lexier

I have been looking for a 2013 - 2017 and have run across one with the correct mileage, color and options. It's a 2016 with 27k miles on it, however it is a AWD which I originally did not want. I don't drive in the snow or ice. Are there maintenance or reliability issues that I should consider in buying an AWD? If it makes any difference, it doesn't have the air suspension.
Thanks for any input on this.

TriC

AWD will have slightly higher maintenance costs associated with the all wheel drive system. They are reported to be somewhat noisier as well. Haven't heard of any reliability issues.

It is so very difficult to find the perfect car! I'm looking for a RWD, but certainly wouldn't reject an AWD model solely on that basis, especially if it is in a warm weather climate where the price difference is nil.

213374U

13-17 AWD models should be fine. There are some vibration issues in earlier models associated with a bad run of front driveshafts, but they remedied that. It will be heavier, have less horsepower, get mildly worse MPG, and "there's more stuff to break" vs. a RWD model, but I'd have no qualms jumping on a 13-17 AWD.

We seldom get heavy rain/snow in Texas, but when we have I've been glad to have the AWD system. It just works beautifully in these cars.

lexier

Thank you for the feedback. Is the 4 wheel drive constantly on or is there an on/off option? Is there a noticeable difference in the handling of the vehicle?

TriC

It is all wheel drive which means all 4 wheels are always propelling the car - there is no on/off switch. The driving difference is said to relate more to other things - principally, more weight and less horsepower. Hopefully, someone who has driven both can chime in.

UZ214

Benjam1n

If you like doing burnouts, drifting, and donuts, I'd suggest RWD.

writes123

the front differential fluid change is more involved and involves removing the steering rack to access the fill plug, so additional time and cost for that fluid change. can't testify to the benefits of awd vs rwd as its using dry and sunny but highway mpg for the 600 awd is 26-29. averaging around 22 mpg with 30/70 city/highway driving.

213374U

Not true, did it myself on jackstands in the garage before realizing the diff itself needed replacing. It's tight, required making a "hex plug" by cutting an end off an allen wrench just long enough to fill the plug hole and the head of a box wrench, but it came out no problem. Used a pump to fill it, put the plug back in with my DIY tool, and was good.

lexier

What is the recommended maintenance intervals for changing the the front differential fluid?

213374U

I believe it's in the same boat as the trans fluid in that it's "lifetime" fluid.

SW17LS

I've had the LS460 in AWD and RWD. The AWD car does feel different, you feel the AWD in the wheel when accelerating through a turn (little bit of the same feel you get in a FWD car). The AWD car is also a little lower powered due to the design of the exhaust manifolds.

I prefer the RWD car, but I would buy the AWD car again for sure.If the car has everything you want I wouldnt pass because its AWD.

lexier

Thanks everyone for your input. This forum is priceless.

SW17LS

No problem, good luck!