LS430/LS460 - Lexus

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Sat 26 Jan 2019 16:43
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - Richard wall
Hi all

Just looking for advice. I’d like to buy a Lexus LS I’ve got about £8k to spend does anyone know what I should look out for on these lovely cars. I’ll only look for ones with full history etc. But does anyone actually own one as I’ve heard good reviews. I know if stuff goes wrong it can be expensive

Any help greatly appreciated
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Sat 26 Jan 2019 17:09
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - badbusdriver

No specific advice other than that this is probably the only car of its type that I'd be willing to part with my own money for. Maybe find out if there is a forum for them, or an owners club to ask for what to look for. Probably be an idea to get an inspection as, while the reliability is legendary, if anything goes wrong, it is likely to be very expensive to fix. Not that I'd expect anything to go wrong on one of these (unless abused), but better to be safe.

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Sat 26 Jan 2019 18:34
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - badbusdriver

Couple of other things to bear in mind, if you get an LS460, that is going to be 2006 onwards, which in turn means £555 road tax. Whereas if you go for an LS430, up to and including 2005, that is £315.

You mentioned service history, which is obviously a good thing to have, but you can also go on www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/ to check the MOT history. Also, this is a big heavy and powerful car, so check the tyres. Not just the tread, but that it is a decent quality tyre. If money was skimped on tyres, where else?.

Here is a link to a UK Lexus forum, www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/, but i wouldn't rule out asking on a US one as any potential problems are likely to be the same and there are much more of the cars over there.

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Sat 26 Jan 2019 18:36
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - nellyjak

As above.....my very fave luxobarge..and have consider one for some time...from the original LS400 onwards.

They have legendary reliability (the Japanese Rolls Royce they say) and generally you only read good things about them...BUT...as BBD says, I guess if anything does go wrong then you may potentially be looking at a high expense.

I don't think they are horrendously thirsty either given the big V8 under the bonnet (relatively speaking)

Like any other car..inspection and history is vital...go to the appropriate owners club site for more info

Good luck

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Sun 27 Jan 2019 10:39
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - Sofa Spud

As above.....my very fave luxobarge..and have consider one for some time...from the original LS400 onwards.

They have legendary reliability (the Japanese Rolls Royce they say) and generally you only read good things about them...BUT...as BBD says, I guess if anything does go wrong then you may potentially be looking at a high expense.

I don't think they are horrendously thirsty either given the big V8 under the bonnet (relatively speaking)

Like any other car..inspection and history is vital...go to the appropriate owners club site for more info

Good luck

The car that usually described as the 'Japanese Rolls' is the Toyota Century !!

car-images.bauersecure.com/pagefiles/76826/1040x58...g

Edited by Sofa Spud on 27/01/2019 at 10:39

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Sun 27 Jan 2019 10:52
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - badbusdriver

As above.....my very fave luxobarge..and have consider one for some time...from the original LS400 onwards.

They have legendary reliability (the Japanese Rolls Royce they say) and generally you only read good things about them...BUT...as BBD says, I guess if anything does go wrong then you may potentially be looking at a high expense.

I don't think they are horrendously thirsty either given the big V8 under the bonnet (relatively speaking)

Like any other car..inspection and history is vital...go to the appropriate owners club site for more info

Good luck

The car that usually described as the 'Japanese Rolls' is the Toyota Century !!

car-images.bauersecure.com/pagefiles/76826/1040x58...g

Love it!.

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Sun 27 Jan 2019 11:59
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - gordonbennet

The car that usually described as the 'Japanese Rolls' is the Toyota Century !!

car-images.bauersecure.com/pagefiles/76826/1040x58...g

Wonderful.

The previous model which lasted decades with only a minor alteration is a rare enough sight here, i've seen 3 in the flesh in the last 12 years, one in a village in Herts which piqued my interest in the model, and two, possibly the same car, that have overtaken me recently going at quite a respectable pace on the M1 and A45 respectively, in all cases still wearing its chic cream/white lace rear curtains.

I too would have a LS460 if i wanted a large prestige car, that model around 2009 build are quietly handsome compared to later Lexus offerings which are heading towards garish and physically repel me with that hideous grill, which looks like some tat the apprentice sellotaped on after nipping down to the accessory shop on Black Friday sales.

Edited by gordonbennet on 27/01/2019 at 12:04

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Sun 27 Jan 2019 13:29
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - Engineer Andy

I think that all the good Japanese car stylists are working for Mazda. I agree that since the mid 2000s, Lexuses (Lexi?) have been 'odd-looking' (inside and out) to say the least. The earlier cars were far better in that regard when they kept things simple.

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Sat 26 Jan 2019 18:31
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - Engineer Andy

Check the Reviews section for them (the older ones can be found below the newer ones by clicking on the 'Used' Reviews and especially check the 'Good & Bad sub-sections of each review for likely issues that may arise, which, given your budget, you won't be able to afford to repair/replace. Bear in mind these cars cost best part of £50k when new, and just one fault could mean you'll have to scrap it because you can't afford to repair it, wasting £8k on the purchase.

