Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for a car that is comfortable for monthly 6-8 hour long drives (each way) to a client. I'm considering an LS 430 and 460. I don't care about mods, aftermarket stuff, speed, or the things I used to care out when I was younger.

I'm looking for something that is reasonably priced (Under $15k), comfortable, and reliable. It seems like a used LS could work. Do some of the more complicated components stand the test of time well? Particularly I'm interested in adaptive cruise control since almost all of my trip is on the highway. I've got this option already in my Toyota Sequoia and it's great. Is there an easy way to tell when a used one has that option? From the pictures ive seen online it seems like there is a button on the right side of the steering wheel but it doesnt always have an icon on it. Does it frequently wear off? How rare/common is it? Are there any other options that you have felt was crucial when you bought your LS? Did you consider the 430 alongside the 460? Are there any other comfort options worth considering or looking for? Are there any other cars from this era that could be considered equals to the LS and still have a high level of reliability? Are there any known problem areas to be concerned with? (For example are there any issues with the AWD powertrain?) Are there any advantages to the lengthened wheelbase model?

Thanks in advance for any assistance you guys can provide.

 

The adaptive cruise is very nice. I use it all the time on long trips. Many people (me included) think the feature leaves very big gaps to the vehicle in front allowing other cars to cut in easily. This is not an issue in less crowded stretches. The unmarked button you saw on the right side is actually a blank. The DRCC icon on the button does not wear off, and shows a car with the "WiFi"-like symbol in front of it. Adaptive cruise is relatively rare (maybe 10-20% of cars).


I love the AWD. No issues with it. Some folks have noted vibrations, but nothing major. The LWB models have lots of space for rear-seat passengers. Plus they look more imposing than SWB cars.

 

Radar cruise control (part of the Pre-Collision option) in Maine is VERY rare. When I ordered my car in 2007 I had to have it specially built because no car shipped to a snowbelt state had that option in a program car sent to a dealer. If the steering wheel button is blank, then it probably doesn't have it. I use mine regularly for almost 12 years now and the icon is as clear as the day I bought the car. You can also tell by the emblem in the grille where the radar is located. However, I would positively verify its existence from the seller.

 

It's just a really rare option on the earlier cars, heck it's not even that common on the late models.
If you want radar cruise, and need to stick to a low price point, you might want to look at the Hyundai Genesis. You can get 100-110K mile 2015 genesis with that option, in high teens fairly easily.

I only seem to fine Active cruise control (ACC)on the L models of LS, so you really end up paying a premium for it in the LS but it's more common with the German makes and Genesis.

I'm in the same boat, in the car all the time, and want ACC but it's hard to find even on the 2014-15 LS unless you move up to the L package.

 

What is the active cruise control? Just standard cruise?

 

 

 

 

 

Another forum member posted regarding a rare 2007 LS460L he had found that was completely loaded down with options (including the DRCC). Here's a link to that car:
https://www.npsubarudominion.com/use...749732e339.htm This one is currently priced over your target price of $15k, but not by much, and it has very low miles for the year.So just know these "unicorns" are out there, so don't give up the hunt for a nice LS460 with Dynamic Cruise Control!

 

My 2007 LS460 with 38,000 miles, only dealer maintained, will be very soon for sale, please e-mail me if interested.

 

At a $15K price point he won't be shopping 13+ models and the 12 and prior AWD models did have some issues with a run of improperly balanced driveshafts. This, for me, resulted in the passthrough bearing going bad, causing differential seals to go bad, allowing water ingress, and requiring replacement of the front differential to the tune of ~$4500 (used part, trusted independent labor; Not the dealer).

And even if he finds one with the corrected driveshafts, there is next to ZERO aftermarket support for the AWD models. When stuff has to be replaced, you must buy OEM Lexus parts at OEM Lexus part prices. I bought a set of all 8 aftermarket control arms for a RWD model for $170 shipped to see what would fit and what wouldn't. When the rear uppers didn't work out I had to pony up $610 for just 2 arms. The lower 2 arms do not work either but mine aren't worn enough to justify spending another $3-400 per arm.

It's a fantastic car otherwise, but the AWD definitely introduces a few variables that just aren't worth dealing with if you don't absolutely need AWD. Mine is perfect mechanically as it sits now and will be going up for sale soon (after interior panel replacement), but I'll likely keep watching and trying to get back into a RWD 460L at some point.

 

I went from a 430 to 460L and there was pros and cons too it

The interior and stuff was somewhat of a let down on the 460, but the extra power and updated looks was a huge bonus

Build quality issues on the 460 was not as good as the 430 in some respects

Fuel mileage is slightly better in the 460 which is pretty amazing

But the ONE thing I knew right away was the 460 is a highway monster , it eats up road like nothing. I commute a lot on the highway and I noticed it right away

I have a fully loaded executive 460L 95k miles with the adaptive cruise and literally every option available for sale for $14k if you cant find the right one

 

$14K? Is that really all that car is worth? Is this due to it being 07-09?

 

He's got his car priced competitively. MMR is $11,850 with a value-neutral CR and I'd add at least another $700 to that because of the option packages it has. Expected retail in the US Northeast region would be between $16,500 and $17,000. Like I said, priced competitively. There's a great deal out there for someone.