jjscsix

Exactly why the Lexus IS 10-15% cheaper than its German competitors. Which do you want?

SW17LS

Its not that specifically lol, its just an example.

Thats just it, they didn't used to do that and if anything they were even cheaper as a percentage than their german counterparts. Its an example of something cheap they do they didn't used to do. Its fine to say that its a pointless issue, but the point of driving a luxury car is these little details. Nothing in an $80k+ LS460 should be shared with a Toyota Camry. In fact...our Prius had the same mirror back in 2004.

Guys, I'm not this hung up on a rearview mirror lol, the only reason I mentioned it was because Stereorob mentioned the rearview mirror on the MB being cheap feeling and I pointed out that wasn't the case, and that it was in fact Lexus who uses a cheap parts bin supplier rearview mirror.

jjscsix

The original ES was nearly just a rebadged Camry. The LS was a good example of what you are saying, but I'd bet they were giving the early ones away to break into the market, and it worked.

SW17LS

Wasn't just the original LS. They started using gentex mirrors with the LS460. All the 400s and the 430 had the color keyed mirror. As did the 1GS, 2GS, 1IS

boostinsc

Mods just close the thread please before it goes on non stop thank you

CottageChz

I don't understand all the fuss about LED lights in the signals. Maybe I am missing something. Is it that big of a difference? I have seen that complaint a lot on these forums.

One of the big things for me was ventilated seats and real leather. ALMOST every GS has those. The ventilation generally costs you a fortune in Germans, and a lot of them seem to have leatherette. Also, could be wrong here, but I think a lot of the base model Germans don't come with HIDs. That was big for me too.

SW17LS

Because its the modern technology and look within the industry now, its where everybody is going, all LED lighting. LED turn signals are crisper, brighter, and just look higher tech and higher end. Lexus should have them on all their vehicles by now IMHO.

Would a car not having LED turn signals keep me from buying it? Of course not.

ItzFilyO

It's just like HID vs Halogen headlights.

Stereorob

I know what your saying about the mirrors. they may be parts bin mirrors but they still feel more solid than the Mercedes ones. just my $0.02. however, I was in a mazda 6 not long ago with the same mirror...

dchar

Not to mention...the Mercedes ones are mounted weirdly, so it makes it difficult to hang anything on them (I.e., parking or handicap placards)

I like the new frameless mirrors...doesn't really matter what color they are anymore since you can't really see the plastic.

I've been in the Mercedes E class interior and felt many of the material is cheap. It looks decent but you tap on them and you realize that it's shiny plastic, or you touch it and realize it's molded rubber.

SW17LS

I totally disagree. All the switchgear in these MB cars is very solid and high quality IMHO, mirrors included. One thing Lexus still struggles with is the use of hard plastic in areas of their interiors.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

More than 95% of Lexus buyers could care less if the rear view mirror is a parts bin item. Quite frankly, I could care less too. The new borderless mirror is a nice touch, regardless if it's in an LS460 or a Corolla.

Hell, for the argument's sake, you could say that the door chime and lock/unlock chime are parts bin, because they are. Does it matter? Not really.

dchar

Sharing parts isn't new to luxury cars. Mercedes parts are used in lower/downmarket cars too. The window switches, turn signal stalk, cruise control stalk, sometimes key can be found in Chrysler and Dodge. Have you sat in a Maserati lately? It's almost an exact copy of Chrysler interiors.

SW17LS

Chrysler vehicles used Mercedes switchgear during their partnership, Mercedes vehicles didn't use Chrysler switchgear. As for Maserati, Maserati is a niche carmaker and even then the big thing they use is Chrysler's infotainment, can't really expect them to develop a system just for Maserati since it's such a small run automaker.

Lexus is so big they don't have to use Toyota switchgear, and for the most part they've gotten away from it with a couple notable exceptions.

dchar

Yeah, but you said parts in luxury cars shared with lower automakers. As for Maserati, uses more than just the infotainment, and being "niche"...that isn't an excuse. Haha

I forgot to mention parts sharing between VW, Audi, Bentley, and Lamborghini.