Lexus LS 400/LS 430

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  • rspindelrspindel Member Posts: 1
    I am getting an 03 ls430-have previously owned Acura 3.5rl with front wheel drive. How does the lexus handle driving in the snow given that it is a rear wheel drive car.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Any RWD car will be harder to get up and going initially but a lot safer handling on snow and ice.

    Front wheels/tires = directional control and lateral stability.

    Rear wheels/tires = engine leading or lagging (braking) torque.
  • jsb16jsb16 Member Posts: 64
    After taking a 360 spin on a highway doing 45 MPH in light snow, I started switching my LS400 over to snow tires and never had a problem again. That frightening event happened with the TCS system on. Aside from the hassle of storing the tires and the changeover, my regular tires lasted twice as many years so there is little cost in changing to snows. I used my factory wheels so they had to mount and balance the tires each year but my tire shop did that for free for 6 years until I wore down the tread. If I had to do it again, I would buy another set of wheels on ebay or tirerack and keep both sets mounted. I wonder if Cosco would do the changeover for free even if you didn't buy the wheels there. I recently noticed that they have a sign up offering free tire rotations and flat repairs to members. My bad luck that a week later I had a flat tire on my Odyssey and Cosco pulled out a chunk of glass, patched the tire, and rotated the others (all original factory tires) at no charge. Between cheap gas at Sam's Club and this service at Cosco, I get my money's worth from both clubs.
  • zachmbenzfvrzachmbenzfvr Member Posts: 25
    Well I have never been here and I like all of this debate. Keep it coming.
  • aggie76aggie76 Member Posts: 266
    Glad to hear your experience with snow tires. I am in real dilemma right now with new car selection and snow tires may be my multi-vehicle tie breaker. Can you let me know which brand of snows you use and any comments on ride, handling, wet/dry grip, noise, etc.?

    Moving up north again after many years in the south and need to buy/lease new luxury sedan. I currently drive GS300 and have been looking at A6 2.7t due to quattro but driver leg space is concern since I'm a big guy. I really like both the LS430 & E500 but hesitate due to RWD.
  • ljflxljflx Member Posts: 4,690
    If you go the E-500 4-matic route you'll probably need snowa anyway. The AWD doesn't work well with the base tires. Same with the Audi. A friend has the E-430 4-matic and changes to snows every winter because he got stuck in the snow with the factory tires.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I have a used 93 Ford PU (yard waste, etc.) that has 120K miles and I bought for $3k a few years ago. On any "snow" day that would be my vehicle of choice rather than anything of the LS430 class, RWD, FWD. The LS430 would ALWAYS have nice quiet summertime tires and a good set of snowchains in the trunk in case I got caught "out".

    It doesn't matter how conservative a driver you think you are on snow and ice, there are times when we all "wink" out. Then there's the very real matter of the OTHER driver sharing the road with you.

    Get a good AWD vehicle as an alternative if you can afford it.

    The life you save may be your own! Or MINE.

    Oh, one more thing. The more aggressive the tire's tread is for wintertime snow and ice duty the less NORMAL roadbed traction it will have. In the US, except maybe Alaska, even in wintertime, snow or ice covered roadbeds are not the predominant circumstance.
  • blehrlichblehrlich Member Posts: 92
    Aftera snow/ice storm over the weekend in NH, I can say from experience that the LS with good winter tires does fine. I'm using Nokian WR+2 tires in the 225/55 17 size. Very quiet performers as well.
  • maxhonda99maxhonda99 Member Posts: 1,289
    stevestein, Actually in NJ, you cannot tint the front 3 windows at all(2 front side windows and windshield). It is completely illegal, only factory tint is allowed on these windows. The other windows on your car you can tint.
  • rennyboschrennybosch Member Posts: 329
    Are there any legal beagles on this board? What would you say to this scenario:

    I start my Lexus LS430 in Palm Springs, CA. It announces, "The Lexus Link system is active." I drive out on an unmapped desert road, which gradually becomes less and less a road, but just desert. It is beginning to get dark. Suddenly I have a flat tire.

    In desperation I push the Lexus Link Emergency Assist button. No response (I had forgotten that I haven't renewed my subscription). I suffer great pain -- physical, financial, and especially emotional.

    This scenario is of course fictitious, but if it were real could I sue Lexus for telling me that Lexus Link is active when in fact it isn't?

    My real motive here is to come up with an incentive for Lexus to devise a mechanism for turning off the Lexus Link announcement (if the subscription has expired) whenever the car is started.

    Renny
  • ljflxljflx Member Posts: 4,690
    Good luck and make sure whatever you settle for covers your legal fees.

