cdcdguy

I am looking into buying a used car as a daily driver to go more upscale than the Toyota Avalon. It's a great car, and don' t laugh , we currently have 3. An 03,11 and a 2014. The 03 has the softest, isolated feel which is what I am looking for. I know the LS460 would certainly take me too the next level. I love the body style on the LS430, 04 to 06, but maybe an 07 to 09 since newer might be a better daily driver? Is this a great car? No offense intended, but I just can't get past the look of the car. Just looks a bit more generic. But will I like driving this car? Please tell me more of your likes, dislikes.

I plan to search for a year or so and could spend around 15 to maybe 17 thousand on one. My commute is short, 20 minutes mostly highway miles. Also would buying first generation year like the 07, be an issue with bugs in a new model?

JLAWS

Welcome! I've had 2 LS430 and they are legendary vehicles. The overall quality of an LS430 is better than the LS460, especially the interior, but I enjoy driving the LS460 a whole lot more. It is a bigger more powerful vehicle and freshens up nicely upgrading to the 19 inch touring wheels, just like what the 18" 5 spoke wheels does for the LS430.

The main question is can you turn a wrench and do stuff yourself on a 10 year old vehicle? If so I highly recommend one. If not then repairs cost can hinder the ownership experience. My budget was exactly the same as yours around $15K-$17K. I found a 2008 with 90K for $16K and below is what I've done myself thru the help of this great forum. I haven't used the services of a mechanic yet.

Phillips HID bulbs $180
Denso Radiator $150
Sway links $80
4 Upper control arms $160
Ball joint Boot $25
Navigation surround Trim $240
Trunk Latch motor $300
Window triangle trim upgrade (wind noise) $45

I can tell you, there is NOTHING out there for $15K-$17K that matches the LS460. I could have gotten something newer but it would have been boring and Mercedes, Audi and BMW scares me. You could get a 2007-2011 GS350. It is like the little brother of the LS460. I enjoyed my 2007 Gs350 but nothing beats the extra size and V8 of an LS460.

P.S I have the Comfort plus package with rear reclining seats, soft door closers and Leather stitched door arm rest. If you find one then you won't have to worry about the rubber door armrest melting issue for some LS460 that has been in the direct sun for a long period of time.

Good luck!

roadfrog

My 08 is a daily driver which now has 125k miles or so. My only issue was a water pump that I replaced for 50 bucks. It is BY FAR the most reliable car I've ever owned and is also the most comfortable and quiet of all. When I crank up the ML audio on my commute.....sheer bliss. Keep in mind that there is really nothing 'exotic" about the LS. Many of it's components are shared with other platforms such as the Tundra and Avalon.Furthermore, no special tools are required unlike other premium marques like BMW etc.

GFXdznr

I just purchased my fathers '07 LS460 with 100k. He always told me it was the best vehicle he has ever owned and did not want to let it go out of the family when it was time that he wanted to upgrade. I admit, I have a very short history with it, but can agree the car itself is awesome. Of course, I've never owned a luxury brand before, but I can tell that even though this thing is 10 years old with over 100k, it is still better than a majority of newer vehicles available today.

The only issue I have with it is the subwoofer most likely is blown as it just rattles. Unfortunately, this is not an easily accessible item and it drives me nuts, so I'll probably have a hefty expense in getting it repaired or replaced. I too agree the ML system is the best sounding stock system I have heard from any manufacturer. The ride on this this is still awesome too and super quiet. I appreciate that as I ascend in age!

It is somewhat generic/vanilla looking, however, it does not look dated, which to me means they designed it perfectly. I have yet to really fully test it out with hammering the acceleration or take it into some nice tight curves, but as my daily drive so far, I am very happy with this vehicle.

Doublebase

If you actually prefer the body style of the 430 over the 460, just get a 430. Most people would consider the 460 because they like the looks of it better than the 430, you're not in that boat so why bother?

As for the 460, I have an 07 with 162,000 miles. The only repairs I've done is some control arms, a wheel bearing and a blower motor. That's it. Pretty remarkable for a ten year old car with that kind of mileage. And I average 26.5 mpg weekly in my 500 mile commute.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Don't get 19" wheels, then.

cdcdguy

yes, the larger wheels look good but may not ride as well.

cdcdguy

Is there a point where age is more important than miles on the car? Would a 2009 with 120k on it require more or less upkeep than a 2005 with 80 k on it?

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

my 08 L is my daily, and since I sold my vette earlier this year its been playing both roles as the work vehicle and pleasure cruiser ....it does both very well.

The 430 is a better car in terms of build quality but overall the 460 is still the better vehicle without a doubt, I could not imagine going back to the 430 at this point.

Doublebase

In my opinion generally I'd prefer the newer car because age takes a toll on things like rubber, so things like suspension components, engine mounts, exhaust hangers, door trim, etc will have to be looked at closely. For whatever reason rubber doesn't like to age well, it cracks, it tears, it weakens and there's not much you can do except replace all of it (which is not realistic). And then there's rust to consider.

I'd prefer a well cared for newer car with a little more miles, especially highway/easy commuting miles.