Lexus LS 460 - Anyone had one?

[NobleLord]

I'm in the market for a new car and, having had BMW 745 and Merc S500, I decided to have a look at alternatives. Much to my surprise, I really liked the Lexus LS 460 and, with used prices now down in the mid-£20K mark for something that cost £70K+ 4 years ago, they seem like a lot of car for the money.

I know there are those that will mock Lexus for having no identity, but I really don't give a toss about badges and have had some obscure cars as well as the more mainstream German ones. So, has anyone on here got one or had one in the past? What are they like to live with? I suspect not, but are there any issues to look out for?

Thanks in advance,
NL

[Lefty Two Drams]

A friend of mine ran one for a year and loved it. I was in it a few times and it was suprememly comfortable, refined and quite understated and subtle for a car of it's size. The stereo is superb. That's about the limit of my knowledge though, sorry.

He replaced the LS with an E60 M5 which says something about what he was really looking for.

[russy01]

Haven't owned one, but have been shipped around in one, it was the most recent version probs 58 plate.

The comfiest and quietest car I've ever been in, with a cream interior it looked fantastic (apart from the tacky digital clock!) toys are superb, it's ridiculous what it will do if you get the fully loaded L model. Also this car is no slouch, with 400hp it picks up like it should but it makes no fuss, just floats onto stupid numbers. But then somehow bring it to the corners and it really composed and is quite a sporty drive.

Would def recommend just buy at the right time to avoid major depreciation, plus you won't be disapointed with lexus' customer service.

[NobleLord]

Thanks for the replies. Strangely, I've just sold my BMW E60 M5, so I guess I'm going the other way

I've looked at a few now and have been quite disappointed by the standard of Lexus used cars. Whilst I'm sure there are some good used ones out there, the last 2 I've looked at were awful with interior damage, key scratched panels, kurbed alloys and badly resprayed panels following damage.

Anyway, I'm not losing faith yet and will keep hunting.

NL

[mr_fibuli]

Was talking a a dealer on the weekend who said they consider themselves lucky if they sell 1 a year, so they are definitely exclusive. He also said that they have stopped building the 460 now, the only choice new is the 600 hybrid at £90k+!

As a previous owner of an LS400 bargain barge, I'll be getting a 460 as soon as they drop below £5k

[belleair302]

The 460 is a wonderful way to travel from A to B or A to Z. Smooth power, insulated from the real world, pwer, grace and pace if needed. The cars are fully loaded with toys, very comfortable, reliable, no noises and the delaer network is excellent. Have an LS 400, a LS 430 and my Father has a 460. Nothing goes wrong, uses no oil, attracts no attention, somewhat anonymous styling and be careful of tyre wear. The factory geometry does not work here in the UK, so get the car over to a really good trye specialist who will change front caster settings.

A top second hand buy and very few come up for sale....even through main dealers. I think that there are six for sale in the UK at the moment.

[NobleLord]

Well, I've taken the plunge and bought myself an LS460 It will arrive on Wednesday, assuming everything goes to plan. It's a late 2006 (56) with 40K miles on the clock in dark blue with the light interior. It's the SE-L spec, so has all the toys and more.

Thanks for all the positive comments. Having owned an Audi A8, a Merc S-class and two BMW 745's, I'm looking forward to seeing how the LS stacks up.

NL

[belleair302]

Watch out for the soft alloys, they do pit easily even if looked after and will need refreshing every two years. Also tyre choice is important. The Dunlops they usually come on are not great, Michelin Primacy are a better choice for more feel and a better ride. Other than that enjoy and waft in peace.