mmarshall

People don't always buy the car they perceive as the best value. If they did, we probably wouldn't have much of a Lexus forum....there are lots of cheaper cars than a Lexus out there; many good ones at that. The question arises (and that is where a thread like this comes in)..........are those cheaper cars actually a better buy, or is the extra money for a Lexus (or other upmarket car) worth it? Lexus, of course, is generally considered the epitome in paint smoothness/gloss, riding quietness (except for some IS models), and except for some well-publicized transmission flares, powertrain smoothness. Other areas, though, are more open to debate.

Just FYI, I have a Subaru myself, and consider the best values on the market, for the money, to be a virtual tie between Subaru and Hyundai/Kia. Subaru has pretty much sold me on how they do a simple, reliable AWD with the flat-boxer engine.

CDNROCKIES

I understand the point that you are making...but, again, you're talking about a lot of different criteria...many of which are subjective. We could argue 'til the cows come home about which brand is better for design, interiors, fit & finish, etc. Technology, performance, etc. of course are much easier to define. I guess it comes down to how an individual defines value. I may be more comfortable and happy spending more money on, say, a Lexus vs. a Hyundai. I would see the value in the extra spend. It all comes down to personal choice and nobody is right or wrong in a discussion like this.

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

Toyota?

Nothing screams LOOK AT ME but considering how reliable (well..maybe, sorta, usedta, kinda..err), the quality, and resale value, I think it's definitely up there.

But with all honesty, I think Subaru gives you the most. I mean, look at the current Outback. If it wasn't for the badge, I think it'll pass as a cheaper version of the A6 Allroad. I have an Audi magazine from Japan and they surveryed current Audi owners and asked what their other choices were...almost half of them IIRC chose Subaru.

bad co

clarkson hates the scooby diesel engine fyi, he says no low end torque so you have to rev the nuts off of it to get moving and its quite noisy