RedRacer

Hello Lexus lovers!

I am in the market for a used LS460 AWD but I am having a tough time finding out some basic info and thought this group might be able to help. Here goes...

-Was 2009 the first year the AWD was sold in North America?
-Was the AWD model offered in SWB and LWB versions or only SWB?
-Was the AWD model offered with spring or air/adjustable suspension? I would love to have the air suspension if it was available.
-What were the main options or option groups available? I like wood, Mark L audio and heated seats!
-As I will be shopping for a car with realtively higher mileage (50k+), what known "issues" do the LS460 models have as they approach 100k miles? Is the AWD system trouble-free?

Can't wait to join the club

Oh yeah, PM me if you have an AWD for sale at a great price!

patgilm

1. Yes.
2. Both
3. Air was standard in 2009 but I believe an option starting in 2010.
4. Most come with the comfort package. Here are the options http://www.automobilemag.com/am/2009...s_options.html
5. No known issues although some have reported the AWD having transmission shudder around 40 mph (do a search here for shudder and you will see the threads)

RedRacer

Thanks for the info and the helpful link.

Now I know what I want - a 2009+ LS460 AWD SWB with Comfort Package, Navigation System/Mark Levinson Package and Air Suspension. Hopefully that isn't a tall order

Is there an easy way to tell if the car has air suspension? I imagine that some owners and most used car places will have no idea whether or not the car has this option.

patgilm

What you are looking for is not a tall order with the exception of the ML system. A lot of the ones I looked at didn't have the ML system but there are enough that do have it. After having it, I can say it is definitely something that would be a deal breaker for me. It is the best stock system I have heard.

As for the air suspension, all 2009 AWD's have it but if it is a later model, there is a square button on the center console to the left of the shifter that says "height high".

RedRacer

I certainly want the ML audio!

Would one of you AWD owners be kind enough to post a pic of the "square button on the center console to the left of the shifter that says "height high" "just so I know exactly what I am looking for? Since my price range is sub-$40k most of the cars I will be looking at are going to be MY2009 which I understand means they must have air suspension.

edarte

The height button is pretty obvious on the center console.

Just a heads up re possible problems. In addition to the possible shudder issue I have seen more recently that owners are starting to report failures in the rear air suspension components which are very expensive to replace.

My 2011 with only about 10,000. miles has developed a creak/groan like noise in its rear suspension that I will be getting checked in the next couple of weeks. Just glad I have an extended warranty (something you might consider buying)

LXurious

Patgilm you are mistaken 2008 LS600 came with air suspension/AWD so by 09 it was the second year to have it.
Rest seems to be reliable. Can't comment on tranny issues as I have a CVT, but you can look up the TSIB's.

patgilm

I know the 2008 LS600 was the first year to have it and considered answering with that but as mentioned in his post, he is looking at the 460 not a 600 so my answer is correct, 2009 was the first year to have it.