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Comments
BTW, thanks Pat.
carfan4sure: I am sure you already know this, but when considering the cost of the Lexus link, keep in mind you have to pay a yearly fee for the service.
So far he doesn't know much(he's not high up) about the what changes will be made in 2004, but he has heard about a power increase as well as a slight facelift-again he doesn't know what it will look like.
I'd look for an auto custom shop and talk to them about alternative suspension parts. Between softer shocks and possibly different springs you should be able to get the exact ride you want without compromising safe handling. I just checked here for a board on suspensions, but Edmonds doesn't have that as a topic under "aftermarket and accessories"
I expect some of the other folk here who are more knowledgable will have something to say as well.
I'd hate to see you go to the expense of changing wheels;you could slightly lower air pressure for now,and when it comes to buying new tires,research what would be a softer tire. If you don't mind giving up a bit of performance(I wouldn't mind),you can certainally increase comfort.
http://206.117.169.65/RoadTests/LexusLS430/Index.htm
gnc: The Eurotuned suspension has firmer shocks and springs. Has a larger rear antiroll bar. Also firmer suspension bushings. W rated tires which have more sidewall stiffness. There is definitely a different feel to the vehicle, which I prefer but would not be for everyone.
The only thing I find somewhat objectionable about the car is the throttle response. I believe someone in the past few months mentioned it as relating to gracefully closing the distance to the next car with the intention of preventing someone from slipping in front of you. Well, I agree. If I step on the accelerator I want immediate gratification, not some computer programmer who thought, well now, how fast does he intend to go-- I'll give him a little and see if he asks for more. A minor complaint for an otherwise excellent automobile. And I have noticed a similar characteristic in MB's. Yes, I know, this could also be described as aggressive driving-- CB
Does anyone have a service bulletin # or some other Lexus reference on this problem so I can show my dealer?
part number: 8994150021 Sensor, Rain
Hope this helps
Ron
Took delivery (Millennium Silver with Black Aniline Leather) on September 25th. Absolutely love the car. Now have 1000 miles and not even one single defect or problem.
If I got $5,654 discount on an Ultra Lux, I would think you should be able to get $4000 to $4500 off on one with Nav/ML and Lexus Link.
Any reason to pay more for a 2003 LS430 versus a 2002? And, as a first time Lexus buyer,is it possible to negotiate a deal close to invoice cost? Thanks.
Regards
However, keep in mind the reference point is the standard suspension LS430; the ride and noise levels are still better than in any other vehicle I have owned, so how could I be disappointed. With the Euro, I got just what I was looking for: handling and ride more like what I was familiar with from Mercedes combined with the the qualities for which Lexus is known.
With regard to my purchase/negotiation, mine was a bit atypical, and may not be very relevant to buying/ordering a 2003 right now depending on your market. However, the price I paid was about $4500 below MSRP with which I was completely satisfied.
takakjian: I have not driven an LS with the variable air suspension.
Also wondering what you went with in terms of other options, besides the upgraded stereo and Nav - also your impression of the color choices both exterior and inside.
I would switch to as "S" or "T" rated tire.
Preferably a Michelin.
This will soften expansion strips and small bumps over an "H" or higher rated tire.
Just keep your speed below 108 mph.
The other option is to buy a set of 16" wheels from someone who upgraded.
Both relatively inexpensive options.
As far as other options, I only have the chrome wheels, trunk mat, and wheel locks.
Color choice is, obviously, complete personal preference. Whatever you choose, I would make sure you see the particular color combination firsthand. I prefer the lighter colors and went with the Millennium Silver Metallic and the Light Charcoal interior. I have been happy with this combo on other vehicles with regard to the Texas heat (and having kids who aren't as careful with the interior). I like the chrome wheels with the silver paint (had seen them on a silver Ultra package when I was shopping)--kind of dresses up an otherwise conservative appearance. However, I read a British reviewer who thought the chrome wheels "tacky" on such a conservative vehicle; obviously, to each his/her own.
I preferred the lighter colors over dark...living in So. Calif. the lighter colors seem a bit cooler. Ended up the Milenium Silver, with Ecru interior. If you have kids, defininately go for the darker interior colors...or perhaps the light grey as "brtmd" suggests above. I'm single so I don't have to worry about foot prints on the back of the seats and on the roof...or smudgy little hands on the leather seats. The Ecru interior is very nice (others have also said so), but may take a little additional cleaning to keep them nice. It really hasn't been a problem for me.
As for options...I ended up with a Custom Lux. It has most all of the gadgets in the Ultra Lux, except for the back seat extras. (Being single, I'm more interested in my own comfort!!) I also got the chrome wheels...dresses up the car a bit.
Hope this helps, Best regards,
Jeff
I bought my LS430 from the internet sales manager at Johnson Lexus of Raleigh. Contact Shane Palmer. Cost to me was $2,500 over invoice cost. It was a quick deal. Got the Navigation/Mark Levinson package. That was the lowest price I could get, even using priceline. Buy at end of month - it makes a difference because the salepeople get paid their commissions usually the month after the month of sale.
ps - Anyone having problem with brake noise - taking mine in the shop for same. Almost sounds like the Anti-lock brake is activating. Help!!!
I've never had ANY problems with my LS400, except for an exasperating problem with slow downshifts from 20-40 MPH.
The car usually hesitates for 1/2 to 1 second, while deciding what to do, sometimes causing me to cancel the maneuver I was attempting.
I've been told that Lexus was testing a fix for this, but was not satisfied with the results.
Does anyone else have any additional information about this? Is it my imagination?
Appreciate your thoughts, they seem to parallel mine. I decided to put four Blizzaks on the 17 rims for the winter, and buy 16 inch BBS rims next spring. Have you had experience that would indicate the Michelins are a smoother riding tire for the same speed rating? The Blizzaks are Q rated and a quite soft compound, which seems to have helped the ride a small amount, at the expense of increased tire noise. My wife also thinks the ride is better in the drivers seat? Does that mean she wants to drive all the time? CB
The car care kit provided by my dealer (Pleasanton Lexus located in San Francisco Bay Area) is Hendrick Autoguard. Hendrick owns the dealership. It contains 4 bottles: Exterior Renewer with Teflon, Sudsless Fabric Cleaner, Vinyl & Leather Conditioner, and CarWash Concentrate. The kit is manufactured in Charlotte, NC 28212. I believe Hendrick owns many dealerships around the country.
BTW, The NYT reviews the E class tomorrow. I will be back to bash the car next week, and to justify my purchase. :-)