I was about to pull the trigger on a 2010 LS460L when another 2010 LS460 Sport popped up for sale. Both are similarly priced and have within 10k miles of each other. The LS460L is loaded with all options except PCS/LKA and had all control arms done about 10k miles ago. The LS460 sport has had a history of brake complaints, but beyond that it's only been in for routine service. Both have air suspension, so that won't be a deciding factor. I'm leaning toward the LS460L, but I like the slightly more spirited driving the sport offers. The sport also has about 10k less miles. The LS460L shows 3 owners on Auto Check, but it's always been serviced by the same Lexus dealer, so I'm not sure how accurate that is. The LS460 sport is a one owner car. Both are black. I'm torn!

 

Coolis

I have never driven the Sport but I can tell you I have been more than happy with my 2010 LS460L which now 74,282 miles on the clock and have not spent a dime on it other than the routine service and spark plug change out at 60K. I do not have air and my control arms have shown no issues to date. The 460L is a dream to drive on long trips and while I have never ridden in the back seat my wife tells me it is quite nice. We have the rear seat upgrade.

Dennis

 

Love my 2010 sport. The brake complaint is from the stock brake pads. The sport model has the 6 piston brembos - replace the pads with aftermarket ones and the problem will go away. The matte finish wood in the sport model is also a plus. Be sure and check the high pressure fuel pumps and make sure they're not leaking.

 

Great news is you can't make a bad choice. I drove a 2011 sport when I was shopping- it was supposed to be CPO and then they decided not to certify it so it made me weary of buying it because I just didn't get a good vibe from the sales guys so I never gave it serious consideration. I liked the matte wood (a lot) but wasn't crazy about the leather tone and I was dead set on having the 19" 5 star wheels so I would have had to go through the hassle and cost of swapping out the wheels and tires. I also read about the brakes here and knew I'd want to swap to the brands recommended so that was yet another cost.

Nonetheless, I passed on that and ended up a few months later with a 2010 460L (no air). For me and my preferences, I'm def glad I got the LWB. The extra space in the back is more valuable to me (kids) and I feel it contributes to a better and more cushy ride which I prefer - so the sport ride and handling doesn't really appeal to me. I have also grown to love the semi-aniline leather, appearance of the upgraded headliner, and I use the rear passenger window shades about 2/3 of the year here in FL (my car has black interior). I could be wrong but I don't think any of those features are on the Sport.

To state the obvious, it really just comes down to what is most important to you. If you're looking for something more sporty, the L is the wrong car. If you're looking for something to float down the highway, the L is the right car.

Keep us posted and post pics!

 

I would get the L...

 

sport is my vote, I like the wheels and different grill. I didn't know about the matte wood finish, for me that would be plus compared to high gloss. You can't go wrong with 10K less miles.

 

Tough choice. The longer the better, for sure, but that interior on the sport with the matte word and orange contrast leather is practically edible looking it's so nice. Pre '13 460s I'm not too impressed with the interior in general but the exception is the sport model with those upgrades.

 

FYI, the sport should have leather stitched door arm rest vs rubber for all other 2010-2012 LS460s

 

Get the L and keep it in sports mode.

 

2010-2012 LS460s with the certain packages will also have the stitched door armrests.

 

Love my 2010 F sport. Like the body and grill package a lot.

 

So I REALLY fell in love with the 2010 LS460L, but something in my gut wasn't right with it. I had it inspected and the car had been in a decent sized accident. It wasn't on CARFAX or Autocheck (no surprise there), and since the car was at a dealer, they didn't know what the severity of the accident was. The dealer kept stating it was a minor accident, but I'm not so sure. My mechanic found the repair to be half-a$$ed with some bolts missing and horrible respray, so I walked away. The 2010 Sport is still tempting me. It has had some paintwork as well, but it's all document through the dealer, so I feel more comfortable with that.

I sort of want to wait for another 460L to come around. I particularly liked the radar cruise control and the rear seat package with audio and climate controls along with the cavernous legroom. Unless I can negotiate an amazing deal on the sport, I might wait it out for an L now.