engine and transmission. There is a reason why so many 460 owners pay for extended warranties and many 430 owners do not. Something to consider.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 02-13-14 at 08:06 PM.
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lji (07-10-22)
02-13-14, 08:52 PM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
Also reference consumer reports.
??? I have read every Consumer Reports publication as well as other consumer pubs and without fail, every report states that the 460 is freakishly reliable. In stark contrast to every other Ultra Luxury (consumer Reports Category) vehicle they reported on. Although Audi has now made the list of CR's recommended vehicles, even it is a far second to the 460. Pretty much solid reds across the board. I chose NOT to get an extended warranty and I'm pretty confident it was a good decision....but time will tell! 
02-14-14, 05:18 AM
#11
Honestly, Toyota has had some issues the last 7 years or so. When it comes to reliability it's hard to beat the ls400. Those models have proven themselves unbelievably. Maybe less tech has helped. As you mentioned, time will tell. Not many ls460's are over 100k let alone the 200 - 300k you see in the 400 & 430. I also agree that the 460, in its class, is the best car out there when it comes to reliability. I looked at and drove both when I purchased my 2004 but the 460 scared me a little with no warranty. Anyway, they are both fantastic cars.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 02-14-14 at 05:27 AM.
02-14-14, 07:53 AM
#12
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Ever since I bought my LS460, I've been reading about people comparing the two, and in my honest opinion the 460 blows the 430 away in every aspect of the automobile. It's not even close.
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ramsunder (12-01-23)
02-14-14, 09:49 AM
#14
Honestly, Toyota has had some issues the last 7 years or so. When it comes to reliability it's hard to beat the ls400. Those models have proven themselves unbelievably. Maybe less tech has helped. As you mentioned, time will tell. Not many ls460's are over 100k let alone the 200 - 300k you see in the 400 & 430. I also agree that the 460, in its class, is the best car out there when it comes to reliability. I looked at and drove both when I purchased my 2004 but the 460 scared me a little with no warranty. Anyway, they are both fantastic cars.
As for your mention of there being relatively few 460s over 100k, 200, or 300k, you need to remember that these were released just a little over 6 years ago. How many owners do you think drive 300k in 6 years. Obviously you won't have car with that mileage...or even close.