LXTASY

After driving a Acura TL-S, Lexus IS, Audi A4 & BMW330i I really like the 330i. However, to me it feels "small", yet in the sales brochure the measurements are within a inch of a LS400! When I get in mine (96LS400) it sures feels A LOT BIGGER. I know the trunk is huge on the LS compared to the 330i, but I just still can't believe the interior is as close as they state. I'm only looking at leaving the Lexus brand because I wanted something different. But I have to admit that I like Lexus reliability, power, service & the size. Don't want a 528, been there, done that (97 528i). I would have bought the TL-S if I had not learned that the transmissions are a MAJOR problem that Acura says is fixed, yet "Joe owners", who have bought 2003's are still having problems. Thinking that even though the 98-2000 LS is not that much different (body & interior) I might go ahead & get one (certified). What REALISTIC gas mileage have you guys been getting? Is the 5 speed transmission "hunting for gears"? Do you drive in town using 5th or do you keep it in 4th? MOST important question, is the AC worth a crap? My 96LS, after being in 3 times for AC, never produced cold air worth squat. My wifes 98GS300 will make my nipples hard in 5 mins on a 100 degree day in Austin, but after 15 mins in mine I'm barely getting cool, not cold. Love the way the 330i handles, but the size has been the main concern. At first I thought the 330i was faster, but after driving a 98-2000 LS I think the LS may be faster (auto vs auto).

BrianV

The LS has to be much larger then the 330i. I've been in many 3 series and no way are tney bigger then the Lexus. Their steering response is much better, but the Lexus is much quieter and smoother. Two totally different cars. I really like the 98 and will probably pick one up in a year or so. My 95 is real nice, haven't tested the AC out in the super heat (I'm also in Austin), but my Maxima's A/C really kinda sucked, so I was hoping the 95 would be better, but my car has a warranty covering all of that.

LXTASY

My neighbor has a 95 (black w/tan) and his is a little bit cooler than my 96 (green w/grey), but he was really surprised at how cold my wifes GS gets compared to both of ours. This along with my CPO warranty ending on July 2nd are the main reasons I am looking to upgrade. The other little things (after driving my wifes GS) that I want to change: auto pwr up/down windows on ALL of them, NO Air suspension - to "cushy", more power, 5 spd tranny, better gas mileage, home link !!! - tired of having a controller in the car, a key that can open/lock the door instead of a separate control, wood steering wheel is nice, man I'm talking myself into the LS !! Don't be surprised if the AC never gets cold. P.S. I even took the car to a certified Lexus Master Mechanic who started his own business and he could do no better at getting cold air (Bearden Automotive). He stated that the 95-97 AC's were not that good and you would only notice it in really hot humid environments (like south Texas, south Florida, etc).

BrianV

Yeah forget the air-ride, but yeah the 98 LS has almost all those things you are looking for.

TheL

my 96 es3 has an ice cold air conditioning unit. I have no idea whether they are similar or different at all, but most the Lex's i've ridden in have made me quite comfortable in all types of climate.

seanl

I lived in Tampa, Fla until very recently and I have never had a problem staying cool in the summer w/ my '97 LS400. In fact, using the 'auto' feature usually resulted in being too cold after awhile (once the car initially cooled off inside). Being a pearl white car certainly helps (vs. a black car), but I don't have any complaints.