AJT123

Same here, literally the only things in newer tech I wish my LS430 had are backup cam and BSM. I won't be getting rid of mine, ever, either. I hate the LS500. I hit my head getting in every time I sit in one. LS430 feels like a special car--- just they really, really sweat the details on it. The headrests are like expensive pillows, for example. 80% of time I'm driving my head is leaned into the pillowy cushion headrest.

RNM GS3

This car will not age well for sure.
Predator grill is just hideous and gimmicky.
White is probably the worst color as it makes the grill seem even bigger.

in this segment - classy and conservative work much better.

Frog98

It's going to age much better than the new 4 series in any color...and it will still be running and driving as it ages which is a plus compared to some cars.

Toys4RJill

Nice looking car.

I always thought the 430 had a back up cam.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

2001-2003 no. Only 2004-2006 LS430 had the back-up camera iirc

Toys4RJill

Thanks for the info.

AJT123

What sucked was you were forced to take ML system, and I believe keyless in order to get nav with backup cam. MLs are problematic. My Pioneer base is above average and never a problem. I don't want a 16 year old Keyless go, I love the old-school Lexus key.

I didn't want an old nav when I bought mine and I sure as hell don't now for a 16 year old car.​​​​​​

RNM GS3

Its funny you focus so much on reliability but based on your posts of previous cars - you tend to keep them a fairly short amount of time?

That seems to be true for a majority of luxury shoppers who just lease these things.

I started a thread not too long ago stating my disgust for new 4series and also upcoming M3/4.

Thankfully I can continue to enjoy my current cars without any gimmicky grills.

Frog98

I look for the best quality and reliability in most things. Why would I want to go into thinking it is only designed to last through the warranty or lease period? Who would purchase a nice watch that way? I purchase because I like the pride of ownership and get the extended warranty in case I want to keep it. You get a prorated reimbursement when you sell the car. If I want to keep it for a long time because it is reliable and I got the extended warranty..my choice...if I get the itch for something new...my choice. You never know when the next cars that come out might not be as good as what you have now...or they will change the grill etc.

YES We agree on the new BMW grills! I've actually got use to the Lexus grill on the cars. Not so much on the SUV's. I like it when the Lexus grill has some roundness to it and is lower to the ground like on the cars.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

Nice pics and sounds like fun but share your impressions of the car?

signdetres

Sure. I copied my post from this new thread that popped up in the 5LS forum Reluctantly - I couldn't buy an LS500


I just drove the LS500 for a couple hours on Monday and really enjoyed it. The model I drove was the F-Sport with Performance Package, so it had rear-wheel steering and a few other performance enhancing features.

I'm coming from a GS350 F-Sport. It blends sport and luxury well - it's a comfy cruiser when you want to chill but it's also a sharp and aggressive sport sedan when you want to have some fun. It makes for a great Grand Touring car, as the GS name suggests ('Grand Sedan') and I really enjoy it for these reasons.

I felt the LS500 F-Sport I drove embodied many of the same qualities and felt like a natural step-up from the GS F-Sport in the way it drove and in how the interior felt... just in a bigger, quieter, more refined, and sharper body. I really enjoyed how the LS500 drove. It felt like a much smaller car than the exterior dimensions would suggest... It's quite a bit heftier than the GS and you can feel it, but it's still a very similar driving experience, especially switching through all the different drive modes. Comfort mode and Sport S+ mode brought out very different personalities, much like the GS, but to a much greater extent, while being a fair amount quieter and smoother the entire time. The interior looked and felt great. Build quality felt really solid in this test car that's been running around all over southern California.

I haven't driven prior generation LS models but followed them closely. I feel this current LS is a "LS" in that it fills the "full-size luxury sedan" slot in the lineup, though I suspect this is nowhere near the car traditional LS lovers think of when they think of the LS. If I didn't already know what it was and you showed me a LS500 and told me it was the next generation GS, which happened to moved up in size and class, I'd believe you.

signdetres

My post from the 4GS forum:

I got an email the other day about the Lexus Reserve program where they'll bring just about any model to your home for you to test drive. They give you an hour with the car so you can do whatever you need to do with it. It's a great opportunity to run errands, drive around your neighborhood, and really get a feel for what the car would be like in your day-to-day. I was the only test drive scheduled today and the specialist who was there was really cool, so I got to spend about 2 hours with the LS. We took a lovely drive from Playa Vista through Venice, Santa Monica, and then had a nice cruise down PCH to Malibu and back.

In addition to just test driving a car, they also offer as part of this $1500 lease cash, waived disposition fee, and they'll waive the last 4 payments on your current car. Coincidentally, I only have 4 payments left, so this caught my attention for sure. Definitely has me thinking... Anyway, so as you probably figured out by now, I chose an LS500. I was expecting a total base model car to drive, but the car came *exactly* how I would've specced it. RWD, F-Sport, Performance Package (rear wheel steering, VGRS, active stabilizer bars), Pano Roof, 360 Cam, etc. It was as fully loaded as RWD F-Sports can come. Overall, it was an awesome experience and a great way to shop for a new vehicle. I have an LX570 coming tomorrow for me to test drive.

signdetres

Frog98

Wow, that's very cool you got to drive a LS F Sport with Performance Package. I've always been curious about one of those. I can never find any equipped like that. I've only seen a used 2018 model with the Performance Package. I would guess you would have to put in an order to get a new one. I've really enjoyed the Performance Package on my LC.

natnut

Taken from this angle, the LS500 F-Sport looks very similar to the GS350 F-Sport. It looks like an evolution of the 4GS.

The closest parallel is the BMW F10 5 series to the 6 series Grancoupe. The 6 series Grancoupe also had 4 doors but was much more stylish and sat one level up in the BMW pecking order, was significantly pricier but had same amount of interior space and was also significantly longer externally. Basically BMW buyers were buying the same car but paying more for the styling and prestige of a higher model.

I'm convinced Lexus is pulling the same bait and switch. Offer a similar driving experience to the 4GS but at a premium. At least Lexus is offering more features and toys as standard, a much stronger and thus safer body shell and at least a significantly more powerful base engine.

In short think of the LS500 as the GS500 Grancoupe.

The GS is dead, long live the GS(Grancoupe).