If the GS is so good, why are sales low?
04-21-14 | 09:14 PM
#122
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
From: NY
I see everyday older people on 911's, corvette, bmw's, if you love cars age is doesn't matter what kind of car you drive! Also older people has more $$ than 20+ people because they already achieved goals in their life's, While we are still working on them.
04-21-14 | 10:01 PM
#123
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 904
Likes: 3
From: Florida
I know exactly what you mean - but you're not going to hear that a lot at this site.
I bought my first brand new car at 35 years of age - a 2005 LS430. I'm now on my sixth Lexus (bought three for my wife) and my last for awhile. The old drivetrains no longer interest me. In my opinion, Lexus no longer has the fire that drew me to the brand...
As a result of discussions I've had here, I do realize that it's only me and some guy named Bob in Kentucky who wants an LS that performs like other large luxury sedans do - so I, and my opinion, is irrelevant. I am at peace with this understanding.
But, as mentioned, I know exactly where you're coming from - and I agree with you.
P.S. I have also learned to unsubscribe from discussions where I express these opinions, and hopefully forget to come looking for them in the future.
All the best...
I bought my first brand new car at 35 years of age - a 2005 LS430. I'm now on my sixth Lexus (bought three for my wife) and my last for awhile. The old drivetrains no longer interest me. In my opinion, Lexus no longer has the fire that drew me to the brand...
As a result of discussions I've had here, I do realize that it's only me and some guy named Bob in Kentucky who wants an LS that performs like other large luxury sedans do - so I, and my opinion, is irrelevant. I am at peace with this understanding.
But, as mentioned, I know exactly where you're coming from - and I agree with you.
P.S. I have also learned to unsubscribe from discussions where I express these opinions, and hopefully forget to come looking for them in the future.
All the best...
I have owned a number of Japanese cars, and my BMW 550 is my first German. First a disclaimer, the main reason I got a BMW is because they offer a 400 hp engine and Lexus did not (I had a 2010 GS before the BMW). So here my opinion on the reasons why…
>BMW (and other Germans) have a "snob" appeal that many folks are looking for.
>The Germans cover a lot more ground with the same car. A 5 series starts with a 240 hp 4 cylinder (that feels as fast as a GS btw), 300 hp 6, 445 hp V8, Diesel, and 560 hp M. They also offer a very wide range of options and features that are not available on a GS AND you can actually order one the way you want it.
>The biggest reason IMHO is that Lexus and Acura both came out of the gate with a bang 25 years ago and were very well received. I know some wealthy folks who traded S Class M-Bs and 7 series BMW's for Lexus LS400s. But sadly, the Japanese became very conservative and complacent - like a basketball team with a 10 point lead comes out after half time and forgets that the opponent regrouped. The LS460 has been sitting on 380 hp for years, the GS on 303/306 hp for years, and they have been very conservative in styling and coming out with variations as pointed out above.
Lexus and Acura build fine cars, but not terribly interesting cars and they are now having to go through the process of reversing a perception - which takes time.
>BMW (and other Germans) have a "snob" appeal that many folks are looking for.
>The Germans cover a lot more ground with the same car. A 5 series starts with a 240 hp 4 cylinder (that feels as fast as a GS btw), 300 hp 6, 445 hp V8, Diesel, and 560 hp M. They also offer a very wide range of options and features that are not available on a GS AND you can actually order one the way you want it.
>The biggest reason IMHO is that Lexus and Acura both came out of the gate with a bang 25 years ago and were very well received. I know some wealthy folks who traded S Class M-Bs and 7 series BMW's for Lexus LS400s. But sadly, the Japanese became very conservative and complacent - like a basketball team with a 10 point lead comes out after half time and forgets that the opponent regrouped. The LS460 has been sitting on 380 hp for years, the GS on 303/306 hp for years, and they have been very conservative in styling and coming out with variations as pointed out above.
Lexus and Acura build fine cars, but not terribly interesting cars and they are now having to go through the process of reversing a perception - which takes time.
This right here it's a fantastic post. That's exactly what I feel especially when The new generation came with the same super old engines. I cannot recall any manufacture to carry on engines for so many years. Lexus is known for reliability?! Hack yes, but that only because they've been keeping those engines for so long. If BMW would sell you today the same engine as in 2006 be sure was very reliable..But people want better gas mileage and performance.. those I4 are doing a great job. those V8, v10 are doing a great job. Lexus needs to stop playing save. Everyone is expecting new and more engines option and that cannot come fast enough.
I think Lexus is doing a poor decision also not to bring IS300h in US or put that engine on a GS.
IMO also GS was always bald and they don;t offer many options the germans do.
At that price tag you need to impress with things you cannot find in an IS or ES.
I think Lexus is doing a poor decision also not to bring IS300h in US or put that engine on a GS.
IMO also GS was always bald and they don;t offer many options the germans do.
At that price tag you need to impress with things you cannot find in an IS or ES.
04-22-14 | 05:40 AM
#124
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 58,118
Likes: 2,786
From: Maryland
I'm a little confused as to why you're so surprised that the members of a Lexus enthusiast site are enthusiastic about Lexus, and that the members who post in the 4GS forum within that site are enthusiastic about their 4GS's. I think we've all been pretty understanding of dissenting viewpoints in this thread, yours and others.
Last edited by SW17LS; 04-22-14 at 05:54 AM.
04-22-14 | 07:56 AM
#127
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,295
Likes: 72
From: New York
3GS sales in first model year far exceeded 4GS sales.
