zrhapp

If I buy the LS 430 I would definitely use the SUV if there is more than 2-3 inches of snow any day. For 12 years I stored my SC 400 in the winter, so I'm kind of looking at a practicality point of view. If I buy a $20 to $25k car, I'd REALLY like to be able to use it year round since I'm in MN. If I look at a RWD not so good winter vehicle, I could bring into the mix a few sports cars and convertibles as well. But, the A6, E Class, and 530xi all are sporty enough for me in the summer and practical enough to drive just about every day in the winter unless there is a 6"+ snow that isn't plowed yet. I think the LS 430 would definitely sit 50% more time than the other 4 choices from Mid November to the end of March. I will admit that as nice as my LX 470 is, and it is a phenomenal vehicle, it just doesn't ride as nice and as fun as a car. 90% of the time it is just me in it, and it is such a big vehicle to commute 1 person around. Now it comes in really handy to tow the boat, people, snowmobile, and waverunner. But when the weather gets nice I ALWAYS prefer the car. Thanks for all your input guys and keep it coming. This is a tough decision and while I'd like to get something now, I could very easily wait another 6-8 months before deciding. If only that Lexus GS 300 or 350 had better leg room and that dumb center console hump gone, it'd be in my garage already.

oxonian007

My ONE complaint about the LS430 is that I wish the "bolsters" (well, they are sorta like bolsters...) were either bolsters or, well, not. I love the flat bottom of an MB seat with the bolster coming up to support the leg. Even the C300 is great in that respect, and I'm a big guy. By contrast, I think that the LS430 front seats have more of a curved effect, which puts pressure on the outer part of the leg after along trip. (For the record, I am just a little shorter/smaller than the original poster, but we're pretty close.)

Don't get me wrong - I love the car and would not trade it for another brand. But...Lexus is off the ranch on this point...

caddyowner

If you're having leg discomfort from the side bolsters, I'd suggest playing with the adjustment for the seat bottom length / extension. Shorter people tend to benefit from a shorter seat length (moving the seat bottom backwards.)