Differences between the LS430 grades (base,ML,CL,etc)
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,189
Likes: 16
From: NY/NJ
Options and stuff...
Your boss has the buttons for the headlamp washers on his dash, or perhaps he got into an accident and only has the bumper of a CL/UL with the headlamp washer cover?
According to Lexus specs for the model run, the headlamp washers were not offered on anything except CL and UL. Not even as a standalone option. One of the items that made me get a CL over a ML.
Then again... maybe the non-CL with headlamp washers is another anomaly like the air-suspension CL that someone online here has. Hasn't posted photos of that yet though...
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,189
Likes: 16
From: NY/NJ
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,810
Likes: 15
From: MI
Are most all of the features on the LS necessary? Stop by and I'll let you borrow my chore truck for a day - uncomfortable & non-adjustable cloth seats, vinyl armrests, crank windows, manual door locks, manual HVAC, underpowered engine, and washboard ride. Every luxo feature in the LS (or most any other car) is something to crave after a day in the Dakota. However, my truck was cheap to buy and own, doesn't drain the battery when sitting for a month, carries dirty stuff I'd never want in my daily driver, and the dog loves riding in the back seat.
LOL I can't think of a more useless item for a car. What the heck kind of cleaner would you put in there (aggressive stuff, that you wouldn't want on the paint?) that would remove soils without scrubbing? I've had the old MB's that also had wiper arms/blades along with the washers, and even with those I've never seen a real world instance where I could make use of them. I suppose if one drove on dirt roads in the rain behind other vehicles those little washers might be able to spray something off, or perhaps some other situation that I can't think of... But if it's raining, the rain will provide a lot more cleaning than the washers because the rain will hit with more force when the vehicle is traveling at speed.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 956
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
I suppose if one finds a good deal on either, go for it - don't need to seek out a CL specifically, and purposely overlook an ML...
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Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,810
Likes: 15
From: MI
The CL (and UL) had adaptive cruise control. Laser based was standard. Radar based with pre-collision system was an (expensive) option. All cars (premium, ML, CL, and UL) with cooled front seats had perforated leather seating surfaces. The other CL differences:
- Suede headliner
- Semi-aniline leather (black) or comfort leather (saddle or ecru) were required extra cost options
- Ash and cashmere interiors were not available
- Additional leather covering on the lower dash, doors, and center console.
- Suede headliner
- Semi-aniline leather (black) or comfort leather (saddle or ecru) were required extra cost options
- Ash and cashmere interiors were not available
- Additional leather covering on the lower dash, doors, and center console.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 956
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
The CL (and UL) had adaptive cruise control. Laser based was standard. Radar based with pre-collision system was an (expensive) option. All cars (premium, ML, CL, and UL) with cooled front seats had perforated leather seating surfaces. The other CL differences:
- Suede headliner
- Semi-aniline leather (black) or comfort leather (saddle or ecru) were required extra cost options
- Ash and cashmere interiors were not available
- Additional leather covering on the lower dash, doors, and center console.
- Suede headliner
- Semi-aniline leather (black) or comfort leather (saddle or ecru) were required extra cost options
- Ash and cashmere interiors were not available
- Additional leather covering on the lower dash, doors, and center console.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,810
Likes: 15
From: MI
If the laser-based PCS system detects an unavoidable collision, it tightens the seatbelt and pre-charges the brakes for maximum braking as soon as you hit the brakes. You can identify these cars by the square shield around the front "L" grille emblem. Dynamic cruise control (laser or radar) adjusts your speed so you don't run into the car in front of you when the cruise is set.
Are most all of the features on the LS necessary? Stop by and I'll let you borrow my chore truck for a day - uncomfortable & non-adjustable cloth seats, vinyl armrests, crank windows, manual door locks, manual HVAC, underpowered engine, and washboard ride. Every luxo feature in the LS (or most any other car) is something to crave after a day in the Dakota. However, my truck was cheap to buy and own, doesn't drain the battery when sitting for a month, carries dirty stuff I'd never want in my daily driver, and the dog loves riding in the back seat.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,810
Likes: 15
From: MI
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,189
Likes: 16
From: NY/NJ
Damn good...
I mean really, what on the LS is really a MUST HAVE?
1. Power seats - you can do the same manually.
2. Heated seats - wear thicker pants
3. Cooled seats - wear shorts
4. AC - open the window
5. Cruise - control your feet young Daniel-san...
6. Door closers - oh my goodness, you're that weak?
7. Rear sunshade - turn the mirror down
ha ha... they're all lazy "men's" toys. That's all...