Topic: Used Vehicle Review: Lexus LS, 2007-2015

[Solstice2006]

If you can "live with" the LS sedan instead of the LX SUV, the LS is a much better used deal.

Cars are always a better deal then SUVs.  I don't even want an SUV.  It's a need.  I want something that can handle my next trailer, probably around 3500-4000lbs .  But I would rather have an SUV than a truck. 

Right now the van does fine for what I have.  But I would like to upgrade down the road.

[pi314]

Keep the van for towing and get an LS for style and lux 

[Solstice2006]

Keep the van for towing and get an LS for style and lux 

I would if I could.  Vans don't tow trailers weighing 3500lbs-4000lbs.

[dirtyjeffer]

Keep the van for towing and get an LS for style and lux 

I would if I could.  Vans don't tow trailers weighing 3500lbs-4000lbs.

sure they do. 

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Ford/E-Series+Cargo+Van/Woodbridge/Ontario/5_25695834_20131031141712592/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=1_15_2

[Triple Bob]

Keep the van for towing and get an LS for style and lux 

I would if I could.  Vans don't tow trailers weighing 3500lbs-4000lbs.

sure they do. 

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Ford/E-Series+Cargo+Van/Woodbridge/Ontario/5_25695834_20131031141712592/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=1_15_2

Yeah, but you'd look a bit serial killer...

[dirtyjeffer]

Keep the van for towing and get an LS for style and lux 

I would if I could.  Vans don't tow trailers weighing 3500lbs-4000lbs.

sure they do. 

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Ford/E-Series+Cargo+Van/Woodbridge/Ontario/5_25695834_20131031141712592/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=1_15_2

Yeah, but you'd look a bit serial killer...

i thought that was part of the appeal.   

[goodsonr]

^^^^   

For a used flagship, Lexus is the only safe choice.  I know someone with a 2002 LS430 - it's still a gorgeous car.  He figures it's a $10-12K used car.  That's a lot of car for the money. If he decides to sell it, I'd have a hard time not snapping it up.

Didn't read through all pages .. so perhaps old news (advert is from end of March) .. but .. John .. here is your chance:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/2002-lexus-ls430-fully-loaded/1150466069?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

[rrocket]

I got some seat time in a used LS460.  You already know the positives: it is quiet (though see below), smooth, inoffensive and well-appointed.  On the other hand, it is not particularly engaging to drive and, oddly enough, struck me in some sense as being remarkably unremarkable.  If success is doing a common thing uncommonly well but without fanfare, then this vehicle is a success indeed (as though the vehicle needs my stamp of approval...).

While it is no rocket, the power is more than ample.  When you "give 'er", it gets moving but it is not exactly a joyous experience.  Its strengths shine on the highway.  But here's the thing: I was naively anticipating total silence.  Yes, it is quiet but the trucks around us seemed just as audible as is normally the case.  I think there is some hyperbole in the reviews lauding this vehicle for its sound deadening. 

It is a great vehicle, no doubt.  But I was looking for a "wow" that never truly came.  Well-executed design can be an immersive experience.  That is what I like about a well-appointed and carefully designed home: it immerses you in the richness of colour, light, texture and space. 

The LS460 is, to my mind, worthy of much of the praise it receives.  But I am not sure I am highly motivated to acquire one. 

Following Jaeger's experience, I want to compare with a GS, possibly even an ES. 

   

My LS430 is quieter than most LS460s I've been in.  In fairness, the glass in my Ultra is double pane laminated.

[Jaeger]

AP - I think the quietness factor is more down to how little noises the car generates rather than it shutting out environmental sounds entirely.

There is little engine noise, save at WOT - I actually wish I could hear it a bit more. Tire noise is nearly non existent, as is wind noise. This car has a very slippery Cd for such a large vehicle. But if someone is shouting at you from outside you will hear them. And Ron is right - there is pretty much universal agreement that the 430 is quieter. The 460 has double paned windows on the front only, the 430 has them in back as well.

I can't think of a single review that suggested this car was particularly engaging to drive - so that may have been an unreasonable expectation on your part. The GS is FAR more engaging, but wholly lacks the gravitas of the LS.

I could be happy with either, but they are very different rides.

