I'm just starting to look for a newer LS 460 to replace my 2004 LS 430. My thought was to look for a 2015 to 2017 RWD. I know some will advise to go for the AWD for MN. I'm not concerned for better traction. I have had no problems with the two RWD cars I have now and think that the additional cost and complexity on an older car is a consideration. I'm hoping to get some advice as to what to look for and what to look out for. I currently have a 2002 and a 2004 LS 430 and have had them for over a decade. I'm very pleased with the overall driving experience and the reliability. At 24 and 22 years old now they are getting old enough, here in the rust state of MN to start shopping for a replacement. One of the cars was my wife's and I will be selling the 2022 outright, since I don't need two of them. I'm not in a hurry to replace the 2004, since it's not causing me any concerns at this time. I will likely keep it until I have had its replacement for long enough to know that I will keep that. I want to end up with the newest and best choice I can get. My intention was to stay with the V8 and inline drivetrain LS, so 2017 would be the newest. I'm thinking about getting one from a southern state to avoid the road salt damage that can be a concern in MN. Thanks in advance for any advice that will help guide me to an informed decision.

 

If avoiding road salt damage is a concern, and you are willing to shop out of state, you might want to consider the Pacific Northwest too. Out here in western WA and OR, the cars do not rust. I have a 98 LS400 that lived its entire life in the Seattle area, 146,000 miles and the undercarriage is unbelievably good. Like it just left the lot when new.

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but the maintenance costs for the LS460 are likely to be way more than the LS430. Especially brakes and suspension. Do your research.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I will not rule out the PNW. I will avoid the air suspension. I can probably do the brakes myself. The direct injection scares me a bit, but that comes with the territory. I would not tackle that myself, but I hope it doesn't become a problem.

 

What is your budget ?

 

Up to 30 if need be.

 

For around 30 you can probably get a nice one, just look on Auto trader. I have a '15 with 14,000 miles which I don't drive, it is in my heated and AC'd garage in Santa Fe, I'm still debating wether to sell it or not but the price will probably be a lot more than 30.
Anyway, good luck !

 

I had an AWD and then a RWD LS460, the RWD was surprisingly good in the snow, much better than the 04 LS430 or the 98 LS400 we had. If you are happy with the RWD in the 430 the RWD 460 should do fine. The RWD reduces repair costs considerably as many jobs are easier to do on the RWD car.

I would recommend a LWB one. I've had both and much preferred the LWB.

 

Thanks for the input. I want a nice one or I'll settle for an older one that's nice. I would prefer newer, and maybe it will be my last car. The newest are now 9 years old and that's OK. I see that there is a noticeable drop in prices between the 17s and the 15s. Condition is my primary consideration, so if it's a real nice 15 that would work for me as well.

 

I have driven a couple of AWDs and they are the LWB. I'd be OK with a RWD in LWB. I see a few possibilities of the SWB for sale across the country, but the higher mile ones concern me. It's not that I will drive many miles, the opposite is the case. It's the condition that can only be determined by an in-person inspection. I'm OK with flying out and then driving it back home, but I don't want to do that multiple times, if I can avoid it.

 

Yeah my RWD one was the LWB, my AWD one was the SWB. The LWB model gives the car an elegance in how it looks and drives that makes it feel more a peer to the S Class etc. You'll find the SWB car is smaller inside than your LS430s also

 

I was assuming the AWDs were LWB.

 

The 460 has both direct and port injection, so you don't get the carbon buildup that can happen with direct injection. I've never heard of anyone having issues with it on these cars.

 

No, DI in these cars is not an issue

 

Thanks Dave and SW17LS. I like the idea of both port and DI. I understand the port washing the back of the intake valves. This system has the best of both worlds, but it is way more complex since it is essentially 2 systems. My concern was for any possible issues. I relieved to read that does not seem to be a common issue, or it would likely have surfaced here.

 

Yeah I have never seen that as an issue. The engine does have some common issues, valley plate leak is one...cam towers leaking...but nothing associated with the direct injection.