04 LS Sport Suspension vs Standard
CL Community Team
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,916
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From: Alabama
I test drove apprx 25 different LS430s in about a 3 month period. I test drove a low miles 05 in mint cond with sport option and 18 inch wheels. I really wanted to like that car becuse I was excited about the sport option. It was a disappointment. No discernible handling difference that I could tell in regular street and highway driving and it was not nearly as smooth a ride as regular suspension. I definitely prefer the regular suspension and 17s on my 06 LS430. But I'm an old geezer and like a smooth ride.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 31
From: wi
I test drove maybe 10 and bought an 04 with std susp and 17 inch wheels. I drove a 2005 with 18 inch wheels. I do not think it had sport suspension but chrome wheels and summer tires. I think 05's come with 18 inch wheels and thought the 05 was a minor bit stiffer but had better road feel and handling. I liked it more but it was 6 k more than my 04 so I did not buy it. That was a while ago.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: NC
I just bought an '04 with Euro (sport) suspension
I test drove 3 cars. a 2005 standard with 18s, felt very floaty. An '04 Euro with 17s (yes, they made em) and it felt like the '05 with standard susp and 18s. Then, an '04 Euro with 18s. Noticeably more firm, no real difference in steering feel, but definitely less body roll in steady corners. It also sits lower and its lines look cleaner.
I bought that one. Coming from MB, which I still own, the Euro rides like a cloud. It doesn't bob when it hits undulations, it just feels a bit more connected over bumps, but is still plenty cushy. I nearly didn't buy an LS because the standard models (about 95% of what is out there) felt too much like an old Caddy. Just my opinion maybe.
I think you will like it. There is definitely a difference, and for me, it made the sale for Lexus.
I bought that one. Coming from MB, which I still own, the Euro rides like a cloud. It doesn't bob when it hits undulations, it just feels a bit more connected over bumps, but is still plenty cushy. I nearly didn't buy an LS because the standard models (about 95% of what is out there) felt too much like an old Caddy. Just my opinion maybe.
I think you will like it. There is definitely a difference, and for me, it made the sale for Lexus.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 82
From: Northern VA
If the difference is anything like the difference between sport and normal modes on the air suspension, I can't tell any difference, at least with 18's. The 18's give you slightly better handling while sacrificing some of the cushiness, so a normal suspension w/ 18's might be a compromise between the normal suspension w/ 17's and sport version w/ 18's.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: NC
"Sport Suspension" badging on the fenders, fore of the wheels, for one
They also visually appear sleeker/lower to the discerning eye
As for air suspension, never driven it, but I've read several accounts that the air sport mode is not as tight as the Euro package
They also visually appear sleeker/lower to the discerning eye
As for air suspension, never driven it, but I've read several accounts that the air sport mode is not as tight as the Euro package
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6
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From: MN
Comes down to preference as to ride and handling. 18" wheels will ride firmer than 17 than 16. Sport suspension (cars are badged this way) will ride firmer than std. suspension. I personally like the soft ride of std. suspension and would avoid the larger wheels and/or the sport suspension. As far as air shocks, I would avoid those at all costs - had an LS with air suspension - when they fail it is a very costly fix, even if you replace each with std. struts.
Last edited by 027922; Oct 30, 2009 at 08:16 AM. Reason: added add'l info.
A 15 years old would think a go-kart with no suspension ride too soft, and a 80 years old geezer think a water bed is too hard
It really depends on the person's preference and what they are used to.
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