LS400 or LS430??????
05-19-18, 09:38 PM
#2
Last year I picked up a 1998 LS400. I could have got a 2001 LS430. I know the LS430 is widely praised and is an improvement on the LS400 but I simply can not stand how it looks. The 2004+ update did a good job of improving design but the 2001-03 really looks like a grandma car. It is tall like an Avalon. The LS400 is far better looking. It has a lower stance and more stately and elegant exterior design. I believe it has also reached vintage/classic car status but the 98+ front end keep it modern especially with HID xenon headlamps. That finally edged out my decision making. The LS430 does have a nicer interior though. I also considered an E38 7-Series and W140 S-Class, the latter being one of my favorite designs of all time. I worried both would give me continuous headaches. I have the April 1998 issue of Car And Driver where the LS400 was first place in a comparison with the S320, A8, XJ8, and 740iL.
Another factor is that I have another car. If I was to only own one I would have considered the LS430 more seriously simply because it is newer. I bought an LS400 because I admire 90's luxury sedans and I really believe it is the best looking Lexus ever made. Mine is Atlantis Blue. I still get looks. If I had an LS430 no one would pay any attention to it. Toyota has a rich history of introducing a newer model that looks either uglier or more dated than the model it replaces. Think of the 2012 Camry or the 2013 Lexus GS exteriors.
In the end it will be up to what you need out of the car. Is this going to be a family car driven daily or a secondary car? Are you a casual driver or a car enthusiast?
Another factor is that I have another car. If I was to only own one I would have considered the LS430 more seriously simply because it is newer. I bought an LS400 because I admire 90's luxury sedans and I really believe it is the best looking Lexus ever made. Mine is Atlantis Blue. I still get looks. If I had an LS430 no one would pay any attention to it. Toyota has a rich history of introducing a newer model that looks either uglier or more dated than the model it replaces. Think of the 2012 Camry or the 2013 Lexus GS exteriors.
In the end it will be up to what you need out of the car. Is this going to be a family car driven daily or a secondary car? Are you a casual driver or a car enthusiast?
05-19-18, 10:34 PM
#4
I prefer the '98-'00 LS 400's styling over the LS 430 which is why I patiently looked for the LS 400 I currently have.
If I had found the right (color, price, provenance, condition, maintenance history) LS 430 first, I would have happily bought that as I think both are fine cars.
While the LS 430 has a few more bells and whistles than the LS 400, what I was not getting with the LS 400 was perfectly okay.
Good luck,
Eddie
If I had found the right (color, price, provenance, condition, maintenance history) LS 430 first, I would have happily bought that as I think both are fine cars.
While the LS 430 has a few more bells and whistles than the LS 400, what I was not getting with the LS 400 was perfectly okay.
Good luck,
Eddie
05-20-18, 04:09 AM
#5
I just traded my 1995 LS400 for a 2002 LS430. Both cars are in excellent condition with the exact same tires. There is just no comparison between the LS400 and LS430 in terms of ride quality. The LS430 is faster, quieter, smoother, and handles better. My old LS400 had like-new shocks and suspension components were in great condition yet the LS430 is so much better it was hard for me to believe.
What don't I like? I prefer the old LS body style. The old LS leather seems more robust but the new LS leather is more comfy. The new drivetrain requires a little more more input but I got used to it very quickly. The engine compartment is boring to look at. The wonderful 1UZ song at the top end is now gone. First Aid kit is now located in trunk -- Very silly place if you are in a wreck and stuck in the car. Plastic head lamps and plastic-chrome trim.
What do I like? Much larger trunk. Much more torque at every engine speed. Super ECT tranny is marvelous and while the old LS shifted crazy-smooth this one can not be felt at all. Super ECT downshifts when you tap the brakes going downhill. Interior drawers and compartments are superior in design. Sound system in LS430 is far superior to that of LS400. CD changer is now in convenient location at center counsel. Automatic wipers work great. The other day I was driving in the rain testing them. It stopped raining for a bit and when it started again they just came on. I am NOT one for gizmos but this one actually works and works very well.
Also... Though the old LS400 was in excellent condition some of the interior glue was starting to degrade and the stitching at the top of the rear seats finally pulled tight and broke. ECU capacitors recently failed. Radio display failed long ago. Gauge needles became sticky.
If you drive the LS430 for any period of time like I did you will buy it. The more I drove it the more I had to have it. I got over the body style pretty quickly...
Have you driven both back to back on the exact same stretch of roads?
More here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...002-ls430.html
What don't I like? I prefer the old LS body style. The old LS leather seems more robust but the new LS leather is more comfy. The new drivetrain requires a little more more input but I got used to it very quickly. The engine compartment is boring to look at. The wonderful 1UZ song at the top end is now gone. First Aid kit is now located in trunk -- Very silly place if you are in a wreck and stuck in the car. Plastic head lamps and plastic-chrome trim.
