VortecCPI

Thinking about trading my 1995 LS400 for a 2002 LS430. The LS430 is a woman's auto with only 125,000 miles. Except for a few small chips it is in excellent condition and has had ALL scheduled maintenance.

My 1995 has 269,000 miles and is also in excellent condition, inside and out. I was not too sure about the LS430 until I drove it and it is truly twice the car my LS400 is.

I prefer the classic lines and look of my LS400 but I also like the LS430 refinements and simple interior -- I despise unnecessary clutter and gizmos.

Any opinions or thoughts are greatly appreciated...

4litre

iTrader: (1)

I've heard good things about the LS430. I know they have more electronics and more modern conveniences. Thought about getting one a year ago because the price was right but I had something else to do at the last minute. Maybe you should post your question in the LS430 forum. You'll get a better perspective from folks who own them there.

Legender

I've had both and still do. Each has their own attributes. As a daily driver, I prefer the LS400. But it's a personal decision about what makes you happy. I too prefer the lines of the older models.

Superfast1

VortecCPI- Please define "twice the car". In term of reliability, I've heard that the LS430's is even more reliable than the LS400's but personally, I prefer the timeless & "bold" look of the LS400's whereas the LS430's, to me, it looks like it has been squashed down a bit by a car crusher.
Imo, the LS400's tail lights are also much nicer than the LS430's but sounds to me you've already made up your mind. Both cars are pretty old so they don't cost that much anymore so if yours is still in great shape, why not buying the LS430 & keep both?

VortecCPI

By "twice the car" I mean by just about every measure. Faster, quieter, smoother, better handling, and so on. My 1995 is in top-notch condition and is still fast, quiet, and smooth but this 2002 is just way finer. My transmission shifts like a hot knife through butter but this one is even better. Both cars have the same Michelin tires of the exact same size and the LS430 rides WAY better. Steering of LS400 better at low speeds but steering of LS430 better at high speeds. LS400 drivetrain more responsive to small inputs and responds faster to big inputs but LS430 drivetrain still excellent -- Just requires a little more input. Braking outstanding for both cars. LS430 interior a bit more comfy. LS400 exterior finish is superior.

I do NOT like the body lines of the LS430...

VortecCPI

Pictures of my 1995 LS400...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...l#post10195320

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...l#post10195323

Pictures of the "new" LS430...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...l#post10195330

Superfast1

Since you don't like the body lines of the LS430 then perhaps you should look into the 98-00 Lexus LS400. It comes w/ a 4.0L VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing w/ intelligence) same as the LS430's & combined w/ a higher compression ratio (10.5:1 vs 10.0:1) ) so it's much more nimble than your 95 (260 hp & 269 lb.ft vs 290 hp & 300 lb.ft at about the same rpm, respectively). I own both 97 & 00 Lexus LS400's. The 97, I bought it 20 years ago & still have it to this day. Last year, I've got lucky & acquired the 00 w/ only 45K miles, in pristine & like new condition. Anyway, the 00 is much faster & quicker than the 97 but I still love my 97 & will keep both of them for a long, long time. There you have it.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I think the 98-00 400 looks better than the 430 but I have to be honest the 430 outmatched my 400 in every other category.

Superfast1

Yup, that's why I own 2!

VortecCPI

Well... This is now a done deal and I can say with not one shred of doubt nor exaggeration that this "new" 2002 LS 430 is WAY BETTER than my old 1995 LS 400. It does EVERYTHING better. It is SO QUIET it is just hard to believe. New 4.3L engine has even more TQ down low yet revs freely on top. Does not have the wicked engine sound of the old LS400 at the top but that may be due to noise reduction. An amazing example of engineering in almost every respect.

Both cars had the exact same tires of the exact same size and the old LS 400 had relatively-new shocks so the ride comparison had a good baseline. Ride quality, road noise, wind noise, etc... Just no comparison between the two cars. The "new" engine is quieter and though the drivetrain requires a bit more input it is superior in every way. My old tranny shifted like a hot knife through warm butter. When this one shifts it is imperceptible unless you are looking at the tach.

While I am still not much of a fan of the body style and some of the interior construction details it is an excellent car. While I am sad to see "The Couch" leave I am very happy with this decision.

Thank you all for your input!

spuds

Thank you.This is just the type of info i wanted to know if my LS400 ever dies and I need another lexus.I think you made a good choice for you,and the low mileage is a nice nice plus.
While we love the LS400 Im not married to it.But I think Im married to Lexus from now on.What super cars they make!.

VortecCPI

Besides my own excellent-condition 1995 LS400 I have driven an excellent-condition 1997 LS400, my "new" excellent-condition 2002 LS430, and an excellent-condition 2001 LS430. There is NO COMPARISON in quietness, smoothness, and ride quality. The LS430s I drove beat the LS400s in every case.

If you drive one you will realize it immediately... So quiet and so smooth it is utterly ridiculous...