I found a really nice 08 LS 460 in the same color as my 430 so I thought I'd go check it out.
Flint Mica on outside and black on inside, 50k miles, $27.9 which I thought was a bit high but the car looked mint in pics.

Right away I knew I wouldn't buy the car after learning it doesn't have Mark Levinson sound system, but I decided to take it for a drive anyway since I've never done so in the past.

I was hoping to be blown away, but I wasn't. Interior is a bit better and it drives a bit smoother over bumps but it wasn't a drastic difference over my 430. Also the motor is louder and coarser I thought. Neither was it faster than my car, or at least I didn't feel it. Same clueless steering that other LS cars had in previous generations. I owned 98 LS 400 for 3 years.

I was so excited to upgrade to a bigger more luxurious car, but at this point I do not know if LS is the car for me.
I was never too crazy about the exterior design of LS460 to begin with so I was hoping that the interior along with driving characteristics would make up for the bland design, but that was not the case.

Perhaps that car was not that good and I will test drive another one soon. So I will update this post as things go along.

A used S550 or BM 750 would be ideal, but I don't have time for German repairs or maintenance requirements those cars are so notorious for.

I wonder if my 430 has raised the bar for my expectations or perhaps with age its harder to excite. Old love was instantly reborn and I drove home with a smile . I still love this car, love the design, the motor, interior and sound system. Just wish it was a bit bigger on the inside. With a small kid in the back, things are not as spacious as they were when it was just me and my wife.

Happy motoring my friends!

 

your issue might not be the 430 vs 460... but GS VS LS.

minivan is still the best for family. i do love the sliding remote open/close doors.

 

Right I keep a sienna for the kid and the 430 is for me...works out well, keep miles off both cars,and after driving a mini van u miss the 430 so bad it feels great to get back in it..

 

I agree that the minivan rocks as a family car but I am just not that into minivans . A large family sedan would be better.

 

Before I bought my GS460 last year, the criteria was it had to be a rwd V8 sedan. Initially I was looking into getting a V8 version of the 4GS but was disappointed when the V8 was axed. So I test drove a few cpo LS460's with tech package, the interior was nice and very spacious, the ride was super smooth but it felt too floaty and disconnected from the road. That's what stopped me from buying it and I realized I'm not at that stage in life for a big luxury cruiser.

I also looked at ISF's but too boy-racerish for me, interior was small and didn't feel luxurious. I'm in my early 30's I wanted luxury with a bit of sport, and fortunately I found a GS460 at the same time and bought it. Got the best of both world's, a mid size cruiser with the de-tuned LS engine and 8speed transmission.

You're going to have to buy German if you want a large luxury sport saloon, I don't think Lexus will offer a LSF anytime soon or in the near future ... I'm still waiting for the unicorn GSF

 

Smart choice. I have a Honda Odyssey Touring I bought brand new in '08 for the family. I lasted about three years with one car (work from home), then got a second car for me about four weeks ago ('08 GS350). I absolutely love it.. I test drove the LS460, but it was just too big - I felt like I was in a boat.