Is LS 460 expensive to maintain?
The LS 460 can be more costly to maintain than many non-luxury sedans, particularly as it ages and accumulates mileage. Costs vary widely based on model year, options, and how well the car has been cared for.
This article breaks down why upkeep can be expensive, which systems tend to drive big repair bills, and practical steps to keep ownership affordable. It also offers guidance for buyers evaluating a used LS 460 and a sense of what to expect in terms of maintenance over time.
What drives the cost of maintaining an LS 460
Several core systems on the LS 460 are sophisticated and require specialized parts and labor. That combination tends to push maintenance bills higher than average for a used car.
Suspension and ride control
The LS 460 uses an advanced suspension setup that may include air springs, height sensors, and adaptive dampers. When components fail or wear out, repairs can be expensive due to part costs and labor intensity.
- Air springs and air compressors
- Height sensors and control modules
- Hydraulic lines or related suspension hardware (depending on the build)
- Labor for diagnosis, suspension alignment, and calibration
In summary, suspension-related failures are among the biggest single-ticket costs for LS 460 ownership, especially on earlier models with the original hardware.
Engine and transmission
The LS 460 houses a large V8 engine that is generally robust, but major repairs or component wear can be costly. The model line also features a modern, electronically controlled transmission that can demand pricey service if problems arise.
- Transmission service, solenoids, and possible valve body repairs
- Engine wear-related items such as timing components or oil pump (where applicable) and related gaskets
- Cooling system components (water pump, radiator, hoses) that often require replacement as the car ages
Overall engine and transmission work tends to be a significant portion of any large repair bill for the LS 460.
Electrical systems and sensors
As a feature-rich luxury sedan, the LS 460 relies on numerous control modules and sensors. Electrical issues can be elusive and expensive to diagnose and fix, sometimes requiring specialized scan tools and programming.
- ECU/BCM modules and their software
- ABS/traction control and related control units
- Instrument cluster, infotainment, and camera/sensor calibrations
- Electrical harnesses and connectors that degrade over time
Electrical problems often trigger cascading faults in other systems, adding to the repair bill and downtime.
Brakes, tires and wear items
Large wheels, high-performance brakes, and the car’s weight contribute to quicker wear on pads, rotors, and tires. Routine wear items add up, especially if you run the car aggressively or frequently replace tires due to wheel size and performance expectations.
- Brake pads and rotors
- Tires (often low-profile, higher cost per tire)
- Brake fluid service and regular fluid replacements
While not always catastrophic, these items are a dependable recurring expense for LS 460 owners.
Common high-cost failures to watch for
Prospective buyers and current owners should be aware of typical trouble spots that tend to drive large bills if neglected or allowed to worsen.
Air suspension and height-control failures
A frequent source of expensive repairs is the suspension system that controls ride height. Failures can lead to handling problems, rough rides, or a car that sits unevenly.
- Failing air springs or leaking air lines
- Malfunctioning height sensors
- Auxiliary pumps and valve blocks
These issues often require expert diagnosis and precise replacement parts, which drives up cost and downtime.
Transmission and drivetrain concerns
While relatively reliable when properly maintained, the LS 460’s transmission can present expensive repair scenarios at higher mileage or with delayed maintenance.
- Solenoids or valve body issues
- Gasket leaks or fluid service needs
- Clutch packs or torque converter concerns in some variants
Addressing transmission problems promptly is crucial to avoiding more extensive—and costly—repairs.
Electrical and control-system faults
Electronic gremlins can surface as cars age, sometimes requiring replacement of modules or reprogramming to restore proper function.
- ECU/BCM or ABS-control module failures
- Infotainment or navigation system faults
- Sensor and camera calibration needs after component replacement
Diagnosing these issues often requires specialized diagnostic tools and technicians familiar with Lexus electronics.
Cooling and preventive maintenance items
Cooling system components can wear out with age and mileage, leading to potential overheating if not addressed in a timely manner.
- Water pump, thermostat, radiator, hoses
- Coolant leaks and related seals
Preventive maintenance on the cooling system is essential to avoid larger, more expensive engine problems later.
