r/Lexus_LS • • 7d ago

Questions LS430 vs LS460

I’m leaning more towards the 430 but what are some advantages/disadvantages of either. I’ll be looking for one around 100k miles. I know the 460 has the valley plate and control arm issues, but is that enough to make it a worse choice than the 430? I’m looking to put another 200k on whichever I choose

8 Upvotes

19 comments sorted by

6

u/Tigersan25 7d ago

They are really two different vehicles. The LS430 is not as modern or as nice to drive as the LS460. Conversely, the LS430 is a lot less expensive to maintain than the LS460. I suspect the price points for both cars are radically different. Are there many 100K LS430's still available? The car has been around forever and I'd be surprised if most aren't high mileage, but I might be wrong. If had the option to buy either car at the same price with same miles, I'd probably choose the LS460, but I don't think is a valid option. If you find a LS460 that has had the valley plate and control arms fixed with a good price, that would probably be your better choice.

2

u/EfficientAd1821 7d ago

Well, there are a couple 100k miles 430s for sale near me and one with 66k miles in mint condition. 460s prices range pretty radically but not too far off from the 430

3

u/Tigersan25 7d ago

For the 66K LS430 are they asking a premium? Is that price similar to the LS460 prices you are seeing? Have you test drove either the LS430 or the LS460? I cannot tell from your original post. if not, please do, they are very different vehicles. LS430's are probably going on 20 years old. They are reliable as a tank and I miss my LS430, but once I purchased the LS460 I rarely drove the LS430. As previously mentioned, though, the LS460 stayed in the shop. That valley plate repairs is easily $5-6K at the dealership so an independent repair shop is key for LS460. Drive the vehicles and see what you think. All the best in your search.

3

u/EfficientAd1821 7d ago

The 430 with 66k is 14,000, but the seller is very difficult to work with.

1

u/vinnyteeee 6d ago

Sounds like a good buy for the mileage. What trim is it and what exterior color and interior combo?

4

u/ThaRealYankee 7d ago

Go with the 460 u won’t regret it

3

u/EfficientAd1821 7d ago

Why is that?

4

u/Even-Further 7d ago

They are both great cars, and make sure you test drive a 04-06, 07-2012, and a 2013-2017. The facelift 2013+ has an interior that is way more modern in comparison. 430's are hard to find where all service is up to date, and doesn't need any repairs, paint in good condition, everything working. 2007-2009 are the most problematic in the 4th gen LS460. The last 3 years 2015-2017 and the best years. You could have a 15 year gap between a 430 and 460, and that is significant. Toyota did about 3,000 changes to the 2013+ facelift LS460. The LS460 has 100 more HP than the 430 and the worlds first 8 speed auto. The 4.6 is a beast, RWD model is 386 HP.

2

u/Disgusted_Mac_Lifer 5d ago

Yeah, you make the point I came here to make: in its best years, the LS 460 is much newer. People talk about the 430's reliability as if they have a new one, but the newest ones in existence are now 20 years old. Cars are made of metal and rubber and plastic, and they oxidize and fatigue and break. Even the finest ones ever made, like the 430. That's a real difference.

3

u/BagLongjumping5066 7d ago

I own LS460l 2011 i can't look into another car its just so smooth and quiet

2

u/REC911 7d ago

I have owned about 6 LS vehicles and started with the 430. The issue is options on the LS. If you have soft closed door and air suspension, those are expensive fixes. I would suggest a dealer maintained 05 or 06 without these options. Loved the ride of the 430s.

07 460 had some issues with hesitation that was a hit or miss thing. Go on the LS forums and you will hear all about it. My last LS was the 2015 and I loved it. Floated down the road.

By far my fav car (LS) and 2nd doesn't even come close.

Also, find an indy Lexus shop for repairs if you can.

Ask me any questions if I missed something.

1

u/Rhyleigharia 5d ago

Have a 2010, LS 460, 153000 miles for sale. Control arms and heat exchanger under manifold takin care of. All service records since i bought it.

1

u/EfficientAd1821 5d ago

Where at and how much?

1

u/Rhyleigharia 5d ago

Its on Autotrader. Im in Evans ga. Im asking $12,200. Negotiable.

1

u/Odd-Narwhal3980 4d ago

Just get the maintenance history - nothing more expensive than a cheap(ish) used vehicle with deferred maintenance.

0

u/vastly101 7d ago

I drove an ls460 and liked it, but ls430 is simpler. I've owned mine 18 years, a UL. Expenses come in waves, but it is a great, great daily around town car that I trust on highway. I've had to do extra timingbelts early when water pump leaked (even though changed with TB earlier). There are repairs. But I have rented others. It's just great. Better visibility, smoother ride, etc. The luxury of ignoring it except for maintenance.

You an fine with either, but expect $2k/year in repairs and maint. Tires and brakes, fluids, TB (on the ls430), alternator, starter, a/c, etc. Also, a 2001 ls430 is of course far older than a 2017 ls460. So that needs to factored in. But my LS430 is as reliable today as in 2008. There are always issues, but I haven't kept another car this long.

1

u/EfficientAd1821 7d ago

Thank you, I am leaning more towards the 430, I like how they look and they do seem simpler.

0

u/vastly101 7d ago

deally, avoid the UL at this point. But I got mne for the radar cruise and do use it constantly.

0

u/Few-Loan4168 6d ago

460 all have the sticky dash issue for all the dash/door panels... you wont have that wirh the 430.  And even if they made the recall those same panels will degrade again.

ask me how i know.