Sports Suspension
 

Just bought a '04 w/ the Sports Suspension. CA car, one owner, full dealer service, 102k, Cypress Pearl for 13k. I've also got an '01 w/ the regular suspension. Found that the stock 18's were a little harsh. Some of that is due to noisy 6 yr old Michelins that need to be replaced. I plan to put new tires on and test. For now, I've got a set of 17's (w/ brand new Michelin Premiers) which work well. Not quite as tight but still much smoother. The stiffer springs and struts make the bumps a little more noticeable which took some getting used to. The freeway noise level is pretty much the same quiet cruise as my '01. For the first week, had some serious buyer's remorse (!). This one's not an ultra quiet luxury cruiser. it does help that the '04 has the ML package. Also nice that the 6 speed can be manually shifted. I'm starting to appreciate the combination of tighter handling and comfortable quiet car. It's still a Lexus 430 but freeway off ramps and roads w/ curves are a lot more fun :) I'd appreciate feedback/suggests from anyone else that's got the SS.

I have an 02 with Sport Suspension (standard size tires on 17" wheels) and also have an 03 with standard suspension and one size larger tires on 17" wheels. Not a lot of difference in the two cars, except that the Sports Suspension plants the car much better, especially in corners. I suspect few people would notice much of a difference, even driving the cars back to back. The Sport Suspension is much better for freeway speeds, 75 MPH and faster.

The Sport Suspension, I believe, makes the car safer and is very desirable. I plan to go one or two sizes larger on the tires as these wear out.

I also have an IS F. The suspension in that car is VERY noticeable. Every time I hit the brakes hard, the first thing I do is look in the rear view mirror for the guy that doesn't have very good brakes.

My '05 Sport Suspension has fairly new Michelin Primacy's and it is really not very noisy at all. I think you are hearing worn tires.

You're right about the tire noise. Have a extra set of 17's w/ nice Michelin Premiers. Put them on. End of problem.
Other than the slightly more noticeable suspension reaction to bumps, there's not much difference in overall noise. However, it feels like a very different car from my '01 (regular suspension). It's a lot more fun to drive. I guess the SS's are hard to find.

Agree the SS is much better on freeways. I was driving 75mph. Some idiot changing lanes almost drove into the side on my car. it was very close. I did a quick lane change away and and no accident. Very little body roll. Quick steering response. Not sure if I could have done the same thing w/ my '01 (regular suspension). The '04 just feels "connected" to the road.