Hey CL people,
I just moved into a new house and my beloved LS430 just doesn't fit very well into the garage. I mean, it fits...but with barely a few inches on each side to spare and I'm afraid it's just a matter of time before I knock off a mirror or scrape the side. I don't want to get rid of my LS, but I think reality is going to dictate that I get a smaller car. So...my question is what are some of the cars that you folks can see going to after a LS?

 

Isf ^_^

☆☆☆☆☆

 

ES... if you still want room on the inside, without overall large dimensions.

 

Just park outside .... or sell the house ! !

A while back I looked at some other cars because I really don't want or need a big car anymore. Discovered very quickly that I am very fond of the comfort, smooth & quiet ride and don't want to give THAT up !

I will see what others suggest The new ES is a beautiful car, but its not much smaller outside, so for me wasn't worth switching.

 

Perfect excuse for an ISF

 

An ls is about the same size as a new accord. Measure twice buy once...lol

 

If the garage space is really small you may need to go to a pretty small car - you may need to measure and research width on various candidates. The LS430 is spec'd at 72 inches wide. The new Honda 2015 is actually smaller than previous Accord but the new one is still spec'd at 73 inches wide.

My wife's 07 Toyota Highlander is a few inches narrower than my LS 430.

 

Older 4 runners are pretty narrow... but not the new ones... not sure exactly what's going to fit. Motorcycles come mind and maybe a smart car...
But nothing will have the ride and feel of the LS430... you're going to have to acknowledge you'll need to give that up.

 

Your LS had folding mirrors, fold them before entering. Easy. Or, get a bigger garage door.

 

I park on the street ,sometimes you gotta do what you have too

 

Would a different sedan be that much different as far as room goes?

It sounds like your garage isn't very wide and you have trouble opening your doors, I would imagine even a smaller sedan like an ES is not going to be that much more narrow. Maybe 5 inches?

I'm surprised the garage was made so small, it's not like you're trying to park a Suburban.

 

Garages were quite smallish in the earlier days of automobiles. Reminds me of my aunt's place where the home was built early 20's. It was a multi-unit home for boarding/loft apartments. The "garage" was built in the 30's to accommodate 4 cars in each single unit. In current times that "garage" would barely hold the lawn mower and some bicycles. Unless the proposed replacement is a Mini Cooper or Smart sized car, an Accord sized car is still going to take up a good portion of that space.

Long term if you foresee living in this house, may consider a new garage that it will accommodate future cars and any necessary house storage like lawn mowers, etc.

 

Having curiously evaluated the vehicles my friends and family have upgraded to over the years.... I have to say the LS430 will likely be a hard act to follow for most vehicles and I will be keeping mine until it quits.

For me it's just the way the seats and ride feel overall as well as the capable 3UZFE. I'm sure everyone has their favourite qualities.

Since it can physically fit in the garage, I would stongly consider just adjusting to carefully parking it. You will thank me for this opinion in a few years

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lexus-ES-Base-Sedan-4-Door-ES350-Moonroof-Heated-and-Cooled-Seats-Keyless-Access-/231289222805?forcerrptr=true&hash=item35d9e97695&item=231289222805&pt=US_Cars_TrucksUnder $20k for a 2010. Not bad.

 

I don't get all you folks recommending an ES. The numbers don't make sense. LS430 width is 72 inches....ES330/350/300h width is 71.7 inches. Yes, technically speaking it's smaller....but c'mon, it's smaller by one third of an inch! That would be about one sixth of an inch on each side. Does not compute. I think I'm going to start folding in the mirrors for now instead!