So far in 2014 calendar year GS sales have been pretty good imo.
Some of that may be from the buzz generated by the IS.
04-22-14 | 10:15 AM
#128
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 58,118
Likes: 2,786
From: Maryland
If you're going to come into our forum and "fact check" our statements when you don't even own the car, at least be sure your facts are straight
04-22-14 | 11:20 AM
#129
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,295
Likes: 72
From: New York
^
That was not clear by his statement that he was referring to worldwide output.
Considering we are in the US - lets focus on US sales to have an apple to apples comparison.
Worldwide sales have grown due to the fact that Lexus is in markets today that they were not in back in 2005-2006 when 3GS went on sale.
2GS was not even a Lexus in other markets, it was sold as a Toyota Aristo.
Thanks fot the warning - Btw i have been a CL member for 10 years longer than you have and owned a 2GS for over 8 years.
Also i planned to get a GS before my 5 and still may get one once my current lease is up.
That was not clear by his statement that he was referring to worldwide output.
Considering we are in the US - lets focus on US sales to have an apple to apples comparison.
Worldwide sales have grown due to the fact that Lexus is in markets today that they were not in back in 2005-2006 when 3GS went on sale.
2GS was not even a Lexus in other markets, it was sold as a Toyota Aristo.
Thanks fot the warning - Btw i have been a CL member for 10 years longer than you have and owned a 2GS for over 8 years.
Also i planned to get a GS before my 5 and still may get one once my current lease is up.
Last edited by RNM GS3; 04-22-14 at 11:28 AM.
04-22-14 | 12:04 PM
#130
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 323
Likes: 2
From: WA
^
That was not clear by his statement that he was referring to worldwide output.
Considering we are in the US - lets focus on US sales to have an apple to apples comparison.
Worldwide sales have grown due to the fact that Lexus is in markets today that they were not in back in 2005-2006 when 3GS went on sale.
2GS was not even a Lexus in other markets, it was sold as a Toyota Aristo.
Thanks fot the warning - Btw i have been a CL member for 10 years longer than you have and owned a 2GS for over 8 years.
Also i planned to get a GS before my 5 and still may get one once my current lease is up.
That was not clear by his statement that he was referring to worldwide output.
Considering we are in the US - lets focus on US sales to have an apple to apples comparison.
Worldwide sales have grown due to the fact that Lexus is in markets today that they were not in back in 2005-2006 when 3GS went on sale.
2GS was not even a Lexus in other markets, it was sold as a Toyota Aristo.
Thanks fot the warning - Btw i have been a CL member for 10 years longer than you have and owned a 2GS for over 8 years.
Also i planned to get a GS before my 5 and still may get one once my current lease is up.
04-22-14 | 12:41 PM
#131
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 58,118
Likes: 2,786
From: Maryland
Considering we are in the US - lets focus on US sales to have an apple to apples comparison.
Thanks fot the warning - Btw i have been a CL member for 10 years longer than you have and owned a 2GS for over 8 years.
Also i planned to get a GS before my 5 and still may get one once my current lease is up.
Also i planned to get a GS before my 5 and still may get one once my current lease is up.
I'd like to place a bet on whether or not you ever buy a GS again
Its okay...the 5 series is a great car and I hope you enjoy it...but we want to enjoy discussing how much we enjoy our 4GSs, not listen to a bunch of non-owners talk about their perceptions of the car's shortcomings. I don't think its unreasonable to expect that we can do that in the 4GS forum on a Lexus enthusiast site. You've moved on and you prefer what BMW has to offer you, and thats fine...we just don't need to hear about it all the time.
Last edited by SW17LS; 04-22-14 at 01:02 PM.
04-22-14 | 02:17 PM
#132
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,295
Likes: 72
From: New York
^
Honestly im not sure if you are serious by your last post.
I have never said anything bad about the GS in this thread here.
The fact that sales are lower in the US compared to last generation doesnt mean the car is poor.
The 4GS has been a huge UPGRADE over the last generation specifically offering the FSport package which have provided great driver dynamics.
Forums are for people to voice opinions, share ideas, issues, the good the bad and the ugly.
Thats how improvements are generally made.
This forum is not to pat Lexus on their back and turn a blind eye to shortcomings when we see them.
On the other hand, i do agree if a member starts a thread to bash a car in a specific model forum for no apparent reason. That is no good.
Honestly im not sure if you are serious by your last post.
I have never said anything bad about the GS in this thread here.
The fact that sales are lower in the US compared to last generation doesnt mean the car is poor.
The 4GS has been a huge UPGRADE over the last generation specifically offering the FSport package which have provided great driver dynamics.
Forums are for people to voice opinions, share ideas, issues, the good the bad and the ugly.
Thats how improvements are generally made.
This forum is not to pat Lexus on their back and turn a blind eye to shortcomings when we see them.
On the other hand, i do agree if a member starts a thread to bash a car in a specific model forum for no apparent reason. That is no good.
04-22-14 | 03:21 PM
#134
Guest
Posts: n/a
Actually his statement is not false. He's talking about worldwide sales. Its 100% fact that the GS sold more units worldwide in 2013 than it ever has before. 3GS sales initially were much higher in the US, but increased volume in other markets has made up for that difference and then some.
If you're going to come into our forum and "fact check" our statements when you don't even own the car, at least be sure your facts are straight
If you're going to come into our forum and "fact check" our statements when you don't even own the car, at least be sure your facts are straight
