Hey guys just wanted to introduce myself...
I actually joined a while ago after buying a 2001 LS430 back in Jan. Love the car...I actually made the trip to Mich from Ohio intent on buying a '00 s430...the Merc is a very nice car..but after actually sitting in one and looking at all of those gadgets that could potentially break (keeping in mind the reliability issues experienced w/ the early 2000-2002 w220 benzes) I decided to look at a ls430 on a nearby lot. I was sold as soon as I sat down....
The car drives like a dream and is silent at idle..had 52k when I picked it up..now at 72k approx 8 months later :( can't wait for my wives truck to come in so I can start driving her Mazda 626 back and forth to work and save all the wear and tear on my baby!
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The original list of cars I started out with were:
*Cadillac Deville (navigation + bucket seats) .... reason for not buying... option set extremely rare! couldn't find one relatively close w/ these options in the color / milage range I was looking for
*Infiniti Q45 .... VERY rare car in OH, sporty .... nearest one I found and liked was in Indiana...actually came down to trip to Michigan or Indiana..chose Michigan because there were multiple s classes available!
*s430
I actually was not looking for a LS430 because they hold their value so well! I could get into a comparable s class for less (albeit 2001 vs 2000).
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Things I would like to change:
I wished the sunroof closed automatically when shutting the car off. My wives 626 does this and I've gotten used to the conveniece.
The suspension is a little too softly sprung for my taste. This is personal preference, I like the ride to be a little firmer, sportier. I plan on upgrading the suspension and upgrading to a plus size wheel / tire package next year ... I think the 20' L Sportlines would look awesome...or anything by HRE! I have the factory 16" wheels (the ones that resemble very nice hubcaps) and the factory dunlops (they SUCK...replaced the rears and they still SUCK..next set will be Michelin x1's) . Overall this car is phenomenal and my experience at my local Lexus dealership has been exceptional.
Thank you to everyone that participates in this forum for all the tips and info!
