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?