How to keep costs down
There are practical steps you can take to minimize the ongoing expense of owning an LS 460 without sacrificing safety or reliability.
Practical maintenance strategies
Adopt a proactive maintenance approach and work with qualified specialists who understand the LS 460’s systems.
- Secure a thorough pre-purchase inspection or service history when buying used
- Keep up with regular service intervals and use OEM or high-quality parts
- Address suspension, transmission, and electrical issues early to prevent collateral damage
- Use a trusted, capable shop with experience on Lexus luxury models
Proactive care with knowledgeable technicians can reduce the likelihood of expensive, unexpected repairs later.
Financial and ownership considerations
Planning ahead can help manage costs over the car’s life cycle.
- Maintain comprehensive maintenance records to support resale value and future maintenance decisions
- Consider extended warranties or maintenance plans if available and cost-effective
- Set aside a dedicated budget for potential major repairs, given the model’s age
Smart budgeting and informed shopping are key to reducing the financial impact of owning an LS 460.
What to expect by model year and mileage
Maintenance costs can vary with specific production years and the presence of optional equipment. Earlier LS 460 models tended to have more drivetrain and electronics complexity as technologies matured, while later iterations may show improvements in reliability but still carry high parts costs due to their luxury status.
In general, a well-maintained LS 460 with documented service history tends to be more predictable in terms of ongoing maintenance than one with a sparse upkeep record. Expect higher-than-average routine maintenance bills for tires, brakes, suspension components, and electronics over time, alongside occasional major repairs for aging systems.
Summary
The Lexus LS 460 remains a capable and refined luxury sedan, but its maintenance profile is more demanding and costly than many non-luxury rivals, especially as the car ages and accumulates miles. The largest cost drivers are suspension/ride-control systems, the engine and transmission, and electrical/electronic components. Buyers and current owners can manage expenses by securing complete service histories, investing in qualified specialists, performing timely preventative maintenance, and planning for higher-ticket repairs when they arise. With careful care, an LS 460 can deliver a rewarding ownership experience, but prospective owners should enter with a clear understanding of the potential for substantial maintenance outlays.
What is the average lifespan of a LS460?
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Is the LS460 a reliable car?
The Lexus LS460 is generally considered a reliable car, but specific issues have been reported, particularly with the 2013-2017 models. While the powertrain is robust, potential problems include electrical issues, such as problems with the brake actuator, and suspension components like control arms and air suspension systems. Higher mileage vehicles may also show signs of increased oil consumption.
Common reliability issues
- Electrical problems: Issues with the brake actuator, warning lights for traction control and air suspension, and Bluetooth connectivity have been reported.
- Braking system: Besides brake actuator failures, some models have experienced noisy brakes or warped rotors.
- Suspension: Control arms and air suspension systems are known to require maintenance or replacement, particularly on older or higher-mileage models.
- High-mileage concerns: Higher mileage vehicles may start to consume more oil.
- Interior: Some models have reported issues with sticky interiors or melting trim.
You can watch this video to learn more about the common issues with the Lexus LS 460: 1mDiscerning CarsYouTube · Jul 4, 2023
What to consider
- Model year: Later models generally resolved some issues, but it's still important to check for specific problems.
- Maintenance history: A well-maintained LS460 will likely have fewer issues. Look for vehicles that have received regular servicing.
- Repair costs: Some repairs, like the brake actuator or suspension components, can be expensive.
- Air suspension: Be cautious of models with air suspension, as it can be costly to maintain or replace.
This video discusses the ownership experience of a Lexus LS460: 1mBennie AustYouTube · Apr 22, 2024
Overall assessment
- Positive: The Lexus LS460's engine and transmission are known for being durable. Owners frequently report high satisfaction with the overall reliability of the vehicle, especially when following the recommended maintenance schedule.
- Cautious: The complexity of the LS460 can lead to more expensive repairs than some other Lexus models, particularly for electronic and suspension components.
This video highlights some of the expensive repairs associated with the Lexus LS460: 57sThe Car Care NutYouTube · Mar 20, 2024
