Lexus LS 400/LS 430

l943973

Does anyone know if the current LS uses a window grid antenna? If so, how does it compare to a power rod antenna.

I don't get very good reception with my window antenna grid. My previous auto used a power rod antenna and I was able to get farther stations.

thanks,

bcleepe

Wow, I thought we had agreed to disagree on the subject but the debate continues with merc1.

In any case, I have a question. Is it normal to see the tire pressure dropped a few pounds every few weeks on the LS? This doesn't happen in my other cars.

merc1

You guys didn't read what I said I guess. I never went to any of the dealerships with an attitude about Mercedes-Benz or anything like that. Believe it or no I was really eager to driver the IS300 last year when it came out, but after walking around and looking at a few that were in the showroom nobody said anything or offered to help and when they did they acted like they were doing me a favor. You all keep trying to say it's just me, yet it's an almost common complaint around here with (again) younger (under 30) people. Nothing to do with the LS430 itself it's the overall demeanor of the dealership. I could see if I had been there before and they knew I wasn't buying, but again that wasn't the case either.

flint350,

Again you weren't there, nor do you know what I "showed" when I went to the dealership in the first place. It seems that you can't accept the fact that Lexus' dealer body may not be perfect. How in the world would you know what happened??? None of you even live in the Chicago area. The part that amazes me is that when I'm seeing things wrong because of my biased views, you're still telling me what did or did not happen at a dealer hundreds of miles away from you. And yes 3 out of 5 is the majority in this area to me. All of you conveniently missed the part where I stated that I know people that have Lexus and went through the same thing trying to acquire one. All under 30 and not wearing a suit/tie when they went in. Yet it's just me right? My point is that is what's happening in the Chicago area. Period. Believe what you want. (p.s. I didn't dismiss anything on Mercedes problems, I merely said that they didn't state exactly what they found, and Automobile Mag picked the LS, but the owners/readers picked the S, had nothing to do with me).

M

ljflx

I can't ever remember anyone saying Lexus was a savior. Maybe you mis-interpreted what people wrote. What I remember is a lot of people saying Lexus made MB take a good look at itself and realize it needed to change - for the better. Competition will always cause that particularly once you realize that your competitor is never going away.

antenna - wish they would put it back on the exterior. In the glass it definitely provides poorer reception.

Tire presuure - never had any problems with mine.

bitkahuna

I don't think Lexus owners think Mercedes Benz, BMW, or other luxury brands are junk. They just happen to like more the combination of comfort, features, performance, ergonomics, quality, reliability and value that Lexus offers.

merc1

Ok I'll go with that, but that sure wasn't the mesage at first.

M

pcbrs

Merc1-

Speaking just for myself... you are always welcome here to discuss your opinions. I know that it's kind of easy to pat each other's back in this sort of forum, regarding our sound decision in buying such a polished and refined vehicle. But, there is no doubt that MB makes fine vehicles as well, and most of us had to choose between MB and Lexus. Personally, I'm glad MB and BMW make such performance pushing cars, as the competition makes Lexus and the other two manufacturers work that much harder to please us, the informed consumer. Let's just agree to disagree on subjective matters, such as style, design, and the sound of the motor, and relish in our common passion for fine automobiles. If I had to choose between the MB and Lexus, I would choose Lexus, especially for the prominent tach gauge, bright instrument clusters, ML sound, intuitive controls, etc. But, if I had to drive an MB instead, I certainly wouldn't be complaining, and I don't think the average person would either. Cheers.

sfmartin

The LS started using a window grid in '98. Reception is not quite as good as it was in my '91 LS, and isn't any better in my '01, but it's acceptable. They do use a diversity scheme which works well in the city, but doesn't give much advantage in the country.

feverhart

There have been discussions in the past about the LS GPS navigator and its performance. My opinion is that it is the best system offered as a built-in in automobiles, but it surely isn't infallable, as I found out a couple of times to my dismay. However, the over-all response is good and I'll never own another car without one.

