Took the plunge... bought a BMW 545 sport.
#16
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Congrats on the pickup!
I still remember the drive home the day I got my 745. Even though the GS400 had coilovers and such I could just feel a 'difference' in the driving characteristics of the stock 7series.
I was really surprised at how stiff the stock suspension was on the 7series, so I can imagine your Sport model 5.
In my opinion, its good to mix things up with your car choices. Enjoy the Bimmer.
I still remember the drive home the day I got my 745. Even though the GS400 had coilovers and such I could just feel a 'difference' in the driving characteristics of the stock 7series.
I was really surprised at how stiff the stock suspension was on the 7series, so I can imagine your Sport model 5.
In my opinion, its good to mix things up with your car choices. Enjoy the Bimmer.
#17
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#19
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This takes nothing away from the 545, of course, and you did indeed make a nice choice with it (like the 550i and 335i, it is an excellent sports sedan....see my last post), but, the way I see it, there is far more to driving than just the torque and ultra-firm suspension on the IS-F. Other Lexus products may not have quite the 0-60 time or skidpad figures of the IS-F, but the world doesn't necessarily revolve around track times, and those other Lexus products offer some excellent features as well.....particularly the GS and LS.
Last edited by mmarshall; 01-12-09 at 10:44 PM.
#20
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the way I see it, there is far more to driving than just the torque and ultra-firm suspension on the IS-F. Other Lexus products may not have quite the 0-60 time or skidpad figures of the IS-F, but the world doesn't necessarily revolve around track times, and those other Lexus products offer some excellent features as well.....particularly the GS and LS.
#21
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Either way, you didn't go wrong with a 545. Enjoy it.
#22
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"acceptable" in terms of offering BMW levels of driving satisfaction. Road feel, linear travel, grip, tracking, being able to precisely feel the wheels. No other luxury auto maker has consistently been hammered by the press for lack of motivation in these respects than Lexus has. There's a reason.
#24
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If you look at what the OP stated they were looking for, Lexus doesn't have anything that does drive like a S55 AMG or a 545 with the sport package. The fact that the OP didn't see anything as far as looks that they liked is totally subjective of course. But you cannot argue that Lexus has a vehicle that can compete with how a S55 AMG or 545 with sport package drive. While the GS is a very nice, luxurious, reliable car....it does not come close as far as driving performance.
#26
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Got really busy so didn't have a chance to reply. Looks wise it's subjective. I do not really like the exterior of the new GS. Interior wise, the GS is much better than a bland 5er. For all those asking its auto I don't want a daily to be manual.
mmarshall: The reason for me not buying the IS-F is simple: I'm in med school so I'm broke lol. If it was in the price range of a 545 I would have snagged that up over it.
I will buy my next car in 2 yrs when I get into residency (conveniently the same time the CPO warranty runs out on this car). At that time I will be looking at 6 series, SL class, and used 911 turbos. Nothing from Lexus, unless the new SC has some serious power, will be able to compete. Lexus should take note that the discerning luxury car buyer will want more than just a smooth ride. They need to put more soul into their cars like BMW does. BMW, Audi, and Benz all have cars with 500 hp. If Lexus doesnt extend their F line to compete with those, then sadly my good ole' SC300 will be the last Lexus I own. Although I haven't driven one, the new LS600 is definately a step in the right direction!
mmarshall: The reason for me not buying the IS-F is simple: I'm in med school so I'm broke lol. If it was in the price range of a 545 I would have snagged that up over it.
I will buy my next car in 2 yrs when I get into residency (conveniently the same time the CPO warranty runs out on this car). At that time I will be looking at 6 series, SL class, and used 911 turbos. Nothing from Lexus, unless the new SC has some serious power, will be able to compete. Lexus should take note that the discerning luxury car buyer will want more than just a smooth ride. They need to put more soul into their cars like BMW does. BMW, Audi, and Benz all have cars with 500 hp. If Lexus doesnt extend their F line to compete with those, then sadly my good ole' SC300 will be the last Lexus I own. Although I haven't driven one, the new LS600 is definately a step in the right direction!
#28
wow, with all the med school loan and you still manage to buy a cpo 545i, you gotta be rich. My gf is 3rd med student and still drive her 01 accord untill that car breakdown. well enjoy your new beamer, it look really nice.
#30
Lexus Fanatic
Good point, nobody wants to own a Benz or Beemer out of warranty, so CPO is a big thing for those makes. Obviously the confidence in reliability of these cars is not there.