If you have your heart set on a Lexus, I'd get a IS instead (petrol model), and make sure it's shod on reasonable sized wheels and tyres and not the bling sized ones, as you'll a) get a far more comfortable ride and b) they won't cost a fortune to replace and are far less susceptible to damage/punctures. These cars aren't drivers' cars, but smooth luxury saloons to waft around in.

With the IS being far cheaper to buy than the LS or GS, you'll be able to get a newer model (especially if you go for a lower spec one with the smaller wheels and higher sidewall tyres). If you can, make sure it has been looked after only at a main dealer, even if it's being sold privately. Often these (non-modded ones [never get one of them]) are owned by discerning retired perople who keep them in great nick and sadly often only part with them when they feel they don't want to/can't drive any more. One near me is well over 10 years old and looks almost as good as new - and, I bet, with not many miles on the clock either.

If it's being sold privately, just make sure it gets the once over by someone with real car knowledge and get a test drive - for the typical owner, this car may have been sitting around doing nothing for long periods, especially in the situation I alluded to above. Hopefully the only issues are related to brakes binding, maybe a duff battery, etc.

PS. Have a look at the 'Cars for Sale' (used) section of this website and plug in the requirements to see what you could expect to get for your money for each car, including other (cheaper, smaller, newer) models in the range.

Edited by Engineer Andy on 26/01/2019 at 18:33

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Sat 26 Jan 2019 22:38
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - SLO76
Costly to run, greedy and parts are pricey but a fantastic big luxury barge and one of the few I’d also part with my own money for. I’ve a neighbour with a 1994 LS400 and it never fails. Still looks solid and runs sweet as a nut. I’d be concerned about maintenance though as main dealers will be dear and backstreet Joe’s have no clue about complex motors like this and Lexus/Toyota specialists are rare. Electrics are good but boy when they go wrong it’s a complex old beast. Budget with a few costly repairs in mind and buy a longterm owned car with excellent history and don’t worry too much about mileage as a well looked after example will run and run.

Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20181120259...3

Edited by SLO76 on 26/01/2019 at 22:41

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Sun 27 Jan 2019 09:27
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - Richard wall
thanks one and all.. very helpful ... I shall do some homework
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Sun 27 Jan 2019 14:22
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - madf

Join the Lexus Owners Club. Lots of advice there and knowledge,

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Sun 27 Jan 2019 23:24
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - pd

Best built one was the Mk 4 LS400 (98-00). Sub-100k mileage examples are now fetching £4-6k easily and only going up. Doubt there will ever be another car built like it.

Subsequent models not so bullet proof. Pre-facelift (00-04) LS430 prone to issues with suspension, audio and aircon. Occasional gearbox issues too. Facelift a better car and with 6-speed can do 35-40mpg on a run.

Main issue I know of on LS460 is failed steering racks which are expensive. Other than that seems relatively bug free.

IS & GS nice enough cars but not a true luxury car like the LS which was the original and still the best.

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Mon 28 Jan 2019 13:21
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - carl233

I would go for the IS250 as already covered, really nice cars with the auto box. Some very nice low mileage examples around for minimal money. I would suggest changing the automatic transmission fluid though as I disagree with the Toyota\Lexus mindset that the box is sealed for life, it can be changed.

The IS250 is quite fast and reliable and the build quality is superb puts many other vehicles to shame, look underneath one and you will see the attention to detail is very good in every respect it is engineered to last.

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Mon 28 Jan 2019 13:48
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - Metropolis.
IS 250 is a nice car with excellent build quality and the engine is almost inaudible, but don’t expect to be able to waft, the suspension is quite stiff.
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Mon 28 Jan 2019 13:49
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - gordonbennet

I would suggest changing the automatic transmission fluid though as I disagree with the Toyota\Lexus mindset that the box is sealed for life, it can be changed.

I'm rather surprised at Toyota taking this line, they have done so with the 5 speed later autobox in my Landcruiser too, saying the oil gets checked at service time...interesting in that the only way to check the oil level/condition is to remove the second (level check) plug in the sump and look at the few drops which will come out, hardly a reliable oil quality check that IMO...they removed the gearbox dipstick too on that box so oil changes became a lot more fiddly and messy.

Previously Toyota's service regimes were based on making such vehicles easy and simple to service in the field with all transmission oils changed regularly, it's what helped make them stand out from other marques as totally dependable (ie DIY cambelt change on mine 1 hour tops with barely a handful of basic tools), i hope this foolish sealed for life attitude is the final cross to carry from the years Toyota slightly lost the plot, and for which Mr Toyoda very publicly apologised, time will tell.

Needless to say i gave that non service advice on my own vehicle a good ignoring, and swapped the transmission oil out myself.

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Mon 25 Jan 2021 15:21
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - Steveieb

Did have my eye on a 220D locally which is still for sale until I took advice from the site.

2006 with 100k privately for £1650 but how on earth could Lexus get it so wrong ?

my indie told me he found the cost of a wheel bearing was £1000 so he pressed a pattern part into the hub.

