Lexus LS430

[J4CKO]

Ok, I know its a huge, fairly hideous dollop but is a three/four grand one a sensible buy and potentially a more reliable option than the usual German suspects ?

We have a Ford Galaxy we aren't using much which is still worth decent money and it is just sat there, thinking might as well sell it and get a big wafter, I like the idea of the LS430 as the BMW alternatives seem to be pricier and suffer more problems, the S Class at that age will probably be rusty and the A8 seems to be more expensive to insure.

Are they just an updated LS400, are they any better, what are they like to drive and realistically what is the MPG ?

[dkatwa]

I was thinking along the same lines...it is not the same drive as a Jag, BMW, Merc...however, looking at the various Lexus forums, nothing major seems to go wrong with them...they have all the toys which all seem work and they just keep going on and on, whatever the milage. I think there are two basic types of engine - interference and non-interference (which does not suffer if a cambelt breaks)...check out the forums and let us know what you decide to do...

I usually look at this site
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls430-158/

I would buy one without hesitation...

[J4CKO]

Yes, appreciate they aren't a drivers car but the longevity does appeal, google for engine problems and LS430 and there don't seem to be any, air suspension seems to potentially go wrong. I suppose a well designed, high quality, relatively unstressed V8 in a car with enough power but not enough to rip itself apart and an auto box makes for a long lived engine, I think that potentially I would trust a 150k mile Lexus V8 rather than a 50K Ford turbodiesel, always concerns me about potential bills for turbo's (vane issues), injectors, DPF's and all that, slight man maths at work here !

[Animal]

I was looking to buy one last year (opted for a 5-series instead). The two main things I was warned about were the suspension, which is apparently a costly fix, and the economy. Apparently 16-20mpg combined isn't very good...

[XB70]

J4CKO said:

Yes, appreciate they aren't a drivers car but the longevity does appeal, google for engine problems and LS430 and there don't seem to be any, air suspension seems to potentially go wrong. I suppose a well designed, high quality, relatively unstressed V8 in a car with enough power but not enough to rip itself apart and an auto box makes for a long lived engine, I think that potentially I would trust a 150k mile Lexus V8 rather than a 50K Ford turbodiesel, always concerns me about potential bills for turbo's (vane issues), injectors, DPF's and all that, slight man maths at work here !

If you were closer to me I would have been happy to meet up and show you round mine.

I had heard of air suspension issues but they seem few and far between, unlike AIRMATIC and that godforsaken ABC on the Mercs.

They are very quiet, extremely comfortable and "loaded" as they say with toys. A lot of people will comment that they are not built like the W140 Mercedes, don't have the "bank like build quality" etc etc etc. That is really a case of equating a heavy shutting door with build quality and over-engineering.

Very roomy in the interior, especially for the driver and the boot is deceptively huge.

Very easy to park and, while not having the pace of say the V12's or forced induction V8's, they are still a very quick car. Point to point they can be hussled along at a surprising rate and the excellent stereo, cooler box, airconditioned seats and assortment of blinds on the various windows mean that a very nice place to travel.

In the back, massaging and reclining seats with full controls over the audio and climate systems.

As my garage listing shows, I've have a number of barges but keep coming back to the LS.

Brilliant cars in my opinion and while I do love the Mercedes, I much prefer not having to worry about what may/will go wrong.

Likely to be replaced with an LS600HL in the near future.

[Garlick]

Animal said:

I was looking to buy one last year (opted for a 5-series instead). The two main things I was warned about were the suspension, which is apparently a costly fix, and the economy. Apparently 16-20mpg combined isn't very good...

Yep. My suspension was a big job (rear) and I am about to have the front done too. People say they get 25mpg+ from theirs but I see 17-19.

Cracking car though, an absolute belter.

[J4CKO]

Was the 430 much different underneath to the LS400 ?

17-19, wow, that is heroic, was thinking they may see over 20mpg in normal use and perhaps 25 on a run

[Garlick]

J4CKO said:

17-19, wow, that is heroic, was thinking they may see over 20mpg in normal use and perhaps 25 on a run

I once got decent MPG (circa 25ish) by sitting at 65mph from London to North Yorks, but mainly I'm bombing around town so mid-teens are to be expected.

Last calcs on a full tank included town work and two motorway jaunts (fast) and that gave 19.6mpg overall. I don't bother any more...

[wormburner]

J4CKO said:

Was the 430 much different underneath to the LS400 ?

17-19, wow, that is heroic, was thinking they may see over 20mpg in normal use and perhaps 25 on a run

I believe the one to have for fuel economy is a mkIV LS400 with the VVTi. Surprisingly economical and surprisingly light.

The earlier LS400s and the LS430 were heavier on fuel (but by no means bad compared to the competition).

I really wish these cars were better-looking. I love everything else about them.

[CampDavid]

Garlick said:

I once got decent MPG (circa 25ish) by sitting at 65mph from London to North Yorks, but mainly I'm bombing around town so mid-teens are to be expected.

Last calcs on a full tank included town work and two motorway jaunts (fast) and that gave 19.6mpg overall. I don't bother any more...

My 740i appears to be about 3mpg in town and 5mpg better on the motorway, which is a fair bit better than the LS, performance I believe is similar.

The LS is cheaper though and a much easier car to buy, there appear to be more good LSs than E38s from my web hunting. The ride on the E38 is crap by comparison too (though mines a Sport, which won't help)

[Johnboy Mac]

wormburner said:

I believe the one to have for fuel economy is a mkIV LS400 with the VVTi. Surprisingly economical and surprisingly light.

