The issues with these cars is what I was concerned about in my original post. I guess I wasn't clearly communicating. The valley plate and cam tower leaks are something I was not aware of, since I don't currently own a 460. What are we looking at here? Is it an expensive fix? Is it clearly visible under the hood or under the car. Are we talking about an oil leak that would be something that might end up dripping on the exhaust and being something that would cause a burnt oil smell or worse?
What other concerns are there. That is the kind of thing I would consider to be important to me as a potential buyer.

 

Spend some time looking through the forum, all the info is here. Bottom line is its an expensive complex car, and there are common expensive issues as they age. Valley Plate leak is about $3,500, cam towers are probably $2,000, brake actuator is about $3,000...air suspension is expensive if equipped. Control arms are $1,500-$3000 (more expensive on AWD cars) Note that its not a guarantee you'll have those issues but they are not unusual

 

Thanks for the reply. I need to do some more homework. I was hoping to get pointed in the right direction. I'll start with the issues mentioned above.

 

Tons of info here! Don't be concerned about it but just be prepared the thing might cost you $5k at the drop of a hat...thats par for the course with this caliber of car.

 

I'm used to the LS430s. They seemed less expensive and less high tech. I'm reconsidering my options.

 

The LS430 is a much simpler car. The LS460 is more like a Lexus Mercedes...its a better car but that comes at a complexity cost.

 

I have not owned a LS460 (currently own mint LS400 and LS430s) but considered buying one about 8 years ago and decided against it for the cost/complexity/reliability issues. There are other issues that the UR series engine seems to have that the UZ series does not, including reports of excessive oil consumption/stuck rings and even head gasket issues. Timely maintenance seems to be much more important on the LS460 than the LS430. Car Care Nut has some videos on repairs he does on the LS460s in his shop which I have viewed, might be worth looking into for his opinions. If I was to reconsider an LS460 today (and I still toy with the idea) I would also be looking at the '15-17 models but with as low miles as possible and with really solid maintenance history, and most importantly a pre-purchase inspection, no air suspension, and RWD only.

 

Tom and SW17LS, thanks for the posts. I am old enough to be leery of high tech and upscale. My fondness for the LS comes from the ownership of 2, 430s for over a decade. I guess I should have recognized that was a fortunate choice for me. I shouldn't have assumed those traits would be present to a similar degree in the newer 460s. I think I may just try to keep the 2, 430s I have and see how long I can live with them before rust becomes a serious problem. There is some on both undercarriages and I have replaced some exhaust on both. They both have had the timing belts replaced. The older one is on its 3rd, with 208,000 miles. They both look good overall. I think I could get a few more years out of them, maybe more. Time will tell and I should allow the wisdom of the ages help guide me, while avoiding being "Hasty" as "Treebeard" was famously quoted.

 

I have a 12 AWD L with all options except executive seating including air shocks and ACC with self parking, about 100k new.
297k miles, bought at 230k miles. Still have original rear shocks with fronts having more than 200k miles
Have only done basic maintenance, treating like a Corolla.
The suspension bushings are shot and dampers gone on rear shocks is still holding air and tracking well with even tire wear.
So basically I'm driving a 100k car for the price of Corolla that still drives better than a Corolla even with above deffered maintenance. No complaints!

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One issue they have is a tendency to break connector housings when doing valley plate reseals. That requires pulling the rail to replace broken parts and seals.

the teflon seals can wear out. I've seen two sets (155k and 175k miles) where the #1 bottom seals were brittle and/or cracked

 

Thanks, @napamikey !. I fancy myself a future owner of a 2011/12 L version and this is greatly encouraging.

 

I wouldn't let this scare you away, just keep a fund for repairs. If you want an LS460 they aren't getting any younger, and you wont have anything less complex to replace the LS430 that is of similar caliber. The LS500 is even more complex and is not a similar car, and then you could go German which are more expensive.

 

napamikey, Thanks for the reply. I prefer the pre-facelift models. I will kepp your post in mind as I consider my options.

 

SW17LS. Thanks for the reply. I will not be considering a V6, so the 500 is out. I'm going to step back a bit and try to avoid being "Hasty". Thanks for the encouragement and advice. I appreciate your experience.

 

93MSB. Thanks for the insight on the connector housings when doing the plate seals. It's good to know anything that might be of value in the future.