    I never read-up on Lexus Link but I think your case would be akin to a lawsuit against your pharmacist, doctor or even the drug company itself for failing to renew your prescription.
  • ljflxljflx Member Posts: 4,690
    If you chose to let your initial subscription year expire and not renew it couldn't the Lexus service department kill the message? It honestly doesn't bother me but for those it does there has to be a way of bypassing that message whether you subscribe or not. Given technology today it should be rather easy to delete the message from a remote site if you terminate the subscription. On the other hand that might give many the incentive to do so.
  • drcomputerdrcomputer Member Posts: 82
    This morning when starting my car I didn't get the normal friendly female "The Lexus Link system is now active." Instead, I got a male voice saying "The Lexus Link system has encountered an error, please contact your dealer for assistance." It took me totally by surprise. After two years of hearing the normal greeting I have almost tuned it out. I promptly turned the car off and then back on to see if it would happen again. It didn't.

    Has anyone else ever heard this error message? I hope this was just a on-time freak occurance. Inquiring minds want to know.
  • jbianco12jbianco12 Member Posts: 125
    The only time I got an error message was when I was deep in a parking garage and the signal couldn't get through.
  • stevesteinstevestein Member Posts: 263
    I guess they could argue over what "is" is by saying that the message says that the Lexus Link system (the car part) is active, but doesn't say anything about being in celluar range or that anyone at the other end will pickup a call. Its the equivalent of the POST (Power On Self Test) a computer does during a boot (that leads to the beep before windows starts loading), that is just checking onboard components, not if your link to the ISP works or if your account is active.
  • paulchiupaulchiu Member Posts: 378
    Anyone know when info on the 2004 LS might be out?

    Thanks,
    Paul
  • maxhonda99maxhonda99 Member Posts: 1,289
    paul, Information on the 2004 LS430 at this point would be basically based on speculation. The 2003 model has only been out a few months, I would think more and "accurate" info. would be available by spring of 2003.

    Although I have heard rumors of the same 4.3L V8 having more power, I believe it is for 2004 but not positive.
  • golsgols Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2001 LS430 and I have experienced some grinding brake noise twice when I stepped on the brake and it was not a panic stop each time. They happened about 6 months apart and after each time I could not reproduce the noise. Does anyone experience the same thing?
  • ljflxljflx Member Posts: 4,690
    Wish I knew. 2004 is my lease renewal and I'll gladly post whatever I find out. There will definitely be a 360hp sport edition in 2004. Club Lexus is a good place to check out for some data on Lexus news.
  • ljflxljflx Member Posts: 4,690
    JD Powers reports Lexus as top rated certified pre-owned car.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I live down a gravel road and every once in awhile I get a small piece of gravel between the rotor and the rotor backplate. Damn near drove me mad until I happened to discover one while it was still in place.
  • woppenhewoppenhe Member Posts: 61
    Anyone having trouble with the life of Lexus Batteries on their LS430, or other vehicles. I have now had three in 18 months. In one case, there may have been a door left ajar. The kill switch function of removing the ignition key does not seem to pick up on this. In the other cases, it appears as if there truly was an internal issue in the Battery. Just asking.
  • nealm1nealm1 Member Posts: 154
    has a very interesting article about Chris Bangle at BMW and his determination to make "artistic statements" with each of the new cars, esp. the 7 and the Z4. He claims highly developed artistic sensibilities and is reported to be concerned only with establishing BMW as a source for unique and challenging designs, and not with conforming to BMW's estimable heritage and design philosophy. And according to the article, BMW's sales have benfited such that they are within striking distance of Lexus domestically. The article says that sales of the 7 are up 45% (although 1st year sales for a new model are deceptive and can mask long-term problems).

    While I was willing to give Bangle the benefit of the doubt on the 7 (which, to my eye is strikingly beautiful from the C pillar forward), the new Z4 suggests that he is committed to producing "different" cars even if he has to make them ugly as sin to distinguish them from the masses. Hard to imagine that one company can design the exquisite Z8 and the hideous Z4 w/in 2 yrs of each other.
  • ljflxljflx Member Posts: 4,690
    LS430 sales went from 14000 to 34000 in its redesign year - thats 242%. The 45% looks rather paltry.
  • rennyboschrennybosch Member Posts: 329
    Your point is valid, but a minor correction to your Math: 34000 over 14000 is a RATIO of 243%, but it is an INCREASE of only 143%.
  • docladocla Member Posts: 15
    I am looking at buying an LS 430 in the next few months. Can any one tell me if there are going to be significant changes or a face lift to the 2004 model?
  • n16eln16el Member Posts: 1
    Planning on Sunday to close on a silver 1991 LS400 with 61,000 miles. One lady owner since new, who says she took it to the dealer for anything and everything in maintenance. Oil changed every 3,000 miles. Car is a cream puff, for $8,000. Anything I should look especially closely for before signing the check on Sunday?

