Can an Old Lexus LS Be a Competent Off-Roader?
Unintended Use
The Lexus LS came into this world and promptly changed it, becoming one of the most reliable vehicles in history, as well as a proper alternative to German luxury sedans. But while it's buttery smooth on the road, it seems as if some folks have also wondered how good the LS is off the road, a tiny group that includes the people behind the Carwow YouTube channel.
Cheap Alternative
Carwow recently tested the Lexus LS - along with a couple of its German competitors - to see how much nasty stuff was present in these older vehicles, and the results were truly eye-opening. Now, they're back to thrash the cheap used models in the dirt, a seemingly strange experiment, but one that proves buying a cheap used car is a great way to enjoy some off-roading.
No Worries
After all, one is far more inclined to beat up on an old, cheap car than a pricey new off-road SUV or truck, so it's likely that you're going to have more fun. The crew certainly does in this video, pushing their luxurious sedans to their very limits without worrying about silly things like scratches or damage.
Data Free
Here, the 2000 Lexus LS430 surprisingly makes a pretty competent off-roader as it squares off with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S320 CDI and 2001 BMW 735i, two vehicles that it's rather familiar with from decades of competition on the road. But there's no scientific data to dissolve here, merely a rating of 0-3 assigned by the crew for how each handles various obstacles.
Mild Conditions
It would be easy to dismiss all three of these once-pricey sedans as terrible off-road, because, in all fairness, they weren't built for such activities. However, that isn't the case at all, as all three hold up pretty darn well under admittedly mild conditions.
Winner
In the end, the Lexus comes out on top with a total of 14 points, followed by the Mercedes with 11 and the BMW with 10. We can thank the cars' fancy suspension systems for their performance, though a proper set of tires and some ground clearance would help.
New Trend?
The point here, however, is more important. With cars like the Porsche 911 proving to be competent off-roaders over the years, we wouldn't be surprised to see cars like the LS430 become popular luxury off-roaders moving forward. After all, people are always looking for cheap ways to have fun in the dirt, and beat-up old luxury sedans certainly seem like a great way to do just that.
>>Join the conversation about taking old luxury cars off-roading right here at ClubLexus.com.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.