There's no way to convince folks who like brand new cars, but it seems that besides Porsche, there is no electric power steering that is close to hydraulic.

I just got back from driving a new Toyota Sienna for a week on business, and when I got into the LS430, I was like whoa, this steering is sweet! No dead on center, moderate effort, good response.

On my 1998 Maxima, purchased new, there were two major detractors. One was the overly assisted steering, the other was the rear beam axle.

I had a 2016 BMW 328i x-drive for almost 5 mos back in 2016. When I would switch to my Maxima, it was like the Maxima might as well have been a GTI--much higher effort steering and way better feel than the 328.

Personally, I would keep a car with hydraulic steering in my garage just so I don't forget what it's like. Now, the 2019 BMW 3 is supposed to have that eps reworked--would be interesting to see if it's improved. The LS500 was simply awful when I drove it, as was the RX-350 L.

my .02 ymmv

 

LS430 as an awesome steering. Tight but not too tight. Also a pretty small turning radius for a large vehicle. I always marvel at how easy it is to make u-turns with this car.

 

For my 50th birthday (a year or two ahead of time) I treated myself to a gorgeous loaded special edition Miata. Now in my 25th year of totally satisfied ownership. Nothing has ever gone wrong. Still looks and drives like brand new. Here’s the problem though I have regarding keeping it forever: there is a deterioration taking place due simply to the passage of time. A seal is starting leaking oil, the leather on driver seat is creased, dried out and starting to wear seriously and dash is a bit faded from sun. I have been careful with the car. Stored winters and only 44k miles. I don’t blame it a bit and I expect it will drive for hundreds of thousands of miles yet but mechanical work is on the horizon. I suppose you can say a Miata is certainly not a high level Lexus and that’s true especially as to the quality of its components but still, doesn’t time alone take its toll, even on cars made with highest grade materials. Most compelling argument against extreme long term ownership no matter how good a car and its care. Repairs and expense will inevitably increase in frequency, cost and inconvenience.

 

I quite enjoy hurling my LS through the twisties. It takes some effort compared to a Miata/MX5 but that feeling of chucking that much weight around is addictive.
By comparison the Miata just goes where you thought you wanted it to go. No need to actually turn the steering wheel. <LOL>

 

If you really want the suspension and steering to shine, replace the stock suspension with quality coilovers (even if you keep the same ride height). The stiffer springs and adjustable dampening will certainly wake up the suspension and steering and make it feel more modern.

Adding wheel spacers with stock wheels will slightly increase the width of the track and you will feel that, too.

I'm not talking about "tuner" or "VIP" style mods, just making the suspension more modern. Doing the above has the effect that modern cars (S63 AMG, 7 Series M-Sport, S8) with "Sport Mode" buttons do and gets rid of that boaty/floaty ride. "Sport Mode" on these cars lowers them an inch or more and adjusts the dampening to a stiffer setting.

EDIT: I failed to mention that I did this to my LS 430 and it literally feels like a different car...in a great way. At highway speeds it feels even more planted and stable.

 

What size spacers would you add to the 18's? I've been considering doing that myself.

 

Agreed. Best budget upgrade in this direction is RSR Down and 01-03 sport shocks. I also installed a set of BBS 18'' w/ 38 offset w/ 235-40-18 tires (new tires that came w/ the wheels). I want to go back to stock 245-45 but cant justify the cost. I currently have continental procontact. I was shocked how much flatter it handled with out much harshness. The ride will be much better when I get back to stock 245-45. I was 100% sure I didn't want to do a drop but I found the RSR for a rediculous $180 new.

 

I have OEM 17” 6-spoke wheels. I used 20mm on the rear. Nothing on the front. I could probably go wider on both.