Ls 400 Year 1998 Versus Ls430 2001

[andre]

hello everyone,

i'm just considering and looking to buy another LS :)

but have a litle dilemma = whitch one to choose...

ls400 1998 223 klm, in mint condition ( navigation and air suspention )

or pay 70% more for ls430 PRESIDENT 2001 with 202klm (cambelt / water pump done )

any sugestions if the ls430 build quality is as good as of the 1998?

LS430 = is it worth the extra money ?

regs

[landar]

Its a tough call. I went from a '98 LS400 to an '02 LS430 and am very impressed with the build quality of the 430. While I like the overall looks of the LS400 vs the LS430, the

ride in the 430 is absolutely top notch. Fit is superb. I find it better than the LS400.

In the end, it really comes down to personal preference. I have heard the air suspension can be problematic and big bucks to fix. Consider also whether the 98 has had timing belt/water pump done.

I don't think you would go wrong either way as long as one has not been in an accident. Check them out carefully. Good luck.

[andre]

landar,

i have a ls400'92 for the last 4 years and so far "almost" zero cost of repairs :)

LS400'98 it's a mark IV, so it should have all the problems of ls400 sorted out

and ls430'01 it was just a new model in witch they added alot more electronic gadgets,

that i'm concerned about, if they start to play up = cost :(

also there are more second hand parts for 400 then 430...

in european LOC forum there are alot of not so happy owners, when one considers value for money with 1998 ver.2001

and costs of maintenance/ repair/ risk of high bills...

i just want another LS that will not cost me much to run

regs

[andre]

any sugestions if the ls430 build quality is as good as of the 1998?

LS430 = is it worth the extra money ?

regs

:(

no reply?

[landar]

any sugestions if the ls430 build quality is as good as of the 1998?

LS430 = is it worth the extra money ?

regs

:(

no reply?

Gives us an idea of the price of each. Then we'll decide which has better "value". ;)

[Quack11]

I think you should should go where your pocket/budget will take you. They are both good cars but I personally stay clear of air suspension.

[Marklouis]

Personally I would consider the 98, partly due to liking the bodystyle better, and that it does'nt have the air suspension. BUT! if I did have the mula for the extra maintanance, I would opt for the 430 - cause I like gadgets. life is short, so go for what YOU really want! lol

[curiousB]

Well without mention of the price its hard to make concrete statement. It also depends on your time horizon. If you plan to purchase and hold the vehicle for as long as possible you may be better off with the newer one as it will have more runway ahead of it. That said be wary of the air suspension. It sounds problematic if you search the forum and also quite expensive to repair.

[andre]

hello again,

this ls430 is 70% more expensive than ls400

air susp. ?

i was talking to a lexus mechanic, and he said, that if any big problems will start with air susp

he can put it on normal springs = no big bucks

any one done that?

[landar]

hello again,

this ls430 is 70% more expensive than ls400

So the LS400 is something like $8.5K and the LS430 is $13.6k? The LS400 will need a timing belt right off the bat...another $1k or so.

If price is not an issue, go for the one you prefer...color, ride comfort, heated seats, nav, etc.

[ZodiacTahoe]

I have owned a

1990 LS400

1992 LS400

1994 LS400

1998 LS400

1999 SC400

and now a

2001 LS430

I usually ALWAYS buy the LS400's

after the 90,000 mile service

so I save about $1500/$2000 PLUS

the bulk of the depreciation is

out of the vehicle.

My 98 was 6 years old when I bought

it from the original owner with 100K Miles.

I paid $17,000. Drove it for 2 years and

sold it with 142,000 Miles for $12,500.

My cost of ownership?

$4500 over 2 years and 42,000 miles

(about $180 a month).

WHAT DID THE ORIGINAL OWNER PAY?

$64,000 out the door with all the bells

and whistles (Gold Package, Chrome Wheels

Burl Wood Steering Wheel) You name it.

I NEVER have had a major problem with

ANY of the Lexus Cars I have had.

I then bought a 2001 LS430 with 75,000

miles from the original owner (please

note every Lexus I have ever bought has

been used and with amazing service history

by the dealer as I always run the VIN#

through a friend to check the service

history).

LS400 vs LS430?

Personally, I like my Lexus cars because they

drive well. I could care less about what

people think as clients never see my car

With that said, if you are in a business

where the newer car is going to have a

return on investment (image wise) then

you may want consider the LS430.

The LS430 DOES drive much more like a

euro car (MBZ/BMW) but without the insane

service bills.

It steers tighter, has a little more pep.

Is larger and more roomy inside (like a

S500 MBZ).

I now have almost 140,000 miles on mine

and have had ZERO problems (keep in mind

the incredible maintenance from me and

previous owner).

My only complaint (only complaint) is the

seats. The seats in the LS430 are uncomfortable

compared to all my LS400 and this has been

bothering me for some time.

Compared to my LS400 on long drives it really

starts to get to me (I'm 6'4" 220lbs).

UNCOMFORTABLE SEATS on all LS430 models?

I was told by a Lexus Guru that the 2001 LS430

had two different seat manufacturers depending

on the VIN#. As a result, some got good seats

and others didn't.

I do like the older body style as it doesn't

make me look so as rich and cause people to

want to charge me more for EVERYTHING.

(Just one more reason I don't own a MBZ or

BMW anymore along with the INSANE service bills).

MY OPINION

If you like the look of the LS430 better than

the LS400 and it drives excellent....

...and the service history is excellent.

...and the Seats are comfortable.

Then BUY an LS430.

YOU'll BE VERY HAPPY.

If you're looking for the LOWEST "Net Cost

of Ownership" then you have to buy an LS400.

You'll never beat an LS400 for cost of ownership

as the LS430 will depreciate WAY MORE.

Just make sure if you buy an LS400 it has got

to be 1998, 1999 or 2000.

Way too many major upgrades like:

5 Speed Auto Trans

and

Constant Variable Valve Timing (CVVT)

You get 50 extra horsepower and

the EXACT SAME FUEL ECONOMY as an older model.

I used to get 26 MPG on the freeway all the time!

(NOTE: I get the same in my 2001 LS430)

So... that's my .02 cents.

Now, if I could just find a comfortable set

of seats out of a 2003 LS430 to put in my

2001 LS430 that would be great!

P.S. Personally I would not buy an AIR SUSPENDED

Lexus with Stolen Loot but I find it interesting

one persons mechanic said they can restore it

to springs for a nominal charge?