But is it the best on the market? The Travroute Co-pilot operated through a lap top computer, I believe, has features superior, especially in the voice commands and replies. Now if Lexus would only incorporate some of these features or partnership with Travroute on the navigator, it wold indeed be a superior product.

woppenhe

My Nav system works fine except that I don't seem to be able to call up my marked points by voice. 'Goto Marked Points', returns an error message stating there are no *special* marked points registered. Is there a difference between special marked points and plain marked points, of which I have plenty registered. I can manually manipulte these marked points, but not via the voice command, as suggested in the manual.

woppenhe

OK-I figured this out this AM. In order to get a Special Marked Point, you have to assign a special purpose icon to the marked point. There are 5 of them numbered 1-5 in the 'Edit Marked Points' section. Once these are iconed properly, they become special marked points in contrast to marked points. Special marked points can be called up by voice even when in motion, and can be selected by responding to the voice prompt with number 1, number 2, etc.

arroadrunner

Hello Everyone! Our last purchase was an LS400, 1996, with 47,xxx miles on it. It was purchased after much researching and driving of a variety of cars. Drove a low mileage J-30 Infinity, 2 new Maximas, new Mercury Marques, new Lincoln Town Car, new Tarus, 4 or 5 new Avalons, plus a few used Avalons, new Highlander, Camry and Passat. We were looking for reliability and comfort with excellent seats, and a smooth ride. The Lexus has all of this. Since it was purchased,it has been driven about 4,000 miles. It is a fully loaded LS400. We already love the car for the seat comfort (and will never buy another car without this as well as 8-seat positions), quietness, reliability, acceleration, etc. We were very surprised whenever we took it to the Lexus dealer to correct a loose front seat belt. Lexus warrants seat belts for life. The buying experience with Lexus was the "best" buying experience that we have experienced, and that covers a lot of dealing in many geographic areas. The local Lexus Dealership service has been excellent. So far, no surprises, and we are very, very pleased with our selection. And may we add that even sitting in the Lexus dealership is pleasurable. What we sit on (as I said is important to us). In Lexus' waiting room, they provide comfortable seats. Nissan's waiting room chairs are very, very uncomfortable. They have typical Interior Designer chairs that are asthetically pretty chairs, but they are terribly uncomfortable to sit on. Dealers need to think about these things, because by the time you wait in lousy chairs, you are not in a good mood to get the bill. And lastly, their music selection is great. We had and read about Lexus being No. 1 with their customers and now we know why. They really are number one with us.

bitkahuna

Glad ya like the car and comfy seats. You'll need to be rested when you do finally see a real service bill from your dealer though. Be prepared.

seadog7

I still have my 91 LS400 with a vertical telescoping antenna. The FM reception on that car is vastly better than the "in glass" antenna of my 01 LS430. However, the Levinson in the LS430 sounds much better when there is a strong signal. Since this means my favorite station, WQXR-NY becomes unlistenable half way to work on Long Island I plan to fix that problem as soon as the weather is warmer. My plan is to add a trunk lid mounted fold out antenna. The system will be similar to that used by some CB radio fans. That way I can fold the antenna into the trunk when it is not in use and most important, not have to drill any holes in that nice finish. If needed, I will add a GASFET preamp also.

pai7

Almost a year since purchasing my 01 LS430 , now has 11K miles.So far the performance has been exhilerating ,the car is fun to drive and has been flawless.Levinson/navigation package is worth the extra dough.

nofeer

My ls430 is my business car. 12.5k miles and nearly flawless, sometimes i get the groan in the steering wheel but is intermitant, not enough for a 140mile trip to my lexus dealer to fix till my next 7500 oil change, will go in 3-4 weeks. Just wonderful car, can't ever get the voice gps to work. get 28mpg at 70mph, 16 city. My wife drools over this car, best we have ever had (sorry MB fans) Only on regret, wish it was AWD, but maybe i should let uncle sam "buy" me some winter tires--any suggestions (2-4inch snow, some ice) 2-3 times a year. People love to be in this car, whenever business associates have to go somewhere they ask me to take my lexus for it's comfort and quiet, easier to discuss meetings without the typical noise. Great advertisment for the car, when others have MB and prefer riding in my lexus, i don't let anyone drive it....yet.

feverhart

You may want to consider either Dunlop Winter Sport M2 (H rating) or Bridgestone Turanzo Z Revo. The Revo has almost as good snow traction as the Dunlop Winter, but is an all-season tire and is Z rated where the Dunlop is H rated. Check Tirerack for specs and rating.

