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GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

winter driving

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Old May 24, 2004 | 01:48 AM
  #1  
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Default winter driving

* posted in the LS section to get their feedback as well

I am looking at either a GS4 or an LS4 for an all around and primarily winter car. My Sc will be put away for the winter...
Any ideas on what is an all around better winter handler. GS or LS???
Dee
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Old May 24, 2004 | 02:27 AM
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in my experience, the GS is not a very good handler in extremely bad weather. In heavy downpours, the back end tends to fishtail without much effort. I'm sure others will testify to this too. It may be the tires. Because, some members have good traction with the GS in winter.

My LS, however, has impeccable handling. seems like it's planted to the ground even though the ride is really cushy with the stock spring and strut setup.

Run a search ... you will find a lot of info on this.
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Old May 24, 2004 | 07:28 AM
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Yeah, I wouldn't recommend a GS for winter driving. If it's your only car, get Blizzaks, but it's definatly not a car for the winter. Try front wheel drive cars.
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Old May 24, 2004 | 07:41 AM
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The LS I have is MUCH better in the winter than my GS. A lot of this may be due to the tires (all season radials) on the LS vs the GS (ultra performance), but I slide all over the place in the infrequent snow we get in NC in the GS. The LS cruises right through.

Like was mentioned before, try using search. LOTS of info out there in both forums on this topic...for example:

GS
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hreadid=102940 (Recent Experiences)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=97253 (NE Driving Recommendations)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=30388 (Snow and Ice how to)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=75306 (What to do with snow & ice)

LS430:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hreadid=100142

Last edited by DaveGS4; May 24, 2004 at 07:48 AM.
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Old May 24, 2004 | 07:42 AM
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I had this same question after purchasing my GS430.

I found that my Altima (FWD) with worn all-season tires handled better than the GS with new snow tires. With the factory GT+4s, it was a deathtrap!
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Old May 24, 2004 | 12:27 PM
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Yeh, the GS is deff not a good snow car.

But its fun in the rain
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Old May 24, 2004 | 12:51 PM
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Originally posted by ChoppinLex
Yeh, the GS is deff not a good snow car.

But its fun in the rain
It'll keep ya on your toes...
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Old May 24, 2004 | 09:51 PM
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Thanks guys...I wanted opinions from guys like you who have driven both.. I think both cars are serious machines but with the winters up in the Northeast I am also factoring in winter driving. The wifes Es300 drives well in the snow and I think a 1996 -98 LS will be a good all around car for the big dog..
Dee
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