riknchar

The ride in the LS600hL is serene and composed. I think the added weight of the hybrid batteries and larger engine help make the car even more planted than a "normal" LS. And the power/torque is unbelievable. I've never actually driven an LS430, but almost went that route when I was shopping for an LS earlier this year. I know the LS430s are built like tanks and are extremely reliable. In the end, I wanted the extended wheelbase version and some of the modern amenities I found in my LS600hL. I could not afford to buy this car new ($126K), but am happy to be driving it now for $27,250!

When you switched from the '04 UL to the '07 Base, you gave up the air ride suspension, which I think makes the car just that much smoother over all surfaces -- that may have been why you perceived the ride on the '07 to be "rough."

ahxks1

I think its the wheel size that is ruining the LSs. Even with the air suspension, my '05 LS UL 18s are ruining the ride. I had 17s on my '04 UL and 16s on my base '01 LS. the 2001 was by far the smoothest ride of the 4.

I can definitely see getting myself an LS600hL well in the future for all the reasons you mentioned. Consumer Reports also rates them quietest ever and very reliable. I'd opt for 2013 or later though, as I find the '07'-'12 front ends to be unattractive.

aypues

Those gold center caps are shocking. Incredibly rare find though. Briarwood Pearl is beautiful, rare, and stunning with the saddle interior.
Regarding the ride, I don't think those Sumitomo tires are doing you any favors. Why don't you try getting some Bridgestone Serenity Plus (or other high quality tire for comfort) tires and if no better just return them and go for your 17" idea? I have an 04 UL with 17's but feel the 18's look far superior. Maybe we can do a trade! haha. You don't want my 17's though, the chrome is starting to peel in the center.

I just test drove a 2018 S450 with 18's that rode fabulolusly. Maybe they tuned the air suspension differently to deal with the larger wheels. They also offer 19's commonly, or 20's, and people love the ride, although I would still go for the 18's or 19's at most.

LS4dirtyHI