    Thanks for any advice anyone can offer.
  • anthonycecilanthonycecil Member Posts: 68
    I would not think Lexus will change anything major before 05. I purchased ultra in black cherry, a maroon color with a dark charcoal interior. The interior is very pleasing, but the dark outside is a chore to keep clean. I thoroughly enjoy the car, but I do not think I will get a dark exterior again. Good luck on your purchase Tony
  • botuerkbotuerk Member Posts: 3
    On that year, be sure to check the AC heater LCD on the center of the dash, above the LCD for the radio. They often failed in those years.
  • carfan4surecarfan4sure Member Posts: 49
    Just sold my one owner '90 LS for $5,400, but it had 168,000 miles. I think you've got a great deal.
  • cibcib Member Posts: 5
    The battery in my 18 month old LS430 also seems weak, however possibly might have been abused by the first owner. I am not sure about Lexus batteries, but have read most OE batteries in the US do not like to be discharged. Do it more than a few times and you will kill them. I parked in a ramp ten days and had to have a jump start. Dealer service seems vague on how long they will keep a charge, suggested leaving the car unlocked so the alarm system was not activated! Also suggested a small on board charger to be plugged in if you intended not to use the car for more than a couple weeks. Certainly it should stay up for more than ten days? I guess my thought is I should get a new battery. I do love driving the car, but also enjoy a vacation without a headache at the end. Any one else with thoughts? CB
    Oh, I did have the lights off from automatic.
  • woppenhewoppenhe Member Posts: 61
    Do you have the lights on automatic so they stay on a while after the key is removed from the ignition? I am trying tosee why my batteries do not seem to survive even 9 months.
  • aggie76aggie76 Member Posts: 266
    I too have had battery problems in my '98 GS300 and have replaced the battery every 15-18 months over the last 5 years. Dealer told me this time that this was because Lexus was using some poor batteries that wouldn't hold their charge. I guess I could have believed that for the OEM battery but what about the others? Supposedly they have made some changes in last year or so models with the alternator and a better battery supplier that eliminates this issue. With a maintenance background, I didn't believe that so I did my own survey of Lexus owners that I know.

    While this isn't scientific the trend is there, all of us (including me) who used the automatic headlight selection all the time have had to replace batteries every year or so. Those who leave it in either on (for full time operation like daylight running lights) or who turn them on manually have not had to replace their battery.

    This is from 9 different owners that I am friends with for what it's worth. I hope Lexus is listening and looks at the electrical draw from the automatic headlight system.

    I'm now researching moving from my GS to an LS and had hoped this was a model specific issue. Even so, this is the only maintenance issue I have ever had and while I am looking at the new E-class, Audi and BMW's the quality and reliability keep me coming back to Lexus.
  • carfan4surecarfan4sure Member Posts: 49
    Does my DVD need to be replaced or do I need re-calibration? I have noted that addresses are not nearly as accurate as "marking" the location. Are all addresses a little off?
  • aggie76aggie76 Member Posts: 266
    For owners of '03 LS's - which if any or do all of the steering wheel controls for the audio system, voice, disp 1& 2, etc. are illuminated at night with the lights on?
  • sploguesplogue Member Posts: 53
    On the '02 LS, almost all of the steering wheel controls are illuminated. This even includes the small volume up, down, select controls that aren't visible from a normal driving position. The only control on the wheel that doesn't have a light is the paddle that activates the speech control.

    I'm sure they haven't changed this for '03.

    Sean
  • sploguesplogue Member Posts: 53
    The primary killer of automotive batteries is heat. If you live in a hot climate, even the best battery will not last more than about three years regardless of the car it is in. If the under-hood temperatures are high, this will contribute to the problem.


    Because the OEM battery that the LS comes with cannot be topped off with distilled water, the water will eventually boil off, expose the plates, and kill the battery. So, when you replace it, replace it with one that is labelled "maintenance free" but which has little covers that you can pry off to add water from time to time.


    When a car battery discharges low enough to need a jump start, I replace it. Lead-acid automotive batteries don't like to be discharged, and by the time they've gone down that low, they've already been damaged. Batteries are pretty cheap considering that they are one of the few things that can really strand you.