The earlier LS400s and the LS430 were heavier on fuel (but by no means bad compared to the competition).

I really wish these cars were better-looking. I love everything else about them.

Agree, I don't fancy a 430 either due to the looks (and possible extra complication, mind it's a Lexus so that might be a non issue). After two 400's, it would be a 400 again no question.

[belleair302]

I have an LS 400 and an LS430 and the two are very different. the 400 is slower, a softer ride, less electronic and lower to sit in and drive! Economy is around 20 in town and 27 at 75mph.

The LS430 is a much more modern ride. More toys, adjustable suspension, traction control, sat nav, better ventilation and higher running costs. The engine is more silent, the fuel economy is lower, 17 in town and 26/27 on the motorway. Steering has little feel, everything is electronic and servicing is not silly money even with a main dealer. Parts are no so easy to find and mine has covered 57,000 miles from new since 03. Would I buy one today for a few grand, maybe but would want lots of bills and would need to see the suspension bushes, springs and underside of the car. They do rust, boot lids and hinges go....and check all of the electronics including the rear fridge, auto on/off lights and wipers, a/c, CD changer, electric seat all around, EDC suspension and the rear diff. lots to go wrong and hard to work on at home compared to the LS 400.

[madou]

belleair302 said:

check all of the electronics including the rear fridge

Do the ones without a rear fridge have a ski hatch, or is it possible to remove the fridge and install one ?

[richardxjr]

wormburner said:

I believe the one to have for fuel economy is a mkIV LS400 with the VVTi. Surprisingly economical and surprisingly light.

I've gushed about mine on here a few times before. London-Aberdeen on a single 90l tank, that's mid 30s mpg. (Fully loaded, 70-80mph)

Working on getting my second Mk4. Complexity and (apparently) slightly inferior ride quality of the LS430 puts me off them. Mk4 has VVTi, 5-speed, Xenons, Nav, so enough toys for me. As well as conventional suspension thanks.

wormburner said:

I really wish these cars were better-looking. I love everything else about them.

400 Mk4 DHP in the right colour really helps the looks.

[wormburner]

richardxjr said:

wormburner said:

I believe the one to have for fuel economy is a mkIV LS400 with the VVTi. Surprisingly economical and surprisingly light.

I've gushed about mine on here a few times before. London-Aberdeen on a single 90l tank, that's mid 30s mpg. (Fully loaded, 70-80mph)

Working on getting my second Mk4. Complexity and (apparently) slightly inferior ride quality of the LS430 puts me off them. Mk4 has VVTi, 5-speed, Xenons, Nav, so enough toys for me. As well as conventional suspension thanks.

wormburner said:

I really wish these cars were better-looking. I love everything else about them.

400 Mk4 DHP in the right colour really helps the looks.

A mkIV is the one I'd have, though i prefer the grille and lamp arrangement on a mkIII. I agree they are hugely colour-sensitive, and the palette available from the factory, both inside and out, was largely horrid. Black or dark grey with black or magnolia interior for me.

The various golds and pastel paints and blue or grey leathers are both very common and very awful.

[jfbrin]

I bought one a couple weeks ago and yes it is a luxo barge with all the toys you could ever want. The instruction book is a lengthy read because of all the extras. Voice control is more of a gimmic than functional though. However, for a serene floating ride, few compare. You are reminded of her size in tight corners but straight line acceleration is swift.
She is too quiet for me so having had a leaking back box flagged up as an MOT advisory, i have bokked her in to have the back boxes replaced which should add a subtle growl under load. I have averaged 20 mpg in the first coule of weeks n my commute where my audi s8 d2 recorded 17 mpg. City traffic is heavy on juice. Now seriously considering lpg conversion which could result in a comparatively economical limo.

Drive a few though as they are an acquired taste.

[HasToBeV8]

jfbrin said:

I bought one a couple weeks ago and yes it is a luxo barge with all the toys you could ever want. The instruction book is a lengthy read because of all the extras. Voice control is more of a gimmic than functional though. However, for a serene floating ride, few compare. You are reminded of her size in tight corners but straight line acceleration is swift.
She is too quiet for me so having had a leaking back box flagged up as an MOT advisory, i have bokked her in to have the back boxes replaced which should add a subtle growl under load. I have averaged 20 mpg in the first coule of weeks n my commute where my audi s8 d2 recorded 17 mpg. City traffic is heavy on juice. Now seriously considering lpg conversion which could result in a comparatively economical limo.

Drive a few though as they are an acquired taste.

Thread resurrection!

I just had my MOT today which thankfully my LS430 passed again for the 16th time, but it came back with its first ever advisory of a small leak in one of the rear backboxes - sounds very similar to what you had a few years ago. I am considering doing what you have had done, i.e. go for a fruitier back box or even a straight pipe to replace the silencers. Out of interest, which replacement boxes did you go for and how much did it set you back?

Thanks!

[SpeckledJim]

Is jfbrin still around...?

God this is exciting.

[Ocellia]

Infinity exhausts in Avonmouth is a lead I’ve got on file,just in case. Depends where you live of course.
I’m looking at an lpg 430; after several big Citroens, I’ll miss the ineffable ride. Just wish there was a combination of CX style with Lexus engine and build quality!
Will be my ‘last car’.