£1,000 S-Class v 7 Series v Lexus LS
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 4
From: RightHere
The 2nd generation LS 400 is the looker from those years. The refreshed LS 430 definitely looked better, but that didn't mitigate it's boxy Mercedes Benz E class looks. The Bimmer 7 looks fantastic (despite the Bangle butt styling miscue). The W220 will always look classy, but lots of things to fix if you own one.
I bought my 4Runner from a couple of kids who loved their S500 W220, and sure as the sun comes up, it was sagging on its air suspension. Guess they wanted the Merc more than they wanted the Runner.
I bought my 4Runner from a couple of kids who loved their S500 W220, and sure as the sun comes up, it was sagging on its air suspension. Guess they wanted the Merc more than they wanted the Runner.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 18,307
Likes: 1,785
From: Ohio
I realllllly like the 98-00 too. I'll tell you one thing, the two tone color scheme looked awesome on those, regardless of color.
I watched that video, all you have to do is just look at the wood inside that LS (it's hard to miss) to see how nice it was in those Lexus hey-days. Especially compared to that S-Class.
Something is horrendously wrong with the suspension and/or steering in that S-Class, btw. My GMC isn't even that bad with the loose steering, and it's a 20 year old truck with a loose front end that needs work. Not exaggerating.
I watched that video, all you have to do is just look at the wood inside that LS (it's hard to miss) to see how nice it was in those Lexus hey-days. Especially compared to that S-Class.
Something is horrendously wrong with the suspension and/or steering in that S-Class, btw. My GMC isn't even that bad with the loose steering, and it's a 20 year old truck with a loose front end that needs work. Not exaggerating.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,738
Likes: 4,075
From: Maryland
I don't remember them being any different in terms of quietness or refinement. Its basically the same engine. Now the LS460, sure the engine was not as quiet or refined
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 17,127
Likes: 521
From: Knoxville, TN
Also, that just shows how much a quality automobile the LS430 was or is. They just run and run and give virtually no problems. Mine is literally perfect, not one thing wrong. I just need a front bumper respray.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,738
Likes: 4,075
From: Maryland
Just watched the video, note one thing we talked about in another thread, the power tilt/telescoping wheel in the LS430 is broken, and that feature still works in both the German cars 
Also negates they idea that they can be beat on and still run forever. Coolant leaks, power things that aren’t working, sunroof that opens itself up randomly. They need to be cared for like anything else.
Also negates they idea that they can be beat on and still run forever. Coolant leaks, power things that aren’t working, sunroof that opens itself up randomly. They need to be cared for like anything else.
Last edited by SW17LS; Mar 16, 2022 at 05:38 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 223
From: DE
Completely agree, I wanted to get some rims but the stock ones just look good. I did put d2 coilers on it and lowered about a inch and that was the only mod I did. I drove it for few years and traded in for the 460. I honestly miss this car and I have looked for years to pick a clean one as I had but could never find it. people usually keep these cars for life.
That's just a gorgeous car, has aged well and will continue to because it's so clean. I'm not a huge fan of chrome, certainly not rims but they work on an LS430 quite well because the styling down to the trim is restrained. I bought some myself, chrome, and the new look has completely transformed the car. I catch myself staring at it every chance I get. I never got around to posting any pics. Do the pre-refresh ones have the visible hood bulge (from driver's seat)? That's also a nice touch, conveys power.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,009
Likes: 529
From: Maryland
Just watched the video. Of the three cars I like the Lexus the best, especially the interior. I know he mentions in the video the he doesn’t like all of the wood but I like it, especially on the steering wheel. Also, the features the car has, especially in the back seat, seem more luxurious.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 4
From: RightHere
You always have to understand that the English will complain about paying 15 pence more for a few more crisps in a soggy bag because complaining is the national pastime. The issues he's talking about are essentially the equivalent of one year's worth of dining out or paying for basic insurance on a car. Save the 1K Brit pounds and live with the car you have. It's funny but realistically it's just a Brit being a Brit.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 17,127
Likes: 521
From: Knoxville, TN
Completely agree, I wanted to get some rims but the stock ones just look good. I did put d2 coilers on it and lowered about a inch and that was the only mod I did. I drove it for few years and traded in for the 460. I honestly miss this car and I have looked for years to pick a clean one as I had but could never find it. people usually keep these cars for life.
Those were all junk cars, rusted. The Mercedes wouldn't even downshift? Fun video to watch. Lol at the radiator on the 430, but the thing is I bet that Lexus is cake to fix compared to those other cars.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 17,127
Likes: 521
From: Knoxville, TN
Do you know any numbers? Many German owners keep that private because frankly it's embarrassing. I get the love of their cars, the passion of a Mercedes or BMW, they pay a FORTUNE to keep them up. Make no mistake if my LS430 was a money pit it would be gone and gone fast.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 18,307
Likes: 1,785
From: Ohio
What is the deal, do you have any idea? That is horrendous, I'm not exaggerating comparing it to my junker truck, that Mercedes is worse with the loose steering,
Do you know any numbers? Many German owners keep that private because frankly it's embarrassing. I get the love of their cars, the passion of a Mercedes or BMW, they pay a FORTUNE to keep them up. Make no mistake if my LS430 was a money pit it would be gone and gone fast.
Do you know any numbers? Many German owners keep that private because frankly it's embarrassing. I get the love of their cars, the passion of a Mercedes or BMW, they pay a FORTUNE to keep them up. Make no mistake if my LS430 was a money pit it would be gone and gone fast.