I am looking at a 2007 LS460 around 35K (maybe a bit more). I have owned a GS300 for past 8 years; have been very satisfied with dependability. I have had to change oxy sensors and ac fan motor and that is it. Having seem posts about cost of oil change, etc., just concerned about other costs. What is your experience? Is there a lot of maintenance involved with 460's?

 

I have an '07 since brand new, and no costs but regular oil changes. I always do them at the dealership, around $150 - yes, it's more but I won't take my car to a grease monkey of jiffy lube. So far absolutely no issues whatsoever. My car has 28K miles.

 

45K miles, nothing other than an oil change with filter every 3 months and an air filters change every 6 months. The car drives and feels pretty much the same as it did day one.

 

Skip the '07 and get an '08 or '09. When they say "never buy a car the first year it comes out", they were talking about the '07 LS 460. I've had over 10 TSIBs performed on my car so far, and now that I'm out of the factory warranty I'm having to worry if the CPO guys are going to cover them (they already fought me on one of them). None of this is causing problems with the engine or transmission mind you, but it's just a bunch of little things that will drive you nuts.

Get an '08 or '09, they worked a bit of the bugs out by then.

 

If you have maintenance done by the dealer you will definitely pay through the nose. Many members here have a Toyota dealer do their maintenance at a fraction of the cost. If you know a good independent mechanic, you can save even more. Also, there is an excellent DIY guide (with pics) here for oil changes, just do a search.

I wouldn't hesitate to get any model year LS, they're bullet proof. My '07 has been flawless (including wind noise). Just make sure any model you buy has had any recall work done or is still under warranty so that you can get it done free of charge.

 

Just follow your maint schedule just like any other car and you'll be fine. If you can find a great mechanic that will do it cheaper than the dealer then even better! I have an 07 with 42K no issues.

 

Thanks for the replies. Feel better.

 

if you want to feel a lot better, go to a benz or bmw dealer and ask them about their maintenance or repair pricings

 

indeed. alternatively, swing by an audi dealer and ask them about their loaner program -- i take my old man's A8 in for service every so often and i always end up with a base model honda civic and a bill for $2500

 

I drove an A8 for a few years and it was one of the most unreliable cars I have ever had. Nice car but I stay away from all Audis now. Not worth the aggravation.

 

yep. i can't believe the service writer told me the front upper control arm bushings fail on every v8 and above equipped audi right around 50k miles hahahaha

 

I dont feel that maintenance costs are much higher than my GS350