Okay, first I would like to introduce myself......I am a owner of a BMW 7 series (99) and I am just not that enthused about it. It is a nice car, can get pretty fast in a short time, but I do not feel at home. I am looking at either a 01/02 Lex GS 430 or a LS 430....but I am very torn in this decision.

Questions;

When the navigation is in the car, does the Mark Levinson sound automatically include this?

Are steering wheel controls included in the 01 + in the LS?

Anything I should know?

Thank you in advance.

 

Questions;

When the navigation is in the car, does the Mark Levinson sound automatically include this?

- YES

Are steering wheel controls included in the 01 + in the LS?

- YES

Anything I should know?

Cheaper to maintain and less frequently

Mike

 

I have been reading about the Ultra Luxury package...is that everything you could want included?

 

yes...the top of the line!

 

yup it's top of the line and it has everything. nice car

and if you want comfort, the ls430 will be a better car for sure

 

If you "trying to find pleasure" then Lexus is probably not an answer. My friend had a 7 series and traded in for a LS430 but not for long before he swapped back to BMW.

I have a LS430 though I don't hate it, I would more likely not buy a Lexus again.

Sorry Lexus owners, no punch intended.

 

Why wouldn't you?

 

Same reason you felt about your 7 series plus the car is slow for a V8. But don't base on my experience, take a test drive and see for yourself. Good luck with your decision.

 

I've owned a 2000 740 and a 2004 530. I currently own a 2002 LS430 UL.



Speaking from a pure driving experience the BMWs are exciting vehicles to drive, they are fun, handle incredibly and of course it’s a BMW.



Now in terms of service, maintenance and comfort, BMWs suck a big one. It is expensive to get things fixed, service at the dealers suck (no, it’s probably worst than that) at least in So Cal. And they are a pretty stiff ride (which makes sense, since they are a very sporty ride)



Anyway, it comes down to what you are looking for….



The reason I moved to Lexus, was because of reliability and the fact that they kissed my @ss pretty nicely at the dealer J I can’t get enough of those guys, I go down there just to wash the car and chat around.



Anyway…my two cents…

 

The only major downsides to the LS430 are the looks and the handling. If you are coming from a 99' 7-series (arguably one of the most beautiful cars EVER made), you will be disappointed with the styling. Ditto for the handling.

However, I owned an LS430 for 3 years and would do it again in a second. I constantly travel and it's always nice to know that your car is one of the most reliable cars in the world. I never have to worry about anything breaking down. And heck, if it did, I would be OK with that too, as I the dealership is pretty awesome (as far as customer service) and I love testing out the different types of loaners (which are always new IS, ES and RX).

Get an LS430 and you won't be sorry. However, make sure you get the sport suspension or the AVS air-system. You will want this to more closely mirror the handling and ride of the beemer.

 

This helps quite a bit....I am almost convinced that the GS430 is not for me, at least not now. I mean when I am driving down the street and I see a LS430 I almost break my neck to look at it...I am not sure if it is true desire or just because I do not have it.

Question, I heard there are some concerns with the 04....are there any other years to stay clear from?

Thank you all so much for your help! I really appreciate it greatly.

 

It's a tough choice between the GS and the LS.

The GS is quicker and more sporty than the LS, but the LS is substantially roomier and (surprisingly) more fuel efficient. You don't give up that much in straight line speed either.

The LS430 handles better than the LS400 did and the plaform is newer than the GS of that era; I honestly didn't notice that much difference between it and the GS that I drove. Both cars are about the same weight; and 2001 and later both cars come with Navigation, Mark Levinson and other goodies.

Aside from the '04 recall for transmission and fuel pump issues there are no real gotchas with these cars; they were among the most reliable in the world when they were introduced. I don't mind the conservative styling, flying under the radar is just fine with me.

 

Don't trade your car in for the reasons you say your going to. Keep what you have. Your just a little bored right now and taking your BMW for granted. To me its like most things in life, before we have them we want them. After we get them we want whats the next best thing. The only way people can be happy wont be from a car.

You can buy the LS430 but, how long will you be happy. It doesnt handle like the 7 series. It cant move as quick either. Don't get me wrong I own one and have for 3-4 years now, and am very happy with my car. At times do I want a S class or BMW? Yes, then I say to myself, why. Then I think about how I owned 2 Mercedes and wasnt happy with the problems I had.

To me reliability is my sole reason for keeping my LS 430 and why I will keep it and maybe in the future buy another. I will buy a used LS 460 in 3-5 years and stay here with Lexus because it fits my likes and dislikes. You should get a more sporty car and the GS 430 is the one for that when it comes to Lexus.If you decide to get the LS anyway good luck but, you will never as non of us will be totally filled because of a car!


That said I love Lexus reliabilty and everytime I think of leaving I remind myself how much time I don't spend at the service department! So I stay.


GOD IS GOOD!

 

Hey USERMEL,
I have PMed u couple of times regarding your GS car cover, u don't seem to reply back, so I am trying this way to find out if you are getting my messages or no. If u haven't then I guess Iwill ask u again do u wanna sell ur car cover and for how much?

 

Happiness is very relative, in which I have known. One thing that does not make me happy is the fact that people are scared to perform the smallest function on the car. I understand about the reliability, and that is one of the main reasons I am looking into the Lexus brand. I like to drive my cars, not let them sit there at a shop.

I considered the GS 430 but I am not sure I would be okay with that. I have done a lot of research on both of these cars, and I am almost ready to now begin to driving them. (I live in a hick-town where these cars are not sold, so I have to travel on my only day off (Sat) to look at them)

You are right, God is good...the fact that we can all converse about our likes and dislikes in regards to material possessions that we like is something to marvel on in itself; delight thyself in the Lord and He will give all the desires of your heart.