Seems like the all-season Bridgestone would be a better buy. This assuming that your are inquiring about a 17" tire.

pai7

I wish that all the participants in this forum who have been driving the LS430 for atleast 1 year document their experience with this vehicle.Please include all the GOOD and the BAD aspects of the ownership.This would be of great value for those who are considering the LS430 .

ljflx

I've actually got two of them - one for work with 20k+ miles and the other for personal use which now has about 12k miles. Letter perfect, flawless cars. The best attributes are speed, exceptional ride, serene cabin and and excellent electronics. Best nav system around and an out of this world ML stereo system plus the best interior by far in this class. The only draw back is that they haven't worked in a seamless phone but I'm long past that. I expect I'll be saying the same things in 2 years when my leases are up because I've never had a thing go wrong with a Lexus yet and I've been driving the LS since 95. So the ones I have now are my third and fourth ones. Though people would like you to think the car is boring it is far from it with very fast 0-60 acceleration and excellent highway passing acceleration. Plenty of fun to drive and the car just does everything you want effortlessly.

Good luck with whatever you go with.

wwest

When I fly to europe I want the flight to be extremely BORING.

When I drive my LS to Portland I want the trip to be EXTREMELY BORING.

If I want excitment I'll take the 996 over the pass and down by Mt Adams to the Columbia.

drcomputer

Here is Lexus' latest answer to yet another inquiry to the mysterious NAV system update:

---------

Thank you for contacting the Lexus Customer Satisfaction Department regarding the Navigation System update for your 2001 LS 430. The Navigation Systems in 2001 LS 430s have a different generation software than that in 2002 LS 430s. I apologize that this update will not be available until mid-2002. Please contact the parts department at that time for update availability. I am sorry for any inconvenience this has caused you.

lateralg

They've been saying this (it's a few months away) since last summer. In my opinion, this is an outrageous lack of support for a $2500+ option. If Lexus applied resources to this issue, it could have been resolved long ago. The passionate pursuit of perfection seems to lose its way once they have your $$.

lenscap

While at the Chicago Auto Show I picked up the 2002 Mercedes full line brochure.

In the S-Class section they say the S-Class is the best selling car in its class. I'm thinking no way, I know the LS 430 outsold the S-Class last year. Then I see the tiny note at the bottom of the page. The data is from January 2001 data!

Nice of Mercedes to make their car look good by using sales numbers that are over a year old. As we all know, 2000 was the year the LS changed and sales were slow until the new model appeared.

antiosama

lenscap, You should give that bit of information to our friend, Merc1. I'm sure he'll come up with a nice excuse as usual.

January 2001 data means it's from the 2000 model year. That's really old data to be using in 2002.

mikeivan

Did you all see the tip on the SC 430 BBS about using "Goofoff" to remove the yellow signs from the visors? I tried it, it takes a lot of rubbing but it works, at least on the ones you can see all the time. I did not try it on the back side ones. Does anyone know where I can buy a bug deflector for my LS 430?

flint350

I got a response as well - here it is:

"Thank you for contacting Lexus Customer Satisfaction regarding your 2001 LS 430. I apologize you are dissatisfied with the delay in the navigation system update. The first update for the 2001 LS 430 navigation system is planned to become available mid-2002. The dealer will replace the Navigation Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) to perform this update. This update is planned to add some metro areas of Canada and additional U.S. mapping and updated POIs, but will not change the operating features of this system. This information is subject to change without notice."

trentpa

Just discovered this switch on my '01. Although the owner's manual recommends operating on regular (for fuel economy purposes) I've been driving in the power mode for the last few days and notice a markedly snappier performance (not that regular was sluggish). My question: how much additional fuel is likely to be used if operating in the power mode and would operating consistently in the power mode result in adverse wear on the transmission?

nealm1

My LS will be 1 yr old next month. I had the groan, and it took some time and several returns to the dealer to fix it, but the last fix (a TSB from Japan) has eliminated the noise altogether. Other items on the "BAD" list: um, . . . well there's . . . um . . . OK, how about this - the thingy that you hang your cleaning on in the back seat only handles a couple of items.

