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As I'm currently shopping for an LS460, I see a few long wheel base (LWB) models.
It is safe to assume that the Long Wheel Base models fits fine in a standard US-spec garage, like the type where people park overnight (not a industrial parking garage, but a personal parking garage)?
I understand the difference between the SWB and LWB is less than 5 inches total?
Any feedback would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Difference is a bit over 5 inches. The LWB should fit fine in a standard garage, but may have trouble if either you have a smaller-than-standard garage (of the type that is common in cities) or you have a bunch of stuff at the end of the garage. I have a bit of both, and I bought a SWB partly because a LWB would have been a very tight fit for me.
I couldn't fit a LWB, I have to park like this every day and I have become a pro at it. When people see it for the first time they don't understand how I do it every day. I wish I had a pic of the front on my phone but the door closes about 1 to 2 inches in front of the car so there is literally no way I could fit a longer car...
They will easily fit in a "normal sized" MODERN garage with a 8' wide door....... TIP! Before you commit to the purchase tell the dealer or seller you want to take it home for a "test fit" in your garage.
FWIW..... I saw a nice CPO LWB at Route 10 Lexus in Whippany, NJ.
Depending on what you drive now, be aware even the 460 SWB may be longer. Simple solution: look up the difference between your current vehicle and the 460 LWB and the 460 SWB. Park your current car as far back (closest to garage door) as you are comfortable doing regularly in the spot the potential 460 would go. Then go to the front of the car with a tape measure and measure out the additional length of the LWB and SWB.
Depending on the parking arrangement, consider more than just "does it technically fit"? For example, consider if/how often you or a passenger will need to get by the space between the front/back of the car and the garage and whatever stuff you might have against the wall.
A "modern" garage size (EMPTY) is normally 12' wide x 20' deep with a 8' wide door. These LS cars are wide and IF you have a 7' wide door you will have to retract the mirrors just to pull in. I know some garages in older homes (pre 1970's) are small (10' x 16') so measure your garage before buying the LS or buy a Smart Car If you want to park inside.
BTW...... Even in a normal sized one car garage the car doors only open "half way" until they hit the side wall.
Last edited by Chuckinnj; Nov 14, 2015 at 11:56 AM.
Actually believe it or not, your LS460L is 5 inches longer than her Sienna van. The SWB LS is the same length as a Sienna minivan exactly (200 inches), an LS460L is 205 inches long.
One thing this thread made me realize: in addition to the 5 in. difference between SWB and LWB, there is also a 2 in. difference between 2007-12 and 2013+ models (with the newer cars being longer). Hard to imagine adding 7 inches if I were to go to a 2013+ L!
We have pretty standard two car garages in our gated community. What stopped me from getting the L was when my neighbor borrowed her ex husbands L and it stuck out the garage door. The only way she got the door shut was to park it sideways. With that said, perhaps she had some cabinets on the back wall. So do I so that ended the search for an L.
Do some precise measuring before you pull the trigger. Other wise you may be yelling: "What the L!"
We have pretty standard two car garages in our gated community. What stopped me from getting the L was when my neighbor borrowed her ex husbands L and it stuck out the garage door. The only way she got the door shut was to park it sideways. With that said, perhaps she had some cabinets on the back wall. So do I so that ended the search for an L.
Do some precise measuring before you pull the trigger. Other wise you may be yelling: "What the L!"