When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Well, 25 months on and I am still enthralled with this vehicle. I've had ZERO issues which is exactly what I wanted when I bought it.
Tire noise - I've not driven other LS430's without the sport suspension so can't comment on the comparison. however, this is still the quietest car I have ever driven. The low profile 18" tires do generate a little noise over rough surfaces but seriously, it's nothing to be worried about. I think of it as auditory feedback on the road surface. The original Michelin Primacy tires (replacement set) are installed and I like them.
Sport Suspension - I have learned how hard I can push into corners and quite frankly, it's quite a bit further than I would normally want to go in normal use. This car can corner HARD with some body roll, it's a big car after all but it always feels stable.
I can confirm that my car has Sports Suspension badges on the panels between the front wheels and the doors to let you know (although wannabees can always buy them and stick them on). My dealer looked up the VIN and confirmed it was fitted as a factory option and the service manager took a look to make sure too.
I have NEVER seen another LS430 with the SS badges in real life, and there are quite a few LS430s in this part of Florida so I think that it was a pretty uncommon option. Most likely more buyers elected for the luxury options with air suspension.
I’ve looked at/discussed/driven a lot of 430’s in the past 3 years. I’ve driven one SS and have seen 2 advertised. "Sports" Suspension on a high end luxury car? Guess it wasn’t popular in the Sacramento area.
Tire Noise - On my 04 SS, I’ve currently got 17’s with Michelin Premiers. Other than noticeably better handling, not much difference in comfort from my ’01 (regular suspension). I plan to use the 18’s it came with. That may have some impact. There are several brands of low profile tires that come with a “comfort” layer to reduce noise w/o impacting handling. Local Goodyear dealer offers several high end high performance tires. I can have a set mounted. Not quiet enough? Don’t like the handling? Free exchange to another model w/in 30 days. We have Michelins on all of our cars. They carry them too so that's a option.
I’d appreciate feedback from other people that have 18’s. Also suggests on tires for the 18's that are a good combo of high perf/quiet.
Sports Suspension - haven’t had my ’04 SS long, but am surprised how well this car can corner. Sure it’s a big car but the SS does very well. I like my ’01 but there’s the body roll on freeway off ramps. Adding the factory SS rear sway bar to a regular suspension is an easy upgrade that might have some stability benefits w/ virtually no downside.
I’ve seen one 430 advertised as having SS. No badges. When I asked, he admitted he’d added 18’s (painted spokes) and that was it.
I am curious how the UL “sport” mode compares. Has anyone had experience w/ both the UL and SS?
Whatever the suspension, we all know that 430’s are great cars.
Well, 25 months on and I am still enthralled with this vehicle. I've had ZERO issues which is exactly what I wanted when I bought it.
Tire noise - I've not driven other LS430's without the sport suspension so can't comment on the comparison. however, this is still the quietest car I have ever driven. The low profile 18" tires do generate a little noise over rough surfaces but seriously, it's nothing to be worried about. I think of it as auditory feedback on the road surface. The original Michelin Primacy tires (replacement set) are installed and I like them.
Sport Suspension - I have learned how hard I can push into corners and quite frankly, it's quite a bit further than I would normally want to go in normal use. This car can corner HARD with some body roll, it's a big car after all but it always feels stable.
I can confirm that my car has Sports Suspension badges on the panels between the front wheels and the doors to let you know (although wannabees can always buy them and stick them on). My dealer looked up the VIN and confirmed it was fitted as a factory option and the service manager took a look to make sure too.
I have NEVER seen another LS430 with the SS badges in real life, and there are quite a few LS430s in this part of Florida so I think that it was a pretty uncommon option. Most likely more buyers elected for the luxury options with air suspension.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
The car came w 18s and badly worn MXV4s. Very noisy but handling is so much better. I'm looking for a replacement tire that's a good blend of freeway quiet and handling. Primacy is a great tire but no longer available. Have a spare set of 17s w/ Premiers so installed. Quiet smooth and.....soft. Handling is a little better but nothing close to the 18's. Am considering 18s w/ Premiers (which seem to be the new "go to" tire) but maybe still too soft? Goodyear Eagles don't sound like a good choice. Pirelli keeps getting mentioned in here. Comments?
