ghmundt

After three weeks of driving her new LS460, my wife has decided she wants her old LS430 back instead. So I am in the process of selling the 460 and am looking for a new leftover 06 LS430. Anyone know where I can find one?

Eritsuke

If it's okay to ask a question, why does she want her LS430 back when she owns the newer one. I'm about to make an order on a LS460 and I have an 06 LS430, I don't know what I'm going to do with it yet. Back to the question though, why would you want to go back to the earlier generation when you can have the latest, and already own the latest?

ghmundt

The 469 is clearly loaded with all the latest techno stuff, but she feels it just drives like a larger more isolated car than the 430. When I drive it, I feel like I am sitting on a living room sofa and almost driving in a video game. The 460 is the best interstate cruiser ever, but a little too much for around town, poorer visibility and harder to manuver than her 430, where she does most of her driving. Driving it has given me a new appreciation for how good the 430 really is. The 460 almost feels like the model above the 430, almost limo like in isolation and quietness, rather than the replacement to the 430.

Eritsuke

I guess those are good reasons, I love the way the 430 drives, when I test drove the 460, it also feels great, I don't know about manuverability, but I guess people have their own tastes in driving, which is good. At least you guys you a good choice and going back to an LS, instead of going to another car. I love my LS430, I want an LS460 though. I don't imagine myself getting one till next year though. I wait at least a year before I purchase my new model cars.

I think you'll be able to find a 430, which is new, if you call up a majority of the dealerships in your area. There also might be dealer trade-ins, which are usually good price for very very low mileage, I mean less that 5000 miles on the odometer. I got tempted to buy one with really low mileage, but I opted for new. I hope this helps.

jjbodean

theres not many new 2006 models out there, but there are a few around. i have been out since early october

daryll40

This thread is interesting. I used to drive the Mercedes short wheelbase "S" Class cars, but they quit making the SWB car for the US. I found the LS430 to be a good compromise. It's the "king of the road"...bigger than the midsized GS, Mercedes E Class, BMW 5 series. But it was not as mammouth as the "S" Class car. Unfortunately, the new Lexus has moved upscale in size, luxury and price. I just do not like the GS. But I guess I am being forced "downscale" into SOMEONE'S midsized car. Perhaps the Infiniti M35 with AWD. AWD is preferable here in Pittsburgh. My LS430 is an '04 and approaching 3 years old...about "time". It saddens me to be forced "downscale", but the truth is that even if the AWD LS460 was available today....it will probably cost $80,000+, and, as the original poster pointed out, might be too bulky for "around town" driving. My LS is almost that, but I've gotten used to it as a "run about" vehicle. I have 35000 miles and it's never left the Pittsburgh area! Anyway, if the GS didn't have such low driver's seating and such a high center console, I'd reconsider. But I am just uncomfortable. Looks like the $52,000 "Maxima" (Infiniti M35x) is at the top of my list now. And while I CAN afford it, 80 grand is just too frigging much for ANY car.

ghmundt

If I were you. I'd drive your LS alot longer. I bought the 460 but have kept my 02 LS430 with 55000 miles on it because it is still so tight and such a joy to drive. Lexus has really changed my feelings about the useful life of a car. In the old days with American and even European cars, keep them until the warranty ends and then dump them before the expensive repairs set in. Lexus cars will go well over 100000 without major problems. If you are worried about warranty issues, you can extend your warranty through Lexus to 7 years and 100000 miles for $2500, but I don't think it is necessary. And as far as AWD, just get a set of 4 Michelin Alpins and you will have all the traction you need. If you out of boredom need a new car, I think the best midsize one out there is the revamped E350 or E550 in AWD with the free sport package. The E350 AWD with sport package can be had for about $53K and the E550 about $10K more.

daryll40

You are probably right...I outta hang onto my LS430 for the long haul. I will say, however, that snow tires are a big time PITA. I had NOKIANs (similar to the Michelins you recommended) for a few years before I got my kid a Honda CR-V that doubles as my winter car. First of all, they are VERY expensive. Second of all, they burn up fast. Third of all, they are much better than the all-season tires, but they are NOTHING like AWD here in the hills of Pittsburgh. Getting up my driveway, without any room to get a "running start" is a big pain, Nokian/Artic Alpines or not. Finally it's such a frigging hassle to drag the tires to have them mounted then drag the old tires back for storage etc. You reach a point where you say "if I am going to drive a 60 grand car, I don't want this hassle".

That Infiniti M35x AWD is looking better and better, although it's a thinly disguised "midsized" car and not a real "alpha-male" top-o-the-linemobile" that the LS is. But as your original post points out, Lexus just moved the bar way upmarket....good for their image, but bad for those of us who were comfortable where the LS430 was positioned.

daryll40

Oh, also, you liked the Mercedes EClass with AWD. Never again. I did the Mercedes thing (had 5 "S" Class cars and 2 190 cars). Constant repairs/maintenance. A headache. I'm staying Asian.

rjm

Amen to that!!! I went throught the "Mercedes Experience". My E-Class spent more time in the repair shop than on the road. Transmission failure at 24,000 miles was the final straw. Never again!!

daryll40

So, GHMUNDT, what did you do? Did you unload your LS460? Did you find a new LS430?

ghmundt

Still holding on to the 460. My wife is warming to it. Givem we can't find anything better, the 460 is probably a keeper.

omarg

Thank god. I love all LS's but the newest is my favorite.

Gojirra99

Good to hear, the LS430 is a very nice car, but I wouldn't have traded a LS460 for a LS430, that's for sure . . .

lexusthai

Amen to this too!!! I also went throught "Mercedes Experience." After buying 3 brand new Mercedes between 1995-2003, the pre-facelift 2003 E-Class, the W211, marked my turning point. The W211 spent a lot of time in the repair shop. List of problems included brake system failure and unsolved-mystery front suspension problems. If you're thinking about one, visit a Benz club website first.. I don't know, maybe Mercedes had already fixed all the W211 problems I mentioned. But after the 211, it was time for me to try Lexus ( after I read the book RELENTLESS PURSUIT, I had to get one ).

Now I have an 02 LS430, and loving it. I just wish I have enough guts to install TEIN coilovers-achieving sporty handling, and replace the comfortable LS430 stock suspension.

But to answer the original question.. maybe there are new 06 LS430 left right now (Dec. 1, 2006)

1. go to autotrader.com
2. Enter your ZIP and choose LEXUS under "FIND YOUR CAR"
3. then on the next page choose NEW LS430 and YEAR RANGE 2006 to 2006

and you'll see if there are any new 06 LS430 near you. If not, change the radius to ANY DISTANCE. If the internet service is accurate, then there are a few brand new ones left.