What to replace an LS430 with?

[Username888]

I am absolutely gutted. I have had a 2004 Lexus LS430 for 8 years, LPG. Loved every mile i've driven in it. Unfortunately I have written it off, - cooked the engine because of loss of coolant.

What to replace it with?

[ChocolateFrog]

A £1500 engine?

[dbdb]

Absolutely, just replace the engine.

[blue_haddock]

LS460 would be the obvious answer

[Username888]

Any idea how much labour would cost to replace the engine? I have absolutely no idea. LS460 is a good shout

[BrettMRC]

Another LS, or buy a good secondhand engine.

[ChocolateFrog]

Username888 said:

Any idea how much labour would cost to replace the engine? I have absolutely no idea. LS460 is a good shout

Haven't done an LS specifically but I'd be surprised if it couldn't be done in a day by someone's who's done one before.

[blue_haddock]

How about a chevy LS engine? a quick google shows its pretty common stateside.

[Username888]

I couldn't find much on the chevy engine.

I am awaiting quotes to refit a salvaged engine. Considering buying another LS430, or - maybe something with an elevated driving position, I would be happy in something like an old Range Rover Vogue, although I'm guessing there'll be reliability problems. Any other decent, reliable, comfortable SUV s I could consider for around the 3 - 7k mark?

[soad]

Username888 said:

Any idea how much labour would cost to replace the engine? I have absolutely no idea. LS460 is a good shout

Phone up a decent knowledgeable local garage, or two. Labour rates vary massively.

[SlowV6]

I'd vote a last-of-the-line 55 reg LS430 if engine can't be replaced. Or LS460 or even LS600H. Road tax on the 460s is £735 per annum so selling on in 2024 or beyond is going to be increasingly hard as they fall towards SOTW money. Such an infuriating and stupid threshold IMHO.

£7K would get you into an RX450H if you like the Lexus life.

[Username888]

Yes, I do like the RX's, - do they do non hybrids? I just noticed this one, which seems suspiciously cheap https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/13312011...

I was considering the 460... didn't realise the tax was so crazy, that's just ridiculous.

[raspy]

X reg gs430 - same engine as your written off car, but smaller package.

£4.5k and £345 tax I believe.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307109...

[raspy]

Searching for the Toyota Celsior, which is how they called the LS but for the Japan market, there is one available that seems to be very well looked after.

A bit over your budget at £8.5k (but these things can always be negotiated, right?)

Interior/exterior may not be to your taste, but at least it's an option. Autotrader says tax is £190 a year on this one. Is that because it's imported?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409103...

[Username888]

Ah very interesting suggestions and food for thought, - thanks for your time here, - all suggestions very welcome, - think I would definitely like to stick to Lexus. Didn't realise the GS had the same engine, and great shout for the imported 430

[Rob 131 Sport]

The best Audi A6, 5 Series or Mercedes E Class you can afford.

[shirt]

blue_haddock said:

LS460 would be the obvious answer

That’s what I thought when I read the title.

But as this is a what car thread all the answers can’t be sensible. How much is a Toyota century in the uk? They’re 6-7k here but that is probably due to them being rhd in a lhd market.