What do I like? Much larger trunk. Much more torque at every engine speed. Super ECT tranny is marvelous and while the old LS shifted crazy-smooth this one can not be felt at all. Super ECT downshifts when you tap the brakes going downhill. Interior drawers and compartments are superior in design. Sound system in LS430 is far superior to that of LS400. CD changer is now in convenient location at center counsel. Automatic wipers work great. The other day I was driving in the rain testing them. It stopped raining for a bit and when it started again they just came on. I am NOT one for gizmos but this one actually works and works very well.
Also... Though the old LS400 was in excellent condition some of the interior glue was starting to degrade and the stitching at the top of the rear seats finally pulled tight and broke. ECU capacitors recently failed. Radio display failed long ago. Gauge needles became sticky.
If you drive the LS430 for any period of time like I did you will buy it. The more I drove it the more I had to have it. I got over the body style pretty quickly...
Have you driven both back to back on the exact same stretch of roads?
More here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...002-ls430.html
Last edited by VortecCPI; 05-20-18 at 04:39 AM.
05-20-18, 09:22 AM
#7
Racer
If you do get an LS430, get the 04-06 version. I can't stand the looks of the 01-03, plus I think they have a 6spd auto trans, so you'll get better highway fuel economy. You also get LED tailights and projector HID headlights as standard on the 04-06.
Trending Topics
05-20-18, 10:07 AM
#8
Racer
Is the LS430 as reliable as the LS400? I ask as I may someday be in this boat too......
05-20-18, 10:13 AM
#9
Pole Position
Thread Starter
The LS430 looks soooooooo comfortable,but I heard the LS400 is just as comfortable too, decisions, decisions...
05-20-18, 10:22 AM
#10
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Last year I picked up a 1998 LS400. I could have got a 2001 LS430. I know the LS430 is widely praised and is an improvement on the LS400 but I simply can not stand how it looks. The 2004+ update did a good job of improving design but the 2001-03 really looks like a grandma car. It is tall like an Avalon. The LS400 is far better looking. It has a lower stance and more stately and elegant exterior design. I believe it has also reached vintage/classic car status but the 98+ front end keep it modern especially with HID xenon headlamps. That finally edged out my decision making. The LS430 does have a nicer interior though. I also considered an E38 7-Series and W140 S-Class, the latter being one of my favorite designs of all time. I worried both would give me continuous headaches. I have the April 1998 issue of Car And Driver where the LS400 was first place in a comparison with the S320, A8, XJ8, and 740iL.
Another factor is that I have another car. If I was to only own one I would have considered the LS430 more seriously simply because it is newer. I bought an LS400 because I admire 90's luxury sedans and I really believe it is the best looking Lexus ever made. Mine is Atlantis Blue. I still get looks. If I had an LS430 no one would pay any attention to it. Toyota has a rich history of introducing a newer model that looks either uglier or more dated than the model it replaces. Think of the 2012 Camry or the 2013 Lexus GS exteriors.
In the end it will be up to what you need out of the car. Is this going to be a family car driven daily or a secondary car? Are you a casual driver or a car enthusiast?
Another factor is that I have another car. If I was to only own one I would have considered the LS430 more seriously simply because it is newer. I bought an LS400 because I admire 90's luxury sedans and I really believe it is the best looking Lexus ever made. Mine is Atlantis Blue. I still get looks. If I had an LS430 no one would pay any attention to it. Toyota has a rich history of introducing a newer model that looks either uglier or more dated than the model it replaces. Think of the 2012 Camry or the 2013 Lexus GS exteriors.
In the end it will be up to what you need out of the car. Is this going to be a family car driven daily or a secondary car? Are you a casual driver or a car enthusiast?
Last edited by steelers6; 05-20-18 at 10:28 AM.
05-20-18, 07:50 PM
#11
Im a casual driver not an enthusiast,I have a 96 S420 which is the most POWERFUL and most COMFORTABLE car I've ever driven and I have a Honda Accord that I'll give to my wife as her second car,so the Lexus would be my second car that I would drive most of the time,appreciate the feedback man...
Last edited by WaveRunner; 05-20-18 at 07:56 PM.