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Mon 25 Jan 2021 15:28
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - Rerepo

Not sure if this is relevant but a few years ago a friend had a sticking rear brake caliper on his Lexus. I looked at it and could see the rubbers had failed. New seal kit from the dealer (one caliper) was £85 !! He eventually found one online. It came from Dubai and cost about £15. It took three weeks to arrive but was a genuine part. I fitted it and all was ok again.

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Tue 26 Jan 2021 06:52
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - edlithgow

Did have my eye on a 220D locally which is still for sale until I took advice from the site.

2006 with 100k privately for £1650 but how on earth could Lexus get it so wrong ?

my indie told me he found the cost of a wheel bearing was £1000 so he pressed a pattern part into the hub.

Do Toyota make their own bearings? That used to be unusual.

Many years ago I saved myself A LOT of money on Appleyard (BL Parts Division) prices by going to a bearing supplier with the bearing codes and a cover story, but I don't THINK I got a pattern part. I just got the bearings A LOT cheaper.

I have it on good authority though that HONDA have a bad habit of putting a non-standard bearing in assemblies so they can ensure their product goes to the boneyard when they feel it should.

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Mon 25 Jan 2021 19:54
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - privateinvestor

Ive never owned a LS 400 or equivalent but owned a GS300 - fantastic. Make sure it has a full service history and the person selling the car is th right type - if that makes sense. Most Toyota engines are chain cam, but the odd one or two are belt cam so make sure they have been changed. Also ensure the gearbox oil was changed. Check MOT history on GOV web site. Looked after properly these cars can do with ease 300k-400k.

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Mon 25 Jan 2021 20:41
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - Metropolis.

The LS430 is considered the black sheep of the LS family, but then it is really only the worst of a very very good bunch. Still more reliable than ANY luxury saloon from any other brand of the same model year.

Early LS400s were non-interference cambelts, later were not.

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Tue 26 Jan 2021 11:46
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - madf

I did detailed research before buying a Lexus LS.

I joined the Lexus Owners Club and read the buyers' guides

They are NOT cheap to run. Very well built but eventually things wear out. And owners sell them because of that.

DIY? Keeps costs down.Ignorant about cars? Without a GOOD indpendent, it will be £1000s at Lexus dealers.

I decided not to buy. The cheap ones with high miles needed £2-£3k of DIY work to get right.

Older ones rust - like all steel cars.

If you must buy get one that has been lovingly looked fater, a FULL Lexus SH , good tyres and exhaust.

Cost out buying a new set of tyres.Then decide whether you want to buy one.

If you are paying £8k save £2.5k for repairs.

Oh and check the tax and insurance costs .

You need lots of spare cash to run one properly.

Edited by madf on 26/01/2021 at 11:47

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Tue 26 Jan 2021 12:53
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - skidpan

When dad and a mate of his retired in the early 90's they both had a new car. Dad got a 6 month old Primera, his mate got a LS400. Dad only kept the Primera a year, it got hit too many times, it was like a target when parked, he had a further 3 cars. His mate kept the LS400 until he stopped driving over 20 years later.

Edited by skidpan on 26/01/2021 at 13:45

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Tue 2 Feb 2021 16:22
LS430/LS460 - Lexus - tinonline

I bought mine from an elderly gent who had stopped driving.

I'd just come out of a bad relationship with a 2003 Jag XKR...looked amazing...future super classic but mechanically it was really poor quality and like many including BMW, Range Rover was plagued with the appalling ZF gearbox. That was only one of the issues.

I intended the Lexus to be a temporary stop gap - a rebound. :)

5 years later...

Mine is last of the line: a Year 2000 - most performance figures state the early models and these wagons will do 0-60 in under 6.5 seconds and you can chuck them around a fair bit too.

I'm not sure on costly - like all motors they take our money.

Dealers can be very expensive but then ok for tyres and batteries. OE brake discs & ceramic pads can be had for £200 per axle. Lexus parts generally last for 100,000 miles and beyond. Non OE depends upon quality but less. Some OE parts pricing is bonkers. There are some very good independents about and the Forums are very good.

I do most maintenance myself and kicked off with a cambelt change; including waterpump, and all pulleys/tensioners etc. I bought these on offer from the US and for around £200 got Gates parts which were a bargain. I've another 5 years to go before thinking about another change. I might opt for OE at this stage as then in future only the belt will need changing. I'm not trusting non OE over the 10 years.

Iridium sparkplugs were changed: good now for 90k miles. Diff oil changed. Drained gearbox sump and refilled with 2 ltrs of OE oil. Lexus only recommend full change under arduous driving and towing conditions. So I'll do a sump full per annum.

Front suspension can be hard work at a certain age so bank on lower ball joints/lower strut cushions and upper arms. Exhaust Y section likely to fail if not fixed - I had mine refabricated and area repaired by an independent who happened to build custom exhausts: £200.

Later variants are good but apparently not as good...the 430 suffered from coolant/gearbox oil disasters.

I couldn't face getting rid...it's too good a car.

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