I had a RWD GS300 and a GS460 in Minnesota as daily drivers for years, set of snow tires and learning how to control the car and they’re totally fine. Never spun out or got in any accident
Agreed. It's about buying the right tools (winter tires) and learning the right skills (brake control, slowing down). Also, throwing a body or two in the trunk doesn't hurt :)
I just bought a 2002 LS430 in August, 300k miles, it was stuck in the snow and ice for days. 2 minutes into this video, and I’m back on the road. Thank you!!!! 💪💪💪
Congrats on getting winter tires; they are a life-saver in the winter. AWD will get you going faster, but it won't stop you faster. Only winter tires will stop you faster and keep you from spinning out and going into the ditch.
Yes won't go anywhere because the vsc is fighting to not track on one tire. If ever your vsc light comes on and stays on on the dash even if you press the vsc switch then you are in trouble. The laser cruise being dirty can trigger it but also just crud in the brakes area. Never spray water direct on the calipers due to sensors that can trigger vsc probs.
I think the snow mode is really to give someone half a chance if they’ve got summer tyres on in the snow. It really is for minimum acceleration. Since you have winter tyres, you can handle a bit more poke!
Winter tires are great - but we want to buy new ones for next year. I don't know how old these are as the seller gave them to us with the price of the car ($2,200US). There was no receipt for when they were put on - and the original owner had died. We bought the car from his son. Fresh tires can make a world of difference when it comes to safety in the snow.
When there is Snow on the road and you are taking off in Snow Mode...you let the car creep forward FIRST b4 you apply power with a Feather Light foot...prodding the throttle like you do will Activate VSC bcos the wheel are spinning...I know bcos I have a GS300...same system..
I use snow mode every winter and never had a issue snow mode really just cuts the power in half it just doesn't go you have to slowlt give it gas then just leave
Same thing with snow mode on GS300. If the wheel is going to slip it won't turn at all in snow mode. It's pretty useless. I generally leave traction on for control, but just never use the other modes. If you need to launch up a driveway, then I'll turn it off so the tires spin, but with the momentum I can get up a steep driveway.
@@lexusls4305 no, I have not the LS430 was only car I've driven with that engine. It may not look like much, but my favorite was a 1999 ES300 it just rode really well and was more nimble than the LS, but both are fine cars and the LS to me looks like a classic in person. I've thought about LS460 looks nicer, but I actually prefer ride and handling of ES350 thru 2012. ES 2013+ handling is better, but the ride became quite firm and the seat was the actual reason i sold it, but thinking about getting one again and just cutting some of the upper foam off. Anyhow! Nice LS! I still contemplate getting one, but too many cars and not enough room at the moment.
@@lexusls4305 i do prefer rwd, but I enjoy the overall ride quality and comfort followed by handling is why I like the ES. I used to own an old Volvo too - just drove down the highway as straight as an arrow. The LS and GS win in that department - plus, the nice turning radius. The GS is pretty good on smooth roads, but in Texas they place these tiny grooves in the road and I can't drive my GS anymore without a neck ache and back ache, but the ES or even the first gen Highlander you don't feel a thing. However, the GS feels like the transmission is burning up even since 26k miles on the odometers If you drive 90mph+ and the ES it doesn't seem to affect it. The GS at those speeds bc the gearing is turning 3200rpms or more.
Hadn't thought of that. Growing up in the snow with rear-wheel drive cars, counter-steering was just part of the drive to school or work. I've spun out at 60mph on the highway north of Nashville - did a complete 360 - and just kept going because stopping was more dangerous than driving
I'm using Michelin's. The previous owner did a lot of country road driving in winter and had great tires, always. But I think this will be their last winter. Need new ones!
@@iOZKERTV They are great. I had Blizzak's on my C63 for winter tires. They did the job for 4 Canadian winters. This fall I had to buy new winter tires and ended up with Continental VikingContact 7's. They've been great so far.
Hopefully she’s done well this winter!! Snow tires are a must, but still don’t expect to be able to drive on unplowed roads, or after/during a big storm with lots of snow. My dads LS does well here in Michigan, but if there’s about 4 or more inches they will take the truck with 4wd.
@@colenkas44 We just finished driving in the Rockies - where it snowed just under a half foot while we slept. It was fine. Now, the car IS packed with an entire family and more junk in the trunk than....we better not say :)
I have an ls400 and live in a very hilly area. Traction control and pressing the snow button on that car mean nothing. There's not enough technology in the world that can get a rear wheel drive car through snow on hills. I do not drive that car with any winter precipitation.
Driving in the snow is half the fun! (except up or down hills, that would be scary). This week the VSC went out just as we had freezing rain. The roads were the most slick and dangerous I had ever seen. A terrible combination made worse by having to drive for doctor's appointments, etc. Now THAT was the kind of winter driving I would prefer to avoid.