05-20-18, 08:13 PM
#12
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Whatever car you choose remember these are older cars and will require upkeep. Don't expect Corolla low level maintenance. Yes they are generally reliable but you will be putting money into an LS over 10 years old. OEM parts aren't cheap either. In the last year I changed the starter (not DIY friendly at all, took 5 hours labor by mechanic), power steering rack, brake calipers, strut rods (bad bushings), among other things that commonly go bad with an LS400. Two weeks ago I had the check engine light and VSC light appear and a loss of acceleration power. Turned the car off and back on and the warning lights remained but the power was fully restored. The next day everything was back to normal with no warning lights with no problems since. It is likely the throttle lever sensor (accelerator pedal position sensor). I bought one on standby in case the problem comes back again. Like I said, older car, older sensors and parts that wear from age. I believe you will spend less annually than a flagship German sedan however. There's a saying that only a rich man drives an older Mercedes or BMW, but I think it can be said about an LS as well. Also if you do go LS400, I strongly recommend the 98+ due to added safety of stability control and side airbags, both standard. Also the front of the 98+ looks significantly more modern than the pre-update. But the 95-97 still have a strong fan following and are fine cars. Also, you may be tempted by the Nakamichi sound system but I advise going for the stock which is made by Pioneer. The right channel (meaning the right side speakers) will intermittently go out which is maddening because it sounds so great when all are working. This is a common problem with the Nakamichi head units. I hate the idea of replacing the unit because I like the factory look but if the problem becomes permanent I will have no other option. Find an LS in good condition and care for it and it will serve you well. It drives like a palace on wheels.
05-21-18, 12:10 PM
#13
Lexus Fanatic
Having had both when they were new...
The LS430 is softer, but handling wise the LS400 handles much better... I would rate the LS400 overall as more satisfying to drive. Both our 98 LS400 and our 04 LS430 had the air suspension (very rare on the 400, less rare on the 430). The 430 feels notably larger inside, and looks wise it looks much more upright. I think the 98-00 LS400 is much better looking than the 01-03 LS430 (which we actually bought the lease out of the 98 400 to avoid buying because of styling), with the 04-06 they solved almost all the styling issues with the 01-03, but its not as "classic" a design as the LS400 if that makes sense. Inside the LS400 is more elegant, but the LS430 is more comfortable, and is better equipped.
Looking back I miss the LS400 from time to time, and I still admire them on the road, and consider buying one for a fun nostalgic third car but I don't miss the LS430, nor would I ever have any interest in buying one again.
I think that a lot of those differences noted have to do with your LS400 being a 95 vs a 98-00. In 98 they got the better VVT-I motor, the much improved 5 speed transmission. A lot of the interior appointments were improved, leather was improved, the wood/leather wheel and shift **** and the little strip under the vents I think had a big impact. Audio system I have never had an audio system as good as the Nakamichi stereo in the 98 LS400, including the Mark Levinson in the LS430, and the Mark Levinson Reference system in my LS460L.
Ride was also improved in 1998, the chassis was stiffened which improved handling also, the addition of acoustic glass came in 1998 which made the car quieter. I have not driven an LS400 in many years, but I remember driving 97 LS400s when we had the 98 LS400 (we had one as a loaner once, and we drove a couple used before we chose to get the 98 new) and I remember the 98 being a significantly better ride and drive.
In 2001 comparing our then 3 year old LS400 to a brand new LS430 in our opinion there was no compelling reason to upgrade to a car we didn't like the looks of, so we just kept the 98.
The LS430 is softer, but handling wise the LS400 handles much better... I would rate the LS400 overall as more satisfying to drive. Both our 98 LS400 and our 04 LS430 had the air suspension (very rare on the 400, less rare on the 430). The 430 feels notably larger inside, and looks wise it looks much more upright. I think the 98-00 LS400 is much better looking than the 01-03 LS430 (which we actually bought the lease out of the 98 400 to avoid buying because of styling), with the 04-06 they solved almost all the styling issues with the 01-03, but its not as "classic" a design as the LS400 if that makes sense. Inside the LS400 is more elegant, but the LS430 is more comfortable, and is better equipped.
Looking back I miss the LS400 from time to time, and I still admire them on the road, and consider buying one for a fun nostalgic third car but I don't miss the LS430, nor would I ever have any interest in buying one again.
Originally Posted by VortecCPI
I just traded my 1995 LS400 for a 2002 LS430. Both cars are in excellent condition with the exact same tires. There is just no comparison between the LS400 and LS430 in terms of ride quality. The LS430 is faster, quieter, smoother, and handles better. My old LS400 had like-new shocks and suspension components were in great condition yet the LS430 is so much better it was hard for me to believe.
What do I like? Much larger trunk. Much more torque at every engine speed. Super ECT tranny is marvelous and while the old LS shifted crazy-smooth this one can not be felt at all. Super ECT downshifts when you tap the brakes going downhill. Interior drawers and compartments are superior in design. Sound system in LS430 is far superior to that of LS400. CD changer is now in convenient location at center counsel. Automatic wipers work great. The other day I was driving in the rain testing them. It stopped raining for a bit and when it started again they just came on. I am NOT one for gizmos but this one actually works and works very well.
