i have a 2011 AWD, black on black approaching 85k miles on the ODO; its fairly clean up to date will all maintenance; has pretty much new brakes rotors all around. Brand new Michelin tires about 4k miles ago; so it really does not need anything, i recently had the front bumper sprayed to take care of rock chips.

But i am itching for a 2013+ model; drove a vey low mile 21014 F sport but honestly i couldn't tell much difference apart from tighter suspension. i almost made my mind to trade the car in but was sort of turned off to how indifferent the 2013 felt. i also want to keep an eye out for a L version with pretty much all options(luxury) package. They are really hard to find i think there are 2 for sale in the entire US.

So my question is what would you guys do- are any current pre 2013 owners same situation as me? if i keep the car i want to put some BC coils on, upgrade wheels (nothing crazy) and ditch the stock non-ML sound system. that would keep me happy for next 3 years.

I also have mixed feelings with newest LS but knowing my self i would probably pick one up when they are near $50k.

 

personally i don't see the reason to change. but if you really want to, wait until the end of the year. once the 5ls hits the showroom, the current 4ls will take a dump in price

 

Pretty big update to the interior and infotainment system. I'd also like to get a 13 or newer, but agree with rominl that the time would be after the new model starts hitting the showrooms.

 

I'd keep the '11 a while longer, and then get the new generation LS that's just releasing in a couple years.

 

I'd for sure keep the 2011. If you hang steady a while, you'll score a better deal down the road.

 

I agree with pretty much all the posts above; keeping the car seems like a better option.

 

Or do something like me, trade up to a Land Cruiser.

 

I actually thought about about getting a LX again; but to be quite honest the lx took just bit of more effort to drive the car and the ls460 kind of spoils you.
I put about 25k miles a year and lx would be a nice to have as a 3rd car rather than my primary driver

 

Gosh do I miss my LX. As we recently had a few inches of snow, I started looking for 2003+ LX/LC's for a second vehicle. I really do want an overlander vehicle and was in the process of turning my LX into one when in a fit of 10 to the gallon annoyance, I forsaked a truck I had spent thousands on a super stereo, BFG All Terrain KO2's, running board delete (had ordered sliders, but by the time they were to ship I had decided to sell the truck.

The 2008 forward LX/LC's still fetch silly money. Much of this is due to their unbelievably low sales numbers. For some time, the LX570 was the lowest selling mainstream vehicle on the market. Land Cruisers do not sell much better. Makes for a tough used market unless willing to spend $100,000 or so on a fairly rapidly depreciating asset. Maybe not rapid in this case, but...

Not to offend 2013 owners, but I would keep the 2011 primarily due to the grill. I have tried to come around to it, but still struggle with the design direction. While I think L-Finesse was a success, not sold yet on the new grill.

Also, I am not sure how much you will like the mouse contraption they use for the infotainment interface. While I am quite used to it with 3 of 4 of my parents/step having 2013+ Lexii, and have had at least a dozen either RX, IS, or ES loaners so equipped, I will only say that it does not feel organic in usage.

And that is saying nothing of the changes not being of a huge difference in my humble opinion. I know Lexus said something like 2000 parts are new on the current LS, the drivetrain, chassis, and many other things remain the same.

 

I would keep your car,that said its worth alot more now than when you go over 100K

 

As long as the car is in great condition.......Keep the car! Why burden yourself with payments? In the last 25 years I have always purchased a lower mileage older car (2-4 years old) in excellent condition and held on to them until they started to nickel and dime me then sold them for some decent money. My theory is: Let's someone else take the hit on a new car.... especially on a higher end model because the savings are substantial.
Old man advice: Put the money away In a 401 for retirement and tax savings! Trust me on this one!!

 

Great advice. I went even cheaper and while I have been fairly blessed financially, I never finance cars so always pay cash. I thought seriously about spending the additional $7-10,000 for a 2010 or 2011, but the 2007 I found had such a stellar service history, single ownership, low mileage for the year (87,000 at the time), and even things like OEM new tires and brakes replaced within 5000 miles of sale that I jumped on it.

 

I try not to buy the same exact design twice. It's like dating this twin for that one, not exactly but hopefully you get my point. It's like showing up to the New Year's party in the same suit you wore the last 3 years

 

Although personally I prefer the pre-2013 MY appearance and infotainment/navigation interface, if you really like the 2013+ model and can afford one, go for it! Sure, it might be financially suboptimal compared with keeping your current car, but if money were the only criterion, no one would buy a luxury car. You just have to weigh all the factors and decide what your priorities are. That's a personal decision only you can make.

 

Reading this his made me smile a bit; to be fair the 2013 looks somewhat different from outside and interior is nice. I love the 2013+ streering wheel but the engine and all is exactly the same.

but I get your point when I test drive the 2014 I felt the exact same thing.