LexFather

Its not even close. There might be a few Lexus with questionable mods, riced out Hondas are almost the norm. Not even close.

ff_

How is that different, though? If someone pokes fun at a riced-out Honda, but then throws up a white flag when someone criticizes a riced out Lexus, that's the same thing.

LexFather

B/C as a WHOLE, Lexus has their image of luxury and prestige still, even with the Lexus modded questionably. Almost the first thing people think of when you say "Honda" is "Rice" b/c of the sheer volume of questionably modded Honda's.

Anyway, we have both strayed away from the OP's subject. Don't muddy this thread with bringing up Honda and what people think of Honda's.

ff_

That whole conversation went right over your head, man. I just used Hondas as an example. Basically what we're talking about is whether it's cynical to wag your finger at ricers, just as long as they're modding a brand of cars other than your own. I think most reasonable people would call that cynical.

This is very much relevant to the topic of this thread.

Lil4X

While I am a fan of performance mods (and a few aesthetic "developments" as well), I prefer function with my form. Addition of non-functional wings, body kits, and CF cupholders just seem out of character with the basic Lexus concept. If you're going to air bag your Lexus, why not add hydraulics instead and see how high you can jump it?

Depending on your goal, you select the proper basic platform first. With few exceptions, turning a Lexus into an ultimate track car is going to be expensive in the extreme, and probably won't leave much "Lexus" in your Lexus. It probably won't make much of a monster truck or an amphibious assault craft either, though some will try to create such.

A friend who has an extensive engineering background calls successful mods ƒ($), a direct function of bucks. An economist might call it destruction of wealth, or a broker a miserable investment with no return, but considered a hobby; it’s probably no more foolish than any other. Have you priced a bass boat lately??? . . . and don't try to tell me you bought it because you like to eat fish . . . I can eat fish down at McCormick & Schmick's twice a week for a whole lot less money - and they bring it to the table already cleaned and prepared.

Viewed in that way, hobbies are all about what you love DOING, not necessarily the result.

marshmallo

I don't have a problem with people ricing out cars either. I
understand where they are coming from since I fundamentally
agree that the stock look is boring.

Even if I had the cash to buy a naturally good looking car such
as a Bentley or CLS I would still mod it because with the right
wheels those cars can look WAY better than stock. The OEM's
and the haters may not agree, but I don't see what's so wrong
about adding some flair and personality.

IS_Mine

A ricer is a ricer reguardless of the brand.

But overall I think 1Sick was getting at.. well, 95% of those EP/Civic/Accord drivers that are late teen early 20s are ricer fans.

How many civics do you see these days without Altezza lights, obnoxious exhaust and VTECH stickers all over the place.

There is nothing wrong with adding flare to a vehicle but it is doing it in a tasteful manner. But there again.. perception is different to everyone.

ff_

I understand what he was getting at. But that doesn't excuse someone from wagging fingers, unless they're going to be consistent across all brands.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

at that point if someone said that to me i would have turned my radio up, and smoke the tires. funny thing is one time i saw this dropped LS430 speeding up a hill that i was going up, at first i thought seing as how low it was on big chrome rims, with 4 big exhuast tips that it wa someone younger......to my surprise it was this little old lady hauling *** up the hill and weaving in and out .

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Generically speaking, this isn't any different than many of the other ways people choose to make their possessions or selves unique among the masses. Whether it is youth, mid-age or elderly...there is an individual mindset which we choose to suit our tastes. While it is nice to be recognized and praised for our tastes, from an individual standpoint...praise or negative remarks are irrelevant IMO.

The man who made the remarks in the OP would have been better off keeping his comments to himself.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

You were very polite I'd say! What a schmuck for saying that he was!!!

I might have said "It's guys like you with your viagra and walking canes that give Lexus a reputation for being a car for grumpy old men."

pvmike1

Hey Bit, that second sentence sounded like Yoda.

I completely agree. Talking about what we like or dislike on a forum like CL is just fine - that's what it's here for. But for a stranger to insult you for your taste in mods when his opinion was not asked, and in a public place no less, is absolutely rude and disrespectful. I'd have a few choice words for him too.

LexLaw

LMAO Great comeback line.

Inabj2

I believe an economist in the sense that you described, is not capable of enjoying life. They forget that money is a tool to get to the end, not the end or the goal itself.

MrG4Life

iTrader: (14)

Honestly, he didn't seem rude about it in terms of how he said it besides I try to respect my elders. But if it were different where the guy was insulting about it and wouldn't shut up, then I'd use your comment .
BTW, the mod that I'm currently doing (lowering springs/Bilstein shocks) is for looks of course, but from what I heard it'll help with the body roll that the 2nd-Gen GS suffers from. So there's a definite benefit from modding too. But hey, some folks see it as money wasted. Like when I told my girl about the springs, she could really care less. When the old guy saw my chrome wheels, he automatically assumed it was "spinning rims". I should've stuck around and hear what other mods tarnish the Lexus name .