nosoup4u

Went to look at vehicles this weekend. Started at the Cadillac dealer. We talked to a salesman for fifteen minutes while we stood around trying to peer through the windows of a locked car. He never even offered to unlock it, let alone take it for a drive, before asking if I'd like to come in and talk about price. I left abruptly and drove over to the Lexus dealer where I was greeted by and intelligent human. I initially started looking at RX330's (still haven't decided between a smal SUV and a car). Then my wife says "Do you want to look at the 430?" She knows I fell in love with them when I sat in one at an auto show. We look it over and the salesman asks if I want to take it for a drive. We did and I love it. So we get back to the show room and chit chat a little with the sales guy. The owner of the store (and at least one other) is there and I'm introduced to him. It was Saturday afternoon and the owner says, "Why don't you take that 430 for the weekend and bring it back Monday." I did and fell in love with the car even more!
So now I need some help from all of you on how to justify to myself mostly, spending 60K on a car!

Brett

50k cadillac trades in for 20k 3 years later......costs you 30k
60k lexus trades in for 30k 3 years later.....costs you 30k

cars are the same price

somewhat simplistic, but fairly accurate


as for why buy an LS over an RX, well I think you figured that part out on your test drive.

marinakorp

Sounds like you found all the right reasons so far!

GS300Rich

You want it so just get it. The LS is such a sweet car.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

If you already fell in love...game over.

nosoup4u

When I talked about a 430 earlier my 22 year old son said, "For the same money you could get a BMW M5". He kind of turned his nose up when I brought the demonstrator home.
Then he drove it.
He never mentioned a BMW again.

daryll40

The replies so far pretty much have it. First of all, on a cost-per-mile basis, the higher sticker LS is competitive with the lower sticker/lower quality anything else.

Second of all, part of it is just an intangible. You have to have it! If you were going to compare a Ford Focus with the LS and had to mortgage your soul for the LS, it obviously would be a foolish purchase. But if you are already in the Cadillac league, it's not a big deal to jump to Lexus. And, as pointed out, truthfully in the end a 2-4 year owner usually makes out because the depreciation is so much less.

usermel

My 2001 LS430 was the best choice of cars I ever made. And your talking 2004 LS430 so with the new features, please no way you don't buy the LS. Also I like the new Cadillac, see why you have a hard choice to make. So to make it simple, do what you and your wife want. The only way you are going to be happy is that way. We only live once, then we die. Their are no do overs. Frank Sinatra said it best and I quote " I did it my way " . Do the same as the late great Sinatra.

usermel

Good food but no atmosphere! I love that one, it's the first time I heard it. I will tell my girlfriend that one tonight. Great joke, and enjoy whatever car you chose.

D2-AUTOSPORT

I have to agree with what others have said, the qualities of the LS seem to be qualitative rather than quantitative. I know someone that regards the 2004 LS430 as the best driving/ridin car PERIOD. He test drove the MB 600s, Bentley Arnage, etc etc and said the LS430 was the best of the lot.

I would choose it because you cannot find a better mix of looks, luxury, performance, value and relibility. Not to mention the 6speed and restyled front end for 04

Go for it man

BrickHead

If you decide to get the LS430, can you wait till Sept to get the 2005 model? It has standard 18" wheels.

quote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by MikeP
I saw this post at Edmunds.com and thought it may be of interest:

"Got a list of changes for 2005. For the LS the first arrivals (in port, not at dealer) will be 9/7. Only changes will be 18" wheels and tires for all configurations, and the availability of all season tires for 18" rims."

daryll40

Won't the 18 inch tires burn up even faster than the 17s? Here in Pittsburgh, especially, tire burn up is an issue. At least this year 18 inchers were only an option...not required.

hatchback

I had the same issue, namely, how can I justify spending $55k on an LS when you can get a great car (Honda Accord) for $25k? The answer for me was safety and reliability. The LS is one of the most reliable cars made, if not the most reliable car made, and it is also the safest sedan ever tested by the IIHS. The head of the IIHS drives an LS430! That sealed the deal for me.

daryll40

I love my Lexus too but, as I pointed out in a prior discussion, you are rationalizing. Yeah, the Lexus might be 5% safer than an accord, but it's more than double the price. For an additional $30,000 (my guess), you can armour plate it. Why not do that too? Or buy a Hummer?

nosoup4u

Usermel, the only time I'll ever be seen in a Cadillac dealer's lot again is when I drive through slowly in my new 430 giving them the finger.