Why The 2011 Lexus LS600hL is The BEST Car You Can Buy for £12,000 

The lever for the bonnet felt new because its a lexus, it only gets used once a year.

you are the first person to admit the truth, ive been dealing in cars for 25 years, and rarely is anyone interested in performance, handling, or really know how it is suppose to drive...99.9% of the population worry about comfort, luxury, maintenance, fuel economy.....It could drive like crap, as long as it looks good.....Reviewers and Journos have it wrong

As a double LS400 owner I'm completely hooked on this brand. My current 2000 car which I bought in 2019 with 86k mileage cost £1860. I gave away my 1999 260k car having added 140k during my ownership. Tyres, pads and a service my only real expenses. The Lexus Owners Club LS section recently reported a blown rear number plate bulb. We are awaiting the recall 😊

I love Lexus cars. Lexus really show the Germans how to build a luxury car that will give you years of faithful service. Lexus engineering is the best. Thank you for a great review.

I took my dad's 1998 LS400 out for a quick spin today. It started the first time, it was quiet, comfortable, and understated and frankly, compared to my 2 series coupé (which I would consider quiet and comfy) in an entirely different league! I'm very tempted buy an LS next, no doubt whatsoever. EDIT: Bought an LS460 on 14/02/2023 - I'm a man in love

I'm from the US. I have owned 4 LS models. A 1996 LS400, a 2001 LS430, a 2007 LS460L and my current is a 2014 LS460. Truly the most dependable and well built cars in the world. My 2001 LS430, I drove for 12 years and put 244K on it, SOLD IT, 5 years later, I talked to the person who I sold it to, He's still driving it, well over 400K... Just amazing well built and the attention to detail is awesome..

Look at how tight the tolerances are on the interior switch-gear in the close-up shots in this video. Amazing. That alone tells you how well-built these cars are. The smallest gaps between interior controls, panels, and trim never ceases to amaze me. And none of it creaks or rattles. I don't understand why other auto manufacturers can't seem to get this stuff down.

‘The depth of engineering in these cars is much more comprehensive than what the Germans have to offer’.., unusual to hear from a European review. Excellent stuff!

I’ve wanted an older LS for years. A couple people I know owned first and second generation LS and loved them. They really are the ultimate expression of a saloon car, and typically you don’t have to be afraid to own them (as you do a European car) because they’re so reliable.

The build quality is unbelievable!

Seriously though our company retired our Silver service hire cars airport pickups or five star tours of the local areas. I took a retired LS 430 as my daily driver with over 700,000 kms and after a radiator replacement (original) faultless school drop off to a four out hour trip to the beach .. so worry free buy one Jay Emm you won’t regret it.

Having owned a Lexus (IS300H F Sport) and put 100k miles on it in 3 years, I can vouch for their ultimate reliability, their dealers are second to none, nothing fell off, nothing felt cheap, never needed its brakes doing in that time, had one tyre change at 55k miles. It survived being rear ended on the M6 and even after that it never rattled. I would have another Lexus in a heartbeat.... Much better ownership experience than anything I got from Merc or BMW (never owned an Audi). The LS is the ultimate luxo barge.

I'm on my first Lexus (LC500h) and it's been a revelation. Far better engineered than any other car I've had, and I've had quite a few. When old age becomes a reality for me, it will be one of the big barge Lexus I will purchase. I'm done with BMW, Jaguar et al.

i bought a 13 plate 600h two years ago . its the best car ive ever owned . total luxury , 447 bhp , i get 36mpg on motorway and 22 around town . the auto box i love , you can not feel it change gear , every aspect of the car is top marks in my book ,,, this is my third four door lexus and apart from tyres , servicing and brakes no issues at all .............. top marks Lexus

Delighted to see your review on the LS, The first sensible car I've bought in years, keep the Vids coming mate, very enjoyable

We had a 2001 LS430 for a couple of years. He’s right. The build quality is such that it makes you feel great just being IN it, stationary. Did the whole of France, Channel to the Med in a day, no bother and got out feeling refreshed. Totally superb. Seriously considering now buying one of these.

