Timing belt change is not frequent.
Also if you’re adept, you can diy as it is right up front and accessible.

 

Everything fails at some point. Point is few people keep cars to 300k miles, lots more people keep them to 90k miles. I've replaced 5 timing belts on Lexus vehicles in the 20 years I've owned them, 2 on the LS400, one on the LS430 and one on the ES300. The highest mileage one out of all of them is the ES300 which has 210k miles on it. So, I've spent $7,500 in 20 years just on timing belts for cars that I never had over 200k miles...had those cars had timing chains I would have spent $0, even if they "had to be torn down at 300k miles".

Very few people can or are interested in doing this sort of repair DIY.

 

If you are looking for a 460, avoid the earlier models. The wind noise is what bothers me the most. I think this problem has been fixed in 2011+ models. They also require some fortune to replace the worn-out suspension. In fact, it is the people from the dealer who suggested to avoid those equipped with air suspension.

I also have a 2002 LS 430 myself and I do consider it is probably the best car ever made. How often do you see a S class / 7-series on the road at this age? Smooth as silk ride. Sitting in traffic however, I prefer my 2010 and 2015 because they are loaded with ML so that I can enjoy concert-theatre level music. I would say the 460s are a bit more fuel efficient probably due to their 8-speed vs 6-speed transmission in the 430s (anyone please correct me if I am wrong). Well, I guess everyone agrees that LS is not right car if you are looking for a high fuel economy... In terms of isolation from the road, personally I do not feel the 460s very different. As for visibility, my impression is that it reduces with the production year of the vehicle....

As for the seats, my 430 has heated seats for both the front and the rear. Interestingly, my 2015 does not have heated rear seats! All the centre seat offers is a large piece of wood (which is gorgeous) and cup holders. That's it! Earlier 460s are very susceptible to leather cracks and "melting" of dashboard and door panels (My 2010 only has problems with the armrest and the front passenger seat). The replacement is complimentary so make sure you talk to the dealer if you get a 460 with pre-mature cabin ageing.

In terms of technology, I am never a fan to begin with. The only merit of getting a 460 in my opinion is.... the ability to listen to the music on your phone via BT. As for those fancy functions ranging from parking sensors, heating steering wheel and brake hold in my 2010 to the side sun shades, blind-spot monitor alert and automatic triple beam LED headlight adjustment in my 2015.... I have driven years without any of them in my 430 lol It is nice to have them but definitely not something compulsory. Lexus also has undergone a technology downgrade - touch screen in my 2010 vs using a mouse-like structure in 2015. Until now, I am still not accustomed to using the "mouse" when I am driving.

Speaking of the triple beam... All I see is double beam despite there are 3 projector lenses on each side. I suspect the largest lens which does not light up (the one closest to the grill) has some remain to be discovered function (indicated by the arrow in the picture below). Grateful if anyone can tell me what it is for.

 

Same issue with air suspension exists with the 430.

In the 460 the issue is control arms, and there I would recommend a RWD vs a AWD car because there are more aftermarket arms available for the RWD car.

Your 2002 LS430 has a 5 speed, they put a 6 speed in with the 2004 refresh. LS460 has an 8 speed like you said. I think fuel economy is quite similar, although my LS430 was a 2004 with the 6 speed. My LS400 had the 5 speed though.

That totally depends on packaging. My 2017 has no heated rear seats, its a southern spec car the dealer got for me from AL with RWD, my AWD 2015 which was bought on the lot in MD had heated rear seats.

Those spots are used for the IR night vision option that is extremely rare.

 

Still no luck on a 460 but I did drive a RX 450h purely out of curiosity since it's very high mpg and the best midsize model they offer.

Literally not even playing the same game as an LS. Didn't do a single thing nearly as good outside of mpg and pairing my phone. Felt harsh and cheap.

 

The FWD Toyota based Lexus cars (RX, ES, NX, etc) aren’t on the same level as the LS or even the GS. Once you’re used to the LS it’s very hard to downgrade within the Lexus lineup.

 

That's a very true statement.

 

Still a shock to me considering how much newer the 450H was being a CPO vehicle I was expecting to be impressed and so was the salesman

 

Quality doesn’t diminish with time. The RX is built to a much lower standard, suspension is not nearly as sophisticated, you don’t have the refinement of the V8 or the heft and solidify the LS has. It’s just no comparison, even to an old LS.