So how reliable is a Lexus LS460?

"LJ909" (lj909)
05/25/2016 at 10:15 • Filed to: None

I’m going to be posting a lot of cars and asking for a lot of opinions the next few months as I shop for my next vehicle. As before my choices are all over. Ill also be taking my wife’s suggestions with a grain of salt !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! So to start off with, take this 2007 Lexus LS460 I looked at yesterday. I love this gen of the LS. It has aged well, the design is still pretty current where people wont really know you’re driving a 10 year old car (unless of course you’re in the know).

It has almost 136,000 on the odo and is in great condition. Its one owner and all the service records are there as well.

The interior is remarkably clean, even more so in person than in these pics, which tells me either an old person had this or someone that really cares that they spent 80 grand on a car. I’m just concerned about the reliability and repair costs (that’s a big one for my wife). My research has been hit and miss on these. Most have no problems with them, but the ones that do are more interior quality and repair costs. So I thought I would come to Oppo and ask. What should I be concerned about if I got an LS?

DISCUSSION (38)

Nibby > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 10:21

They’re generally good, just make sure the timing belts have been serviced around 100k or so.

They are REALLY NICE cruisers and comfy, but are lacking in the handling department... some say the brakes feel very vague but that’s with a lot of Toyota vehicles anyways.

It’s a great luxury car though.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 10:21

I don’t know, but I’ve toured the mill the walnut for that steering wheel came out of.

Just thought I’d share.

Party-vi > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 10:21

After owning a decidedly average E46 for three years, I can tell you that if you’re trying to buy a used luxury car and are questioning reliability, you would be better off not buying said car. Lexus has some of the highest reliability ratings for a luxury brand, but basic maintenance is still a factor here. Your car can be built like a tank, but it will still need replacement suspension components and replacement engine items (pumps, pulleys, belts, etc.).

Ash78, voting early and often > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 10:23

I'd say if you're realistically cross-shopping this with the Pacifica, you either don't need a van or you don't need a Luxo-barge — you two need to probably agree on a list of needs first, then a list of vehicles second. It'll probably help keep emotion out of it.

LJ909 > Nibby
05/25/2016 at 10:23

Yea I read somewhere that the suspension is a little soft for brisk driving but what do you expect from something like this?

LJ909 > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
05/25/2016 at 10:24

What the hell seriously? How was that?

LJ909 > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 10:25

Oh yea of course. Basic maintenance goes without question. Since I had that disaster of a Jaguar S Type R though, I tread lightly with luxury cars so I’m more concerned about major things going wrong. Not basic service.

LJ909 > Ash78, voting early and often
05/25/2016 at 10:27

Oh I’m cross shopping everything. But realistically though, she has a say but at the same time she doesn’t because she drives, but doesn’t like to. So this vehicle will mainly be mine. She used to have an Acura TL that she never drove because she found it hard to drive because she thought it was “a long car”.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 10:32

OK, I don’t know for sure about this one, but at the time they said that Lexus was buying their walnut. Showed us a couple sample blanks. It was roughly 10 years ago, so I’d imagine it could well be the same place.

It’s called Midwest Walnut. https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Mid…

I went through with my dad, he knew the place from a company he worked with. We were in the area so he asked them if someone could give us the tour. They were pretty cool, we even got into the kilns.

LJ909 > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
05/25/2016 at 10:34

That is pretty cool. I wouldn’t have thought though that they would use American wood in their cars.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 10:36

Reliability is basically the main point for these. That and the experience of piloting a library down the highway as far as NVH.

The 1UR uses timing chains so relatively low issue there. It’s a DI version of the one used in the trucks and SUVs, so you get plenty of Tq.

My biggest issue with old Lexus cars has to do with the wear on buttons and interior items. But that is a personal issue too, I hate when the lettering and finish wear away.

They take a lot of fluid and oils and such so your day-to-day tickets cost a decent bit for what they are.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 10:41

American Black Walnut is one of the nicest woods around. And it would (wood) make sense to get it from a) the USA, it’s right in the name, and b) someone who specializes in Walnut.

At least that’s me trying to rationalize it. But like I said, it was a while ago. I don’t know if they still use them as a supplier, or even if they supply ALL the Lexus Walnut. It wouldn’t be unlikely for them to use Euro wood in Europe, for example.

LJ909 > PotbellyJoe and 42 others
05/25/2016 at 10:43

Yea its Toyota reliability in a luxury sedan. Should be wayy better than the shitty 7 Series and A8's I’ve seen from around the same year. Good to know it uses chains as well.

Its funny you mentioned the wear on buttons because upon looking inside that was one of the first things I looked for. And this being Lexus, they use big buttons that are well marked so the wear is more noticeable. But none of there was evident here where I could see. And do they take alot of oil and fluids in a bad way or they just need to be lubricated more often just because?

Ash78, voting early and often > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 10:44

Whoo-boy...if the Acura TL was long, she’ll hate any van (or probably the LS, for that matter). My wife went from a 2001 Passat wagon into a new Odyssey and it immediately felt gigantic — and still does. You get spoiled by all the space in it, but we still think it’s overkill with just 2 kids. I’d look more in between, maybe a top-trim Mazda CX-9 or something like that. Reasonably small, but still spacious. If we had to be a one-car family, that would probably be the compromise.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 10:44

My suggestion is always a Subaru Legacy to anyone looking for a sedan. Go used and get a nice LGT, or go new and get 80-100k trouble free miles. The new cars are on par for “luxury”, though are terribly slow.