    There is a really good FAQ on this that has been floating around on the net for some time now. It has more than you'll want to know in it. I ran a quick search and found a copy of it here:


    http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/carfaq.htm


    Sean

  • carfan4surecarfan4sure Member Posts: 49
    They did not change the lighting for '03 models.
  • aggie76aggie76 Member Posts: 266
    Thanks everyone. Went and test drove an '03 with the Ultra Luxury package today. Very impressed but I don't need the rear seat package, just one more thing for youngsters to play with. Anyone really find the Dynamic Speed Control or the Ride Height really necessary or noticable on the car? I'm thinking that the Custom Luxury package is more than enough for my likes.
  • anthonycecilanthonycecil Member Posts: 68
    The radar like speed control, I find, is very nice. The height control is minisculan and not worth it. The rear seat deal is almost never used, excep for extremely long trips, where I then go to take a rest while wife finishes the trip up. Tony
  • bcleepebcleepe Member Posts: 53
    carfan4sure - the NAV prorated the house number per block assuming using full 99 for each block. This may not be the case for most situation.

    aggie76 - the dynamic laser cruise is the most intelligent feature in the LS. I use it all the time and love it.
  • whybuy1whybuy1 Member Posts: 43
    I own a 2001 UL. I use the laser cruise control all the time, even in traffic. It enhances safety, too. I never use the ride height feature. The only rear seat features that get used are the heaters, recliners and occasionally the radio controls. (I let my daughter choose the music). If I could have bought exactly what I wanted I would have given up the rear seat controls and A/C and gotten back the trunk pass-through.
  • aggie76aggie76 Member Posts: 266
    Great comments guys, I was really surprised how much truck space went away with Ultra package due to the cool box and additional air filter. Still large but no where near cavern size. Guess I'll be dealing some if I want the laser too.
  • rennyboschrennybosch Member Posts: 329
    Are you saying that the Custom Lux package does not include the laser speed control? I had understood that it included everything from the Ultra Lux except the rear seat features.
  • aggie76aggie76 Member Posts: 266
    I saw on the web site that when you build a car it does have the laser listed but when talking to local dealer they (3 different folks) say it doesn't. Unfortunately there are no LS's on the lot with the CL package to see one way or the other for sure; only base or UL.
  • chill12chill12 Member Posts: 2
    Recently traded in my 97 Acura RL 3.5 for a 99 LS400 (both for my wife). Hope I didn't make a mistake. The RL was a fine vehicle. Transmission had a slight clunk when shifting from 1st to second. Acura folks put in a new rebuild with no cost to me. I traded because I've always like rear-wheel drive and didn't like the cd holder in the trunk. The RL had 70k on it the LS has 45k. I took a bath on trading (I'm paying for their fancy dealership facility) but I'm not crying over it, just a little aprehensive in wondering if I did the right thing (I not a Toyota fan. I've had several and had overheating problems with all but one of them. Interest rate for it (certified vehicle) was 2.9%. Another incentive.

    Question: Is there anyone out there who also has a 99 (98-2000 were the same I believe) that can give me words of encouragement. I like it so far but my wife is still crying over the RL which she had become attached to. She's refused to drive the LS and it's been 3 weeks! (Anyone else have this problem? I told her to not fall in love with anything that can't love you back, but you know how women are. Just kidding, I'll cry like a baby when I finally get rid of my ol' 76 GMC 1/2 ton pickup!)

    Also, Anything to look out for on maintaining this car. Any heads-up stuff?

    Thanks for listening to me, Charlie
  • bioya1bioya1 Member Posts: 2
    Just picked up my 2003 LS430 yesterday. Was wondering if their was a way to convert the ML/NAV system to a DVD player with or without TV.
  • ljflxljflx Member Posts: 4,690
    I had the 98 and it is a great car. If you're disappointed I'd be amazed. The RL is a fine car but it's not in the old LS or new LS league. I had the Legend thru 94 and swithched to the Lexus LS starting with the 95 model then went with the 98 and 2001 models (the latter after comparing to a MB S-500 and judging the LS430 as the better car). I loved the Legend but the LS400 blew it away.
  • oac3oac3 Member Posts: 373
    I have the same '99 LS you just bought, and I couldn't be happier. Your wife will love the LS once she takes her first drive. As I understand Lexus, they are very reliable and last quite a while, plus they are built solid, with good quality materials and great attention to details all over. You and your wife will have no regrets owing this vehicle.

    All you need is to get your wife to take that first step and drive the LS, she will be more than convinced you made the right choice.

    Good luck and let us know how it turned out....
  • rennyboschrennybosch Member Posts: 329
    You traded in your wife's car without first talking to her about it? Jesus Charlie, how long have you been married?
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