The 2001 LS430 certified with warranty for 3 years or 100k miles, is $37,000. Mileage
is 39K. It has dvd navigation and appears fully loaded, rear heated seats etc.

 

I've had two es300's and have used an LS400 on numerous occasions. My next car will be an LS series. I love the ES and have zero complaints but I am a big body guy and there is nothing compared to the feeling of sitting in the drivers seat of one of the LS sedans...they are beautifully crafted, reliable and have tons of oomph

The ES is easier to handle in the snow, easier to park and manage in traffic and gives excellent mileage. The LS is RWD, slightly harder to manage in congested traffic and the V8 is heavier on fuel. Also, a lot of engine components on the ES are shared by the Camry whereas for the LS you are limited.

In your case, however, considering how they are both superb machines, I think the decision should be made primarily on body styling, size and fuel consumption.

 

Thanks for the comments, not that you really ever get snow in Alabama, but have you driven your LS when it's cold there? Just wonder how poor the traction is when the road cools down? Is it really poor? Or manageable?

 

You'll be fine with the LS where you live. Heck, I was thinking about driving in the Ottawa/Montreal region ...with a good set of all seasons you won't have an issue at all. I drove a 96 LS through some really bad Ottawa road conditions and wasn't too worried. Provided ofcourse you excercise reasonable 'winter caution'.

 

The LS is an absolute georgous car there's no doubt. If you decide on the LS, make sure you invest in a good set of winter rubber & rims (4 of each of course). I have driven the LS yes......not in the winter however......I do know that the ES give very good & secure year round traction because of the FWD. It might not be a bad idea however (depending how long you can wait) to give serious consideration to the AWD GS that is coming early next year......I've got my eye on that too for when the time comes. Keep us posted & let us know what your & your Mom's decisions are.

 

Thanks for the comments, and Freak for yours. Yeah the GS looks great, but my mom is looking for a softer ride, and would give up some of the handling for it. So I'm afriad the GS, desite the AWD, won't be a realistic choice. She's gonna spend some time in an LS and ES next weekend and go from there. Meanwhile I'm forwarding her all of your comments, so thanks a bunch for the insight!!!

 

More than fair point ES3 It's gonna be a difficult decision I think But it look like either way, your still in the Lexus family Looking forward to your final decisions.