The car came w 18s and badly worn MXV4s. Very noisy but handling is so much better. I'm looking for a replacement tire that's a good blend of freeway quiet and handling. Primacy is a great tire but no longer available. Have a spare set of 17s w/ Premiers so installed. Quiet smooth and.....soft. Handling is a little better but nothing close to the 18's. Am considering 18s w/ Premiers (which seem to be the new "go to" tire) but maybe still too soft? Goodyear Eagles don't sound like a good choice. Pirelli keeps getting mentioned in here. Comments?
I have no idea on the replacement tire and didn't even know that the Primacy had been discontinued. Michelin says that the Premier A/S is the replacement so that is where I would start. No experience on the 17" since I have the 18" installed on my vehicle. I would image that the lower profile would contribute to added firmness though.
You go out of your way to compliment the dealer's operation yet you are considering where to get the first service done. I have and have had multiple Mercedes and have always used the dealer for service for the peace of mind. They do a great job! Is it a money problem?
Nice! Now time to bring it to the audio shop and install a double din headunit, backup camera, new door speakers and an amp. Now you have android auto & carplay! The sound will be better than the UL trims.
I’ve looked at/discussed/driven a lot of 430’s in the past 3 years. I’ve driven one SS and have seen 2 advertised. "Sports" Suspension on a high end luxury car? Guess it wasn’t popular in the Sacramento area.
Tire Noise - On my 04 SS, I’ve currently got 17’s with Michelin Premiers. Other than noticeably better handling, not much difference in comfort from my ’01 (regular suspension). I plan to use the 18’s it came with. That may have some impact. There are several brands of low profile tires that come with a “comfort” layer to reduce noise w/o impacting handling. Local Goodyear dealer offers several high end high performance tires. I can have a set mounted. Not quiet enough? Don’t like the handling? Free exchange to another model w/in 30 days. We have Michelins on all of our cars. They carry them too so that's a option.
I’d appreciate feedback from other people that have 18’s. Also suggests on tires for the 18's that are a good combo of high perf/quiet.
Sports Suspension - haven’t had my ’04 SS long, but am surprised how well this car can corner. Sure it’s a big car but the SS does very well. I like my ’01 but there’s the body roll on freeway off ramps. Adding the factory SS rear sway bar to a regular suspension is an easy upgrade that might have some stability benefits w/ virtually no downside.
I’ve seen one 430 advertised as having SS. No badges. When I asked, he admitted he’d added 18’s (painted spokes) and that was it.
I am curious how the UL “sport” mode compares. Has anyone had experience w/ both the UL and SS?
Whatever the suspension, we all know that 430’s are great cars.
Im planning to go with Continental DWS when its time. Too bad they don't make DW anymore, I'm in the south so no need for snow rating.
Welcome to the club. We have been driving Toyota/Lexus products for years. I have a 2004 LS430 with Sport Suspension, White with Grey interior. I've had it since 2007.
66,000 miles. We also have a LX570 and a Tundra. You can't beat these cars!
Can a ask an irrelevant question? When some here say "sport suspension", does that mean the same thing as the "F sport" in the 460s"? I remember when I bought mine, I was also introduced to the F sport version. The moment I opened the door, it disgusted me. The interior was all black with red as a secondary colour. Together with the pedal shifters, it looks like a Nissan Skyline race car in the streets of Japan. I did not spend even a minute in the cabin before deciding a F sport car was not for me. The front grill was also black. Everything was black. This is why I am really impressed by the beige interior if OP's car is indeed a F-sport.
The "sport suspension" was an option on the LS430, the car is otherwise identical to the regular LS430. The "sport suspension" just tweaked a few suspension components for a more sporty, firmer ride. These models have a very small "sport suspension" badge on the side of the car in the front fender, visible in the photo above. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the F-Sport car.
09-11-16, 07:20 AM
