OKhunter

Is there any year model preferred over another between '07 and about '14?

SW17LS

The newer the better. Early cars had some teething issues. As with any car I would get as new a car as you can afford.

2010 brought a much more modern infotainment system with bluetooth audio streaming, nav traffic, apps, etc. 2013 brought the big refresh which is identical to what I have.

If you can do a 2013+ thats what I would do for sure. Big improvements with interior, infotainment. I think the styling is a big improvement but that of course is subjective.

greg3852

2012 was the final year before the facelift of 13. So depending on money you want to spend, whether you like the spindle grille etc. I would say you couldn't go wrong with either.

Oliver Enterprises

Although I'm not in 100% agreement with everything said, you're getting good advice. Because the worst thing to do is to want a particular car, but buy something else. You'd kick yourself for as long as you owned the "other" on such a decision. As for the year models, I've heard that at some point during the 2010 production year, the control arms were updated. I believe what I have is an early production 2010 model. I don't seem to have any control arm issues thus far, but my car has only 28k miles. As for the upgrades for the 2010 model year, I strongly prefer the wireless (BT) connection to the ML system. Prior to this vehicle, all I've ever had is old school auto technology, which I'm perfectly content with. But, being able to stream Pandora, and listen to the genre I want, on the ML system, the audio quality in my vehicle just CAN'T BE BEAT.

A new guy moved into my neighborhood a few weeks ago. He has an older PowerStroke. He moved into the very first house upon entering the neighborhood. He pulled up to my house the other day because he had been noticing me go by in my Lexus. He pulls up, introduces himself, and said, "I came to make a comment about your Lexus, only to see that you're the guy with the Cummins too." And in my mind I thought I was about to get a complaint about the loudness of my truck (5" straight pipe exhaust, no muffler, no resonator, no catalyst). He said, "I thought I was a car guy, but you have 2 vehicles that the sound of them make my skin tingle when you go by. " With a big grin on his face. He said this quote, as accurately as I can remember, "it's not that your Lexus is loud, it just sounds ... svelte!" I was grinning from ear to ear. Suffice it to say, he and I will be hanging out.

I don't know why I mention this visit from my neighbor, but I guess it's because it makes me lean back to buying an LS (at least for the OP) is probably wiser than my suggested Camry. Because stuff like: I purchased a 2004 Corolla in 2003 for commuting (when I was working at the Toyota Technical Center, in Design Engineering). I have no regrets for that car. Still have it, it is still plugging along. I ordered it with the best radio available (yes, there were options). Previously my parents had bought through me (through work) a 2003 Camry LE (which I later procured and have now). Upon driving my Corolla for some time, and visiting with my parents, I discovered that their basic radio in their Camry, was FAR superior than the top level radio in my Corolla. Which made me sort of pissy about listening to the radio in the Corolla. And now with the ML, the Camry radio sounds like GARBAGE. The radio in my truck, it's like the funk under the garbage, and gets drowned out by the engine / exhaust racket anyway. What you guys make say makes perfect sense about wanting to be as comfortable as possible. I guess I'm just extra cheap. I'm a sound guy. I like pleasant sounds. So the compliments from the neighbor was awesome.

OKhunter

I guess I'll start shopping around. I'd like to keep it around $20-$25000.

UZ214

Reminds of the time about 4-5 years ago when the gas went up really high and I got a Prius,my god I regretted the decision the next day and onwed that for about a month: I ended up selling it the same price that I bought it for.

dlbuckls10

The LS is sooooo relaxing, smooth and quiet. So true.

AL13NV8D3R

Don't do it! Many people here is giving you good advice but just buy what you really want.

I bought a brand new 2006 LS 430 in 2006. I commute for work most of my day and loved every minute of it. I ended up putting 230,000 miles on it without ever leaving me stranded on side of road. That car was so smooth it made me look forward to driving it everyday.

Then my father decides to give me his 2009 Camry because he no longer can drive so i decided to drive it for him and putting miles on it instead of my other more expensive cars. I hated every moment I was driving it and that lasted a good 2 month before I gave in and continued driving my LS430.

Then I decided to buy into a new car with modern tech and decided to go sporty this time around without sacraficing luxury and decided to buy a brand new 2014 GS 350. I loved this car and still currently drive it everyday and enjoy it but deep down inside my gut I still miss my LS. I may just someday get back into an LS. Because only then will I will truly be happy. Maby when the new 2018 LS500 gets released I will get into one once more reviews of it gets written up.


Becareful, once you try an LS nothing else will ever satisfy you!

SW17LS

This is the truth. I tried to substitute multiple cars for the LS for years, happy to be back in one.

cschmatz

I would look into insurance cost also! I'm 47, no tickets no accidents, 2013 cost me close to $1900 a year. ( I do live in Michigan). Imagine what it would be for your daughter? You pay for her Ins?

dlbuckls10

Expensive insurance.

OKhunter

I hadn't thought of the insurance angle for my daughter. She's only 11 so it's going to be a while before she'd get the car. I'll have to look into that.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

The LS has a bulletproof engine and transmission, so they won't be a problem. However, a car doing 35,000-40,000 a year is going to require other routine maintenance and repair which could add up to being quite substantial. Also, I'd stay away from the 2007 and early 2008 models, they had issues with wind noise (not just the small sail panels in the corner), suspension components, water pumps, wheel bearings, brake actuators, sticky door panels, all of which would grate on you if you're driving it that much.

If you can stretch to a 2010 or later, you get a better worked-out car (with USB audio inputs for entertainment on your long drives ).

Oh, and on the insurance angle, in 6 years time, the car won't be worth that much so insurance should be much less. I pay $400 a year for my LS and while I'm 65, I don't think the LS carries any significant demographic penalties (like a Corvette or a Honda Civic Si)!