Hey,
Looking to buy a 2013+ LS460 or 2014+ GS350 F Sport after getting rid of my e61 n54 which was a lot of fun but a ton of trouble. These Lexus would have around 50k miles.

Is the modern LS460 also capable of a million miles? I'm looking for a car that will go for 250k miles without any major troubles like GASKETS
I've seen control arms need to be replaces every 90k or so which can be costly. Any other major wear items pop up around 60k that I should be aware of?
I am correct in going with the 2013+ refresh cars? Interior looks like a big overhaul.

Thanks

 

I have a 2013 LS ,I wanted a 2013 for the new grill and beautiful updated interior, Have 44,000 miles so far, of coarse no problems, But 250,000 miles your going to have problems along the way

 

So the answer is it will be the most reliable flagship sedan long term. That caveat is important, because these are complex cars, big expensive cars and they will have needs. It will absolutely cost more to maintain an LS460 as it ages than a GS350, simply because the LS is a lot more sophisticated, suspension is more complex, etc. Control arms are a less costly problem on a RWD car than an AWD car. You also have the potentially problematic brake actuator, and if you have a car with air suspension thats a trouble zone also, motor mounts and transmission mounts.

My question for you is are you looking for a sporty car or a soft luxurious car? The GS is a lot sportier than the LS, especially an F Sport. I've had both and they are quite different.

 

165k on my 2013. I have every service record from the day if had its PDI. I bought it at 139k and other than the squirrels or mice eating a fuel injector wiring harness this spring it's been perfect. I just ordered a Z23 brake kit for the rear axle. Properly cared for and maintained, 300k is certainly possible.

 

thanks for all the responses. Coming from a BMW I definitely understand the higher costs of ownership. I just want them to be expected or known!

I am torn between the tossability of the GS-platform vs the V8 greatness/smoothness. I've driven one of the new F sports and it has great balance...if not that good steering feel. Used LS and GS are priced very similarly so part of me says it's worth going for the LS and doing a little exhaust work or future Torsen LSD for fun.

So is there anything major around 60k that I should be prepared to replace or look for on these cars? Water pump is the same deal on both V6 and V8 engines correct?

 

They suggest plug replacement at 60k. Coming from BMW none of this will seem like an issue!

 

Is there any high mileage AWD LS 300,000 miles and above.Any AWD troubles ? My 07 L RWD is at 305,000 happy miles no major issue so far .

 

You’d be better off with the GS350 for long term reliability/cost of ownership. Suspension system is more practical/ordinary. Engine is easy to work on.

I’ve driven GS350’s 2013’s, 2014’s...with 115,000 miles and quite honestly they feel and drive like they are still brand new. Just so tight and quiet. The interiors are pretty amazing. And I know people that own 2007’s, 2008’s, with 300,000 plus miles on them with almost zero issues. Guy that owns an independent shop down the street has a 2007 with 330,000 miles. It’s starting to rust out, he’s getting embarrassed driving it, but he says he won’t get rid of it. He’s thinking of having it painted.

But the LS460 is a pretty damn awesome car too, and I think a better overall experience than the GS350. But if you’re one of these guys that’s going to try to take a car 300,000 plus, I’d get the GS. He’ll, I’d get the ES.

 

My wife much prefers the ride of my 165k mile 2013 LS to the one in my 2018 Cadillac CT6. That air suspension is worth the extra time and money.

 

If you are coming from a BMW, then you should have way fewer issues with a LS460. I have a 2014 F Sport (still only 37,900 miles. lol). It's much too sporty for my liking. But it is a beast of a car that's for sure. It has such an aggressive stance that I get people stopping me all the time thinking it's new. It's fast, it growls, but for me, I prefer that cloud like feel and the F Sport is certainly a different feel. But it's a really cool car. Oh and if you're concerned about repairs, get an after market warranty from your local Lexus dealership. Good luck.

 

Like Steve said. GS is sportier than LS. I haven't driven a GS so I can't compare. But I've driven my sister's 2016 IS 350 F Sport and the V6 wasn't cut it for me. If you're looking for comfort and V8, then LS makes sense. My 13 has 50k miles and trouble free so far. So far, I've done brakes, spark plugs, and regular oil changes.

Obviously the cost of owning a LS would be more than with a GS. Test drive both and decide what fits your lifestyle.

 

I've driven the GS350 F-Sport. Very impressive handling, stout but not very inspiring engine. Never been in an LS. All the interior and build quality should be even higher from what I read.

What exactly about the LS makes it more expensive to own other than the eventual replacement of control arms and air springs if I go F-Sport? I'm tempted mainly by that included Torsen...drifting a sofa! From what I read both engines are on the same architecture but the V8 is probably less stressed. Coming from a twin turbo straight six I am more tempted by the LS. GS-F would be awesome but that's way out of my league at the moment. I will probably have to find some way to test drive an LS.

Any options to look out for besides ML?

 

Maybe I can relate. I traded my 07 M5 for the 13 LS. I truly missed the power of the M5 but the comfort and reliability of the LS made up the differences. But I had to get another M5 after owning the LS for two years. We traded my wife’s 15 RX 350 for 15 M5. The LS is now hers and I drive the M5.

If I were to do it over again, I would buy a F Sport instead of a base LS.

Besides ML, I’d go with air suspension.

 

Nothing about the F Sport makes it any more expensive to maintain than any other LS with air suspension. The 4.6L V8 in the LS and the 3.5L V6 in the GS are unrelated really.

 

If I ever get another BMW it will be from the 80's. You can't beat how they drive when everything is working.

They have the same bore and stroke, compression ratio, dual-VVTi, injection systems. I do see that they have different cylinder bank angles verse those found in Jaguar.
Any oil leak problems between covers, gaskets between them? The gaskets wore me down

I also noticed that a lot more of the used F-Sports have ML compared to used LS460 in general.