The car has been fabulous. I leave it in "sport" mode and get about 25 mpg on the highway, abt 18 in the city, which is remarkable for such a powerful car (with ULEV rating). It handles like a luxury car, not a sports car, but that is what I bought. It is roomy and comfortable, the ML stereo is spectacular, and I can drive for hours at a time without any fatigue.

I am sure that the MB is a terrific car; its just 20k more and less reliable. The time is more important to me than the money. I am sure the new 7 is a terrific car; its just 15-20k more and comes connected to i-Drive (I have bored everyone with my tirades about ergonomics and technology; I won't repeat it here). I am sure the Audi 8 is a terrific car; its just ~10k more and there are only a handfull of places within 500 miles of here capable of doing body work on its skin. For me, there really weren't any alternatives. Good luck with whatever you buy!

BTW, I bought the "base" LS with the ML (no Link, and boy am I happy I don't have to listen to that "welcome" every time I turn the key!); it cost abt 55k at the time. If price were the organizing characteristic, instead of luxury, the comparisons above would have been to the E, 5, and A6. Drive THOSE four in a row and the comparison is simply laughable.

dealin

dealin

I just got a 2002 LS430 and my dealer said that the 2002 has an updated Nav DVD. Is this consistent with what you are hearing? are you just looking to update your 2001 DVD disc with a 2002 DVD disc? Even when someone does get a Disc are your going to self install it or have the dealer do it? Does anyone know how to install a new DVD disc. I was able to get to the player but couldn't figure out how to eject the disc???

agent0986

i've left mine in power mode since i got the car in july. The increase in performance is quite noticeable especially on the highway. i'm not all to worried about the fuel consumption, but for the record ive been doing 17.2 gallons(not much highway driving) over these past 8 months in power mode, which is probably the same as i would get in normal mode. As for damaging the transmission, i highly doubt it will make much of a difference, unless you plan on keeping the car for more than 100k miles. I just had my 5000 mile service and no problems at all. Easily the best car ive ever driven and would not want anything else.

krropp

Wasn't it a Lexus ad that had the champagne flutes on the hood of the vehicle while the car was revving up to show how smooth the engine was. My friend thinks that this commerical was an Infiniti commercial. Can someone help us resolve this controversy? Many thanks!

acco20

That commercial was deffinetly Lexus. It was in the very beginning,late 1989 and early 1990. Hope this helps.

smoothlexus

Hi folks,
Got a question or concern if u will. Hope someone can throw some light on it.
My girlfriend has a LS430, 2002. A few weeks back she had a fender bender. She was rear-ended by a Toyota Camry at maybe about 30-40 mph . There was no major injury to her except that her right cheek bone bumped against the steering wheel of the car and she got a bruise. The air bag didn't deploy and I wonder why the seat belt didn't restrain properly. And this was a relatively slower speed accident. I wonder what would've happened if same thing would've happened a higher speeds. Is this how air bags work ? Aren't they supposed to deploy to save the face of the driver/occupant. Or if they don't deploy isn't the safety belt supposed to hold the driver ? And this is Lexus flagship sedan we're talking about, which is considered a very safe car. To me it seems a bit unsettling. I can't seem to find an explantion.

krropp

Wasn't it a Lexus ad that had the champagne flutes on the hood of the vehicle while the car was revving up to show how smooth the engine was. My friend thinks that this commerical was an Infiniti commercial. Can someone help us resolve this controversy? Many thanks!

wwest

Airbags should not deploy in a rear ender. Can't tell the difference between the car accelerating rapidly vs light "hit" from behind. Maybe not even a hard hit.

ljflx

Could you imagine plucking down $58k or so on an E-430 and then you sit in someone's LS430 and go for a ride. After 10 minutes or so they activate the nav and put a few cd's in the ML. What a state of depression I'd be in. I'll never forget the MB dealer telling me that if I wanted to test drive an E and an S I'd have to take the E out first because if I drove the S I'd never want to drive the E. Smart man - couldn't have been more correct. But then the LS430 rides even better than the S. What a deal. I pity anyone who doesn't shop around and take a few test drives.

