@Cut-throat, how about with your fishing rod instead of 10ft pole? With Vista you don't even have a choice, every new computer will be shipped with one. I usualy get a new laptop every couple of years, and this time rushed it to get before x-mas just so I can have it w/XP. Until SP1 (service pack) is released for Vista, no smooth ride with that OS.

On the other hand, back to the topic , I love my smooth ride in 3GS!!! Just need to change runflats, and I will be set with my changes. Once again, I'm leaning more toward keeping stock 17" to have a higher profile tires for a less bumpier ride.

 

Jason, the CLS is the 4 door coupe that's been out for awhile and the CL was just redesigned. It's freaking gorgeous! Check one out online.

 

Yes, totally forgot about the runflats, how much of this problem is due to those things?

 

Runflats are supposed to be awful. Based on what I have read, they ruin the ride of the car. My advice would be to take a car for an extended test drive. Some dealerships will let you take one home for the day esp if it's pre-owned. See if you like under all of your normal driving conditions. It really is a VERY good car. Probably one of the best cars that I have ever driven BUT it does have it's quirks. If you plan on driving on fairly bad roads, stay away from it. Also, don't compare a GS300 with a GS350, although the ride is the same, the 350 has neck snapping acceleration. It's very quick considering it has a V6. Sure there are faster cars, but IMO the suspension on the GS can't handle much more. It will be interesting to see what approach Lexus takes with the GS-F's springs/shocks.

 

Robert, I have to disagree with a comment of "driving on a bad roads". Trust me, roads in Jersey are crappy. Its rare to find a road without a pothole After the rain or snow, roads by me turn into swiss cheese (and I'm not exaggerating). The problem here is instead of fixing and laying new ones, they patch up the old, and than all the patches get washed out after the rain...

Anyway, back to my point The comfort of driving is a relative thing - in comparison to your previous ride or any other rides you've been in. Honestly, to me even with runflats its not that bad. In terms of handling in the rain or in feet of snow - it is great. Yes, the comfort of drive can definitely be improved, and I'm looking forward to that replacement. I'm still drooling over your 5-spoke 18" stock rims, but I decided that I want to keep 225/50-17" for a higher profile versus a lower profile 235/40-18". Since I'm not changing my suspension, a decent all-season tires should keep a better bumpy ride absorption, and I will not have to worry about going through deep potholes with a bigger rim size. After all, I got this car as my daily workhorse too and not as a show car, and its too much to keep thinking how and where should I go and turn with bigger wheels and lower springs...

 

I agree with Twister here. I am really satisfied with my GS350. If I had to buy a car today, this is the one I'd buy. I took the Runflats off immediately and put on the MXV4 S8 Michelins with 17 inch stock rims, and I find the ride very good. My car does not sway, but I don't drive like a 'Nascar Dad' either. Once I get the No dust Brake pads, I will not be able to find much wrong with it. I really loved my 99 GS300 - It was Flawless for 8 years. This car has the potential to be just as great!

Robert as far as the Merc. CLS, I do like the look of that car - A lot! - But it seems to be around $80K - Not where I want to go. - Also, whenever I see a car that I really, really love the looks of, I end up truly hating the looks of it in a year or 2. I can recall a Couple; Infinity J30 and the Jaguar S type.
I did not like the looks the 2nd Gen GS or the 3rd Gen at first, but it grew on me and I ended up liking the looks over an extended period of time. A strange Phenom I know!

 

Twister: I wanted to stick with 17's also. More room btwn me and the road for a less bumpy ride.


Cut-Throat: I think I mentioned it before, but that's exactly what I did. Same tires. I am pleased.

 

Damn, I just bought chrome 18s to replace my stock chrome 17s !!

 

@EyeKutr, since you are in CA, I think you will be ok with bigger wheels You guys got some of the best roads!!! I wish I could say the same about East Coast...

@mel & cut-throat: I will definitely going to check out those Michelins!!!

 

Eyekutr: Roads are lot better in CA than here in northeast. I used to live in LA for about 10 years. Twister is not joking about swiss cheese roads here!

Jason: I am with you there. I always find things that I do not like about the car. I use it as an excuse to tell my wife that I need a new car. It works pretty well.

 

My wife caught on to my game.

 

LOL... then, we have to think of something else...

Try to tell her that the dash board rattle is driving you crazy that it's affecting how you function during the day. You are starting to hear noises in your head and you need to seek psychiatric help. Perhaps, even claim disability and she would have to work full time to support all your hobbies and toys!....

 

I don't think that would work, she already thinks I need psychiatric help.

 

Just an observation, you can't have a GreatSmile without a 2thfixr

 

Ya just did, and yes it's gorgeous!

Don't know if I can justify spending 144K on a new car at the current moment. Maybe in a few more years. For now I need my current 200K but having it spread over 4 cars. not just 2.

I just need 4 doors too at the moment, which is the only reason I would entertain the CLS. Same chasis as the CL, the S chasis but with 4 doors.

Personally I would probably opt for the new E550 over the CLS though... don't know though.....

That new continental Bently I find the most attractive for what I want. 4 doors and all.

Bah. Either way, it will be at least 6 months before I even start seriously thinking of trading or purchasing anything new.