If you had to replace your LS430 with something else and...
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 914
Likes: 70
From: CA
The Avalon is the closest I think. Prior to the most recent body style change when they shrank the rear headroom and messed it up. Cheap cheap too.
Otherwise for high cache the S Class all the way. 2010+
Otherwise for high cache the S Class all the way. 2010+
Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 115
Likes: 5
From: TX
I am actually thinking about replacing my LS430 with an SC430. Same motor and tranny with big weight savings should=big fun. Plus, I think it would look great parked next to my Del Sol and since I love my 99 LS so much more than my LS430 it just makes sense.
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 178
Likes: 118
From: Ontario
Sorry... nothing out there that I'm looking for... when I can get a $65k car for around $14k or so with less than 100k miles, that's been serviced and maintained the way most of these owners take care of their cars, and has such quality and reliability built into it from the beginning...not mention a tremendously supportive forum like this one... can't replace it in my mind....
But... would love to have a little sport S2000 for those fun trips... but can't replace the 430...
But... would love to have a little sport S2000 for those fun trips... but can't replace the 430...
After all these years I’m still sticking with a late 2000’s Toyota Crown Athlete would be ideal car. As far as cars I can actually obtain in the United States, it would probably a Mercedes W140 S600/600SEL or second generation GS300 with an Aristo 2JZ-GTE swap.
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 41
Likes: 3
From: Georgia
The "LS430 experience" is a fairly unique one in which the luxury aspect extends out to the driver, rather than simply the rear passenger. Match that with it's reliability and cost of ownership, the closest you can get to that is maybe a I6 W126 Merc, and even still it will lack the features and Toyota reliability.
If I couldn't have my LS430, my first go-to would probably be a SC300, IS300, or GS300; in that order. Engine could be an one the available offered honestly. The 2JZ, 1UZ, and 3UZ are all incredible engines for what are.
If I couldn't have my LS430, my first go-to would probably be a SC300, IS300, or GS300; in that order. Engine could be an one the available offered honestly. The 2JZ, 1UZ, and 3UZ are all incredible engines for what are.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,085
Likes: 401
From: Nor CA
Even after 6 years on this thread the list of cars to consider to replace an LS430 is very short..... I have no intent to replace my 19+ Year old LS 430 and will be sad when or if I have to...
The 460 is nice but I prefer the 430.
The 460 is nice but I prefer the 430.
