Move To A Ls430?

[black400]

I am thinking of selling my Ls 400 and buying a Ls 430 , is this a good move i would like to keep the 400 aswell but dont have the funs, i am a gadget freak and the 430 is full of them .are they as good as the 400

[abs66]

I am also thinking of this move, so I will keep an eye on this thread.

I like the facelift 430 when it went from 5 to 6 speed gearbox and would love to know if anyone has experienced both cars and which one they thought was best.

Don't mean to hijack but thought you might also find info relevant if someone has tried both 430's.

Pete

[colmcork]

Hi there Martin. I'm afraid I am no help whatsoever in helping you choose either car. I am however, on the lookout myself for a Mk iv Ls 400, preferrably in black, in excellent condition. If you are interested in selling yours perhaps we could come to some sort of deal. If so send me a message here and we can take it from there, Colm.

[John N]

^{I've had my 2001 LS430 for over 2 years and it's been the best and most reliable car I've ever had. No hesitation recomending one, but I can't compare it with a 400 as I've never had one.}

^{I remember reading a comment on the 430 in a motoring magazine, which said the earliest and last of the 430s were the most reliable. Certainly don't be put off by the 5 speed gearbox in the early models I think it was carried over from the 400, it's an excellent gearbox and is pretty bulit proof. But again I've not driven a 430 with a 6 speed box.}

^{In 'normal mode' the gearboxe software 'learns' your driving style to give the best economy, but it can catch you out if you normaly drive gently, because when you do floor the accelorator it will hesitate to 'kick down' because it's not your normal style! The solution is to leave it in 'sport' then it does exactly what you expect.}

^{The air suspension is also excellent, it has an optional 'high' setting shich raises the car to cope with rough bumpy roads, I use it all the time on the roads round Manchester. (You probably won't need it in Liverpool.)}

^{The first cars also have 17" wheels - cheaper tyres and a more comfortable ride.}

^{The age these cars are getting to the most imporent thing is to find a very well maintained one.}

^{John N}

[black400]

Thanks lads just fishing . Problem is i love the 400, SOproud of the sound system sometime drive around like i am 20 again @ 47 but it does that to you, o and that seemless power , i have owned BMW740i and Range rover4.6 but this Rocks

[colmcork]

Well for what ever it is worth, earlier in the year i took a very clean 2001 LS 430 for a spin and really enjoyed it, but about a half an hour later I took a very clean 1999 LS 400 for a spin and it really just blew me away! So much more comfortable and quieter than the newer 430. I really couldn't believe it. No help to your current situation I know. ( P.S i got your message thanks, will be replying shortly ).

[Bluesman]

Well for what ever it is worth, earlier in the year i took a very clean 2001 LS 430 for a spin and really enjoyed it, but about a half an hour later I took a very clean 1999 LS 400 for a spin and it really just blew me away! So much more comfortable and quieter than the newer 430. I really couldn't believe it. No help to your current situation I know. ( P.S i got your message thanks, will be replying shortly ).

I have seen this conclusion arrived at many times on this forum.

Mike

[Scribe]

This is encouraging to those of us who don't want to get rid of our 400s but discouraging too, because what else except a 430 could we possibly replace them with? And will we be a bit disappointed when we do?

[Bluesman]

This is encouraging to those of us who don't want to get rid of our 400s but discouraging too, because what else except a 430 could we possibly replace them with? And will we be a bit disappointed when we do?

That has been the conclusion others have come to.

Be very patient because out there (I know not where ) are some MKIV's in Excellent condition with low mileage and FSH and when you see it grab it with both hands after of course some hard negotiating. If you have to pay £2500+ when you work it out over a 15 year period which isn't an unreasonable amount of time for our beloved LS's the final figure is peanuts.

The 430's I have seen still want £3K + and those are high mileage examples. Newer isn't always best.

Mike

[Scribe]

True. I'm always window shopping on Autotrader and the Bay of E, and late 400s seem much better value than early 430s. I guess it will be a few years before that changes, but as I expect my 400 to be running for a long while, I'm not too bothered.

[SunrayMinor]

Buy what you like, not what everyone else likes IMHO. You have to live with it.

[Bluesman]

Buy what you like, not what everyone else likes IMHO. You have to live with it.

Corr Wrexham looks nice at this time of year, Palm trees, Blue seas and what a sunset.

Must book a holiday there.

You are right but its always good to get others idea on what they like and what they dislike and it gives us something to chew over.

Mike

[black400]

The Ls430 i was after is gone and any good one are big money, but i have come across a 00 Ls400sat nav , sun roof but no fsh , book , lost but i think its a repo its been sold trough a main dealer with two new keys. i made an offer that was accepted. So i will have two Ls 400 S , my misses will take the 99 but we will swap over twice a week to ensure they both get a long run , take her less than 10 mins to work me 30 plus at 70.i have posted another tread with more detail?

[SunrayMinor]

Hey bluesman, oh don't gets started on palm trees, beaches and sun, been in Wrexham 8 weeks now, haven't seen much of any of the above. Lol lol However if you wish to come for a holiday here, we have an excellent choice of track suit and hoodie wearers in which to entice you out of your car. But please ensure if you wear a track suit please tuck it into your socks. Lol

Oh and your right about the car comments, always good to get other opinions. Cheers

Buy what you like, not what everyone else likes IMHO. You have to live with it.

Corr Wrexham looks nice at this time of year, Palm trees, Blue seas and what a sunset.

Must book a holiday there.

You are right but its always good to get others idea on what they like and what they dislike and it gives us something to chew over.

Mike

[eurotrotter]

I've just changed from a 98 LS400 finest car i've ever driven, to a 53 LS430 6speed,so watch this space !!

[Maduggo]

Hiya

I had a P plate Ls400 Mk3 for a year, the comfort level was superb, plenty of miles covered in her as well, had a few minor niggles which were not to difficult or expensive to sort.

Friend of mine had a 52 Ls430 and was going on his hols so he asked me to take him and wife + 1 young un to Heathrow and back to Nottm.

My love affair with the Ls430 started then, i knew my Ls400 was good, but the Ls430 felt and drove better, it has more gadgets for those who want them.

I decided to swap out my Ls400 for a FSH 53 Ls430 with 60k miles for a good price. Photos here http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=78239.

After 3 months of having the car i'm still smiling when i drive it, used it to help out with transporting my brother in laws wedding guests last month, they were all amazed at the car.

My personal opinion is go for a Ls430, you won't be disappointed.

Chris