Need some advice please LS430 or ES?
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 270
Likes: 2
From: MD
jpcdmd,
How do you compare your 1993 LS vs. this 2004 ES? In terms of overall feel and all other aspects, which do you like better (suppose you had to pick between a '93 LS with 0 miles and 2004 ES330 with 0 miles)?
thanks
How do you compare your 1993 LS vs. this 2004 ES? In terms of overall feel and all other aspects, which do you like better (suppose you had to pick between a '93 LS with 0 miles and 2004 ES330 with 0 miles)?
thanks
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 2
From: SC
Originally posted by jpcdmd
LS430 HANDS DOWN!
I own a 2001 Ultra lux. Today I am driving a 2004 ES330 loaner while the LS is at the stealer for service. There is no way I would ever spend that kind of money on this car. The two cars are worlds apart. The ES feels like a Camry compared to the LS. Actually, I would probably buy one of those new Chrysler 300c's or a Camry and save some money before I bought an ES for 37 grand. I think with the LS being a heavy car with traction control, snow is not that great of an issue.
I wouldn't worry about maintenance issues, especially with the 100k warranty. I had previously owned a 93 LS that I bought with 118K on it and drove it to 200K with minimal problems. Thats why you're buying a Lexus and not a Mercedes or BMW.
LS430 HANDS DOWN!
I own a 2001 Ultra lux. Today I am driving a 2004 ES330 loaner while the LS is at the stealer for service. There is no way I would ever spend that kind of money on this car. The two cars are worlds apart. The ES feels like a Camry compared to the LS. Actually, I would probably buy one of those new Chrysler 300c's or a Camry and save some money before I bought an ES for 37 grand. I think with the LS being a heavy car with traction control, snow is not that great of an issue.
I wouldn't worry about maintenance issues, especially with the 100k warranty. I had previously owned a 93 LS that I bought with 118K on it and drove it to 200K with minimal problems. Thats why you're buying a Lexus and not a Mercedes or BMW.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,379
Likes: 20
From: St. Thomas, Ontario
ES3, read my comments in the ES forums.........you might want to sit tight & wait for the new GS with AWD to come early next year.....if your going to have the car for a long time.....it might be worth being patient for. Price wise it will be a step up over the ES but not as pricy as the LS (brand new at least). 
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 2
From: SC
Thanks Freak! As I posted, 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!!!
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 761
Likes: 32
From: Arizona
azari,
I would drive a 93 LS400 anyday over the 04 ES330. There's days where I actually miss the feel of the 93 vs my 01 LS430. The 93 was solid as hell and drove like a tank, just a great comfortable car. The 01 really feels a lot lighter to drive, doesn't feel as heavy. The 93 was just as quiet and rattle-free though.
The ES is a nice car, just not in the same league. and for the money, I think a Camry or something else like that fits the bill and saves you some money.
I would drive a 93 LS400 anyday over the 04 ES330. There's days where I actually miss the feel of the 93 vs my 01 LS430. The 93 was solid as hell and drove like a tank, just a great comfortable car. The 01 really feels a lot lighter to drive, doesn't feel as heavy. The 93 was just as quiet and rattle-free though.
The ES is a nice car, just not in the same league. and for the money, I think a Camry or something else like that fits the bill and saves you some money.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
IMHO, there's no comparison between an LS and an ES. In fact if you want front wheel drive for the snow, I'd say get a certified Acura RL for less than $25K before getting a new ES. Save some money and get a more luxurious car. I think the LS are the best cars under $100k, but I could never understand the attraction of an ES.
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 2
From: SC
Hey guys, thanks for all your posts, she's leaning more toward the LS430, but will drive them both: LS and ES330 tonight and hopefully make a final decision.
Meanwhile, besides Nokian, which was mentioned earlier, what are the best winter tires to get for the LS?
Meanwhile, besides Nokian, which was mentioned earlier, what are the best winter tires to get for the LS?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 853
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
Originally posted by rominl
man, that's a big gap, for me i would probably choose the ls430 without a second thought
but i really don't know for sure its performance in the snow. with snow mode i think it might be ok?
man, that's a big gap, for me i would probably choose the ls430 without a second thought
but i really don't know for sure its performance in the snow. with snow mode i think it might be ok?
AGREE, LS430 for sure
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