FutureOwnr

I'm looking for some great feedback on this!

I am looking into buying a LS400 or LS430 but I've read mixed reviews on edmunds... What are some of your perspectives? I really enjoy the solid ride and how smooth the vehicle is on the LS400, howevevr, as an enthusiast, I would have to immediately change the deck to an ALPINE double din and the speakers. I wouldn't necessaryily have to do it on the LS430 with nav and Levinson.

However, some ppl swear on the LS400 as being the most reliable low maintenance luxury cruiser around. The only thing I would do to the LS430 is add a GROM to use my iPod and stream bluetooth audio from my iphone.

Thoughts?

SN: Have any of you painted your LS430? Is it frowned upon? I have a crazy deal for a silver LS430, but I want it in BLACK to match the interior...Don't want anything messed up!

Lastly, has anyone had SUCCESS with installing a remote start unit without messing up any factory setting on the keyless entry/Start. I heard that it's a pain in the butt!

BMW7_LS430

By the Silver with crazy deal and sell it for a profit and then buy a black on black for yourself.
I could never understand repainting the years old car. Poor paint job will suck and good one will cost you an arm and a leg.

Stu

My advise is to buy the LS - 400 or 430 that you really want. Drive them both, if you're an enthusiast you will have no trouble deciding on what you would prefer. If the stereo system is a concern , don't worry, you can always improve ANY factory sound system if you are willing to spend the money.

The LS430 is newer and will cost more to buy, as I am sure you know. It could be pretty hard to find an LS400 that's not high miles and well used. Even if it's been well maintained, you can expect a higher yearly cost or ownership on an older LS400. They are great cars and very reliable, but they are all old now.

Paint it if you'd like. A good quality paint job on a big LS will set you back $ 2,500 to $ 3,000 or more if there is any body work and if you are changing the color. Upgrade whatever features you want to improve. It will be costly to do it right, but of course it can be done.

05Mdriver

I would not repaint a car.. there are so many to choose from, think of resale value

fensterlip

Repaint too expensive. Find what you want and then buy it or learn to live with what you find.
Black is the very worst color to repaint with since it shows everything. Something that would easily pass in silver would never make it in black.
A car has to be worth North of $20,000 to even think about a paint job - a good one costing at least $5000

Legender

Buy what you want... don't chance a paint job... all used cars will have issues... just some less and easier to address than others.... many of us own these cars as they are the absolute best value for the money and give you the best ride and reliability... and we're spoiled...

ls430lover

some thoughts i owned both, ls400 great ride, lower ride height, ergonomic design getting dated with interior meaning seat comfort and arm rest. suspension issues if over 10 years old and not replaced, ball joints strut bushings etc. pings on lower octane easily compared to ls430.

ls430 stiffer ride, better handling, better interior comfort especially with front driver seat able to adjust bottom seat cushion, maybe 1mpg less than my ls400 when driving relaxed and slow for gas mileage, able to use regular unleaded better for cost savings

overall look for an 01 02 ls430 for about 10 -12 k with moderate mileage you will love the car keep in mind either vehicle only going to get 19 mpg combined, an important consideration for purchase with gas prices

also both cars were quick but my 98 ls400 when kicking it down for fun or passing was louder and a drop quicker probably because of weight of the vehicle was a 100 or 200 lbs less
safe driving

ls430lover

and regarding paint,
the lexus paint jobs from the factory are amazing, they use a hand polish at end of painting in the tahara factory that was automated in the ls430 but still provides amazing luster, sacrafice on buying one with paint issues find a color that you enjoy and buy a stock paint job, then have the car clayed, then buy a pinnacle souveragn kit and use the was and crystal mist, you will enjoy your exterior beyond wild imaigination.. lastly restore the headlights the car has beautiful lenses and most ls430 look good but when there restrored to new the car looks 5 years younger and is amazing, if i can figure out how to post pictures on this site i will still after a year and posting 100 great threads and comments they have not taken me out of garage

Gene01

You should be able to post pictures. Try this -
Under "Quick Reply", click on "Go Advanced".
Then, click "Manage Attachments" and "upload" your picture.
That seems to work well for me, at least.

AyrtonS

Sounds like a great idea but how do you restore the headlights? Sorry but have never heard of this before. What kind of shop does this type of work? Any advice would be appreciated.

Legender

Pretty simple task to tackle yourself... just takes a little bit of time, money and muscle.... check this linky for further info...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...storation.html