I have an ls400 ‘98 and this was my first winter in the snow. I live in a densely populated hilly area in New York and it did really well in the snow! It definitely did slip a lot
Amy got stuck in a parking lot yesterday. It was icy and a stranger had to push her out. Tried to explain over facetime how to 'rock' the car by going between D & R. That was unsuccessful. Thank goodness for the kindness of strangers.
Omg what a sweeeet deal! I want one like that! Just can’t decide if I want to roll the dice with the ultra luxury package with the air ride suspension, and risk having that break and having to swap out the suspension for regular, i heard that happens a lot and sucks.
I love the look of the 460's and the power. But almost every review complains about build quality. Maybe it's just the people who have something wrong who do the reviews, while those who are happy with their 460's are not complaining. I'd go for it!
If it's anything like my Saab and it's snow mode, it starts the vehicle off in 3rd gear. It's so lethargic. Wheels can't spin if your sitting still I guess 🤣.
Everyone can get sideways in a rear-wheel drive car in the snow - it's whether you are trying to that matters. When it happens and you don't expect it that you're in trouble
All the advice you've probably already heard by now - get the maintenance history, have someone with mechanical knowledge check it out - is all good and true. Now, having said that, we did neither. Bought it based on how it ran and my gut feeling that the owner was a straight up, honest person. They were/are. It's been a wonderful family car. And glad we didn't fall into the 'We must have a SUV or crossover' trap.
@@lexusls4305 well I'm a mechanic so no worries on work but just costly parts or other are more my worry and where I live can't say much for the "honesty" of car sales haha
We lived in Lake Mary for a while - it was great for much of the year, but those summers...wow - tough. We had a 1966 Mustang convertible with no air conditioning and it was brutal! The sun would heat up that car even with the top up. And then when the (almost) everyday 3pm downpours hit, the canvas top would be soaked and leak. Every location has its challenges.
Great car! We dont have much of snow in Indonesia, but I am definetely considering this masterpiece while others are getting trapped with overpriced BMW or Mercedes.
@@lexusls4305 the air is humid and salty here. During the rain season, there are flood time to time. Gotta get Lx470 first. But yes, the coldest possible temperature is some 20 degrees celsius when crossing high mountain roads. Been thinking to partially move somewhere to austrian Alps. Forgot all the winters since my childhood.
Wow I drive on these roads everyday in my Lexus gs350, fellow edmontonian. Nice car I just picked up a ls460 from auction in Japan and wondering how it’s gonna drive in winter. It’s a 07 so I think it’s heavier than this
I had a RWD GS300 and a GS460 in Minnesota as daily drivers for years, set of snow tires and learning how to control the car and they’re totally fine. Never spun out or got in any accident
Agreed. It's about buying the right tools (winter tires) and learning the right skills (brake control, slowing down). Also, throwing a body or two in the trunk doesn't hurt :)
Yep, switch off VSC for better control, I do it on my GS400 in Edmonton winter
We knew we weren't alone. The VSC can really hinder your ability to get up and go when necessary...just cuts the engine. Glad to see we're not alone!
I just bought a 2002 LS430 in August, 300k miles, it was stuck in the snow and ice for days. 2 minutes into this video, and I’m back on the road. Thank you!!!! 💪💪💪
Congrats on getting winter tires; they are a life-saver in the winter. AWD will get you going faster, but it won't stop you faster. Only winter tires will stop you faster and keep you from spinning out and going into the ditch.
Yes won't go anywhere because the vsc is fighting to not track on one tire. If ever your vsc light comes on and stays on on the dash even if you press the vsc switch then you are in trouble. The laser cruise being dirty can trigger it but also just crud in the brakes area. Never spray water direct on the calipers due to sensors that can trigger vsc probs.
I think the snow mode is really to give someone half a chance if they’ve got summer tyres on in the snow.
It really is for minimum acceleration.
Since you have winter tyres, you can handle a bit more poke!
Winter tires are great - but we want to buy new ones for next year. I don't know how old these are as the seller gave them to us with the price of the car ($2,200US). There was no receipt for when they were put on - and the original owner had died. We bought the car from his son. Fresh tires can make a world of difference when it comes to safety in the snow.
It’s really just for easier throttle control
Thanks for the tips, I put two 25kg bags of gravel and a shovel in the trunk.
Wow - that also works!...is that loose gravel or bagged?
@@lexusls4305 bagged and in a cardboard box if I ever have to break them.
When there is Snow on the road and you are taking off in Snow Mode...you let the car creep forward FIRST b4 you apply power with a Feather Light foot...prodding the throttle like you do will Activate VSC bcos the wheel are spinning...I know bcos I have a GS300...same system..
So true - but there are times you have to just hit it...on ramps, quick turns. At that time, I prefer to have power on and the VSC switched off.
Did that say 440,000 miles!?