I was fortunate enough to find a 2011 LEXUS LS 460 with only 53,000 miles for $18K. It was a trade in at a Ford dealer in 2020. They even gave me $4K trade in for my MB SUV with 183,000miles, so the Lexus cost was $14K. It was beyond a doubt the best money I ever spent for the finest automobile I’ve ever owned and driven. I’ve owned & driven all American brands, MG, MB, BMW, Audi, and Toyota. Some very good, some adequate and a few were trash. But the LEXUS is the smoothest, quietest most powerful and comfortable automobile I’ve ever had the pleasure of owning. With Toyota’s legendary dependability and durability, I expect to enjoy it for many years.

I saw Lexus, I clicked. Just brought an RCF and there's only 200 in UK. Such an amazing machine. I'll always have a Lexus

2.5 tons and over 30 to the gallon, around 10 grand to buy, all that luxury and build quality.....sign me up!

Lexus is such a fascinating car maker so I love to see you review them. Can't argue with the value at all.

The Lexus LS600h is a stunning vehicle. It’s one of the best engineered sedan ever made. It completely flies under the radar no one would know that you’re driving one of the most advanced vehicles ever made… only true Lexus and car enthusiast will see this and notice those small details. thank you for bringing attention to this vehicle.

I have an 07 LS460 and I looooove it! Best car I’ve ever driven

I recently got a 2010 LS 460 and I'm blown away every time I drive it.. such an incredible car.

Jay: Dude. A reliable CVT is a joy: It provides extremely tall highway gearing for silence and efficiency and massive acceleration on demand whenever you need it. This car is supposed to be fast and comfortable silent, it's huge and it's fuel-efficient. If you want to row through the gears get a 911 too!

The matt wood finish is glorious. Lovely luxury gt car

I have a 2008 LS460, same body style and interior, and the thing is an absolute beast. Rides like a cloud at 120 mph, buttery smooth and silent. Powerful and quick and smooth.

Ls 430 proud owner! Best car I’ve ever owned, not giving it up for any other car

I'm glad i'm not the only one who loves lexus, great video

Jay. I love the big barges too. Would love to see a VW Phaeton review on the channel. Always weirdly fancied one of those as they’re a bit different (ideally the later face lifted version). Would just worry about astronomical running costs

I've had a 2011 LS 460 AWD for just over three years now. I've put 16,000 miles on it, and it drives like a dream. I get out of the car after a 400-mile trip (on one tank of gas) and still feel fresh. It handles better than the Cadillac CTS (RWD) that I had before it. It's just effortless to drive, and for $26k (in 2017) I think it was a bargain. The Lexus dealership sends me email every couple of months, saying that for "just $68,000" I could be driving a brand new LS 500! No thanks. I could easily drive the 460 for another ten years.

This is a brilliant car! I was considering it as a buy for carrying the family, but high running costs (if something goes wrong or even the consumables) and small boot size made me reconsider and I finally bought an RX450h which is way more versatile, practical and cheaper to run.

Lexus GSF, NX and LS400 owner here. I simply cannot get away from them, have the LS to waft about in, NX for the dog and the GSF for my lead foot. Superb machines that the more I drive, the more I want more and know the reliability will be second to none! Great video :)

I have worked for Lexus for 15 years and this car is one of the Greats. Perfect collectible to have in your garage. In Fact I know many people that do have those as a collectible. We have just finished restoring one for a client who ownes, Bentleys, Lamborghinis, Mercedes and he still wanted to have this in his garage, fully restored. ❤

If you want a luxury relaxing car you can never go wrong with any ls even a 99

These cars represent why I love the idea of low mileage used cars over brand new cars. Especially if you can turn a wrench yourself.

You really should have a go in my 2008 GS460 very rare in the UK Was specced with woollen seats. A real sleeper 347bhp

Hi the best review that I've ever heard on LS 600 H . Honestly they never breakdown. All you need is a normal regular service. In fact I've bought my second unit reasonly. The 1st is the 2011 and the 2nd 2013 newer model . Both are 600 HL

I love this generation of Lexus LS. I had two of the LS460s, once in 2007 and again later in 2013. The main downside was the small boot which wouldn't hold four people's luggage.

