twestrope

I am looking at getting a 2001 LS 430. I like the brand but was leary of getting a luxury vehicle that was a dog to drive. I just sold my 911 and will be selling my Acura TL. while I am not expecting a similar experience as the 911 I am wanting something that is fast (I have heard 6.3 sec. 0-60 times) and handles reasonably well (I have heard the sport pkg add to this). I was considering a 2001/2002 CLK 430 but am leary of the poor reliability reviews of the vehicle.

Are there other issues to consider with the LS 430? Thanks.

lexusls430

I have no issues with my ultra LS. You should go with the Ultra LS. You can adjust the suspension between normal and sport, and it really works with me. It handles real well with the air suspension. I have done corners at 60 with no problems at all. And the accelration is true to numbers. It is reasonably fast for such a big car. It is probably just as fast as a clk430. Go for the ultra.

OneOfOne

agreed. unless youre an idiot racer boy you will love the ls 430. and get the ultra with the adjustable suspension and put 18's on it.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

my 98Ls is faster/stronger then my friends 99CLK 430 (although his exhaust note is a killer), but I have more options, 1000 Billion times more reliable. I tell ya, every time his check engine lights up, we look at each other and laugh, because it happens so often, its driving him nuts to drive all the way to the dealership every few weeks.

lkirchner

I have owned a CLK 430 and a CLK 500. Don't even think of it in the same breath as an LS. Both cars were absolute pieces of junk and your experience with MB service will be unpleasant at best. I have an '04 LS430 and I'm sure that there isn't anything in the MB lineup that can match it, sedan wise. In fact before buying the LS I looked at MB S classes and the only one that came the least bit close was an S500 at a mere $102,000. This is coming from a person who has owned MB's continuosly since 1968.

Lou K

unrealii

I know this is an old thread, but I had to add my $0.02. I finally had a chance to drive the LS430 (came back from a party with the parents...they drank I didn't). Man, I was simply amazed and how this thing handled at high speeds. I expected it to be like my old ford taurus and be floaty over bumps, bridges, etc. Infact it turned out to be more solid than my nissan maxima as speeds around 90. The only way I could tell I was going so fast was looking at the speedo or feeling the steering wheel because it gave appropriate feedback when making turns. Ofcourse at that point, I had to make an effort to take it easy on the gas since my instinct was severely off. Honestly, this Sport suspension isn't much of a joke as I thought it would be. Just warning you, this car will be very smooth while offering a good amount of maneuverability, so check the speedo often

audphile1

I have '01 LS430 with sport tuned suspension. I have recently sold my stock 17" wheels and bought the OEM 18s that 2004 LS430 comes with. big difference in handling. The car is great and I absolutely love it. It is fast. Handling is decent too for a car that size. As far as air suspension goes my opinion is, and no offense to people with UL, I didn't want it because I drove one with it and it felt more floaty when not in sport mode, so I opted for a regular suspension but sport tuned. Interior is very quiet too. And if you get the car with the Nav, the sound system will kick butt. Mark Levinson Audio system in this car is simply amazing. Climate control functions great too. A/C in the summer is freezing cold. I can't think of any other issues or problems that you can look for unless buying a beat up car that was driven by some lunatic. Good luck.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

As nice as the air suspension is, keep in mind that when it goes out, the repair cost will be significant. If you are keeping this car short term, no big deal.

fabulousg

I ve had my 2001 LS430 for the the last 10 years now and let me tell you; it is been a wonderful vehicle. Super reliable, luxurious look, Super suspension, you won't regret. Only challenge im having right know is with audio system. All of a sudden stopped working, no audio at all. Well, as everything with the years, wears out. Will just fix it. But will keep LS for a while more.

Bocatrip

After over 4 years of ownership with my 2001 LS430, I can honestly say that this is probably one of the most reliable, comfortable, satisfying cars I have ever owned......and I as a previous used car dealer have owned many cars. Yes the audio system is the weak link in ownership, as I have had to replace my subwoofer and 2 front speakers. The amp can also fail if replacing after market speakers with the ML system. Even after taking into consideration the audio issues, I love this car and can't see myself without an LS430 even if I needed a replacement.

Dockof-bay

I see this is your first post. Did you know that you were giving advice to someone on a ten year old thread... That being said, i love my 05 LS 430

DavidinCT

I've had a 2001 LS430 for going on 8-10 years now, really great car, yep like others have said, the audio system has issues (ML system here) over time, the speakers surrounds dry out and start breaking, causing speakers to pop after time....

Besides that, it's been a great car, never any major problem and as my 2nd LS, I don't think I would own anything else, it's that good and dependable....

btayljr

I have a 2004 ls 430 and I'm looking to upgrade the audio system. My ls 430 has the built in navigation with the mark Levinson audio package. The audio system is the only bad thing about my car. Any suggestions.