LJ909 > Ash78, voting early and often
05/25/2016 at 10:45

Thats what I tried to tell her. And this LS is just the standard wheelbase. She likes the MB GLK350, but the one we wanted was just sold. She also likes the Mazda CX-3, but the prices they are asking for those things is laughable, especially to get it to where its decent looking.

LJ909 > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
05/25/2016 at 10:46

Weird thing is there are a grand total of 1 Legacy GT for sale within 75 miles of me and its a 98.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 10:53

Just higher capacities than typical. That’s all. It has more to do with keeping the fluid temps down with higher amounts of fluid and also cooling lines, etc. I want to say it has a lot to do with the fact that the block is used for the trucks as well.

Actually, the tolerances are so tight on the motors if you find it burning oil that is a symptom of serious issues, not just a minor inconvenience. Pretty rare, though. Prior to the Tesla, this was the darling of Consumer Reports, and it was for well-earned reasons.

LJ909 > PotbellyJoe and 42 others
05/25/2016 at 10:56

Its the same 4.6 used in the Tundra, Land Cruiser and LX right?

Ash78, voting early and often > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 10:57

Yeah, from the sound of it, you might be too swayed by price point and not focused enough on the vehicle itself — a better way to say that is just scratch the van off the list — it sounds like you’re really looking for a compact SUV. The GLK is pretty sweet and I dig the V6, but I wouldn’t discount the Audi Q5. My parents have one and absolutely love it.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 10:58

Same block, yes. (GX too) The LS gets direct injection and a different tune, so a little bit more screw.

LJ909 > Ash78, voting early and often
05/25/2016 at 11:00

No its the vehicle. I actually want a big luxury sedan. We do a lot of Vegas trips and there’s nothing better than cursing to Vegas in something luxury and quiet. But I wouldn’t mind a compact SUV. The GLK is great its on my list. The Q5 wasnt. The ones I seen were asking near new prices for used. I do like the Q7 though.

LJ909 > PotbellyJoe and 42 others
05/25/2016 at 11:01

Oh ok. The engine should be bulletproof then. With regular maintenance of course.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 11:01

I have lots of love for this car. When I sell my 740i, I’m gonna get a LS460 Sport or an Accord Sport.

I’m leaning much closer to the Lexus because heated seats, heated steering wheel, cooled seats, and also better quietness and more power than the Accord

LJ909 > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
05/25/2016 at 11:03

Do it. I’ve been in LS 460's and the damn things are a rolling library. If you’re in the back you’re sure to get sleepy.

Nisman > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 11:40

My friend had one of these and the engine blew at 100k. Get an LS.

Textured Soy Protein > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 11:46

I looked at a CX-3 when we were shopping for a car for my fiancee. It is worthless in terms of practicality. The back seat and trunk are tiny. It also feels claustrophobic inside because the beltline is really high and the windows are really small. We ended up with an Impreza hatch instead.

The Dummy Gummy > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 11:50

How much do they go for? That is a gorgeous car.

LJ909 > Textured Soy Protein
05/25/2016 at 11:50

Exactly my thinking. Its essentially a slightly raised 3 and and the smallness of the interior shows that they didn’t really think it through, and that’s its pretty much a crossover for being a crossovers sake to jump on the bandwagon. To get anything substantial out of it (meaning the leather and led running lights etc) it has to crest 30 grand and at that point its not worth it. The lower trims will make you wonder why would you get one over a standard 3 hatch.

LJ909 > The Dummy Gummy
05/25/2016 at 11:51

This one they are asking 15,990 which I think is a steal.

The Dummy Gummy > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 12:14

Not bad. Especially since that car will run strong another 100k easy.

LJ909 > The Dummy Gummy
05/25/2016 at 12:16

That’s what I would be counting on.

Textured Soy Protein > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 15:30

The CX-3 is actually way smaller inside than the 3, because the CX-3 is built on the 2 platform. The Impreza we ended up buying has way more room inside for both people and cargo, and visibility is 10x better.

LJ909 > Textured Soy Protein
05/25/2016 at 15:33

Wow did not know that. It makes even less sense then. About as stupid as Audi’s rumored Q1.

imjustsomeucsdkid > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 17:08

Don’t buy an 07, or if you do, make sure to get a PPI/check if valve springs have been replaced since they are problematic on the 07 and absolutely need to be changed.. Also need to check that front control arm bushings have been changed.

LJ909 > imjustsomeucsdkid
05/25/2016 at 17:10

Thanks for that. Because if this one sells I was going to look for an 07. This is an 08 however I mis read.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > LJ909
05/25/2016 at 18:18

I’ve been daydreaming about a luxobarge like this as well. Looking forward to your hunt.

In my casual searching I’ve been surprised at how few long-wheelbase cars are for sale.

LJ909 > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
05/25/2016 at 18:39

Thanks. Hope I get some good insight from people. Oppo has some of the greatest automotive insights. I was surprised at that as well. This LS I found was one of 2 in my area that weren't L. Almost all of the Audi A8s I found were long wheelbase as well.