Both are becoming fewer in very nice conditions. Both are representative of the top build qualities Toyota/Lexus was doing in the 2-LS and 3-LS. There are discussions about the 4-LS but that is another subject. I like older cars and when I see them on the roads I think that not only was the car well built-designed but there is an owner that knows how to maintain them. OTOH I wouldn't mind an '05 430 either and while the miles isn't as low as your '98, it is still pretty good. Tough spot because both are quite fulfilling to drive in their own ways. If you have that deep urge and the money to spend then that is a tough call. OTOH by not spending there is $10K to put towards other areas that may be more important: house mods, vacation, etc.

 

Thanks to everyone who contributed to my dilemma. I will wait to see what Sunday would bring.
If my LS400 can regain its smoothness after fitting the genuine engine mounts then I would have a very difficult decision to make. I need someone who can fit the Pioneer AVIC 8100 NEX double din unit in an LS430 (either a 2004, 2005, or 2006).
Watch this space guys and gals.

 

I made this decision back in March. I bought the 05 with 121k on the clock and never regretted it. I kept my 400 since I have a deep emotional attachment to it. IMO the 430 is better than the my 1998 LS 400 in almost every way except looks. I think a clean 98-00 just looks better than a 430. Once I got the 430 I was completely sold on the car and would still have one if I could have found another ultra after it got wrecked. For years I would not even consider the 430 since my 400 road so well and I did not want to spend money that I did not need to spend. Once my 05 got totaled and I was driving the 400 again It really hit me how old the car was and I really did not want to daily drive it anymore. Fast forward and now I'm have a 460 and it's leaps and bounds above both my 400 and 430. I say upgrade and you wont regret it. I'm keeping the 400 for now though in case anything happens to either of my other cars and I need an emergency vehicle. I would have been in a bind after the 430 was totaled since it took me 3 months to find another vehicle.

 

If you can afford it and have the extra funds... have both. I do and it works for me. Love each one for their own pluses and minuses.
A decision only you can make with insight into your finances and driving needs. As with Sha4000 I like to have back up choices and not have to rely on other for transportation. So I have a few backups to choose from.
Everyone needs to make the decision that is best for their situation.

 

Are you trully content to replace to 430 with the 460 with all it's issues? Please be honest. Lexus people know about the LS460 short comings. I wont' go there because I'm not enthusiastic about the looks of any LS460. Regardless. All of our cars are aging.. How much longer can I keep my LS430? Thanks for all the feedback..

 

I'm definitely content with the 460 at this present moment. I owned my 400 long enough to appreciate a finely tuned and built car. I've done ALL the big jobs on that engine and it NEVER let me down. I really liked the 430 but it just was not meant to be and like I said if I could have found another ultra in my preferred color I would still be driving one now. I don't get on bandwagon period. Long term reliability may be an issue one day but I saw 460s with over 300k while I was shopping though. I didn't move on from the 400 because I liked the 430 or 460, I moved on because I wanted more tech and safety features. I don't regret my decision in the least. If something breaks ill fix it and move on.

 

And, that's the difference between an enthusiast and an owner.

 

My decision: I am keeping my LS400 unless someone loves it more than I do and wish to offer me $7,000 for it.

 

Keeping the LS400, and buying an LS430, or LS400 only?

 

FWIW, I think the 400s are better looking cars than the 430s...

 

I agree, especially the 98-00.

 

Does an "owner" just have one LS? Is it the "enthusiast" that has multiple LS's?

 

Umm, I would answer that with a resounding YES!

 

Yes on the enthusiast meaning more than one LS and willing to fix it if it breaks.
A cars will break at some point and for sure will need maintenance and upkeep.
I'm happy putting time/money in to my LS as I just really appreciate the ride and enjoy the look of it. (The 400 I'm talking about)

 

What color is your LS400 - I might be interested.