[rrocket]

AP - I think the quietness factor is more down to how little noises the car generates rather than it shutting out environmental sounds entirely.

There is little engine noise, save at WOT - I actually wish I could hear it a bit more. Tire noise is nearly non existent, as is wind noise. This car has a very slippery Cd for such a large vehicle. But if someone is shouting at you from outside you will hear them. And Ron is right - there is pretty much universal agreement that the 430 is quieter. The 460 has double paned windows on the front only, the 430 has them in back as well.

I can't think of a single review that suggested this car was particularly engaging to drive - so that may have been an unreasonable expectation on your part. The GS is FAR more engaging, but wholly lacks the gravitas of the LS.

I could be happy with either, but they are very different rides.

Yes.  It's a different mind set to drive a full on luxury car.  IMO, it's fun to drive in a different way. I'd suggest a 2004+ LS with the sport package might appeal more to AP.  Or better yet, a 2006+ GS430...or the uber rare GS460..which gets the engine and 8 speed tranny from the LS..though detuned.

[johngenx]

The GS is more "driver's car" and much more sized right.

[rrocket]

The GS is more "driver's car" and much more sized right.

Seriosuly...look at the steals here!!

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/2007-lexus-gs-gs430-premium-sedan/1148240788?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/city-of-halifax/lexus-gs430/1139750608?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

And here is the uber rare GS460! Only one for sale in Canada now. Check out the mileage..and price!!  Roger?  AP??
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Lexus/GS/Regina/Saskatchewan/5_27211271_CT2004315121444706/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=32_100_80

[johngenx]

Seriosuly...look at the steals here!!

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/2007-lexus-gs-gs430-premium-sedan/1148240788?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/city-of-halifax/lexus-gs430/1139750608?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Oh, I know!  Just no need at all for such a car right now.  But, if I did, OMG, I'd have a GS430 in a nanosecond.

[rrocket]

Seriosuly...look at the steals here!!

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/2007-lexus-gs-gs430-premium-sedan/1148240788?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/city-of-halifax/lexus-gs430/1139750608?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Oh, I know!  Just no need at all for such a car right now.  But, if I did, OMG, I'd have a GS430 in a nanosecond.

I had a lot angst between GS430 and LS430.  GS430 of that vintage essentially rides on the LS platform.  But it has all the newer tech and the first real "L-Finesse" treatment on a Lexus.  And...the GS430 in Canada only came fully loaded to the gills.  15 speaker Levinson, adjustable shocks, sport package, etc.  And it does handle great...so maybe more to APs tastes  http://www.autos.ca/car-test-drives/test-drive-2006-lexus-gs-430/

I think mmret test drove a GS460, too...I might be wrong.  And holy crap....it does 0-50 in 5.5 seconds!

[Triple Bob]

The GS is more "driver's car" and much more sized right.

Seriosuly...look at the steals here!!

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/2007-lexus-gs-gs430-premium-sedan/1148240788?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/city-of-halifax/lexus-gs430/1139750608?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

I don't see a steal necessarily.  I see a nice enough 10 year old car.  You have your rose tinted spectacles on again.

[johngenx]

I don't see a steal necessarily.  I see a nice enough 10 year old car.  You have your rose tinted spectacles on again.

Compare those prices to run-of-the-mill SUVs of the same vintage, and the Lexi look really good!  Recall that the one price is in Alberta.

[johngenx]

2008 Highlanders here run $17-22K easily.  This 08 on the Lexus lot is not uncommon in terms of pricing.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/2008-toyota-highlander-4wd-4dr-sr5/1144888593

[rrocket]

The GS is more "driver's car" and much more sized right.

Seriosuly...look at the steals here!!

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/2007-lexus-gs-gs430-premium-sedan/1148240788?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/city-of-halifax/lexus-gs430/1139750608?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

I don't see a steal necessarily.  I see a nice enough 10 year old car.  You have your rose tinted spectacles on again.

Not a lot of vehicles in that used price bracket that offer a great roaring V8, that level of equipment, quality and reliability.

[johngenx]

He will!!  The more kms he logs, the better he likes the car.

[pi314]

He will!!  The more kms he logs, the better he likes the car.

I'm hoping this means he keeps itjust long enough until I'm ready to buy it.