anthonyp1

It would seem that the seat belt should tighten in a rear end accident. I wonder what is going on? I saw a ls430 ruined from the front to the door, and no air bag exploded. I was told the car was hit not directly on, but it sure looked as though they should have gone off. I hope none of us has to experience this first hand Tony

dewayne1982

From circa 1994. The champagne flutes were atop the hood of Q45.

acco20

Krropp... That was deffinetly a Lexus commercial. It was one of the first commercials Lexus ran. Started in late 1989 or very early in 1990. It was on the air when I picked up my 1990 LS400, in the spring of 1990. The drift of the ad was the "no vibration" factor even as the RPM's were reved up. "not a drop was spilled" or words to that affect. Great ad, and it was TRUE, best car I have ever owned. The new LS430 is even better. Hope this helps...

antiosama

True, it was a Lexus commercial. One of the first commercials. And still one of the best. Today's Lexus commercials are pretty terrible.

ljflx

How could anyone possibly forget Infiniti's endless Clouds. The champagne flutes was Lexus - they apparently had a premonition of things to come and were already celebrating.

jeffmust2

had the ball bearings rolling down the gaps between body panels to prove how tightly the build tolerances were held.

I thought that was better than the champagne glass version because it was so easy to see the varying gap tolerance on other vehicles.

drcomputer

A few years later Dodge did a spoof of the Lexus glasses commercial by putting them on the hood of a Dodge truck.

lateralg

Dodge also considered doing the ball bearing bit using baseballs, but they kept losing them in the gaps.

aiman

I read a part of a book titled "Against all odds". It's a bok about Toyota and Lexus. One part mentioned about the champaign test. It was originally performed in a demonstration to auto journalist-only exhibition before the car was introduced to public. The journalists were so impressed that Lexus thought they ought to run it in a commercial.

The champaign commercial, imo, is quite significant since it demonstrates and explicitly describes Lexus main strength on all Lexus vehicles from the original LS400 until today: smooth, quietness, and comfort. That's the main attraction why people choose Lexus over other makes.

I think dodge also made similar ball bearing ad on the ram truck by 1st showing 1 ball bearing, then a bunch load of them fall on the truck bed.

nofeer

the pros could go on for pages ....some cons

Transmission--I wish it would downshift faster
voice activated Nav--doesn't understand me....
CD changer--I wish i could select which disk to remove, without going through all of them...maybe i didn't read the manual correctly. and place disks in the sequence i like easier, e.g. this should be in slot 6, select and load.

My wife, says i'm picky, she says who cares, get real, and give her the keys and begs to drive it.

Here's the easiest way i discribe this car to my cohorts (MB< BMW, AUDi fans at work, and whoever asks!!!!)" It's the closest vehicle to perfection i have ever driven or owned" After a year, it's more perfect, no hassle, wonderful. Valet parkers rave about this car. I like the way my s500 buddy says "but mine is more stylish", I say, I live on the inside, lets plot a course on the NAV...he hesitates, because after 4 months, he says he has to get the manual, and that he 'really doesn't use it much"------I wonder why?????

pcbrs

Hey-

I believe if you play or select the disc you want to remove first, and then press "eject", it will eject the selected disc without going through them in order. Also, I didn't realize you could switch discs from the steering wheel by depressing the >> and << keys for a few seconds, until recently. Found out by accident. What a wonderful car.

Jeff

ljflx

Your S-500 buddy also doesn't have the luxury of sitting in the drivers seat and changing cd's. My only complaint about the car is that if you have a child's seat in the middle of the rear seat you can't access the heated rear seat controls. That's it. What a car! It's not only better than the current S-500 but it's also better than the old model which MB fans say was the best S of them all.

Those who valet park my car are in awe of the nav system and love the automatic mirror movements.

acco20

Had my 1990 LS400 for ten years. 140,000 miles. Ran into valet parking at least 100 times. Never ever used it. My son is now driving the new LS430 and he said he will never let them touch his either. Just a quirk with us, I guess, but I wonder how many others on this site feel the same.