Cosmo2002

Hello, I currently have a ES 350, and am looking to change to a 2013 CPO LS 460. I drive a lot for work, and put about 30k miles/year on my car. So I want the most quiet and comfortable ride possible. The CPO I currently have my eye on is a 2013 LS F Sport:

http://www.lexusofconcord.com/Vehicl...-CA/3069052163

I really want the quietest/smoothest ride possible, and was wondering if I should look for a non F Sport. Is there a noticeable ride quality difference between the 2013 LS F Sport vs a non-F Sport? It seems based on my research, the F Sport may be a bit louder. I've searched this forum and didn't quite find the answer I was looking for, so I apologize if this has been discussed on a thread I was not able to find.

Also, any comments on the car above would be appreciated (i.e., good deal or not).

Cheers

FatherTo1

Tires will make a drastic difference in perceived ride quality on the LS. That said, I did feel the F Sport was overly stiff when I test drove a 2014 model compared to the 2013 non-F Sport that we eventually bought, and both cars had the adjustable air suspension and 19" wheels. The F Sport had new Michelin Energy S8 tires but i dont know if they were over-inflated (at the time, i didnt pay enough attention to the tire pressure readout available on the dash). The F Sport models are also half an inch lower. I think that also contributes to the stiffer ride. I like the exterior F Sport touches but really didn't care for the jarring ride. Test drive it and compare it to a non-F Sport and draw your own conclusions to see if it's a deal-breaker for you.

EddieP1215

I just bought a 2013 F Sport last week and love the ride. It's not as stiff as you may think due to the Air Suspension. Like FatherTo1 said drive both and see which you like; but I don't think you'll have an issue with the ride of the F Sport.

Cosmo2002

Thanks for the input. I just test drove the 2013 LS 460 F Sport, and the ride was incredibly smooth. After we returned to the dealership, I test drove a new LS 460 non-F Sport, and I honestly could not tell a difference in smoothness and road noise. The seats were also a tad bit more comfy in the 2013, as I assume they have been broken in. The sales and finance manager offered an extra 3 year warranty on top of the 2 year CPO warranty (so total of 5 years) for $2,500, and an extended 5 year/50,000 mile service plan for $1,500. What an amazing car all around, and am thinking I'll pull the trigger. Just need to think a bit more about the warranty and service plan, and compare it to my local independent service shop. From what I've read, the prices they quoted me for the extended warranty and service plan seem fairly reasonable for a Lexus dealership.

Any other things I should consider before I join the club? :-)

comotiger

Hi Cosmo, great to hear you liked the car and are seriously considering it. You will get two views on extended warranties on this forum. I have a Lexus Platinum VSA, as do many others, while several other CLers think it is a waste of money given the reliability of the LS and the ease of most repairs and availability of cheap parts. Please consult the following threads to give you some perspective.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...est-price.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ot-to-get.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ggestions.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...sferrable.html


As for the price quoted by your dealer for the 3 year extended warranty, it is daylight robbery IMO. Check post #s 7 and 14 in the following thread.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...y-service.html
For your vehicle with CPO, you can get 6-8 years of additional coverage (unlimited miles) for $2500. Do not buy it from your dealer. Contact Toby Rivers or Troy Deitrich for a quote for your CPO vehicle, and hopefully they can sell to you in CA.

Good luck! And hope to see pics of your 2013 F sport very soon!

Scrutator

I like my 2013 F Sport... a lot. Mine's an AWD with the Cold Weather Package which I need for the snow in the San Bernardino mountains. I got it with 25K miles nearly two years ago and am 100% pleased. It appears that the one you're looking at is in good shape and seems like a reasonable deal. As for the extended-service plan, others can speak to that better than I. I spent plenty on a plan for my 2006 LS 430 and never used it; money I wished I'd never spent.

FatherTo1

Now I wonder if something was wrong with the 2014 F Sport I test drove because it rode noticeably stiff like a 2013 Porsche Cayenne S.

Congrats on the possible new car. The only thing I would suggest is that if you take them up on the extended warranty, make sure it covers the air suspension as that is a guaranteed replacement item at some point. There are not too many air suspension aftermarket options and some LS owners deliberately chose non-air suspension models. I enjoy the air suspension and am prepared for the potentially $4K repair bill sometime during the life of the car. I am at 81K miles and no indications of air suspension issues yet, knock on wood.

Cosmo2002

All of this information is incredibly helpful, what a great forum! I sent a note to Toby for a quote on VSAs, and hope to hear soon.

comotiger

I hope that the rates and terms for the Platinum VSA are still very good, and that you will be able to receive unlimited mileage coverage in CA thru Toby. Good luck with the purchase.

Duck05

I have lived and shopped for Lexus vehicles in the Bay Area back to 1992 and still own all of the ones we purchased. Our experience is Lexus of Concord has the highest prices then every other Lexus dealer we have compared. Even Marin...

I know finding a CPO LS460 is a challenge but try and do as much price assessments as you can.

We never buy any extended coverages..... the math never works out.... But if it gives you piece of mind then find the best deal you can....

Cosmo2002

Thanks for the insight Duck05, the price is not the best. When I bought my ES 350, all 5 dealerships I worked with had essentially the same car I wanted, so it was easy to get a great deal. You are right that CPO LS460s are much harder to scope out. I think I'll be a bit more patient in my search.