What is best replacement for LS 430

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Dec 20, 2016 | 05:36 PM

#31

tallcaguy

Instructor

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 1,241

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From: CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1WILLY1

I just recently sold my 03 ls430 for an 08 460L and I really wouldn't overlook the 07-12 so quick

You can still find some very low mileage models at a good price, mine has only 37000 miles and feels and drives like its brand new.

Although you wont be finding that soft, plush ride that you have in your 430, that's gone now, and you wont find anything to match it unless you stick with another 430.

You might be surprised to find that you actually like the more firm, sportier ride in the 460, it has so much less body roll, and taking corners and highway ramps at speed is a breeze.

Also the 100 extra horsepower is really noticeable...its a totally different car, and you might enjoy it more then you think

Take a few for a test drive, mine has the air suspension which allows u to adjust from comfort "super soft" setting to the more firm sport setting (my personal favourite)

The interior is nicer in the 13+ models but is it worth an extra $15 or $20k? To me its not, but maybe it is for you

OK I just checked Autotrader. There are several 07-10 ads w/ reasonable mileage in the 18-25 range. I bought my one owner 430 w/ 102k based on the legendary reliability. Sports suspension means a very different car ("Euro firm"). The early 460's had all the problems (control arms, brake ABS, wind noise,etc). Is a 460 going to go the same 200k+ w/ minimal repairs?

Dec 21, 2016 | 02:31 PM

#32

Bocatrip

Lead Lap

Joined: May 2006

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To the OP....As much as I love my LS430 it is an old car. A low mileage 2006 LS430 is still a 10 year old car and most issues on the earlier cars will eventually be issues with any 2006 LS430. Yes, it's a great car, but time has a way of wearing cars down. If I had the $55,000 you have to spend, I personally would consider the new Genesis G80. It's a great car, handsome and now comes with a loaner as it is separating from Hyundai. Once getting away from brand recognition, it's a super car. I'd go there. Remember the LS430 is a Toyota..Just my 2 cents.

Dec 22, 2016 | 10:11 AM

#33

texan_176

Intermediate

iTrader: (5)

Joined: Jul 2007

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From: TX

It's not a reliable car but does everything else well but you will have to trade it in the day the warranty expires. That all said if I were spending $55K I would buy a BMW 650i X- drive grand coupe with the M package option (20 inch wheels, bigger brakes, firmer suspension, etc) and the B&O sound system. This is NOT a car you can DIY things on, nothing is cheap to repair, and I doubt even 5% of those produced will ever reach 200K miles. That said, it is insanely fast, handles like a sports car, and has every toy you could think of. My boss has a 2014 that cost right around that price as a used car with 22K miles on it.

The quality is not there though. It has been back to the dealer for a new passenger seat adjustment motor, driver door window motor, and they had to replace all of the fuel injectors once. Out of warranty I would say this work would have cost easily over $3K.

Dec 22, 2016 | 10:27 AM

#34

Johnhav430

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Sep 2016

Posts: 8,575

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From: PA

BMWs....On the 3 series, I find that there's more DIY than my Maxima. It's insane how many YouTubes there are showing how to do various jobs, and the software is pretty good that makes it easy to communicate with the vehicle. inline 6 is easier imho than a V6 to work on. I've not worked on V8 bimmers, but I would think a BMW shadetree can still work on it. One can absolutely drive a car out of warranty for years and years (mine's been out for 4). My ABS failed and the dealer wants $4,200 for this common failure. I diy'd for under $500 to include new tools/materials/software.

The biggest problem imho, is if you have Camry/Accord (well the 90's) expectations from a car, Germans would tend to disappoint from a reliability standpoint. One has to want the performance aspect. If we can say a LS430 is a sofa on wheels, I don't think a BMW or MB would be comparable. It would be soft among their product line, but not when compared to a Japanese car...my .02

Dec 23, 2016 | 02:42 PM

#35

Bocatrip

Lead Lap

Joined: May 2006

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I had thought for quite some time I would never give up my trusty 01 LS430. However, I can see it happening. As it ages even further, repairs become more frequent and can be quite expensive. This is the very reason I have decided NOT to replace my 01 with any lower mileage 05 ior 06 LS430. I have already been through the common repairs and am not inclined to repeat them with a "slightly newer version" of the same car. Yes it's a wonderful machine if it is maintained regularly which can be often over the years. As I mentioned above, I might consider a used Genesis, or even. a used RX350 which I know has a proven track record. I'm not going the LS460 as a 2013+ LS460 is more than I want to spend at this time and I am not in love with it's looks. Too similar to the ES and GS.