I adore beige interior in vehicles.

Just bought an LS 460, SWB but otherwise fully loaded with cooled, electric memory seats in the back. It has to be mentioned that it is super simple in the "Touchscreen cars" (pre 2012) to add AndroidAuto/CarPlay which makes those cars even greater bargains. The sound system is MENTAL! 19 Speakers, Dolby Digital an DTS for your DVDs and you dont have to fiddle with any settings, it just sounds great. Fun Fact: All euro-spec LS460/600 have the Airride, you can't get one without it. Also the 460 AWD cars have the least power at 367PS, the RWD ones have 381 and the 600 has 394 + 224 from the Hybrid but the never work both at full power at the same time. The early LS F4, especialy the 460s have problems with the brake actuator (3000€ fix) and as you said the bushings (2000€ fix). Other than those there a no common fail points. For the money, there is no better car you could buy.

Serial LS owner here. I've had them for most of the past 20 years, alongside some other cars and bikes. I'm going to go out on a limb here, and suggest that many other commenters will say how reliable they are (very). My current one has had 70,000 miles, and so far, has only required the replacement of consumables. Nothing, not one single thing, has broken. It's built out of solid something or other, whatever that might be, and everything feels like it is bank vault quality. I've done numerous trips from London down to Benahavis in the south of Spain, I regularly go 550 miles from the 84 liter tank, and I just appreciate its ability to deliver time after time after time. Highly reliable, comfortable, quiet, and just gets on with it. As long as you don't expect it to be something it isn't (it's clearly not a sports car, for example), then you will fall in love with it.

Got to love a luxobarge and with a Lexus variety you can have your cake and eat it - because it'll all work and be reliable too!

Bought Ls430 of the back of watching your vlog. Its as good as you say it is. Lovely weekend luxury cruiser

I have the GS300h. Not quick and doesn't like to be pushed, but it is much the same experience as the LS600H. Just a sublime, wafty, quality luxury car. Plus - 55mpg.

A lovely executive car. The Swiss Car Guy is very entertaining, and has a gorgeous Lexus.

I have the silver version of the LS600hl, One word, fabulous.

Hmmm I own CLS500. I agree with your description of big barges being non compromise type of car. My only gripe is that I bought the wrong one and has lots of things to be fixed. Take that away and it's amazing for what it is. However, it does not quite quench the thirst for small hot hatch. If you can have both on your drive, you are golden.

Brilliant car, great vid. Owned an LS430 for 18 months now. Worse fuel economy (25 avg) but better gearbox. 140k miles, but drives like new!! Would recommend to anyone.

Brb, just going on auto trader...

15:44 if you have the LS460 (L) or not, you get a larger trunk and also the 5th rear seat if you don’t have the executive package. So it is actually extremely practical if you sacrifice some of the luxury features of the executive and the 600hL

James, thanks for keeping us entertained in lockdown, never tiring and regularly uploading new material. Personally I find the sub £30k achievable cars the most interesting, the Clios , the double six, the XJS etc. Have you done various Golf GTIs yet?

To me a luxury car isn't a car filled with technology it's a car that is comfortable to drive and is well made with lots of high quality materials. Wood, leather and thick carpets that sort of thing.

Beautiful big barge!!👍🏼🚗👍🏼

New to the channel but absolutely love it Jay. I also love me a luxo-barge. Like driving around in a suite at the Dorchester. Pure class & luxury.

I want one of these eventually, in my 20's I wanted an IS350, instead had a BMW, now I have a GS350. When I get to my 40's or 50's I think the LS600HL is the one.

Second viewer, love a big Lexus!

As my Dad always says - £20k isn’t a lot of money, unless you have not got it 😂

A car that I’ve never thought about great review jay

I'm currently on my 7th Lexus, a GS300 SE-L. Brilliant car; and I was going to change to an LS460. Then I read the spec on the LS600H - and it all changed. On economy alone it's a winner; I suspect that everything else is going to be the usual Lexus excellence plus a lot more! I need reliability, and I've never ever had a problem with any Lexus. (More than I can say for 99% of cars I've owned). Prices are now very affordable, and a 2008 car will insure as a Modern Classic. So wish me well, I'm going after a Lexus LS600h-L next month. I like your reviews James, they're always honest, this one persuaded me, much as it seems to have done you.

