Current '99 LS w only 100k mi - what's next? 13 LS vs '13/'14 GS?
07-07-17, 07:01 AM
#1
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Current '99 LS w only 100k mi - what's next? 13 LS vs '13/'14 GS?
Hi all
have a mint 99 LS black/tan that just turned 100k - w all services done - love it and no doubt. Est veh ever owned (maybe ever will?) - can't believe still get @30 mpg on interstate trips -
so it's like brand new but after having for 13 yrs (2nd owner I bought in '04 when it only had 37k mi) guess I'm struggling w keeping vs a newer CPO Lexus either preowned LS460 2011-12 (better still a '13) or 4GS- thinking would need to be minimum 2011-12 LS, but preferably either a '13 LS or a '13/'14 GS - Budget low end $27k high end $35k - beginning the research and see the pricing range but likely by this Fall the '13 LS makes the budget cut
appears '13 GS can be had CPO for $28-30 and the '14 GS for $30-33 - 2012 LS CPO harder to find but found one for dlr asking $26.5 w 69k mi - the '13 LS CPO still seems more like $40k but again expecting $35'ish by Fall/Winter with new LS release
what say you overall re comparing houses above given am coming from a '99 LS? ownership exp? '11-12 LS v the '13? Or LS v GS - vote with your reply! And thx in advance for your thoughts; smart folks on this forum!
jeff
have a mint 99 LS black/tan that just turned 100k - w all services done - love it and no doubt. Est veh ever owned (maybe ever will?) - can't believe still get @30 mpg on interstate trips -
so it's like brand new but after having for 13 yrs (2nd owner I bought in '04 when it only had 37k mi) guess I'm struggling w keeping vs a newer CPO Lexus either preowned LS460 2011-12 (better still a '13) or 4GS- thinking would need to be minimum 2011-12 LS, but preferably either a '13 LS or a '13/'14 GS - Budget low end $27k high end $35k - beginning the research and see the pricing range but likely by this Fall the '13 LS makes the budget cut
appears '13 GS can be had CPO for $28-30 and the '14 GS for $30-33 - 2012 LS CPO harder to find but found one for dlr asking $26.5 w 69k mi - the '13 LS CPO still seems more like $40k but again expecting $35'ish by Fall/Winter with new LS release
what say you overall re comparing houses above given am coming from a '99 LS? ownership exp? '11-12 LS v the '13? Or LS v GS - vote with your reply! And thx in advance for your thoughts; smart folks on this forum!
jeff
07-07-17, 11:55 AM
#2
Lexus Fanatic
I've had all 3 of the cars in question, I had a 98 LS400, I had a 13 GS350 and I now have a 15 LS460.
The question is...what are you looking for out of a car? Are you happy with the ride/handling balance of your LS400 or do you long for something sportier and more dynamic? The GS and LS are quite different. the GS is tighter inside, especially in the back, its also firmer and more handling focused vs comfort focused. I would suggest you look for a GS with the luxury package, thats what I had, that gets you the better seats (awesome seats in that car, way better than the LS's seats), better leather, better wood inside, and the AVS suspension which is a must IMHO..
But, its not going to be as smooth and quiet as your LS400 on the road for sure, considerably firmer, but also considerably more fun ti drive...I liked my GS a whole lot, but the LS is really the right car for me.
Now the LS460. Bear in mind the bulk of my 460 experience is with the 13-17 car, which is different from earlier cars in a myriad of ways, they're a little more solid, a little smoother and quieter. Tech is way better, interior is way better IMHO. its more "dynamic" than the LS400, the chassis is stiffer,. The car is considerably bigger, especially if you look at a LWB LS, the LS460L is ~ 8 inches longer than your LS400, and the SWB car is ~ 3 inches longer. It rides very similarly, but the handling is less sloppy (I wouldn't call it sporty). Engine isn't quite as quiet or smooth because of direct injection and the timing chain, but you don't have any timing belt maintenance like you do with your LS400. I would want a 13+ LS460 for sure.
Build wise unfortunately neither the GS350 or the LS460 are going to live up to what you have in your LS400. I've had to deal with some creaks and rattles inside even as young as my 460 is (I've had it since new), where my LS400 had none, even 170k miles in. So far they've been addressable though which is good.
The LS460 is a great car, your LS400 is too though. Personally, if I were you I would keep that LS400 and get an LS460, the 400 isn't worth enough to part with and at that mileage its a keeper IMHO. Or if you want something sportier, maybe get that GS350 and keep the LS400 also.
The question is...what are you looking for out of a car? Are you happy with the ride/handling balance of your LS400 or do you long for something sportier and more dynamic? The GS and LS are quite different. the GS is tighter inside, especially in the back, its also firmer and more handling focused vs comfort focused. I would suggest you look for a GS with the luxury package, thats what I had, that gets you the better seats (awesome seats in that car, way better than the LS's seats), better leather, better wood inside, and the AVS suspension which is a must IMHO..
But, its not going to be as smooth and quiet as your LS400 on the road for sure, considerably firmer, but also considerably more fun ti drive...I liked my GS a whole lot, but the LS is really the right car for me.
Now the LS460. Bear in mind the bulk of my 460 experience is with the 13-17 car, which is different from earlier cars in a myriad of ways, they're a little more solid, a little smoother and quieter. Tech is way better, interior is way better IMHO. its more "dynamic" than the LS400, the chassis is stiffer,. The car is considerably bigger, especially if you look at a LWB LS, the LS460L is ~ 8 inches longer than your LS400, and the SWB car is ~ 3 inches longer. It rides very similarly, but the handling is less sloppy (I wouldn't call it sporty). Engine isn't quite as quiet or smooth because of direct injection and the timing chain, but you don't have any timing belt maintenance like you do with your LS400. I would want a 13+ LS460 for sure.
Build wise unfortunately neither the GS350 or the LS460 are going to live up to what you have in your LS400. I've had to deal with some creaks and rattles inside even as young as my 460 is (I've had it since new), where my LS400 had none, even 170k miles in. So far they've been addressable though which is good.
The LS460 is a great car, your LS400 is too though. Personally, if I were you I would keep that LS400 and get an LS460, the 400 isn't worth enough to part with and at that mileage its a keeper IMHO. Or if you want something sportier, maybe get that GS350 and keep the LS400 also.
07-07-17, 11:55 AM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
Coming from the soft cushy ride of a LS, I figure another LS would be the ideal replacement, you can find 13 LS units under $35k and I (personally) think they have a marked improvement on the interior/technology compared to a 11-12. That said, same powertrain as the previous generation.
I personally am not fan of the GS - many are, but it rides (I think) noticeably firmer than the LS....not bad by any means, just if you're used to the 99 LS, sticking to a LS would be less of a change for you. Test drive both, figure out what kind of options you want (i.e. a lot of 13+ LS units don't have the mark levinson audio for some reason).
I personally am not fan of the GS - many are, but it rides (I think) noticeably firmer than the LS....not bad by any means, just if you're used to the 99 LS, sticking to a LS would be less of a change for you. Test drive both, figure out what kind of options you want (i.e. a lot of 13+ LS units don't have the mark levinson audio for some reason).
07-07-17, 02:58 PM
#4
If you like the '99 and its in like new condition, I'd probably stick with it. The newer cars have all the bells and whistles but, frankly, I don't think they are built as well as the early cars. Plus, you'll be spending a lot less on insurance and property tax!
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