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Comments
I like the way I can have it both ways: a coushy relaxing ride or a more aggressive sports car feel with the variable air suspension. I haven't driven the euro-suspension. Is there another sport suspension other than the variable air and euro?
The latest Consumer Reports has a picture of Sony's new satalite music receiver for cars. (I haven't read the article yet--someone took off with my copy.) Has anyone installed this in an LS 430? If so how, where? Anyone know anything about it? Does it require an outside antenna?
This is worth checking into, because we've got the ultimate car to install it in.
I'm not familiar with the board where the Lexus vs. MB war is being fought. Coming out of my second MB into a Lexus, all I can say is they both are excellent vehicles. They're built to a very different philosophy, and you need to decide which manufacturer is more in harmony with your own feelings. What always summed it up for me is that the MB wouldn't trust the driver to set the rain delay to a desired speed. They only had two delay settings and that was it. I was one of the first to get the rain sensing wipers in my second MB because this drove me insane. Even then you couldn't be trusted to decide what was right, but at least the car could adjust itself for in-between conditions and varying speed. Based on what I saw, I doubt there is anything you can't customize in the Lexus, and I like that. If the LS430 and S430 were the same price I might have to think harder about which car to get, but the MB was almost 25% more to lease, and I just can't justify that much of a premium. When I look at the Carpoint ratings and people are giving either car all 1's you know it's a bunch of wannabes in 1990 K cars living out some fantasy.
I love the NAV system and wonder if Ver 1. 2000 is the most current data DVD? There are some newer areas of my city that do not show up...understandably. I think the handling with 17s and standard suspension is also impressive and more than enough for me.
I have a few road trips planned in early April, so I'll have more to tell then.
wbwynn - nav system has great coverage in my area. Even my tiny cul de sac street is on it.
flint350 - Are you off lux board?
stevestein - I think wbwynn, flint350, denniswade (though he doesn't have the car) and myself got accused of being bullies on the lux board. It was hard for them to believe how much we loved the car and we all gave it hard evaluations (before we purchased) to the
S-Class. None of us ever said anything bad about the S but they took it that way.
Recently the NY Times reviewed the LS430 and to my surprise the woman reporter who penned the review gave it the same bland review as the prior LS400. I never thought the 400 was dull to drive but there is no question that the 430 is a much perkier car with crisp handling and more road feel. At the end of that review the woman discreditted herself better than anyone else ever could have by saying she preferred to drive her daughter's maxima. Go figure how some of these people think.
The StarTac holds a charge so long that you really do not need to keep it plugged in all the time.....actually the StarTac seems to be the perfect phone for the LS (if you don't require hands-free)
Hope that helps....congrats on your new LS.
I'm going to have to drive the LS430 again, but right now I think I like the Q45 more.
Y'all gotta go drive one.
I actually like the current Q look more than the new one.
It will be interesting to see how the new Q does in the market.
We shall see.
But it is an outstanding car with many nice features and a heck of a bargain. Considering everything, I believe my LS430 is still the ultimate.
By the way I have had 16 MB's in the last 30 yrs but felt it was time for a change. Liked the cars but my last E class had too many small problems (last one on the way to the Lexus dealer to trade). Also Almost all the extras on the MB are standard on the LS. LS has more room too.
Appriciate any comments on wheels/tires. Am not impressed with the LS wheel design but that is a small matter. THE CAR IS GREAT!
Lexus tells me they won't remove it. They say if I try I will ruin the fabric on the visor or at best leave a very ugly residue. Has anyone figured out how to remove this sticker without damaging the visor? Or even had the visor re-upholstered? It's SO ugly!!
Maybe just put some matte sticky backed plastic over it? Not great, but better than a big yellow billboard over your head
I just got back from a 1500-mile round trip from NJ to North Carolina. I took I 78 to 81 to 77 and it was great. All open highway with no tolls and never below 70 except for Vagina. This car is fast and smooooooth! The only problem was getting used to the big blind spot on the driver's side due to the big B pillar.
I can't wait to get back on the road for another long trip, but around town I have to use the course control to keep the car below 40.
Your trip thru Virginia reduced your speed and wisely so. No detectors allowed and on 95 between Ricmond and the NC line there may be more speed traps and more heavily patroled than any other place in Va. Incidently, Valentine One is not detectable but you still need to be attentive for instant-on radar.
I consider the Valentine One to be a necesary componet because the car is so smooth and so fast and quiet.
I looked at the new Q45 also, but didn't bother to take a test drive. I wasn't turned on by the exterior (those headlights will probably make people love it or hate it) and I really didn't like all the silver "joystick" controls for the Nav, radio, heat etc. placed around the screen. The LS touchpanel is just too convenient and easy to operate. I had a 1987 Buick Riviera that had a touchpanel over a monochromatic CRT screen. The display was switchable between some gauges, radio, climate, trip computer and maintenance. The display location was similar to the LS430. I liked it then and have no reason to think this system will be any more difficult to work, especially with the voice activation thrown in.
Thanks to all for the input on the Ecru interior. No kids left home, but a dog we treat better. Does anyone make a back seat cover fitted for the LS? MB had one as an accessory for their E class, and LL Bean has some one-size-(mis)fits-all.
Why isn't a Ford Taurus tempting? ;-)
Are there any issues with the LS 430 in terms of performance on snow etc. Would really appreciate comments from folks who have actually driven in less than perfect conditions.
The Valentine is unique since it shows which direction the signal is coming from-front, side, or back as well as the number of hits.