Hello guys, I currently own a 2008 IS250 AWD with 29k miles and I'm possibly gonna upgrade to a 2008-2010 LS460 when I get my settlement in between later this year and the coming year.

I know the LS changed a bit and added some features for the 2010 model, though the pricetag on them are still high even when used. I found tons of them for 30-40k for a 2008-2009 models....both the 2007-2009 trim and 2010+ trim for the exterior are beautiful.....moreso just that Sport Grill.

Question is should I wait til I get a 2010 to get in my budget or go with the 2009?

I mean by saving nearly 10k (the year comparison) means living without the "smiley" front fascia and the lane keep assist.....would it be worth it.....none the less I'll be a 25yr old driving a LS460...and that's something to be spoken for.

What I care for most is the sound package, navigation package, that sporty grill (I hope the 2010+ sport grill will fit the prior years), and possibly comfort package.....

Thanx to all that reply and hope to become a part of your boards in the future!

 

The major difference is the looks. I thought about buying a new 2012 LS Sport but I really like the way my 07 looks. The 2010 sport grill will not fit prior years. I had my grill painted black to make it look more sporty.

 

it is all about preference some will like a newer ls because hey! its newer but personally without money being involved i like the 07-09, but the front bumper on the 2010 looks better.

 

Usually i always like the refreshed LS's when they came out but for some reason the refresh on the 460 is a step backwards imo. Looks toyota-ish now. Especially the hybrid. That said, the extra goodies they put into the 2010+ is something to consider. Tough choice but me personally i would go with a super clean low mileage 09 if you can find one.

 

Exactly what I was thinking...Cause the front of the 07-09 LS has a bit of the front fascia look of the Infiniti's and Acuras (the gaping angular holes near the fogs) vs the SMILEY look of the new ones.....****, that's the only reason I like Mercedes is that agressive FROWNY mouth it has....I don't want a Mazda-3 looking mouth :P

If any yall know an aftermarket front grill that is a black or color match let me know!

I ABSOLUTELY HATE chrome......especially at the front....cause it never stays clean.

As long as the 07-09 has the same comfort...19 speaker system, Nav, and Park Assist then I'm fine not getting a 2010+

I mean for 10k to bump my 08 IS250 to a moderatly to fully loaded LS is quite something to be proud of.....

 

My preference is a Black, Gunmetal Grey, or the Silver

 

The 2010 and newer give you the newer Gen Nav with blue tooth streaming audio, different rear chrome on trunk and rear lights are slightly different, and also turn Signals in the side view mirrors. If you like the sport grill i highly reccomend driving a Sport because it is a total different driving experience than the non sport Ls. It has the same rev matching trans as the ISF with paddle shifter , also the adjustable air suspension make a big diffenence in ride.

 

If you go 07-09 try to find one-owner cars. Those are in pretty good shape most of the times. Well, that applies to all years of course. Usually if the owner took good care of it, the records at the dealership will show all visits and all services performed. This is a big plus IMHO, even if you pay a little more than other ads that offer end-of-lease units.

 

Can someone explain Bluetooth streaming audio .what does it do that the Bluetooth on my 09 doesn't?

 

It's really no different in principle than what you have. What it offers, though, is dedicated streaming through the AUX channel of your sound system. It's like an ongoing phone call, but with music playing and no need to dial - if you have an iPhone or a bluetooth-equipped iPod, you can play music wirelessly.

My LX has this and a USB port (as does the 2010 LS - 2010 was the first year Lexus used USB ports), and we don't even need the USB port because of the streaming capability.

It is a very neat feature. Originally (back in 2010), you had to do all your scrolling on the iPhone/iPod. Now, after a few software updates, you can go up or down songs using the car's controls, and can even see song information on your NAV screen - all via bluetooth!

Incidentally, this is also the reason Lexus eliminated the ability to rip CDs onto the hard drives of both the LS and LX (and maybe other models) beginning with the 2010MY.

 

I recently purchased a CPO, LS 460 and I asked myself some of the same questions you have, and a few others. I too, am on the younger side of the LS 460 demographic so the appearance and feature content was important to me as a compromise for the softer ride, and less capable handling. I looked at '08-'10 models and in the end, I found an 2010, Starfire Pearl, fresh off of a 1yr 8month lease with new tires and brakes. I was able to get it for 4K more than an '08 with similar miles and for me, it made sense. I think the refresh did a lot to make the car more visually interesting, from the front fascia, to the tail lights, to the wheels. Additionally, the updated navigation, streaming Bluetooth, USB connection, and ECO mode were HUGE plusses for me. Mine also has the 19" wheels which pretty much sealed the deal. Financially, visually and from a content perspective, the 2010 became a no brainer (for me at least) over an '08 or an '09.

That said, I did get a really good deal..... So, as with everything else, it all depends on you.

Good Luck.

 

Indeed it does, plus the 07-09 have their recalls whereas I believe the 2010 has nearly none. Plus I really do like that Front Sport Grill but I can totally live without the sport package interior

 

On my 2011 all I seem to be able to do via bluetooth to my iPhone is pause and un-pause songs. I can't go up or down via the car controls via bluetooth (but I can via USB). Via bluetooth I do see the artist and song as simple text.

What "software updates" are you referring to; on the car or on your iPod/iPhone? If on the car, did you have to request the dealer to do this?

 

That's interesting... That's exactly how the 2010 LX was when new: play or pause, except that there was no text either.

The added functionality coincided with updates to iOS on my phone. First it was the ability to go up and down, and then, much later on, the display of song information and the ability to select "Random" or "Repeat" from the NAV screen. I'm surprised you can see artist and song information but have no control.