Love this ride, love the eCVT, no tranismission and engine lag, the car just GOES!

Of the 30-odd cars I’ve owned, one of my absolute favourites was the LS400. I actually went to the press launch of that car, and immediately fell in love with it. It just took me a couple of decades to buy one. 😄👍

I have a lexus ls430 2001 with 337000 miles. Original starter and alternator. Original engine and transmission. Just regular maintenance. I also have a lexus 2007 ls460L with 166,000 miles and it's a beautiful car.

Awesome and enlightening review, James. Do you think the LS460 is as comfortable and nice to drive as this, just slightly slower and with a better gearbox?

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Good feedback. I just bought one a few on the ago and I love my 2010 LS 460! Thanks mate! Cheers!

Bought a LS600h L just before lockdown, so have had very little opportunity to drive it so far. Got a 09 plate with 71,000 miles on it, so loads of life left. I love a luxury barge and having owned a Phaeton previously i can say i like the Lexus better. Similar levels of comfort, but the Lexus is just a smoother drive in my opinion.

I was just researching/rekindling my interest in these vehicles over last couple of days. And now you also do a bice review on one. Great timing. Keep the great content coming, cheers!

Beautiful cars that seem to attract careful and fastidious owners. I’ve never seen a scruffy one

Really enjoy your videos... can tell how much you enjoy cars

I love the silver one in Doc Martin series on TV !

Once you’ve owned and driven a Lexus. You are hooked and spoilt for any other make. They are bulletproof. Reliable. Built to last. and a Japanese, what’s not to like.?

3 important points if you are thinking of buying one. 1 , if its only for you get the 460, same car minus the back seat stuff, faster and cheaper. 2, check out an ls430, the interior has a higher build quality and 3, the 460, 600 has restricted rear view window views, ie its a low down car with low height front and rear windows so if you like your visibility then the 430 is better but the.compromise is looks

It's curious, the thing I noticed most is your Jacket. I just didn't expect it.

Probably one of the best cars ever

Yes, a great review of an LS, and an absolutely beautiful spec too, that colour combination is gorgeous. I have a LS460 in Silver. I have had it around six months now so will make the following ownership observations. 1. As the LS is a rare beast on UK roads, you do not enjoy the same aftermarket support as you would of you owned one in the States. Even supposed Lexus independents seem to be a bit nervous to get stuck in to the LS, citing complexity. Be prepared to buy aftermarket parts from the States. A 7 series or S Class is just as complex, but there are just so many more on UK roads that there is a healthier support network. 2. James is bang on when he talks about bushings on the suspension control arms. Over time these will deteriorate but it needn't cost the earth to replace them. I struggled to find anyone willing to rebush the existing arms - something to do with the ball joints- so ended up buying aftermarket Mevotechs from Rockauto in the States. Literally only had them fitted last week so can't report on longevity but can confirm that they don't ruin the ride, they feel fine so far. 3. I have air suspension and slightly live in fear that one day I will come out in the morning to a lowrider. From what I gather it is impossible to predict when the air shocks will fail, so you just have to be prepared to fix when they do. A company called Arnot reconditions them and will save you thousands when the time comes. The other option is to replace all the air shocks with standard shocks, conversion kits are available. 4. And finally when it comes to buying. Be prepared to take your time and travel far and wide to find a nice one. There are just 9 LS460s on AutoTrader today versus over 200 W221 S Classes so you simply don't have same level of choice as you do with other brands. These are not cars that like to be hustled and I found myself longing to feel connected to driving, so went and bought myself an MX5, just to provide a complete contrast. These are great cars for long term ownership, I utterly adore mine, they may not have the same bling value as a Merc or BMW but they just seem to last a lot longer. All used luxury cars come with luxury running costs, and whist the LS is very well screwed together using tried and tested technology, it is not a Mondeo. Buy well, drive gently, have a few grand set aside in the "Oooo Blimey" fund, and just enjoy it.

