Hi there! I am currently in the market for a car. Last year, I bought my first Lexus, a 2002 LS430 with 111k miles that I got for right at $11k. I unfortunately had to sell the car after about six months and I have missed it ever since, totally ruined me

So I am looking again. I am looking at 430s but have found a few 400s that are nice and pretty cheap. I am looking at an 01 UL LS430 with 150k miles for $11k. I am also looking at a 2000 LS400 with about 135k miles for $7500. Will I be disappointed going from a 430 to a 400? My dream Lexus is an 04 LS430 with Modern Luxury, bu I just can't afford one right now. Thoughts?

 

Yes, even though the 400's are great cars, you'll be disappointed if you downgrade. I started looking at LS400's and ended up with an LS430. Buy an old Toyota and save up for your dream Lexus.

 

Depends what your preferences are. There are still some nice 400's to be found as are 430's. Lately with 400's they are 3-4'th owner cars and maintenance issues become a larger concern. There is a lot to like about the 430 and odds are better since they are newer. The improved safety standards that go with a newer model as well. Have read through both the 400 and 430 sections to get a feel for what owners are having to repair. Both of these are excellent cars.

What I like about the 430 in no particular order:
Updated safety standards.
More trunk space.
More rear passenger space.
Powerful engine.
Interior trim is more elaborate.
Sound dampening/quieter.
Excellent HID beam output.

I would suggest a 430 first. I'd looked at '04+ 430's and for a variety of reasons decided to continue on with the 400. The 460 we liked but less so than the 430.

 

Thank you that's helpful. It's just the 430 I am looking at is a year newer and 3k bucks more. I agree it's a better car overall, just seems pricey!

 

Why did you have to sell the 430 in the first place?
Ask yourself if you are possibly repeating the same pattern ....
& I agree if it seems pricey, you are going to and up forcing yourself into the car you are not going to be able to afford in maintenance
GL

 

I have both an 05 LS430 UL and a 00 LS400 Platinum Series and the 430 is so much more refined than the 400 that I can't imagine someone not being disappointed moving from the 430 to the 400...strictly from a car point of view.

From an affordability point of view I think I'd rather have a 400 that I could afford over a 430 that I couldn't afford.

Hope the decision works out well for you.

 

If you spend more, you usually ( but not always ) get more. No one can tell you it's worth it to pay more or that you'll regret it if you don't.

The 430 is a nicer car, of course. No question about it.

However, if the $ 3,000 more the 430 will cost seems pricey to you, it probably is.

 

I've had two of each and while the 400 was a great car, the 430 is definitely a step up, especially w/ all the extras avail. Once you've had a touch of the feature rich 430, the 400 would be a disappointment.

Good luck in your decision, whichever road you take -

 

Buy what you can afford, not what you can't. Excess is what got our economy in trouble. The LS430 is Kate beckinsale in Underworld while the previous 400 is Kate beckinsale in click. Still Kate, just not as sexy or kick a ...

 

I would stick with the LS430. New body style and you had a 02 before so you know how sweet it is.

 

If I were in your shoes I would wait till you can afford your dream car 04 LS 430. The car is amazing and you will be glad you waited.