LS400 or LS430??????
05-21-18, 08:30 PM
#16
Another comment on this topic. In '07 when I was buying my first LS 400 (a '98), I looked at a number of LS 400's ('98-'00).
Two of the sellers had bought LS 430's as they thought they were better and an upgrade, and both told me (unsolicited) they wished they were keeping their LS 400 as it was a better riding car.
Good luck,
Eddie
Two of the sellers had bought LS 430's as they thought they were better and an upgrade, and both told me (unsolicited) they wished they were keeping their LS 400 as it was a better riding car.
Good luck,
Eddie
05-21-18, 08:33 PM
#17
Lexus Fanatic
05-21-18, 08:36 PM
#18
05-21-18, 08:38 PM
#19
Lexus Fanatic
Having had both I can't agree, the LS430 rides better (as in softer) than the LS400, though not significantly.
And in any event, they certainly could have chosen to keep their LS400 that they still possessed...
And in any event, they certainly could have chosen to keep their LS400 that they still possessed...
05-22-18, 03:46 AM
#20
The LS400 has classic/timeless body lines and while I DO NOT like the body lines of my "new" LS430 I like everything else better than the LS400.
Life is often about compromises...
[EDIT] - Forget about another 2001 LS430 I drove...
Last edited by VortecCPI; 05-22-18 at 03:53 AM.
05-22-18, 04:01 AM
#22
The first 2001 LS430 I drove... It was white with light interior and my first thought was "Boy this thing is ugly but it sure rides nice!". The second LS430 I drove... My first thought was "Boy this thing is ugly but it sure rides nice!"
When Michael (Lextec) owner told me his wife is selling her LS430 I liked the price but not the car. I told him I was just fine and happy with my LS400. He said "Once you drive the LS430 for a while you will buy it." I did NOT believe him so I drove it for a few days anyhow. He was right and this third LS430 I drove... My first thought was "Boy this thing is ugly but it sure rides nice!"
I drove it to the same customer sites I drove my LS400 to so I had a perfect back-to-back comparison. The price was $500 more than I wanted to pay but in the end I HAD to buy it because it was just so darn good.
While the 2nd-gen LS400s are likely very close I have grown to like the LS430 interior better, though I do miss that fine leather at the door rests and handles.
Let's face it... Both LS400 and LS430 are very fine autos...
When Michael (Lextec) owner told me his wife is selling her LS430 I liked the price but not the car. I told him I was just fine and happy with my LS400. He said "Once you drive the LS430 for a while you will buy it." I did NOT believe him so I drove it for a few days anyhow. He was right and this third LS430 I drove... My first thought was "Boy this thing is ugly but it sure rides nice!"
I drove it to the same customer sites I drove my LS400 to so I had a perfect back-to-back comparison. The price was $500 more than I wanted to pay but in the end I HAD to buy it because it was just so darn good.
While the 2nd-gen LS400s are likely very close I have grown to like the LS430 interior better, though I do miss that fine leather at the door rests and handles.
Let's face it... Both LS400 and LS430 are very fine autos...
05-22-18, 05:46 AM
#23
Lexus Fanatic
I just couldn’t drive a car I thought was ugly...if I had to have the LS430 I’d have to pony up for a 2004+. The UL and CL model LS430s actually have more leather on the doors, dash etc than the LS400.
Noisewise they’re the same, remember that when you’re driving cars that old the quality of the experience will have a lot to do with how well they’ve aged. How old are the seals and weatherstripping, etc. new vs. new I found no difference in cabin noise. Some of what you perceive may just be that your 430 is a great of bit newer.
Dont misunderstand me about ride. The 430 is slightly softer, but it’s a good deal sloppier. Overall I would rather drive the 400 vs the 430
Noisewise they’re the same, remember that when you’re driving cars that old the quality of the experience will have a lot to do with how well they’ve aged. How old are the seals and weatherstripping, etc. new vs. new I found no difference in cabin noise. Some of what you perceive may just be that your 430 is a great of bit newer.
Dont misunderstand me about ride. The 430 is slightly softer, but it’s a good deal sloppier. Overall I would rather drive the 400 vs the 430
Last edited by SW17LS; 05-22-18 at 05:52 AM.
05-22-18, 05:21 PM
#24
Racer
I was stopped at the lake yesterday and 3 cars pulled up next to my black LS400,2 Toyota's and a newer black Impala parked a couple spaces from me.As the young guys were walking out,1 says to the black Impala owner "There's your Lexus Fred". I doubt an LS 430 would get the same response.And at 20 years old my Lexus held its own in looks.Heck,even my paint looked better.
When it comes to beauty,LS400 all the way over the LS430 IMO.
Now the newest LS460's,those are starting to grow on me,getting used to the grill I guess and what an interior,wow! I think its a pretty good looker.
Last edited by spuds; 05-22-18 at 05:28 PM.
