I have a 2000 LS400 and mount separate high performance snows 3 months out if the year here on Long Island. We don't get a constant amount of snow, but when we do Long Island is treacherous - as much for the weather as for vastly underprepared drivers! For the other nine months, I use Bridgestone Turanzas LS-Vs but am changing to Bridgestone Potenza Pole Position Tires.
I stongly favor buying an extra set of rims. I bought OEM lexus rims on Ebay for a good price and store the winter tires mounted, balanced and ready to go. I view the expense as only an initial expense as I am saving treadwear on my all seasons. BTW, I think the LS does very well for a powerful RWD vehicle. The ECT SNOW mode in the transmission and common sense helps a lot as well.
Mike
Well all the information is beginning to explain the elusive response I got from the previous owner when I asked about how the Lexus does in the snow. Turns out the wife drove the Lex most of the time, except in the winter when hubby forked over the Toyota Sequouia 4x4 and took the Lexus to work.
Right now, I have Bridgestone Turanza's but will plan on getting some snows in the fall. Do any of you keep the snow tires on seperate rims to make the changeover easier? Or do you dismount/remount each fall?
(to 'GKLCPA' : I live in the South Bend area. Been here about 11 years now)