Ahheck01

iTrader: (2)

I just test drove an '05 Avalon, and it was so far inferior to the LS430 it was astounding. In addition, I at 6' 6" didn't fit. Even if I leaned over to where the moonroof was, my hair touched the glass with the seat all the way down.

So I've been comparing headroom specs online. Both Edmunds and Motortrend have the headroom measurements of the '01-'03 as 39.6in, and the '04-'06 as 38.1 in. What would account for that? The Avalon is technically 38.8, but I'm guessing that's without the sunroof. I think I need about 39" to not have my hair rubbing, so the difference between 39.6 and 38.1 is a make or break for me.

Any insights?

Tom57

Are you sure you had the driver's seat adjustments completely lowered and you still didn't fit?

Ahheck01

iTrader: (2)

100% sure.

Tom57

Suggest you contact Lexus and ask if there is any possibility of lowering the driver's seat track, even if it's a modification with lower seat tracks.

SQuester

Have you sat in a 04-06?

I'm 6'5" and have no issues, another friend of mine is probably 6'7" and he hasn't mentioned anything about not fitting into his LS.

Ahheck01

iTrader: (2)

Yes, I would categorize it as close, but workable. I'm just wondering how the '01-03 is 1.5" more? If so I'd actually consider putting up with those headlights / taillights / transmission and saving $4k.

robbyboy32

My guess is that the seats have to be different or they put more conduit/vents/electronics above the headliner for 2004-06. I think that the dimensions of the car are almost completely unchanged, save the new front bumper, hood, headlights, rear deck and tail lamps. Also, we did not spend $4K more by going with a 2006. We found a very nice, well maintained 2006 for under $11K private sale. We actually found a 2005 as well listed not too far from us for $10,700 obo. $4K less than that(~$6,500) buys you the crappiest high mileage LS 430 you can find. As for your head room comment, my dad, who is 6'4" has the same issues. He bought the 2008 Avalon Limited. Not to take anything away from the Avalon, which he bought brand new for around $35K, my LS is subtly nicer than his car in almost every aspect except gas mileage. He routinely gets 30-32mpg hwy, while I struggle to get 28mpg at 70mph. Kind of a lousy little complaint to have for such a great car in every other category. He fits in my LS no different than the Avalon. By contrast, he does not fit into a Lexus ES or Acura TL. His problem is mostly on entry and exit. Another way to fit into the car better is to extend the bottom of the seat forward for more under leg support and room. The bottom of the seat moves back and forth independently. With my wifes settings(short bottom seat length) I sit very high in the car even all the way lowered and back. After lengthening the seat I'm positioned much lower in the car. I'm not sure if it is the 2004s that got the bottom sliding cushion feature, or if that goes back to 2001 as standard. Worth a try.

AlexusAnja

Easiest is sit in both and if there really is a 1.5" difference and what it means to you

Tom57

'01 LS driver's seat bottom moves independently to shorten or lengthen too. As Robby noted, this is a great feature to adjust the seat to your preferences, and obtain a different overall height.

fangtl

One thing no one mentioned is fitment is really dependent on the driver's torso length. I had a tall friend w/ a 38 inseam who fit just fine, but another tall friend with a long torso who didn't.

Ahheck01

iTrader: (2)

I have a 35" inseam at 6' 6", and short arms, meaning I have to have the seat fairly upright, which of course minimizes that headroom distance.

Tom57

If you lengthen the driver's seat, you may add 1/2" or so to height available (i.e. you'll sit lower in the seat).

Ahheck01

iTrader: (2)

I'll track down my dad's '05 and give that a try to see how it fits and report back!

Ahheck01

iTrader: (2)

I just test drove an '05 Ultra Lux and the verdict is in - drumroll......

It fits great. I have nearly two inches when I extend the seat forward, and even have enough room to be comfortable when it's retracted. Ladies and gentlemen, I think we've found a winner.

Oh, and can I just say, going from an '06 Honda Accord 4cyl to getting in the drivers seat of an '05 Ultra Lux is... an incredibly peculiar experience. They don't even closely resemble each other... the only thing vaguely similar is that I hold a steering wheel and look through a piece of glass... the contrast is indescribable.

I'm infatuated.

username32

You must be very torso tall, because at the lowest seat setting i can barely see over the dash and im 5'9"