Your point on its purpose being fulfilled as soon as you get in it. Its making me potentially change what I crave in a car, I live in SE London and the traffic is horrendous! Going for a drive takes too long, so why not make it an experience

Back on form with this interesting review. Mark Levinson present and very correct.

The Lexus brand was developed to beat the German and American equivalent car ranges it did and still does in quality and reliability great honest review !

I love lexus! From the IS to the LS they are all brilliant! I sold my IS250 a few years ago and I really miss it, so much so I'm picking up a gs300 this weekend! Can't wait to get back into a lexus, there is just something about them ❤

I had 4 of those LS's. Amazing car. He is quite right to say that the engineering on some of the most insignificant bits is exquisite.

I concur the Lexus Ls 600h probably the best luxury executive saloon in the world for reliablety longevity and value for money resale value nothing else comes close. Great video my friend! Great video!

I feel that this fella is one of the few reviewers who I see regularly that doesn't lazily perpetuate the myth of the superiority of German engineering. 🤣. I have two bosses at work one had an X5 and the other an SQ7. From what I've seen the biggest benefit of owning any of these is that you get to test out lots of courtesy cars when yours is in getting fixed! (Might be a good idea if you happen to be a car reviewing RU-vidr!!) 🤣🤣

What a candid, articulate and practical view of the best out there👍

Reminds me of a line in a Raymond Chandler novel, a Bentley drives past "with the sound of falling leaves".

Did I just watch a whole review of an LS600hL with the executive package, yet no demonstration of the rear reclining seat with elevating integrated ottoman?!? Preposterous!! 😁

Lovely car, Jay - very tempting. I don't want to sound overly pedantic, but I think you'll find that a CV transmission isn't a gearbox - because, I'm told, it doesn't have any gears.

i was browsing for the couple dozen lexus' imported to india in the 90s and then you upload this, i feel obliged to watch it now:D

A wonderful waffter! I want one, but you're right about the CVT. But probably a price worth paying for a car of that quality and build.

Thinking of picking up a GS300, mostly because I can't afford one of these, and secondly because I think a '99 S Class will work out to be a large financial error. Great review of a much overlooked machine that has always had my attention.

Any LFAs on the horizon James?

Please try the 2013-2015 GS450h, its basically 90% of this car in 4850mm length form.

Nice to see that my Yaris of the same exact vintage shares so many switches with this behamouth, I like this generation LS, better looking car than the current incarnation.

Thanks Jay, what a good review. I was in doubt whether to buy this car for 3 months but you made my decision rather easy. I am planning to buy one in New Zealand, 2011 model, LS 600h. Thanks again.

A very good review I never thought about Lexus cars but know they are quite good. Your review has made me think about Lexus. Thank you

I had two LS400,s and left for BMW and Mercedes both let me down so many times , the after a few different cars Saab 95 been the best I got a GS300 and loved it, I was changing to a Jag XJ , when I spotted a GS450H , and that was it what a car , my nxt purchase is in my head a Rangerover, bit a LS may just change my mind

Just bought a 2005 LS430 with 41k miles. Best car I’ve owned. I will never get rid of it.

my Lexus runs since 11years now with over 270000 ...every time i open the cupholders i´m so impressed. also the windows when they open and close and the doors when closing and the nice cushy seats.

That's an incredibly good price for so much well engineered car. Lexus seem to hold a premium here in Australia unfortunately with the current cheapest being pre-2008 for 33.5k AUD which has covered 160,000 miles. The rest have far less mileage and are listed for 44.5k - 80k AUD(07-13) I do doubt they sell quickly though...

I have an ‘08 LWB here in the states… Super Sweet Ride!

11:45 Realizing that the LS 600hl has a better ride than bmw 7 series, Mercedes’ s class, Audi A8 is an incredible adulation to this incredible car. Doug Deamuro said the same thing. It’s a well kept secret.

Interesting review. What’s your view on the VW Phaeton? Somewhat comparable in my view...