Hello Everyone,
This is my first post. I do not currently own any Lexus or Toyota products, but would really like to buy an LS460.

However, the melting interiors is, I think, a deal breaker for me. According to my research, fixing it t the correct way (replacing interior components) can cost around $10,000, but it will eventually happen again. I always keep my cars for a very long time - almost until they get towed to a salvage yard.

At least one member on this forum with a 2013 LS460 received a letter from Lexus regarding melting interiors. My research indicates that it takes 7-8 years to occur, with it being worse in warmer climates, but melting eventually occurs in any climate with warm summer days.

In summary, what model year LS460, if any, does not have a melting interior issue?

I really like the LS460, but maybe one should get an LS430 instead.. They too, were very nice for their time, but now seem dated. ES350 & Avalon also has melting interiors. I'm at a loss what used Lexus product to buy because of this.

I sincerely appreciate any insight you guys have.

Thanks very much.

 

If you don't live in a hot climate, and the car you buy didnt come from a hot climate, I wouldn't worry about it, especially in a newer 460.

In the 13+ refresh, most of the areas that "melted" were covered in stitched synthetic leather or real leather depending on the option packages. So your chances of it happening on a 13+ are much less.

 

Thank you for your reply. I live in Wisconsin where road salt is tough on cars, so I planned to opt for a nice southern LS460. The quandary there is although it wasn't exposed to road salt, the interior was likely exposed to a lot of heat.
Also, the price really climbs once you opt for a 2013+ model.
Those models, however, did address all LS460 weaknesses such as control arms based on my research. The only remaining issue in 2013+ seems to be the brake actuator & maybe sticky interiors.
One option would be a southern car that already had its interior replaced. I did see one of those advertised. That really narrows the search though as finding one in good shape, right color, right options & decent price is already hard enough. LOL.
Were none of the "melting" areas leather wrapped in the pre 2013 models?
Seems that Toyota/Lexus in general had a several-year stretch where their interiors could not tolerate summer heat so well. Too bad as they are fantastic vehicles otherwise.

 

I test drove a 2016 with leather interior so in good there but had just too many scuff marks that i couldn't deal with it, road great though.

 

Most early 460’s have had that $10k worth of interiors replaced by lexus under warranty. Hard to imagine better service. My drivers side rear door is the only part left of the sticky panels.

So good I am rebuilding the rest of the cars wear spots. Replaced the steering wheel with an unworn eBay one.

bought aftermarket lower front seat leather covers and a new oem drivers seat foam.

new oem windshield for my ins deductible. $250.

unbelievable driving quiet fast big car. Cheap.

i doubt you will live long enough to wear it out with fluids changed regularly.

a 1990 ls400 had over 900k miles with original engine and trans.

I plan to drive this one until i’m Dead.

oh and my sc430. Several at 400k miles.

quality. Just find one that has had the parts replaced.