Wow Toyota/Lexus built a amazing car with the 400-430s. Incredible
My dad also has one that is the exact same as yours but with navigation same interior same color but with a touch screen
Cool! And did he drive it in the snow?
@@lexusls4305 No cause we dont have snow but he did drive it in the desert and it offroads like an suv just deflate the tires first
Good to know it will be my first time driving this car in the snow
Have fun!...and go slow!
I use snow mode every winter and never had a issue snow mode really just cuts the power in half it just doesn't go you have to slowlt give it gas then just leave
You're right!
Best car I bought one imported from California to the uae
UAE loves their 430's :)
@@lexusls4305 cause gas is cheap and there spare parts are dirt cheap here and they are nice comfortable reliable cars
@@osamaalobaidi3908 They are good on gas - and it's even better when gas is cheap!
Same thing with snow mode on GS300. If the wheel is going to slip it won't turn at all in snow mode. It's pretty useless. I generally leave traction on for control, but just never use the other modes. If you need to launch up a driveway, then I'll turn it off so the tires spin, but with the momentum I can get up a steep driveway.
Agreed. It's a weird experience, but you can always find a way. Off point, but have you ever driven a GS430?
@@lexusls4305 no, I have not the LS430 was only car I've driven with that engine. It may not look like much, but my favorite was a 1999 ES300 it just rode really well and was more nimble than the LS, but both are fine cars and the LS to me looks like a classic in person. I've thought about LS460 looks nicer, but I actually prefer ride and handling of ES350 thru 2012. ES 2013+ handling is better, but the ride became quite firm and the seat was the actual reason i sold it, but thinking about getting one again and just cutting some of the upper foam off. Anyhow! Nice LS! I still contemplate getting one, but too many cars and not enough room at the moment.
@@MusicConnoisseurian Have you ever considered the GS? Or do you prefer the front wheel drive of an ES?
@@lexusls4305 i do prefer rwd, but I enjoy the overall ride quality and comfort followed by handling is why I like the ES. I used to own an old Volvo too - just drove down the highway as straight as an arrow. The LS and GS win in that department - plus, the nice turning radius. The GS is pretty good on smooth roads, but in Texas they place these tiny grooves in the road and I can't drive my GS anymore without a neck ache and back ache, but the ES or even the first gen Highlander you don't feel a thing. However, the GS feels like the transmission is burning up even since 26k miles on the odometers If you drive 90mph+ and the ES it doesn't seem to affect it. The GS at those speeds bc the gearing is turning 3200rpms or more.
@@MusicConnoisseurian Good to know - thanks! We would love a GS F...but that'll be another 15 years.
Saw you few videos, it seems you are really happy with your Lexus and enjoy moments with your Lexus amd family ☺️👍👍
God bless you all ❤️
Thanks for watching - and yes, we love'em!
Actually, what you are suggesting is dangerous. Most people don't know how to countersteer and would spin out.
Hadn't thought of that. Growing up in the snow with rear-wheel drive cars, counter-steering was just part of the drive to school or work. I've spun out at 60mph on the highway north of Nashville - did a complete 360 - and just kept going because stopping was more dangerous than driving
And now you are going to get another v8 RWD in Canada?
What snow tires are you using? Is the ls430 really practical in the snow? My first winter in Chicago with my ls430 hoping all goes well.
I'm using Michelin's. The previous owner did a lot of country road driving in winter and had great tires, always. But I think this will be their last winter. Need new ones!
@@lexusls4305 try the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80
@@iOZKERTV They are great. I had Blizzak's on my C63 for winter tires. They did the job for 4 Canadian winters. This fall I had to buy new winter tires and ended up with Continental VikingContact 7's. They've been great so far.
Hopefully she’s done well this winter!! Snow tires are a must, but still don’t expect to be able to drive on unplowed roads, or after/during a big storm with lots of snow. My dads LS does well here in Michigan, but if there’s about 4 or more inches they will take the truck with 4wd.
@@colenkas44 We just finished driving in the Rockies - where it snowed just under a half foot while we slept. It was fine. Now, the car IS packed with an entire family and more junk in the trunk than....we better not say :)
I have an ls400 and live in a very hilly area. Traction control and pressing the snow button on that car mean nothing. There's not enough technology in the world that can get a rear wheel drive car through snow on hills. I do not drive that car with any winter precipitation.
Driving in the snow is half the fun! (except up or down hills, that would be scary). This week the VSC went out just as we had freezing rain. The roads were the most slick and dangerous I had ever seen. A terrible combination made worse by having to drive for doctor's appointments, etc. Now THAT was the kind of winter driving I would prefer to avoid.
I have an ls400 ‘98 and this was my first winter in the snow. I live in a densely populated hilly area in New York and it did really well in the snow! It definitely did slip a lot
I own this model .It moves best with ESC set on snow and VSC off. Less sideways action.
