0x447

I am looking to replace my 99 ES300 with either an LS430 or 460. Budget up to 8.5K, I am finding 04-05 430's in the 6-7K range and 07-08 460's in the 7-8.5K range. I am looking to keep either car for at least 5 years, if not longer. I am wondering which one would be a better idea as far as long term reliability and cost of ownership over my time of ownership. Particularly looking for the experience of people who have owned both of these generations of LS and can inform me as to the differences between them as far a costs/repairs. I already know about the major problems with the 460's, namely control arm bushings, wind noise, and the amp's going bad but don't know too much about the 430. Any input is appreciated.

JLAWS

I'd get a 2008+ Gs350. More out there, still looks good. Much more durable interior. No control arm "issues." Lower maintenance cost. Awd has same hp as rwd. I only sold my gs350 because l need more room for growing family. LS460 fit the bill

jkittlesen

Get the kid a Corolla,

jkittlesen

Trust me do not spoil pamper the kid!
Make him pay and earn the car!

UDel

I would just get something frugal, affordable when things break, reliable, low insurance, that you don't care too much about while in college. Accord, Civic, Corolla, Mazda 3 or 6, etc fit that bill.

Get the LS when you are out of college when you have more money for repairs, maintenance, insurance, gas, take care of it..

mikesrx350

if its between the 430 and the 460

the 430 is cheaper to own

the 430 has a timing belt that needs replacement at 90k so if you buy a 430 make sure that was done in last 30 to 40,000 miles. other issues that may be there a/c servo motors go and they are not cheap to fix. and like others said when you get higher mileage cars that are 10 plus years the parts alone are not cheap to replace.

the 460 like others said is expensive to own. the parts, the front suspension challenges.

gas mileage i am getting about the same I got on my 430 with the 460.

that being said the 430 is not cheap to own as well if you are doing preventive maintenance its still more than the average car

i won't chime in with the finance thing
but if its budge oriented and looking for 5 plus years take a look at a 100,000 miles 2006-2008 es,
probably makes more sense long term

good luck

Dubbayoo

I believe "the kid" is the OP.

R Z

Hi. With your budget and the fact that you are a college student, it would be difficult for me to recommend either car. As mentioned, you could be hit with additional costs through the 5 years of ownership. I would recommend getting another ES, but this time an ES350. They are great cars, especially with your budget. You can look at an 08 and probably go up to a 2012 depending on mileage. As always, if you are sticking with a Lexus, check the car through the Lexus owners site to see what has or has not been done to the car. I wish you the best in your search for a new car and your college education!

icon901

I would budget for ~$1000-2000+ annually in maintenance for a car of this age/type.

1) Can you afford to set aside the extra $100-150/mo to be prepared for a repair when it is needed?
2) Do you have the savings to cover a $2-3k+ repair if it happens 3 months into ownership?

If the answer is no to either, this is not the car for you.

RussLS460

+1 on getting a Toyota Corolla. Very inexpensive to maintain and virtually trouble free. A friend had over 300,000 miles on his 2002 and the only issue was a bad motor mount.

Sportznuts

You guys all sound like used car salesman. It’s like going to a dealership and asking to see a specific car, so the salesperson sits you down in something completely different. The man asked which one, “Ls430 or Ls460”? And only asked for information as to which one (out of those 2) and any information that would help sway him.

My personal thoughts are, if you want a car you’ll be happier with, I would choose the LS460. The Ls430 looks a little dated to me. The LS460 has a more “timeless” design. The tech is improved of course. They are both well engineered cars. I would just test drive both (in the same day). Use your own personal “feel” because you will be in this car everyday, no one else.

icon901

Okay, if you don't have the money for repairs... the LS430 will make you less broke than the LS460. Better?

Oliver Enterprises

I don't believe either to be the best idea to park on campus. Or to daily drive them to campus. Of the 2, I'd go with the 430 for campus duty. But, I would find a combat vehicle for campus duty and look at upgrading once you've completed your experience on campus. A well used Corolla that's already got the tar beat out of it, is a heckuva good choice for a combat vehicle for campus duty. I have a well used Corolla. I'd be fine with driving it in Mogadishu.

prichmon

iTrader: (1)

+1 Oliver enterprises. Learn to wrench yourself for everything except internal engine, trans and diff which will drop your costs astronomically.

0x447

I should have clarified a little better, I am not concerned about not being able to afford repairs, I make 11-12K every year and don't have many expenses as I live with my parents and don't go out much. I am not really looking for a camry/corolla, if that is what I was going for I might as well keep my ES as it would be a much nicer car than either. Also I am mechanically skilled and will be doing most repairs myself