Looking for an 09 in late Dec., early Jan. Live in Maryland... but have no plans of driving this vehicle in the snow... may even end up in Florida with it during winter months.

With the introduction of AWD now, would I be better off buying it over the RWD, or just save the money and go RWD.

Thoughts?

Thanks

 

RWD version has 20+ hp than the AWD version too, for Florida, I would go with the RWD.

 

same here, from your driving pattern, rwd makes more sense

 

I live in Pittsburgh and have an '07 (RWD). Wish I had AWD and had planned to trade for one until the world changed. I can still well afford it, but just don't find it prudent right now.

All of that being said, if I lived in Maryland or anywhere south of there, I'd NEVER incur the extra upfront, maintenance and gas (although minimal) expense of AWD. It's like making ice cubes in Antarctica.

 

Based on that get the RWD and save some $$

IMO, AWD might make sense IF you absolutely had to have an LS, only had ONE (1) vehicle, and lived in a region that required AWD to get around.

 

I Think RWD Also has a better gas Milage

 

This is a no brainer in your case. If you are not going to be concerned with snow, then by all means get the RWD.

 

Everyone is on the same page here. AWD doesn't make sense for you. My last four cars before this one (Porsche, Benz, BMW x 2) were all RWD and I did fine even in the snow (Note: I did use snow tires).

AWD will compromise your vehicles balance more, it will chew up more fuel and it is another thing that could go wrong.

RWD for sure!

 

I'm convinced. RWD.

 

I agree with the others that RWD is probably the way for you to go. HOWEVER, if money is not an issue, AWD does perform better on rain slicked roads. I've heard that Florida can occasionally get some rain.

 

Pittsburgh, Chicago, Buffalo, Maine, (NORTH northeast) then AWD is a must. New York, Virginia, Maryland (middle northeast) then it's a toss between if you think you need the AWD for those six or so days of snow a year. South of South Carolina... forgetabout AWD, waste of money and resources. Get RWD and enjoy the ride....

 

I hate how Lexus is starting this trend where the LS is the last to get new features. Im not sure why they dont feel the LS should doubt all these features and allow them to trickle down. I want them to remember the LS when they think performance hybrid, or 5th gen navi, or the new L-finesse design instead of mistaking it for the ES.

L-finesse design, duel injection, 5th gen Navi, 2nd gen ML...etc and now AWD.

Rant off.

 

I purchased a AWD 2009 LS460 in late October. We have already had more than the average amount of snow here in upstate central New York. The all wheel drive works great. This car replaced a 1999 Cadillac STS ( front drive ) which actually was very good in snow. That being said the new Lexus AWD gives you a much larger degree of confidence. It is very quiet and pickup on an icy, snow covered roads is amazing. It does add weight and yes you can feel the extra mass. Gas mileage has been about 20 mpg with 90% city stop and go traffic ( got to love that brake hold feature ). I was going to get a 2008, but decided on the AWD with Mark L audio system. I am soooo glad I did. Now for that AWD vs RWD question ? If Florida is your plan, go with RWD for all the reasons mentioned by others.

 

Lots of good advice in this thread, hope you are happy with the car you get.

Here in SoCal, no need for AWD at all, but I'd like to test drive the AWD version to feel the difference.

 

I drive an SUV when it snows. The LS really doesn't give enough ground clearance for a large snow. I have a new BMW X5 twin turbo diesel on order to replace my current SUV.
The LS stays in my garage when snow is on the ground...

I wouldn't get AWD if you use it in Florida. It would be a waste of money...

Good luck,

Craig