Ls430 vs ls460
02-14-14, 02:25 PM
#16
Driver
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: CA
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lets be realistic and account for what was actually in these models. You know full well that the 400, while being a very luxurious car for its time, cannot stand up to the 460 in terms of available features. Take that added complexity and you are bound to have some issues. Also remember that these message boards and all kinds of different car blogs weren't as readily available in the 90s as they are today, so hearing about someone else's car problems was not all that easy.
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.
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.
02-14-14, 04:37 PM
#17
I think you misinterpreted what I mean. I'm not really comparing a ls400 to the 460. I'm just simply stating that the reliability of the 400 is incredible and comparing this reliability to the 430 and 460. Lexus set the bar with the 400. Many people think it was the most reliable car ever made. It's interesting, when you talk to various Lexus dealers and look at trade in cream puffs. What is the favorite car that Lexus mechanics snap up. Ls400 and 430's. When I traded in 99 LS400 it was gone the next day. Believe me, I'm not trying put down the 460 but reliability has suffered. Toyota has had some issues in the last 6 years and this has affected the Lexus brand as well. Anyway, I won't beat the dead horse anymore. 
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 02-14-14 at 04:41 PM.
02-14-14, 06:03 PM
#18
Lexus Fanatic
I think you misinterpreted what I mean. I'm not really comparing a ls400 to the 460. I'm just simply stating that the reliability of the 400 is incredible and comparing this reliability to the 430 and 460. Lexus set the bar with the 400. Many people think it was the most reliable car ever made. It's interesting, when you talk to various Lexus dealers and look at trade in cream puffs. What is the favorite car that Lexus mechanics snap up. Ls400 and 430's. When I traded in 99 LS400 it was gone the next day. Believe me, I'm not trying put down the 460 but reliability has suffered. Toyota has had some issues in the last 6 years and this has affected the Lexus brand as well. Anyway, I won't beat the dead horse anymore.
02-14-14, 06:20 PM
#19
Pole Position
I absolutely HATED my LS460L. I traded my 2004 LS430 that I loved for a 2010 LS460L and it didn't take me long to regret it. Ride was not a smooth. Engine noise was FAR WORSE. Pathetically bad for a $80K car. The direct injection ticking drove me insane. Stayed in the shop, and even though it was under warranty, I was very annoying. In the shop for over a month one time while the engine was pulled out of the car. The service rep even told me that I should be glad it was under warranty, because I didn't want to know what it would cost to fix the issue I had outside of warranty.
Went back to the same model year LS430 I had before with lower miles, and haven't regretted it for even 1 second. Other than a couple of electronic gizmos, there is nothing I miss about it.
Just my experience.
The following users liked this post:
gracien69 (07-09-21)
02-14-14, 07:22 PM
#21
Lexus Fanatic
He said the 430 or 400, but acknowledged that the 430 is a lot more modern. He's looking for the perfect low mileage 430 himself.
02-14-14, 10:11 PM
#23
Moderator
02-15-14, 07:53 AM
#24
Pole Position
If engine noise bothers you, listen very carefully to the 460 you are considering buying. I was spoiled by the tomb silence of my 430, and the ticking in the 460 really ate at me. I didn't notice it when I test drove it and checked for it specifically, but after a couple of months, it was clearly audible. It wasn't necessarily the volume of the noise. It was more like the type of noise. Sounded like old school spark knock. Got much worse in cold weather. I listen to a lot of sports talk radio on my commute, and at idle, I could very clearly hear it. Dealership tried everything, and nothing fixed it. Finally, I got the "It's just the mechanical fuel pumps and the solenoids from direct injection" answer and they said that it is just the way the car is. Both are suspect, but I also think there may be some piston slap issues.
Not every car has the noise. But neither did mine when I purchased it. I specifically checked for it. I did notice it in another car I was considering buying and bailed on the deal, so I thought I was covering my bases. That should have been a clue for me to step back and reconsider the 460 altogether, but I caught the new car fever and had to have it.
Not every car has the noise. But neither did mine when I purchased it. I specifically checked for it. I did notice it in another car I was considering buying and bailed on the deal, so I thought I was covering my bases. That should have been a clue for me to step back and reconsider the 460 altogether, but I caught the new car fever and had to have it.
02-15-14, 04:45 PM
#25
Anyways back on topic, this comparison has been discussed many times before and will ultimately come down to preference and taste. Although i must say i probably will get a 460 in the near future but i will still keep my 430. Thats one car i cant see myself parting with unless i really, really, really had to. Hope i can say the same for the 460.
02-15-14, 05:18 PM
#26
Lexus Fanatic
He's doing great! I need to see him shortly for the 20k on the GS.
02-15-14, 05:21 PM
#27
Driver School Candidate
Have a 2003 LS 430 and it's the best car i've ever had. Have owned an A8 Audi and still have an S500 Mercedes, and the LS430 is the most comfortable and absolute dream to drive car of all time. Am 6'3" and find the old styling similar to the old, big Mercedes where there was outstanding interior room with big windows and plenty of head and shoulder space. You don't feel like you're in a small BMW. Let's face it, LS 460's (and i almost bought one last year) are styled after the small interior BMW's, and the old LS 430's were styled in the ultra comfortable and large Mercedes style. I think Lexus should go back to the old style of the LS 400 and 430 and forget about the small interior design. It's not an executive feel, and Lexus should go back to what made them great. Tom
02-16-14, 06:10 AM
#29
Lexus Fanatic
Let's face it, LS 460's (and i almost bought one last year) are styled after the small interior BMW's, and the old LS 430's were styled in the ultra comfortable and large Mercedes style. I think Lexus should go back to the old style of the LS 400 and 430 and forget about the small interior design. It's not an executive feel, and Lexus should go back to what made them great. Tom
While I agree that the LS430 is a good looking, very comfortable and quiet car...its just not in style today. A car like that is like double pleated pants, I personally prefer them to flat fronted pants and find them more comfortable...but they are just out of style and you can't find them anywhere. Making a car like that today doesn't fit in with the brand's styling direction...and quite frankly the LS460 sells very well, proportionally just as well as the LS430 did.
I think Lexus is doing pretty well with what they've been doing.
02-16-14, 08:17 AM
#30
At times, I do wish my 430 had more horsepower. Not that it needs it but rocketing to highway cruising speed is fun. I used to own a modified Mustang GT that would do 60 right at 5 seconds, which is not tremendously fast but faster then most out there. Sure don't miss the comfort and ride quality of that beast...
The following users liked this post:
gracien69 (07-09-21)