Unwanted sideways action is no fun, that's for sure. I'll be doing your trick this winter!
Drifting is always much more fun 😁
People who haven't driven real wheel drive cars in winter don't know what they're missing :)
Finest car i have owned..stunk in the snow.
Amy got stuck in a parking lot yesterday. It was icy and a stranger had to push her out. Tried to explain over facetime how to 'rock' the car by going between D & R. That was unsuccessful. Thank goodness for the kindness of strangers.
Yes and put snow tires on it u will be fine
@@yannolove1335 And good snow tires...not all seasons.
If you are on ice and don't have studded tires, awd is even useless!
Interesting! I've never had awd. That's good to know. Someday, I'm guessing, all electric cars will be awd. Sad.
I'm your 920th subscriber! 🙂
I've got a 2005 facelift and dreading coming across this weather (from the UK will avoid driving at all if possible!)
It's easy with the right tires. The car is terrifically able to keep controlled...again, with snow tires. And thanks for subscribing!!!!
Holy crap.....an Edmontonian youtuber, hello from Beaumont. Subbed
Good to hear from you! We've subbed right back at you!
Just bought 1 last wee 7k only 110,xxx 04 ls 430 best purchase ever!
Congratulations!
Omg what a sweeeet deal! I want one like that! Just can’t decide if I want to roll the dice with the ultra luxury package with the air ride suspension, and risk having that break and having to swap out the suspension for regular, i heard that happens a lot and sucks.
How do you think rwd 09 LS460 is compared to 430? I cannot find a solid video like yours. Reviews and opinions are all 50/50. I live in Chicago
I love the look of the 460's and the power. But almost every review complains about build quality. Maybe it's just the people who have something wrong who do the reviews, while those who are happy with their 460's are not complaining. I'd go for it!
If it's anything like my Saab and it's snow mode, it starts the vehicle off in 3rd gear. It's so lethargic. Wheels can't spin if your sitting still I guess 🤣.
It can be a real pain...and almost got me into trouble last year when I wanted to cross a road. Dangerous if you aren't prepared.
Edmonton?
100%. You?
@@lexusls4305 yup i own a lexus sc400 92!
Canada? Because of the metric temperature units? What's your locality?
Canada - we're in Edmonton - and yes very cold (although not that bad this week)
When you put the ECT in snow mode, it starts off in 2nd gear so you don’t spin out of control.
But it also stalls out in the ice...can be brutal in real winter driving when the roads are mixture of snow and ice.
Thanks for the informative demonstration!
My pleasure!
I gave a like because you got sideways thank you
Everyone can get sideways in a rear-wheel drive car in the snow - it's whether you are trying to that matters. When it happens and you don't expect it that you're in trouble
I've been toying with the idea of buying a ls430 but scared I'll buy a lemon
All the advice you've probably already heard by now - get the maintenance history, have someone with mechanical knowledge check it out - is all good and true. Now, having said that, we did neither. Bought it based on how it ran and my gut feeling that the owner was a straight up, honest person. They were/are. It's been a wonderful family car. And glad we didn't fall into the 'We must have a SUV or crossover' trap.
@@lexusls4305 well I'm a mechanic so no worries on work but just costly parts or other are more my worry and where I live can't say much for the "honesty" of car sales haha
So glad I live in Central Florida.😂
We lived in Lake Mary for a while - it was great for much of the year, but those summers...wow - tough. We had a 1966 Mustang convertible with no air conditioning and it was brutal! The sun would heat up that car even with the top up. And then when the (almost) everyday 3pm downpours hit, the canvas top would be soaked and leak. Every location has its challenges.
Great car! We dont have much of snow in Indonesia, but I am definetely considering this masterpiece while others are getting trapped with overpriced BMW or Mercedes.
Some great cars in Indonesia. You have the perfect weather, mostly, for keeping cars fresh and clean.
@@lexusls4305 the air is humid and salty here. During the rain season, there are flood time to time. Gotta get Lx470 first.
But yes, the coldest possible temperature is some 20 degrees celsius when crossing high mountain roads.
Been thinking to partially move somewhere to austrian Alps. Forgot all the winters since my childhood.
@@Filip333ify We like 4 seasons...just not crazy, extreme ones like where we are now.
Best advice don't drive the LS 430 in snow
If only we weren't in Canada where snow is everywhere, all the time
My LS460 handled great in the snow.
Does your 460 have AWD?
No, it was rear wheel drive. Tires made the difference though. I had luck with Continental Extreme Contact tires. Those performed well for me.
Wow I drive on these roads everyday in my Lexus gs350, fellow edmontonian. Nice car I just picked up a ls460 from auction in Japan and wondering how it’s gonna drive in winter. It’s a 07 so I think it’s heavier than this
Is that LS right hand drive? Great car! Congrats
Thanx 😎
Wrong