05-22-18, 06:18 PM
#25
Pole Position
Thread Starter
I think that sums it up nicely.Given a choice of equal miles/condition/ etc I'd choose the 400 over an 01-03 ,she is just a beautiful classic.
I was stopped at the lake yesterday and 3 cars pulled up next to my black LS400,2 Toyota's and a newer black Impala parked a couple spaces from me.As the young guys were walking out,1 says to the black Impala owner "There's your Lexus Fred". I doubt an LS 430 would get the same response.And at 20 years old my Lexus held its own in looks.Heck,even my paint looked better.
When it comes to beauty,LS400 all the way over the LS430 IMO.
Now the newest LS460's,those are starting to grow on me,getting used to the grill I guess and what an interior,wow! I think its a pretty good looker.
I was stopped at the lake yesterday and 3 cars pulled up next to my black LS400,2 Toyota's and a newer black Impala parked a couple spaces from me.As the young guys were walking out,1 says to the black Impala owner "There's your Lexus Fred". I doubt an LS 430 would get the same response.And at 20 years old my Lexus held its own in looks.Heck,even my paint looked better.
When it comes to beauty,LS400 all the way over the LS430 IMO.
Now the newest LS460's,those are starting to grow on me,getting used to the grill I guess and what an interior,wow! I think its a pretty good looker.
05-22-18, 06:28 PM
#26
Pole Position
Thread Starter
I just traded my 1995 LS400 for a 2002 LS430. Both cars are in excellent condition with the exact same tires. There is just no comparison between the LS400 and LS430 in terms of ride quality. The LS430 is faster, quieter, smoother, and handles better. My old LS400 had like-new shocks and suspension components were in great condition yet the LS430 is so much better it was hard for me to believe.
What don't I like? I prefer the old LS body style. The old LS leather seems more robust but the new LS leather is more comfy. The new drivetrain requires a little more more input but I got used to it very quickly. The engine compartment is boring to look at. The wonderful 1UZ song at the top end is now gone. First Aid kit is now located in trunk -- Very silly place if you are in a wreck and stuck in the car. Plastic head lamps and plastic-chrome trim.
What do I like? Much larger trunk. Much more torque at every engine speed. Super ECT tranny is marvelous and while the old LS shifted crazy-smooth this one can not be felt at all. Super ECT downshifts when you tap the brakes going downhill. Interior drawers and compartments are superior in design. Sound system in LS430 is far superior to that of LS400. CD changer is now in convenient location at center counsel. Automatic wipers work great. The other day I was driving in the rain testing them. It stopped raining for a bit and when it started again they just came on. I am NOT one for gizmos but this one actually works and works very well.
Also... Though the old LS400 was in excellent condition some of the interior glue was starting to degrade and the stitching at the top of the rear seats finally pulled tight and broke. ECU capacitors recently failed. Radio display failed long ago. Gauge needles became sticky.
If you drive the LS430 for any period of time like I did you will buy it. The more I drove it the more I had to have it. I got over the body style pretty quickly...
Have you driven both back to back on the exact same stretch of roads?
More here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...002-ls430.html
What don't I like? I prefer the old LS body style. The old LS leather seems more robust but the new LS leather is more comfy. The new drivetrain requires a little more more input but I got used to it very quickly. The engine compartment is boring to look at. The wonderful 1UZ song at the top end is now gone. First Aid kit is now located in trunk -- Very silly place if you are in a wreck and stuck in the car. Plastic head lamps and plastic-chrome trim.
What do I like? Much larger trunk. Much more torque at every engine speed. Super ECT tranny is marvelous and while the old LS shifted crazy-smooth this one can not be felt at all. Super ECT downshifts when you tap the brakes going downhill. Interior drawers and compartments are superior in design. Sound system in LS430 is far superior to that of LS400. CD changer is now in convenient location at center counsel. Automatic wipers work great. The other day I was driving in the rain testing them. It stopped raining for a bit and when it started again they just came on. I am NOT one for gizmos but this one actually works and works very well.
Also... Though the old LS400 was in excellent condition some of the interior glue was starting to degrade and the stitching at the top of the rear seats finally pulled tight and broke. ECU capacitors recently failed. Radio display failed long ago. Gauge needles became sticky.
If you drive the LS430 for any period of time like I did you will buy it. The more I drove it the more I had to have it. I got over the body style pretty quickly...
Have you driven both back to back on the exact same stretch of roads?
More here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...002-ls430.html
05-22-18, 06:52 PM
#27
Racer
05-23-18, 09:44 AM
#30
My Lexus guy said 98-00 had suspension improvements and rides better and quieter than 95-97 (as many of you have stated). The 1997 I drove only had about 125,000 miles on the clock and it was NOTHING like my 2002 LS430 with 126,000 miles on the clock. I have never driven a 98-00 so I can not and will not make any other comments.