JohnMD

I just went through the LS 430 vs 460 selection process. I had been driving an SC430 but my daughter's 1994 Camry finally died and I let her have the SC like any good dad would. She looks better in it anyway.

I considered my options for the last three months, during which time I drove my rarely driven1992 Mercedes 500SEL (historic plates -- I just can't give it up). I really forgot what a great car that is -- unfortunately it costs a fortune to keep it up as an every day drive and wouldn't trust it on a trip.

After looking at everything on the market, including Mercedes (which I would never buy again), it came down to the 430 vs 460. I had driven several LS430s over the years, knew the specs of both cars, but never actually been in the 460. I assumed I would choose the 460 as it really looks great and seemed to be a bit bigger. Plus had some nice goodies I wanted.

I went to drive the 460 at the dealer -- my decision took about 5 seconds -- not even a test drive. I adjusted the seat all the way down and back (I am 6'5") and with great anticipation climbed in the 460. My head hit the ceiling and my shoulders felt cramped -- the rest of the car's interior seemed smaller too.. So decision made for me. That was easy. But not everyone is 6'5". I'll have to wait for the LS500 to see it the interior increases, but I fear it will be even sleeker, i.e., smaller inside.

I found an LS430 black on black in great condition and totally love it -- lots of room, but the Mercedes is still way bigger. When I pulled it up in my driveway my black 500SEL was there. It is just amazing how similar these cars look -- nearly identical lines. This Mercedes was always the smoothest car I had ever driven without giving up any emergency handling. Compared to it the LS feels sporty. The LS is definitely no Lincoln type ride. I have yet to see how it handles in an emergency -- and hope I never do. Plenty of power for me as I even drove the SC with a gentle foot. I love this car!!!

Slvr surfr

iTrader: (1)

[QUOTE=JohnMD;7149777]I just went through the LS 430 vs 460 selection process. I had been driving an SC430 but my daughter's 1994 Camry finally died and I let her have the SC like any good dad would. She looks better in it anyway.

I considered my options for the last three months, during which time I drove my rarely driven1992 Mercedes 500SEL (historic plates -- I just can't give it up). I really forgot what a great car that is -- unfortunately it costs a fortune to keep it up as an every day drive and wouldn't trust it on a trip.

After looking at everything on the market, including Mercedes (which I would never buy again), it came down to the 430 vs 460. I had driven several LS430s over the years, knew the specs of both cars, but never actually been in the 460. I assumed I would choose the 460 as it really looks great and seemed to be a bit bigger. Plus had some nice goodies I wanted.

I went to drive the 460 at the dealer -- my decision took about 5 seconds -- not even a test drive. I adjusted the seat all the way down and back (I am 6'5") and with great anticipation climbed in the 460. My head hit the ceiling and my shoulders felt cramped -- the rest of the car's interior seemed smaller too.. So decision made for me. That was easy. But not everyone is 6'5". I'll have to wait for the LS500 to see it the interior increases, but I fear it will be even sleeker, i.e., smaller inside.

I found an LS430 black on black in great condition and totally love it -- lots of room, but the Mercedes is still way bigger. When I pulled it up in my driveway my black 500SEL was there. It is just amazing how similar these cars look -- nearly identical lines. This Mercedes was always the smoothest car I had ever driven without giving up any emergency handling. Compared to it the LS feels sporty. The LS is definitely no Lincoln type ride. I have yet to see how it handles in an emergency -- and hope I never do. Plenty of power for me as I even drove the SC with a gentle foot. I love this car!!![/
QUOTE]

Nice post. Yes those Mercedes are truly one to reckon with. I always wondered why Lexus waited until the 460 to add a L model to the line up. I just wonder what a LS430L couldn't've done to the competition. Even with the the 430 still being in sorta demand, an L ultra version would've been hands down the best damn luxury cruiser on the road.

geekhou05

JohnD - nice to see another W140 owner here!!! I have a 98 S500 - I cannot and will not part with it. With the 140, you seem to overlook the crap rear view mirror, transmission and other bits. She's my out of town cruizer and I get looks of all sorts when we ride...

Any-who, with my LS430 approaching 220k miles, (I drive 30-35k per year) I've been thinking about what to do next. I'm pondering on replacing my suspension to get that original ride back and keeping her.

My "next vehicle" search isn't cemented yet. I don't see a 7 Series in my future, but the S550, CL550, E320 CDI, E350 Bluetec, LS460L and LS600hL are in it. I just haven't decided yet.

If I get another Lex, I'll pawn off the LS430. If I get a Mercedes, I'll keep the LS430, which is my daily driver.

WILL NOT PART WITH MY W140...NO TIME SOON - Screw the gas prices and she practically donates that gas away....

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

JohnMD,

With you 100%, I never understand the latest sleek 4-doors coupe stylish sedan trend, I want my sedan big and blocky to feel spacious inside like a SUV. If I want a stylish car, I would buy a 2-doors coupe.

I don't know how people drive those IS350, it feels so cramped inside, it feels smaller then a Corolla, it is almost Yaris size. I actually think the front seats of the iQ feels more spacious.

Yes Lexus copied the W140 Benz directly, they do look identical.

waynedog

I owned a 2004 430 for several years until my local Toyota dealer blew the engine while doing maintenance and had to buy it from me. I rushed out and bought an Avalon (nice car but not a Lexus). I want to get back in an LS but cannot decide between a 05/06 430 for $20 - 25k or a 07/08 460 for $35 - 40k. I loved my 430 but I am concerned that the interior (i.e. cassette) is getting dated and if I buy another one it will really look dated over several years. Do you think a 460 with essentially the same miles is worth $15k more than a 430?

Jabberwock

$15 k gets you more modern looking car - I'd likely get an 09 and newer on the LS460. Probably pay to go to the LS460 forum pages and do a couple hours of reading - make sure you know exactly what you are getting and any known issues in certain year models. If I was looking at spending 40k I'd more likely bite the bullet up my budget a little more and get a 2013 GS350 instead of a used LS460. .

2004TOYO

Personally I dont think its worth $15k more & who cares if it has a cassette (especially since most people dont use it anyway). I would get an 06 LS b/c Im just not a big fan of the rear end on the 460 but ultimately (as I state the obvious) it boils down to what YOU want. Hell, take the $15k and redo something in the house...

SW17LS

Have you driven the two? I ask because there are some differences. The 460 is a little sportier (only a little) and it feels a little nimbler, as all Lexus vehicles do between the 430's generation and the 460's generation. The feel is also a little more modern and a little sportier (the 460 doesn't have the traditional gathered leather trim, etc you see on the 430).

Infotainment systems are much better in the 460.

Its a tough decision, I'm still partial to the 430 but it is starting to become dated and I would have the same concerns as you.

warminwisc

Big read I have seen is it has a high center console and a bit tight compared to a 430. I like to spread out but I have never driven a 460 just sat in them9 I agree). Price comes down i still think a certified A8 in a used car is a consideration as I live in slippery country. What else compares in this category?

MDSC

iTrader: (3)

S class , 7 series, Hyundai Eqos

SW17LS

I like the A8's, my concern would be reliability though given previous experiences with VWs. I'd want a good warranty to be certain...

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

430 is certainly the bullet proof one, but the tech enhancements of the 460 allure me more

warminwisc

VW is spyrocketing in sales. A8 go certified. Ls is predictable

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I'd go with an 04-06 S600 or the LS460L.

MDSC

iTrader: (3)

if you can afford to repairs buy whatever you want, if you are a baller on a budged do not even think about buying anything european. Other then that they are all nice cars, its all about what you like more and how much youre willing to spend to pay for repairs.