I currently drive a 2007 LS460 and am ready to get a newer model. I can get a new ES for $40k or so or for that price a 3 year old LS with 40k miles or so. Is a 7 year newer (2014 vs 2007) ES comparable to a 7 year old LS? Anybody gone from an LS to and ES and can explain what I would miss?

 

I was in that generation LS just last week while visiting family in Southern California. Assuming it is fully loaded, and in good mechanical condition... Some things you may miss:

1) The quiet V8. While the engine in the ES is definitely smooth and has abundant power, the refinement in the entire powertrain of the LS' V8 trumps it. You get up to speed in impressive silence.

2) Sub-20 average mpg (ok, so you probably won't miss this)

3) Rear or All-wheel drive

4) Bells & Whistles: auto-folding side mirrors, soft-close doors, adaptive front lighting system

5) Refinements: Full leather trim on doors, whisper-quiet auto tilt-away steering column (the ES' version actually makes a very slight audible mechanical sound! I am big on sounds if that hasn't been evident),

6) Touch-screen Nav (I personally would not go back to touchscreens anytime soon, but hey you may love 'em)

These are the differences that stood out for me (good or bad)

 

They are different cars and not in the same league, as amphi competently pointed out.

That said, I personally like the new car over a 7 year old one, even if the latter is an LS.

 

I'm confused about whether the LS is 3 years old or whether it is 7 years old.

 

I think OP's soliciting opinions if and when he chooses the ES route (comparing his 7-yr old LS to a 2014 ES).

 

I think if you are used to the LS, going to the ES would be tough. Don't get me wrong, the ES is a great car, but its no LS. The ES rides well but the LS is much more refined. Quality is everywhere inside the LS, while the ES has a good deal of cost cutting.

If you have a 7 year old LS460...I'd keep it over trading it for a new LS. If buying one for sure, I'd probably buy the ES because its new...but thats me...I'm not a used car guy. If you don't mind used cars, the LS is more car.

 

I have made mistake of switching to es300h from ls 460 trust me those are two different cars, if money or gas is not concern stay with ls460, i was reading lot of reviews about similarities of thos two cars but is hard to downgrade. Yes downgrade yourself to es model. You're going to miss on comfortable ,quiet,smooth,relaxing ride of your ls460

 

But he also said that for 40K (ES new) he can get a LS (2011 with 40K miles)
Given that choice and the fact that he is coming from an LS, the 3 year old LS might be the way to go.
At 40K that LS is barely broken in. (assuming it hasn't been in an accident)

 

I bought a new 2013 ES 350 a year ago. I was dazzled by the re-design and do love it, however, the ES can't be compared to the LS. I see where the ES cut corners in quality. My plan is to wait for a couple more years and trade-up to the current generation of LS when it becomes affordable for me. I have a difficult time justifying the $ for a new LS.