I am looking at several 2007 -2009 LS 460
any thoughts on the 2009 AWD vs 2007 RWD?
This would be my first lexus

 

there were very little changes from 07 to 09 (facelift happened in 2010). personally i think rwd is better, awd is less power i think? but you are in IL so awd might be preferred. i probably would try to avoid 07, first year, few more problems including wind noise which is hit or miss

 

I 100% agree with Rominl's post.

 

The most obvious change between 2007 and 2009 is that 2009 has front passenger seat memory controls. Less obvious is that the 2007 SWB didn't come with laminated front side windows. The 2008 SWB Had them after a certain VIN. 2009 has them.

The general recommendation is to purchase the latest model year you can afford of a particular model, as the flaws found in previous model years are more likely to be fixed.

As to AWD vs RWD, RWD is fine for my climate and I'd rather not add an unnecessary component that's subject to mechanical failure.

 

The '09 would be my choice if it's in great shape because many issues with the '07 were corrected. AWD would be good in areas that get lots of snow/rain/mud, otherwise a RWD '07 with VDIM will suit you well.

 

Thanks you !

 

If the price difference is small, then go with the 2009 model for sure...

But if the 2007 is really clean and has a MUCH better price, then go with it...

I have a 2007 LS460L and I'm very happy with it ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

 

I think it's more of a location question - do you need the AWD or not? I live in MI, so the answer is yes. If you're in a state that receives wayy too much of the white stuff for way too many months then I think you're better off going AWD, which would make your only option the '09. If you don't need AWD or have an SUV/other winter beater, then go for the RWD. More power and one less potential major repair bill as other have already mentioned. I personally would go with the newer year as I'm sure Lexus makes small behind the scene tweaks each year to keep up with the competition.

 

I think if you're in a climate that gets a lot of snow, of course AWD would be the way to go. However the RWD is pretty decent in the snow with snow tires on it...without snows?? Forget it. But yeah, with snows the traction control system on this car is pretty amazing. I just made it through the worst winter in Boston's history with the RWD and snow tires...the only problem I ran into was one day I drove on a road that was a total sheet of ice...that was bad. Snows or not, nothing saves you on ice.

 

chicago ...so yes we have plenty of snow

 

I have around 115k on my 07 and yes it burns around a quart of oil every 1000 miles or so

this seems excessive but from reading the forum it seems actually common, like they all do that

some say going to a little heavier oil like 5-30 burns less, some say it does not matter

 

2009 and up , have updated engines .

 

I bought a one owner 2007 LS460L in December 2018. It is now approaching 85,000 miles. Zero wind noise, never had it, and never corrected. Riding on the original serviceable control arms, and the brake actuator is original and quiet as a mouse. ML amp is original and, so far, so good. Dash, glove box cover, and door panels are original and look great. With that said, it was and is a northern car with leather wrapped door panels. Maybe I got lucky with mine, but I think the ‘07 ‘08 get a bad rap. I think you should look for the lowest mile, best kept, best serviced, best value car you can find, and not worry too much about the year; at least between 2007 through 2009. Also, if you can live without the face lift like me, you can also enjoy the earlier year for less money.
I’m in northern WI, and have RWD. With snow tires, and in snow mode, the car performs very well in snow. Not as good as AWD, but the AWD is more expensive to maintain, and the only choice, when you need new control arms are expensive OEM Lexus parts. I’m old and I’ve driven RWD for the vast majority of my life, and I’m comfortable with it.
Good luck! They are fantastic cars. I’m thankful every time I get into mine. Most comfortable car I’ve ever been in.