I have a 2013 LS460 with 64K miles. I purchased it in Feb 2014. So far only fluid changes, tires and a battery. Exterior and interior flawless. I also have a 2006 SC430 with 44k miles which is near flawless. I did change the WP, TB, pulleys and serpentine belt. Other than that, just fluid changes. My delima is I need to sell one because i only have a 2 car garage and recently purchased a 22 4Runner TRD Pro. After reading all the issues many are having with the LS, I was thinking that would be the one to sell. However, I'm not sure if the control arm issues carryover to the 2013 model year or nor. Please share your opinions... I guess I'm more so looking at it from a mechanical view point since I can't compare the models because they are very different with different purposes. Thank you in advance!

 

Assume both are fully paid for. Can one of them just park outside?

 

Remember, we're not going to see multiple posts reporting no issues. That's not the nature of forums. Most repairs are over 100k miles. Control arms were re-engineered for 2013 and won't fail early, just normal wear. If you change brake, trans, coolant and oil regularly, you'll minimize failures in those systems. Your SC has had more repairs than your LS so far. If money isn't short, I'd continue to enjoy both cars. There are bound to be some affordable shelters for a third vehicle.

 

Both cars are great. They bring totally different things to the table. I do believe all the control arm issues were solved with the 2010 and up, so surely the 2013 would be just fine. You have to decide if it's worth keeping a cool convertible Lexus sports car for those perfect spring and fall days. I'd certainly try and keep all 3 vehicles.

 

Yes all 3 are fully paid for. Previously I had a 2007 FJ Crusier that remained outside simply because of age and mileage. My 2 Lexus vehicles are both fair weather cars. Park in garage all winter, never in snow. I don't drive them if actively raining or higher than 30% chance of rain since my FJ was my daily driver. I have been out of town and caught in rain, but nothing I can do about that.

Its hard to leave any Lex parked outside'and surely dont want to leave a new vehicle outside, so i need to make some changes soon b4 winter hits. I'm happy to hear the control arm issue was resolved in the 2013 models. What about the coolant leaks I've done all fluid changes on both regularly.

 

The radiator was redesigned so the nipple that tended to break is stronger. Plus it's covered and unlikely to break on it's own. Water pumps wear out on any engine. I don't know it anything has changed with valley gasket but it's doesn't leak in every LS plus you will only use cars in fair weather. It could be years (if ever) for a valley leak. Aggressive driving with a heavy car will wear suspension components faster. Average drivers will have fewer issues.

 

I have a 96 ls400 and a 13 ls460, always best to have 2 cars in my opinion.

 

Which one does the thought of selling hurt more? Thats the one you keep.

I would keep the LS just because its much newer, personally.

 

If you buy a top quality outdoor cover and be sure the car is spotless when you put it on, there's no reason you can't leave a car outside.

 

One thing to add about control arms. The LS460 will ALWAYS need more suspension work than something with a less complex and sophisticated multi-link suspension. Its not the end of the world, its just part of owning a car like that long term.

 

Audi A8 is another brand that requires control arm replacement. It's comparable to LS460.