Looking for a 4th gen, looking for advice on what years to target, esp from a reliability and features perspective. Used to own an LS400 many years ago, have owned other cars since then, how do these compare to the older LSs? Thanks.

 

I think the best advice is to get the newest and lowest mileage car in the best condition you can find, even though I worked for a Toyota dealer most of my adult life I prefer a car with limited trips to the dealer or indie shop which is what you should see on a low mileage carafax report.
Any 460 has the potential to cost you an arm and a leg if you are reliant on repair shops for repairs, the 400's/430's were simpler cars and cost a little less to maintain. I would avoid any car with any visible rust on any panel because that car is done imo.

 

@Gerf slightly off topic, end of year I'm doing an underbody inspection at my dealer and will be inspecting myself as well. You mention rust. What does one need to look out for on a LS 460 / LS 600h? For example I know top of the mufflers are prone where water can sit if you drive short distances. Thanks.

 

Newest, lowest miles you can get is best. At this point even a 2017 will start needing time based maintenance and make sure any car you pick had has brake fluid services every two years max.

 

Edges of the front doors, rear wheel arches, subframes, panel edges, above the mufflers. Generally they don't rust but those are the areas it will start

 

I've had cars that became rusty but I would never buy one that showed any rust on the body or mismatched paint. The undercarriage depends on what you're comfortable with but if the pinch welds are all bent and rusty that's a hard no for me.

 

I had to fix the area above mufflers, also under driver's seat.