What do I like? Much larger trunk. Much more torque at every engine speed. Super ECT tranny is marvelous and while the old LS shifted crazy-smooth this one can not be felt at all. Super ECT downshifts when you tap the brakes going downhill. Interior drawers and compartments are superior in design. Sound system in LS430 is far superior to that of LS400. CD changer is now in convenient location at center counsel. Automatic wipers work great. The other day I was driving in the rain testing them. It stopped raining for a bit and when it started again they just came on. I am NOT one for gizmos but this one actually works and works very well.
Ride was also improved in 1998, the chassis was stiffened which improved handling also, the addition of acoustic glass came in 1998 which made the car quieter. I have not driven an LS400 in many years, but I remember driving 97 LS400s when we had the 98 LS400 (we had one as a loaner once, and we drove a couple used before we chose to get the 98 new) and I remember the 98 being a significantly better ride and drive.
In 2001 comparing our then 3 year old LS400 to a brand new LS430 in our opinion there was no compelling reason to upgrade to a car we didn't like the looks of, so we just kept the 98.
05-21-18, 12:16 PM
#14
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Having had both when they were new...
The LS430 is softer, but handling wise the LS400 handles much better... I would rate the LS400 overall as more satisfying to drive. Both our 98 LS400 and our 04 LS430 had the air suspension (very rare on the 400, less rare on the 430). The 430 feels notably larger inside, and looks wise it looks much more upright. I think the 98-00 LS400 is much better looking than the 01-03 LS430 (which we actually bought the lease out of the 98 400 to avoid buying because of styling), with the 04-06 they solved almost all the styling issues with the 01-03, but its not as "classic" a design as the LS400 if that makes sense. Inside the LS400 is more elegant, but the LS430 is more comfortable, and is better equipped.
Looking back I miss the LS400 from time to time, and I still admire them on the road, and consider buying one for a fun nostalgic third car but I don't miss the LS430, nor would I ever have any interest in buying one again.
I think that a lot of those differences noted have to do with your LS400 being a 95 vs a 98-00. In 98 they got the better VVT-I motor, the much improved 5 speed transmission. A lot of the interior appointments were improved, leather was improved, the wood/leather wheel and shift **** and the little strip under the vents I think had a big impact. Audio system I have never had an audio system as good as the Nakamichi stereo in the 98 LS400, including the Mark Levinson in the LS430, and the Mark Levinson Reference system in my LS460L.
Ride was also improved in 1998, the chassis was stiffened which improved handling also, the addition of acoustic glass came in 1998 which made the car quieter. I have not driven an LS400 in many years, but I remember driving 97 LS400s when we had the 98 LS400 (we had one as a loaner once, and we drove a couple used before we chose to get the 98 new) and I remember the 98 being a significantly better ride and drive.
In 2001 comparing our then 3 year old LS400 to a brand new LS430 in our opinion there was no compelling reason to upgrade to a car we didn't like the looks of, so we just kept the 98.
The LS430 is softer, but handling wise the LS400 handles much better... I would rate the LS400 overall as more satisfying to drive. Both our 98 LS400 and our 04 LS430 had the air suspension (very rare on the 400, less rare on the 430). The 430 feels notably larger inside, and looks wise it looks much more upright. I think the 98-00 LS400 is much better looking than the 01-03 LS430 (which we actually bought the lease out of the 98 400 to avoid buying because of styling), with the 04-06 they solved almost all the styling issues with the 01-03, but its not as "classic" a design as the LS400 if that makes sense. Inside the LS400 is more elegant, but the LS430 is more comfortable, and is better equipped.
Looking back I miss the LS400 from time to time, and I still admire them on the road, and consider buying one for a fun nostalgic third car but I don't miss the LS430, nor would I ever have any interest in buying one again.
I think that a lot of those differences noted have to do with your LS400 being a 95 vs a 98-00. In 98 they got the better VVT-I motor, the much improved 5 speed transmission. A lot of the interior appointments were improved, leather was improved, the wood/leather wheel and shift **** and the little strip under the vents I think had a big impact. Audio system I have never had an audio system as good as the Nakamichi stereo in the 98 LS400, including the Mark Levinson in the LS430, and the Mark Levinson Reference system in my LS460L.
Ride was also improved in 1998, the chassis was stiffened which improved handling also, the addition of acoustic glass came in 1998 which made the car quieter. I have not driven an LS400 in many years, but I remember driving 97 LS400s when we had the 98 LS400 (we had one as a loaner once, and we drove a couple used before we chose to get the 98 new) and I remember the 98 being a significantly better ride and drive.
In 2001 comparing our then 3 year old LS400 to a brand new LS430 in our opinion there was no compelling reason to upgrade to a car we didn't like the looks of, so we just kept the 98.
05-21-18, 12:36 PM
#15
Lexus Fanatic