My mom is debating between an '05 ES330 or Certified Pre-owned 2001 LS430. Both fully loaded. The CPO'd has 39k miles and of course comes with the 100k mile warranty. It is in mint condition. The big hold up is that she's in Michigan and would have to deal with some snow. Would the LS completely BLOW in mild snow? I really like the features of the '05 navigation and the rain sensing wipers etc... but I kind of feel the LS430 is timeless in its styling and comfort. Please help us make up her mind

 

personally I would go with the LS for a few reasons. It wont be that bad in mild snow with a good set of winter tires. It has a lot more space and might be safer because of its size. I love the LS and the ES, but I feel that the newer es's still have some bugs that need to be worked out where the LS seems to be flawless. Either way both cars are amazing. I just feel the LS is the finest luxery vehicle ever created for its price.

 

New is new!
I would definitely buy the 2005 ES, Your mom would probably enjoy it more then the LS with 39K miles. No headaches or worries on a brand new vehicle, hopefully...with all the most current features that Lexus has to offer. Secondly, and most important is the FWD. I've used an '04 LS430 in the snow and there's no comparison compared to the ES. Mucho better in all types of snowy conditions.

 

They are both very good vehicles, I think she should make her decision upon body styling and looks. Not mechanical because they are both great in that aspect.

 

Good points, we thought about that too, but at least the certified warranty covers the car bumper to bumper--I believe until 100k right? Solid point about the FWD tho--that's the biggest concern.

 

I'd go for the brand new 05 ES.....hey, it's right 'out of the box' with full factory warranty, FWD, & all the electronic gizmo's for the winter months & slippery conditions in warm weather. If were talking the same price between the 01 LS & 05 ES (both excellent choices mind you), I'd lean towards the ES, plus better fuel economy with the lighter weight & 6 cyl engine.

 

In my opinion - the LS is a better option. I live in MI and the snow issue isnt as deep as most people think. Out of the whole year, driving conditions are unreasonable only a certain amount of days. Aside from that, if you're mom is willing to push a big body - i'd go that route for the size, etc. I dont let my mom drive little cars, etc (not saying the ES is a 'little car') but bigger is better always for safety.

I'm a big body kind of guy, and would grip the LS430 if i had the funds. I say go with the LS!

 

Thanks guys... Hey Freak and Za, thanks for your opinions too! ..just curious have either of you driven the LS in the winter months? ..just wonder how truly bad it would be, even with snow tires?

 

Yeah Ive driven the LS in the winter time. My dad bounces a 98. Ive driven rear wheel for a long time
so im probably not the best person to ask if its thaaat bad, but the skid control, etc kicks in nicely
and straightens out the car upon a fishtail attempt. When i did drive it in the snow tho, our tires were ****ty and werent snow tires...

z

 

I would say the new ES 330. Don't forget, the AWD GS 300 is coming next Feb. Best of both worlds.

 

Is that really out in February of '05? I thought that was later in the year?

 

Thanks, did you try the LS with winter tires? Or all seasons? I've heard it's not that bad with winter tread!?

 

Sorry March 2004

 

Still that's great, I though it was like NOV. '04, maybe that's for the GS430.

 

How much is the LS offered at?

My only other comment is "NCS" in buying the 2005.