whiteningd

Folks,

I am in the market for a new car as lease is up end of July - 10 days!

I would love to get a LS460 but I live in Pittsburgh- Some snow but not as bad as Boston. Closer to Baltimore weather. I can get an 08 LS460 near/at invoice with options I want about $61k (Nav and Comfort Pkg) or I can wait and be one of the first to order in August for October delivery an LS460 SWB AWD -dealer confirmed that this is going to be available. I doubt that I can get much off and guessing by the $3000-3500 up change for AWD the car would cost about $74k MSRP which I might get for about $71k (guessing $3k off MSRP)

Question is would you for $10k take the non AWD 2008, put Blizzaks on the car which dealers claim do just fine in snow on the LS460 or take the 2009 model with likely less depreciation due to AWD in Pittsburgh. I plan to buy car with cash and keep it 5-6 yrs and I'm guessing that the max difference between the 2008 and 2009 if sold at the same time in 5 years is 8-10% or about $5.5 - 7k.

Thanks in advance
Chris

350Dave

It sounds like you want someone to tell you to buy the '08 - it would be more practical.

Audriuss

if u have any snow, buy AWD. Tires will make difference in snow, but AWD with tires will make much more difference, that you will definately feel.

MythBuster

I can advice better when it snows in Saudi Arabia

I read a couple of comments from people who drove the ls 460 in snow area that they were not happy at all.

joedaddy1

iTrader: (1)

I would get the AWD for a piece of mind.

garyr

If you don't commute far to work and own a SUV like me than get an 08. If the LS is your only form of transportation than defiantly get the AWD.

The two wheel drive in light snow is a joke on these LS's. AWD will also be better in the rain.

Yang1815

iTrader: (1)

Awd Ftw!!!

Craig B

I would buy all wheel drive. I have an SUV and I've driven my LS in 2" of snow one time. It was terrible in the snow. I leave my LS in the garage when it snows and I drive my SUV...

Craig

Johnny

I would recommend '09 AWD, however you won't have the bargaining power you will have on the '08 RWD - initially anyway.

whiteningd

Well folks it seem unanimous to wait for the AWD. My dealer basically said we will put you on a list and when it comes we can talk about price...i.e. they want to increase their allocation and deal with me later and if I walk they likely can sell to another on the wait list for whatever price they think the marker will bear...... Is it reasonable to expect some movement off the MSRP downward and get that prior to the car coming available? And how would one negoitiate that... I feel I have to email the regional lexus dealers and see who would deal with me.. I would go up to 600miles away to pick one up at the right price. Do Lexus dealers care if the car isnt purchased from its stock (I have owned Audi, MB, Infiniti, Range Rover and Acura and they dont seem to care) when doing service/warranty work?

Thanks

350Dave

Toward whom, and how, would buying the AWD be defiant?

Mike_TX

I think he meant "definitely".

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Mike_TX

Here's a different view - buy the '08 at the good price, then with the $10-12,000 you saved by not buying the AWD LS, buy a beater to drive on the snow days. You'll still have money in the bank if you buy something cheap.

One reason is that no matter how good YOUR traction is, in the snow and ice someone can always come sliding into you. Not to mention, the salt and the crap thrown up in the snow and slush will not be good for your LS's finish.

I'd rather garage the good car and not try to make a jeep out of it.

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Craig B

Large SUV's are going cheap right now. Mike might be onto something. I really don't care to take my LS out in the snow even if it could get around.

Craig

Gojirra99

I like Mike's idea too, an AWD beater for snow ...