racehorse1

I recently totaled my 2004 E-320 that I had owned for 10 years. It was a great car. I have read bad reviews and heard mechanics complain about the newer models. Therefore, I am considering an L460 (2009-2011). I know that the ES is comparable to the E-320 but it is a front wheel drive. Any thoughts?

Nospinzone

Sorry to hear about your E320, I know what it is like to love a car for years then have to give it up. Oh well, hopefully on to newer and better things.

Welcome to CL! Here is a recent thread talking about the early LS460 models.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...olding-up.html

You can also use the search function to find answers to questions you may have. If you don't find the answer, go ahead and ask them here.

R Z

Hello and welcome. Sorry to hear about your E320. A very nice car. Glad you are ok.

I have to admit I'm a bit prejudice towards Lexus as I'm on my 4th. Having come from an 05 LS430 to my current 08 LS460, for me, it's a completely different vehicle. It's much more sporty, loaded with options and I find myself driving faster. I got lucky and found an 08 in my color choice with relatively low miles, a Levinson sound system, tinted windows and excellent chrome wheels. It rides like a dream, has so many features like DVD and mp3 player, nav, heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, park assist, and I just can't think of more right now. Great car!!

I would, consider looking at the 2010 - 2012 years for a few added features to the 07-09 year. if you can ante up a bit more on a lower mileage 10-12, you'll get a USB input, bluetooth audio, turn signals on the side mirrors, etc.

Take a look at Carguru or Autotrader and see what's available in your year, color combination and price. Good luck!

racehorse1

thanks for the feedback....

sapstar66

Sorry about your E320

As an ex-owner of an E350 wagon and an S430, I can tell you that the LS460 is more of the S-class. A Lexus replacement for the E would be the GS350.

I've owned 3 MBs in the past, the later 2 and an older, 1993 300E. I still own the old one as our Florida car (I'm in Montreal QC) and THAT ONE was what Benz was all about. The newer models got cheaper and it shows. Now the new models with their turbo engines and electronic engine management will be a lot a trouble for sure. So unless you plan on leasing-then-releasing, I would stay away.

When I switched to the 2009 LS, it was a great replacement to the S430. Still going strong and almost-trouble-free (stupid Air Suspension!). Then I bought a second one, a 2010, but that one with RWD, normal suspension and 19 inch wheels. Totally different car to drive. And that one has been totally trouble-free for its 85000 miles on the road.

Hope this helps a bit

cwillgo

Sorry to hear about your Eclass being totaled. I came from a 04 e55 MB after it was totaled and I couldn't be happier with the Lexus. I had my MB for almost 3 years and the maintenance costs and amount of time it was in the shop was a downer, so I guess the accident was a bright light that eventually drew me to the Lexus world and the high reliability and comfort factor.

I've only had my 08 LS460L for almost a month and may still be in the honeymoon phase, but the car performs as expected. It's loaded with well thought out options (LOVE that black button on the ext door handles that lock the doors without fumbling for a key fob!), it generates nice power for a car of this size and the ride itself. It's the quietest most comfortable car I have driven.

Hope this helps.

Devh

I'm curious to know what your impressions are of the AWD version compared to the RWD.

Doublebase

I actually like the new ES350 - I think it looks nice, it has decent power, it's reliable, it's good in the snow, it gets great gas mileage, runs on regular, easy to find affordable parts...quiet too. Nice car. I think the LS460 is obviously a different animal...nicer, more powerful, classier, more bells and whistles. But the ES has come a long way.

sapstar66

I've had the AWD with Air suspension to start with, so I'd say my first impression getting in the RWD with regular suspension AND 19 inch wheels was for a notable difference...

The air ride of the awd makes for a more disconnect feeling, making it more comfortable, limousine-like drive

The 19 inch wheels on regular suspension is a bit more connected and the driveability is a bit different from awd, of course. To sum it up, I'd say that the AWD is a rider vs the RWD is a driver...

Devh

Interesting take. I tested several AWD and a few RWD cars before purchase. I found very little difference in the ride quality as far as smoothness but as far as the handling goes the RWD with the regular suspension was more responsive and it pivots differently around intersections.
I also found low speed maneuvering in parking lots to be better as well. Both as still boaty though.

peteybabes

i have the RWD with 19" wheels (summer) and 18" (on the car now) and with air suspension. it is very much a cruiser and the only difference between wheels is a sightly more jarring ride with the 19's...

Devh

I do feel the jarring with the 19" wheels especially when I got the Bridgestones but it also increased the handling responsiveness. I would have liked if they had the five spoke wheels in 18" for a little more give.