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Does this look to you like a premium vehicle?

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Old 02-05-23 | 01:09 AM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by 703
The 2.5L engines from Toyota are high volume products. Don’t expect attention to detail with wiring harness.

Lexus premium products are the 3.5L and their V8s. All the engine wiring is covered up nicely.

Lexus is no longer spending money on detail that no one really appreciates.
I think this says a lot about Lexus today vs Lexus of old. This kind of attitude would have been unacceptable in their heyday. It doesn't feel like they are on the relentless pursuit of perfection anymore.
Old 02-05-23 | 01:40 AM
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Originally Posted by jwong77
I think this says a lot about Lexus today vs Lexus of old. This kind of attitude would have been unacceptable in their heyday. It doesn't feel like they are on the relentless pursuit of perfection anymore.
They have been living on their reputation for years now. Really since 2007 their quality has been lacking. The Camry, ES, and LS were disasters that year for instance.
Old 02-05-23 | 05:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Sodbuster1
I just want my battery to be under the front hood. A small thing to ask.
As opposed to inside the fender, like my wife's old Sebring Convertible? Yes, absolutely.

As opposed to in a nice clean compartment in the trunk like my BMWs, where it also improves vehicle balance and handling? Negative.

As opposed to in a nice clean and easily accessible compartment with tons of space under the passenger floorboard like in our Q7? That's a HELL no. I haven't had to replace that one yet, but when I do it will be the easiest, cleanest, battery swap I've ever done.
Old 02-05-23 | 06:57 AM
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Originally Posted by katekebo
Engine layout speaks volumes about attention to detail. Do these cable terminations look good to you? These are from my wife's 2023 NX 350h. Thin cables left rubbing against sharp edge of a plastic conduit. Sure, some terminations are well done, wrapped with tape to prevent rubbing and keep moisture out. But about 20% of them are of unacceptable quality, not even in the cheapest of cars, much less in a car from a brand that claims high quality.
2023 NX 350h has the 4th gen hybrid system probably the best executed hybrid powertrain in the industry. The Toyota/Lexus hybrid powertrains have a proven track record of long term reliability that in my view is a better way to gauge real quality
Old 02-05-23 | 07:00 AM
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Originally Posted by sorptd
The Toyota/Lexus hybrid powertrains have a proven track record of long term reliability that in my view is a better way to gauge real quality
Same with their electrics in general, so the looks are about the last thing that I'd be worried about, honestly.
Old 02-05-23 | 07:05 AM
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This one looks really clean to me. It's all covered up, not an exposed wire anywhere



.
.

I'm just kidding. But this was always my favorite Lexus engine bay. I don't know if any other car to this day was ever this finished in the engine compartment. I agree with the poster who said Lexus used to care a lot more. It does seem like they have given up on their whole "pursuit of perfection" thing.

Old 02-05-23 | 07:09 AM
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Originally Posted by jwong77
I think this says a lot about Lexus today vs Lexus of old. This kind of attitude would have been unacceptable in their heyday. It doesn't feel like they are on the relentless pursuit of perfection anymore.
cheaper Lexus models always lacked engine cladding. One has to have experienced these cars back them to remember.






this is Lexus ES and Lexus RX from the 1990s



RX from 2010


Originally Posted by jwong77
I think this says a lot about Lexus today vs Lexus of old..
Maybe not. Maybe Lexus of today is better than Lexus of old


First gen LX

Second gen LX




Third gen LX



Fourth Gen LX

Last edited by Toys4RJill; 02-05-23 at 07:39 AM.
Old 02-05-23 | 07:27 AM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by xjokerz
They have been living on their reputation for years now. Really since 2007 their quality has been lacking. The Camry, ES, and LS were disasters that year for instance.




Engine bay of the Lexus ES 350 from 2007
Old 02-05-23 | 07:40 AM
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Originally Posted by JDR76
I’m an engineer too. I’d never judge the quality or technology of an engine by its looks.

Bingo.

And people often forget......the fewer unnecessary covers you find under the hood to hide all the components and give it that so-called "premium" look, the easier those components will be to reach and service/repair/replace, lowering labor costs and making it simpler for technicians. Underhood-accessability is something that I used to cover in every full-review I would do.
Old 02-05-23 | 07:49 AM
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Originally Posted by katekebo
Engine layout speaks volumes about attention to detail. Do these cable terminations look good to you? These are from my wife's 2023 NX 350h. Thin cables left rubbing against sharp edge of a plastic conduit. Sure, some terminations are well done, wrapped with tape to prevent rubbing and keep moisture out. But about 20% of them are of unacceptable quality, not even in the cheapest of cars, much less in a car from a brand that claims high quality.



Some of these images would be a concern for me.
Old 02-05-23 | 07:56 AM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by signdetres
This one looks really clean to me. It's all covered up, not an exposed wire anywhere

.
.

I'm just kidding. But this was always my favorite Lexus engine bay. I don't know if any other car to this day was ever this finished in the engine compartment. I agree with the poster who said Lexus used to care a lot more. It does seem like they have given up on their whole "pursuit of perfection" thing.


That is definitely impressive






here is the Toyota Century hybrid

Last edited by Toys4RJill; 02-05-23 at 08:02 AM.
Old 02-05-23 | 08:36 AM
  #27  
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I don't understand why putting a cover to pretend there are no engine components makes something "premium". Most people won't even open the hood ... ever. My neighbor was super-impressed that I knew how to refill the washer fluid.
Old 02-05-23 | 08:43 AM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by tex2670
I don't understand why putting a cover to pretend there are no engine components makes something "premium"..
It is super obvious as to why.
Old 02-05-23 | 09:19 AM
  #29  
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Well sure, but after I saw what my friend went through with his 2.0T Audi engine (multiple water pumps, carbon deposits, etc) - I'll take the Toyota motor any day.

You can take care of some of those connector/exposed wire issues with some wire duct and a couple of tie wraps. Yes I know you shouldn't have to do that yourself, but if you are concerned about longevity of the connection, then take care of it DIY.

Last edited by lexusnyca; 02-05-23 at 09:27 AM.
Old 02-05-23 | 09:39 AM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by LexsCTJill
It is super obvious as to why.
If it's so obvious, please explain. Because I don't see it.



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