Should I really be buying a dated LS460?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 217
From: Massachusetts
Should I really be buying a dated LS460?
I need a fun family car or suv. My max budget is $18K (no car note) I would like an LS460L, there is one local for around $18K. It is a 2007 with 92K miles on it. It has the dreaded air suspension. The Lexus service history only shows one Air strut was replaced. The nearest LS460L is 700 miles away. I want to stay under 100K miles.
Something tells me that I should invest in something newer and a 10 year old LS460 would be a mistake. There is nothing out there that interest me. I had a perfect 2007 GS350 with 88k miles that I sold for $14,500 this year. I regret selling it but I had a buyer pay me my high asking price.
Something tells me that I should invest in something newer and a 10 year old LS460 would be a mistake. There is nothing out there that interest me. I had a perfect 2007 GS350 with 88k miles that I sold for $14,500 this year. I regret selling it but I had a buyer pay me my high asking price.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 217
From: Massachusetts
I am somewhat mechanically inclined. I can do brakes, my own fluid changes, Obd2 Scan and change out sensors etc. I have mechanics acquaintances with a shop that can do stuff like controls arms, suspension components. I am very good at researching and locating parts online. Going to the Lexus dealership would be the last resort. I think a 2010-2011 GS350 with updated Lexus Enform and mileage around 50K-70K would be the smarter buy at $15K-18K
Driver
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 140
Likes: 7
From: MN
In my opinion, car is almost never an investment. It needs to be used until it is beyond economic/ reasonable repair. It is very nice that you are mechanically inclined and have acquaintances.. Those factors makes total ownership costs much less for you if you do decide to go with LS. It is a much more car than GS, thus still will costs more when anything comes up.
In the end, how much more premium will you be willing to pay for the "extras" (bigger/ more comfortable/ nicer/ etc) on an LS?
In the end, how much more premium will you be willing to pay for the "extras" (bigger/ more comfortable/ nicer/ etc) on an LS?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 946
Likes: 139
From: TX
If you want a 460, get a 2010 or newer. If you keep looking you should be able to find one around 90K miles within your budget, but you may have to travel to pick it up. If AirSusp worries you, keep looking for one with a standard suspension. Also, if you don't need AWD don't go that route as the only option for the control arm issue is going with OEM replacements. I didn't find this out until after I purchased.
If you're patient, the effort and the wait will be worth it. Good luck.
If you're patient, the effort and the wait will be worth it. Good luck.
"Dated" may be a bit of a misnomer. The LS460 has had a 10 year run which is longer than most any other car out there and it still looks pretty darn good to me (timeless styling). If you're handy, then a low mileage 2007-2008 may fit your bill. Several owners have replaced their air struts with regular struts. Don't know what's involved but if that is your primary concern, maybe check that out.
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Rookie
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 82
Likes: 4
From: CA
I recently found a 2008, not L, with 76K for around the price you're looking for... before tax and lic.
It needed new bushings which I'm in the process of replacing them with polyurethane from Armstrong Distributing. I didn't need "L" because wife and I will be driving most of the time. Who cares about the comfort of young adult sons in the back....LOL.
Anyway, it was in good condition otherwise. I plan to do most of the basic stuff myself. Good luck with your search.
It needed new bushings which I'm in the process of replacing them with polyurethane from Armstrong Distributing. I didn't need "L" because wife and I will be driving most of the time. Who cares about the comfort of young adult sons in the back....LOL.
Anyway, it was in good condition otherwise. I plan to do most of the basic stuff myself. Good luck with your search.
CL Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,262
Likes: 480
From: MA
That's the key. What else are you going to buy for that price that would give you the room, comfort and reliability? Other than the air suspension, which I think can be expensive, I wouldn't expect any more, and probably less, repairs than from any other make of car you could buy for $18K.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 365
From: New Hampshire
My opinion is the car is reliable, very reliable. But the problem with a car like this is that despite its reliability, when something does break? It wipes out the savings that you'd expect from a reliable vehicle. For instance you can probably drive 50,000 miles in a Honda Accord and have to replace a control arm, an evap canister, and engine mount, and an O2 sensor...the whole thing might cost you $1,000 bucks. With the LS you might drive 50,000 miles and have to replace an O2 sensor and control arms...the whole thing might cost you $3,000. So I think the car is actually more reliable than the historically most reliable cars on the road, but it costs twice as much to buy parts and fix them.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 217
From: Massachusetts
Thanks guys for all your replies. Cars have always been my weakness. It would be ideal for me to spend just half and put away the rest to the rainy day fund or knock out some debt. The only thing that seems cool for around $10K is an Infiniti FX45, I love the V8 rumble ! Those are just as hard to find as an LS460L.
I am a big fan of the SS and am currently in the process of egging on my older brother into purchasing a 6 speed SS for use as his company car. While he can spend in upwards of $50,000 (plus whatever he might want to throw in towards getting an even more expensive car), in his job he feels it very important to drive something that is not flashy. Stealth wealth if you will. While he was seriously considering a Chevy High Country 1500 or an F150, I started banging the drum loudly for the SS as he already owns 2 Tahoes and just this week purchased my old LX470 from the guy I sold it to a little over a year ago. Especially with the case of the 6 speed model, I truly believe they are going to be collectors items and not to mention one hell of a car regardless of manual or automatic.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 524
Likes: 39
From: Knoxville, Tennessee
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 524
Likes: 39
From: Knoxville, Tennessee
While there might be a bias as I own a late production 2007, the differences between the newer ones are not that vast. Yes, the infotainment is far more advanced, but the drivetrain is unchanged, aside from the front view, the older models are all but in indistinguishable.
The reality is cars have not changed that drastically since the introduction of the 460 when talking about non EV's. The first years still have an 8 speed transmission and very high tech engine, etc.
The reality is cars have not changed that drastically since the introduction of the 460 when talking about non EV's. The first years still have an 8 speed transmission and very high tech engine, etc.