Clark Kent

Hello all. I'm new here, and wanted to ask a question for those of you with a RWD. I'm looking to get a GS350RWD. Dealerships here in the Chicagoland area are saying that Lexus doesn't give this area ANY RWD models because of our snow. Are they that bad in the snow? I have a BMW 330Ci now and it's fine with snow tires. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

Agni88

Yea whats with lexus, all i ever see @ dealers are AWD IS250 no RWD.
Its pretty lame.
They should stop forcing AWD down our throats.

I've owned an RWD e90 and have no problems.

gbondioli

In my experience with a 2001 GS430 on 16" Blizzaks, and a 2006 GS430 with 18" Blizzaks, they are both OK in the snow. The 16" tires did better than 18" by a noticeable margin. I would even say the 16" felt about as surefooted as 4-wheel drive. I also have a 4Runner, and the 18" tires are a definite step downward.

Lastly, don't even THINK about all-season tires in the snow

Clark Kent

Thanks guys. I'm going to try to find me a RWD somewhere. Looks like i'm going to go on a road trip to get a car.

narfy

compared to awd, RWD isn't great, but i have a GS430 with 4 michelin pilot alpinII's and they're GREAT... i drive around CRV's and escapes daily...

mel's-gs

You seem to think a lot of things about Lexus are lame. Who exactly is forcing any type of Lexus down your throat? The last time I checked, the same door that leads you into a Lexus showroom is the same door that leads you out.

Agni88

I'm not into AWD, whenever I go to the dealer all i see are the AWD models.
I want a lexus, in RWD. But there is a lot of redtape to order a car from factory and takes forever @ lexus.

At other car companies, I walk onto their lot and they have a good mix of RWD/AWD cars. I choose what I want.

If I want to special order, its easy cake.

twister

There is a good reason for RWD/AWD allocation based on geographic locations. Every dealership wants to move cars out of their lot ASAP. If there would of been any demand for RWD on East Coast or those states with rough winter seasons, they would have plenty in stock. The lack of RWD in your location just shows a very low demand.

Agni88

False, i see lots and LOTS of RWD cars here. The Roads are straight and flat. Usually doesnt snow much, if it does its cleaned up by the next day.

I'd rather not pay the extra few $$ for AWD and would go with Nav.

GreatSmile

It's simply supply/demand. Here in PA, my dealership only has AWD in stock. Of course, they also have the H. I am sure one can special order a RWD. Just make sure to put snow tires on during winter.

2thfixr

False? So allocations/dealer inventory are not determined by market demand? Hmm, you learn something new everyday!

SGT

With snow tires you should be ok.

twister

I noticed you're pushing your BMW agenda but don't forget that AWD on a straight/flat road in a good weather will have 70/30 powertrain split and will feel almost like RWD (its not full time 50/50). Than, in a snow you get an additional bonus of 50/50 and AWD performance. And, if you are really thinking about saving a buck or two with AWD just so you can get NAV, there is always portable $400 NAV units.

ElitistK

iTrader: (4)

just listen to the mod.

Clark Kent

Yeah, that's what I figured. I've had my '01 BMW 330Ci for 6 years, and never had too much of a problem with snow tires.