LS 430 the best car ever made
10-25-10, 04:22 PM
#16
Recovering Lexus Addict
10-25-10, 05:20 PM
#17
Moderator
I think the build quality, features and reliability on the 01-06 LS430 is likely the best ever made. We will certainly see more features and complexity in newer luxury cars but at a cost of diminished reliability. On long road trips (we were in Santa Fe last weekend) I can't imagine wanting to drive any other (under $100k) car .
10-25-10, 05:40 PM
#18
I have a 96 LS400 and a 2005 LS430 custom luxury. The 96 has 150k miles on it and the 2005 has 37k miles on it. I like the 430 bettter with all the gadgets but i really like the stance and feel of the 400 better. The 430 has a much better transmission and available power. The one thing that really sets the 430 apart is the laser cruise. The 400 also has a more individual appearance. The 430 looks more like other cars than the 400 did in it's day.
I have had no major maintenance on either car. Just scheduled maintenance, tires, batteries, and wiper refills plus brakes, main drive belt, and a rear brake light for the 400.
A used LS in good condition is a tremendous deal. It will last forever and have low maintenace costs. I shake my head at people who buy new cars and get much, much less car for their money. My 430 had 8200 miles on it and I got it for over $30 less than the sticker and I was paying top dollar at that price.
I don't like the LS460 styling or dimensions.
I don't think they'll bring back a slightly updated LS400 with 430 gadgets and power. And let me use the nav while moving. That would be a car.
I have had no major maintenance on either car. Just scheduled maintenance, tires, batteries, and wiper refills plus brakes, main drive belt, and a rear brake light for the 400.
A used LS in good condition is a tremendous deal. It will last forever and have low maintenace costs. I shake my head at people who buy new cars and get much, much less car for their money. My 430 had 8200 miles on it and I got it for over $30 less than the sticker and I was paying top dollar at that price.
I don't like the LS460 styling or dimensions.
I don't think they'll bring back a slightly updated LS400 with 430 gadgets and power. And let me use the nav while moving. That would be a car.
10-25-10, 08:48 PM
#19
Lexus Test Driver
@lexuslspro: with you there on merc build quality. It really is an ongoing joke sadly. They make good cars...when they work.
@OP: this is the first time I have heard anyone complain their car has rwd. I love having a proper front engine rear drive car, though truthfully in daily driving you really won't see a difference in fwd vs rwd vs awd. Only when you really push it or drive in snow can you really tell. I absolutely love rwd in the winter, turn off trac control and she comes alive
@OP: this is the first time I have heard anyone complain their car has rwd. I love having a proper front engine rear drive car, though truthfully in daily driving you really won't see a difference in fwd vs rwd vs awd. Only when you really push it or drive in snow can you really tell. I absolutely love rwd in the winter, turn off trac control and she comes alive
10-25-10, 09:04 PM
#20
Pole Position
I've owned two of each (LS400 & LS430) and they've been the best cars I've driven over the last 40+ years. It's just personal but as good a cars as my LS400's were, they just can't compete w/ the 430's for overall comfort and convenience, especially w/ the myriad electronics. Admittedly, reliability swings towards the 400 side (again, due to the electronics or relative lack thereof in the 400) even tho they're both top tier in reliability compared to any other brand.
Perhaps going from a 430 back to a 400 might be a better test of preferance. Imo, one has to really work hard to find anything wrong w/ the LS430.
Perhaps going from a 430 back to a 400 might be a better test of preferance. Imo, one has to really work hard to find anything wrong w/ the LS430.
10-25-10, 09:18 PM
#21
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The 430 ultra has so many drivin options as far as suspension but honestly the car drives like a superstar on normal and i figure dont mess wit the buttons and I ll be extra cautious wit my baby lol just my lil theory ! Un til a few months ago i realized i can shut off the nav screen after five yrs i ran into that lol . Im just happy camper when im not drivin the 430 still open the garage door to peak at her ! lol
10-26-10, 06:46 AM
#22
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I have to agree...my '06 LS430 UL is an amazing car to drive far superior to anything else I've owned.
I had a Mercedes and yeah, it was a blast to drive but after the alternator fried multiple electronic components in it totaling over $15,000 in parts and labor it became a joke to see the tow truck pulling it out of my garage.
Don't laugh, but the only car - other than another Lexus - that had the reliability, comfort and fun driving spirit of the LS was a 1998 Olds Aurora. It cranked - to slightly shy of 200,000 miles. Only downside was the FWD. Boring! Ooh should mention, like my LS the Aurora had the dreaded air suspension. Knock on wood it never gave me the slightest hiccup.
After 4 years I still LOVE starting it; the subtle sound when you kick it off the line at a light and smoke one of those turbo Mitsu..whatevers that sound fast but all you see is their front end getting smaller in the rear view. Makes me laugh.
I had a Mercedes and yeah, it was a blast to drive but after the alternator fried multiple electronic components in it totaling over $15,000 in parts and labor it became a joke to see the tow truck pulling it out of my garage.
Don't laugh, but the only car - other than another Lexus - that had the reliability, comfort and fun driving spirit of the LS was a 1998 Olds Aurora. It cranked - to slightly shy of 200,000 miles. Only downside was the FWD. Boring! Ooh should mention, like my LS the Aurora had the dreaded air suspension. Knock on wood it never gave me the slightest hiccup.
After 4 years I still LOVE starting it; the subtle sound when you kick it off the line at a light and smoke one of those turbo Mitsu..whatevers that sound fast but all you see is their front end getting smaller in the rear view. Makes me laugh.
08-05-11, 01:27 PM
#24
Lexus Test Driver
08-05-11, 04:39 PM
#26
i drove from georga to baltimore 2 weeks ago and returned a week ago and it was the best ride i have been in sence my 98 gs 430 i sold in 04.when i reach my destination and the nav says it is shouting down, i say thankyou for flying lexus airlines.
08-05-11, 06:17 PM
#27
Lexus Test Driver
08-05-11, 11:41 PM
#30
If you where to take out the reliability/maintanence factor I would take an A8 in a heartbeat over my 04 LS. I drove an 05 and was smiling ear to ear when I stepped out of the car. The LS sure is reliable and consistent though. I have heard people relate to it as boring, while I find it not so boring compared to the A8 it is. Never drove a comparable Benz, or Jaguar did dive a M45 which was not real high on my list.