LS400 ('98-00) vs LS430 Body Style Comparison
04-04-13, 06:44 AM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
LS400 ('98-00) vs LS430 Body Style Comparison
Which is your favorite body style between the late model LS400 and LS430??? I've searched both threads and can't find anyone comparing the two directly. If I've overlooked one, please send me a link!
I've always love the '99 body!! A few years ago, I did not like the 430's body, now I love it too!
Currently, I don't like the 460/600 body style... I wonder if my mind will change on that like it did on the 430? 
430 or 400?
View from the front:
------------------------
2006 LS430
1999 LS400
I've always love the '99 body!! A few years ago, I did not like the 430's body, now I love it too!
Currently, I don't like the 460/600 body style... I wonder if my mind will change on that like it did on the 430? 430 or 400?
View from the front:
------------------------
2006 LS430
1999 LS400
Last edited by rickslexLS; 04-07-13 at 10:50 PM.
04-04-13, 07:33 AM
#2
i think the 04-06 430 is def better looking, the 01-03 i'm on the fence about the looks. I def like the 98-00 body very much. Its funny i actually want one. Everytime i show a picture of one to my wife that is done right she like no way i'm driving that. Either way i like it. I do like the 460 alot too but i doubt id want the upkeep of the 460. Front suspension arms can cost over 2k in parts alone. Plus the car is very complex as far as modules under all the plastic under the hood. The 1uz/3uz is so simple to work on for me that i'll just stick to those for now.
04-04-13, 11:38 AM
#6
I prefer the LS400 over the 01-03 LS430. The 98-00 LS400 looked way better and 01-03's are so ugly to me. I'd take an 01 ES300 over an 01 LS430 to be honest.
The 04-06 was a massive improvement. I prefer it over the LS400 and LS460 to be honest. I honestly didn't even like the LS430 until I saw a few modded 04+'s in Texas. After seeing Waijai and Gato's cars I had to have an 04 LS.
The 04-06 was a massive improvement. I prefer it over the LS400 and LS460 to be honest. I honestly didn't even like the LS430 until I saw a few modded 04+'s in Texas. After seeing Waijai and Gato's cars I had to have an 04 LS.
04-04-13, 01:48 PM
#7
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Wow! Okay.. I guess don't feel quite so bad about getting rid of my '99.. BUT 
It will probably be sold by next week.. I'm gonna miss her so much
It will probably be sold by next week.. I'm gonna miss her so much
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04-04-13, 05:45 PM
#8
its funny i have an 2002 and its a great car, owned a 98 ls400
both are good looking cars, the 17 inch wheel option makes the 01 02 a better looking car,
food for thought nobody talks about the main difference in the two series of cars is the amenity differnence
the seats, the ergonomic design the instruments, the intermittent wiper system is all far supierior in 2001- forward,
the other note the 98-2000 ride softer the next gen is a firmer suspension
both are good looking cars, the 17 inch wheel option makes the 01 02 a better looking car,
food for thought nobody talks about the main difference in the two series of cars is the amenity differnence
the seats, the ergonomic design the instruments, the intermittent wiper system is all far supierior in 2001- forward,
the other note the 98-2000 ride softer the next gen is a firmer suspension
04-06-13, 12:05 AM
#9
I recently own a 99 ls and currently own a ls 430 ,and in my opinion I love the classic look of the 400. It's because the roof line is lower and has a sharper look to it when its lower with some nice wheel. My ls430 just has a more refine look of luxury . If I was going to modified it , I would love to keep my 400 but being more settle now I just need a nice set of wheels and I'm done .
04-06-13, 02:58 PM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
To me the 98-00 LS is such a classic car, I still check them out when I see one on the road. The 04-06 LS is a great looking car too, the 01-03 doesn't do anything for me.
04-06-13, 05:41 PM
#11
The 2-LS is a nice style, clean straight lines that have some roundness at the edges. The 3-LS got plumper in styling and I agree that the 04+ was the nicer of that body.
The rear one piece windows on the 400's are a clean look. I find it amusing that the 95-97 had the angular headlights and the 98-00 got the rounded touch. The '01-03 had the rounded headlights and the '04-06 went sharp and angular. That flip-slop in design.
The 430 body didn't appeal at the time and when the 460 came out I said, "that will be the next". Looking at the 430 now, I would pick it over the 460 but both have a different unique appeal.
The rear one piece windows on the 400's are a clean look. I find it amusing that the 95-97 had the angular headlights and the 98-00 got the rounded touch. The '01-03 had the rounded headlights and the '04-06 went sharp and angular. That flip-slop in design.
The 430 body didn't appeal at the time and when the 460 came out I said, "that will be the next". Looking at the 430 now, I would pick it over the 460 but both have a different unique appeal.
04-07-13, 10:41 PM
#12
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
-----------------------------
LS430 2006
LS400 1999
04-07-13, 10:42 PM
#13
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Yep
04-08-13, 07:00 AM
#14
Lexus Fanatic
I assume your '06 has the 18" wheels? Thats really the difference. My Dad had a 98 and an 04, the 04 was a UL with 17s and the rides were very similar. I drove a ton of LS430s when I was looking at a CPO one some years back and the 18s have a big impact on the ride.
04-08-13, 12:30 PM
#15
The 18" are harsh. If you did 16", the 430 would probably ride like the 1st gen 400.