EcoGs21

Hi all, new to the forum here.

So I'm currently in the market for a used Lexus, most likely a 2004ish LS 430, GS 430, or possibly a 2006-07 IS 350. I initially was going LS all the way but I'm no longer 100% on it. The GS/IS seem a bit more fun to drive (no BMW but I don't want to pay all the $$$) but I think I'd enjoy any of my options. I'm leaning towards the LS partly because I've always liked/driven big cars or SUVs/trucks as I'm 6'9" and have more length in my legs. Finding cars that fit or will be comfortable is not as easy for me as others. My question boils down to the differences in driver's seat roominess from LS to GS maybe even IS? I know the LS is the roomiest of all but is the difference between it and the GS/IS that much? Are the smaller 2 very cramped in the driver seat? Honestly I don't care much about the rear seat room as I don't have a family to haul around and my seat's all the way back in any car. Right now I'm just concerned there's enough room for me comfortably. I appreciate any responses and look forward to being a part of the forum!

tcr101

iTrader: (2)

I'm a bit shorter than you, but my brother in law is right around your height.

Have a 01 ls430 and 07 gs350. He definitely prefers the ls430 in regards to space over the gs350. He fits in the gs350 'comfortably' (and i use that very loosely). Usually has someone sitting behind him, but he manages. I guess the question becomes how much of a lean do you put on your seats usually?

Easiest way is to probably sit in each and see what works for you.

VanCityLS4

iTrader: (1)

I've been in all three.. @ 6'5 & 300lb.. The IS is way too small you will be looking out the back window to shoulder check. The GS is decent & has more of snug driver seat area. The newer GS is similar but the deeper seat position & lower roofline make it feel somewhat cramped. The LS430 is definitely king, it's the only car I've owned where I don't have to slide the seat back all the way. Seating, elbow, & shoulder area is larger than the GS.

EcoGs21

May cross the IS off the list then, thanks! I've had to drive cars before where I leaned so far back I was using back windows. I typically lean the seats back pretty far regardless in any car I've driven as its the easiest way to ensure I won't hit my head. Its a pain enough worrying about doorways, low hanging light fixtures, etc. on a regular basis so why not avoid it if I can right? Hopefully I'll be able to start testing some LS and maybe a GS out within the next 2 days

drrishi

Hi

I am a mere 6'3" and 220 lbs and have room to spare in the LS.

One thing I did notice with all the cars I looked at (LS430, CL500, XJ8, XK8 etc) is that the headroom is severely limited if the sunshine roof is fitted.
More by luck than judgement my Ls430 President has every extra known to man (and a few not known) but not an opening roof so headroom is a non issues for me.
Even my old (first series) Range Rover had my hair touching the roof on a bad hair day, not really a problem but it was annoying (not that I ever wanted to admit it, how I loved that car).
I never really looked at the GS, I was so blown away by the LS. It still puts a huge smile on my face every time I sit in it. It makes me just as happy as my old Range Rover but with a calm feeling inside rather than the feeling of "what is going to go wrong next!".

Happy hunting.

volson

I am 5'11 and 200 lbs and think that the IS is too small for a comfortable daily. It feels really cramped like a subcompact.

EcoGs21

Tested an LS 430 out today, really liked it. Plenty of room for me inside. While driving it all I could think of was "luxury" lol. It definitely had the large car feel so I think I'm going to check a GS out just to be sure. Sat in an IS while I was there, could've ripped the driver's seat out & used the back instead.. I'm looking at roughly the 2001-2004 range on either an LS or GS, is there anything specific or big I should be looking out for/asking about besides regular maintenance?

volson

Avoid air suspension on the LS. See if valve cover gaskets have been replaced.

RamAirRckt

I'm 5'11" and the 98 GS is fine, but my hair brushes on the headliner (with Sunroof), if I lean towards the sunroof no issues.

My son is 6'2.5" and has no complaints in my car.

EcoGs21

Any big time differences between an '01 & '02 LS? And between a GS 400 & GS 430?

VanCityLS4

iTrader: (1)

Minor changes, same platform. Those GS's don't have the sliding seat bottom which is key for long legged drivers.

1QWKGS4

iTrader: (3)

I've owned LS430 and have GS400/430. I'm 6'4" and though both fit me fine, to me the GS has more legroom while the LS has more Torso room but a little less legroom..

I have the PDF spec sheet with the dimensions. i'll upload later.

1QWKGS4

iTrader: (3)

Here are the numbers:

GS 2nd Gen: ('98-'05) Legroom 44.5 / Headroom 37.6

GS 3rd Gen: ('06-'11) Legroom 43.5 / Headroom 37.8

LS 2nd Gen: ('95-'00) Legroom 43.7 / Headroom 38.0

LS 3rd Gen: ('01-'06) Legroom 44.0 / Headroom 38.1

LS 4th Gen: ('07-up) Legroom 44.0 / Headroom 38.0

Sources: Lexus Knowledge Center

EcoGs21

Thanks for the specs! Hopefully looking at a GS this weekend and will be able to decide after that. I actually didn't care much for the sliding seat bottom on the LS. It wasn't bad, but it didn't make much difference for me personally. My legs are so long that they're always at an angle (sometimes close to 90 degree bend at the knees) when I sit in a car and part of my leg will never touch the seat due to this. I also need as much room between the seat and steering wheel as possible when I'm getting in/out of a car due to how I contort myself getting in/out lol. Appreciate all the responses, thanks for everyone's help & input!