Hi all,

I am looking at a used 2008 Lexus GS 460 with 51k miles. This will be my first Lexus if I can find out why the ride is not what I expected. It can be smooth and quiet on some roads but once I drive on a bumpy road it makes a sound that sounds like wheel against metal or as if there is no cushion to soften the blow. NTB looked at the car and said the struts were ok but the back tires were showing some wear and tear from them. They said I might change out the tires or the struts. I am not sure if the car has drive flats or not but will find out tomorrow when I take it back to the dealer. I cannot believe that this car would drive this way. I feel like it has alot of road noise and is not smooth and quiet as the reviews say it is. My 2010 Acura TL takes bumps in the road 100% better than this Lexus. I am not sure if the car has problems that will cost me money down the road.

I am not sure of the correct verbage to explain what the car is doing but any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

My tires have 45k miles on them now, so I definitely hear more noises from them now. But, as far as, noises from the struts, or door sealants, I don't think it has gotten significantly louder now than when it was new. Mine has 76k miles on it.

Where are you in TX?

 

Could it be that you have sport mode on? My ride gets significantly more "sporty" when in sport mode. I don't really know about the noise, just trying to rationalize the rough ride, my car rides like a dream normally.

-Joe

 

I'm going to guess it has run flats and this is the cause of both things if so. Easy fix to replace the tires or have the dealer swap them out. Its also possible the car may not have a spare tire so double check so either you can order one or work into your deal with the dealer.

 

Both of u guys brought up some great points!

 

I think many people think that the GS will feel like the LS or ES and it really is a totally different car. The suspension is much stiffer which allows it the perform better on the curves but you will feel the road more, especially on rough roads.

 

That's correct, I must admit.. the GS460 is the noisiest Lexus I have ever driven. Gone are the days when you Lexus would be idling next to you and you wouldn't even know. This V8 is all grunt, but when it comes to road noise..... I would blame your tires!

 

Thank you all for your replies. The car is a smooth ride on the freeway and smooth roads and handles very well. I will check with the dealership to see about replacing the tires and swapping them out if they are drive flats. I was sitting in traffic next to another gs460 and noticed that it did not have the low profile tires on it so I bet her ride was alot smoother. lol.

 

I bet other stuff about her are smoother too!

 

im going to guess it has run flats as well which a lot of people complain about the noise they produce.

 

That'd depend on how long it's been since the last smoothing was done.
There could be a 5 o'clock shadow at 6 o'clock, with a 300 grit landing strip.

 

What do you think about Bridgestone Potenza Tubeless Steel belted radial tires. (245/40ZR18). I am not sure how to determine if they are drive flats or not but considering replacing them for a tire for comfort and noise reduction. Any suggestions... please. Thanks.

 

Potenza is a sport line tire. If they are noisy... I bet they are Grid019. Those tires are trash. OR if they are original equipment, RE050 Runflats. Also trash.

Might I suggest:

Michelin MXM4

AND a can of fix-a-flat for the trunk.

 

I believe they will have the letters RF on the tire somewhere.

-Joe

 

New tires will help a bit but you must remember that car s more performance oriented and has a rather stiff ride even in normal mode. In return you get a great handling car that's mostly useless on daily basis . It's not an Ls or Es by any means. I bet the awd 350 cars are a bit softer, but my 430 can be very unpleasant over bumpy NY roads.
A for tires I recommend Conti Dws. I have yet to be disappointed and I got 15 k miles on them, still like new. Quiet and handle great in rain as well.