Gojirra99

. . . and still can't drive a nice car

I'm all for investing one's money wisely, but there should be a balance between hoarding money & spending some of them on things one is passionate about. I love cars, but they're not investments, so I don't overspend on mods.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

It is a personality issue and alter ego. It may become relative to your partcular circle or friends and income level. My buddies have had this on going pissing match that started in college. You name it, they had to out do each other to some extent. When their wive's started popping out kids is when the game changed drastically, then it was who's kid made honor roll and where they took the family on vacation.

jvcn

The real unknown in terms of spending is kids. I could easily get a new LS430, but I can't see spending that money when I have to save up for my children's schooling. I think getting my son into a top notch $13K a year private school is a bargain [and the fact that he does well and is happy there is a plus], but choose to drive a 9 yr old Lex. I can understand some one who is passionate about his hobbies (I'm a nutcase audiophle). But some people's priorities I just don't understand.

I know a family that takes expensive vacations and leases a new car every 3-4 years and gets designer clothing for their 5 years old, but balk at spending as little as $5000 on a good private school for their children. They always talk about college and say State is good enough. Maybe it is, but why confine your child's choices while you indulge yourself with all your toys and clothes?

I know, I know -- to each his own. De gustibus and all that...

Still, the kind of people who love Lexus are likely to have strong feelings about many things.

Just have a good life I suppose.

daryll40

I also know families with bright but not "ivy league material" kids, spending $160,000 on 2nd tier colleges when junior would be BETTER OFF being the "star" at a $60,000 state school. In other words, people can get "caught up" in education status as easily as in car status. In fact, i would argue why spend $13,000 per kid (it's more like $20,000 per year here) for private school when you can move to a VERY good public school district and pay like I do, about $7000 in property taxes per year, total, for two (or more) kids. The key is always to be sure you are getting the best VALUE.

And in Lexi, probably the best overall value is in one that's 3-4 years old, or buying a new one and keeping it for 7-10 years.

Diesel11

The millionaire next door is a simple yet great book. All should read. Millionaire's tend to be good with money, the same way top level athletes don't eat junk food frequently. They have the body and work-out regimen that would allow them to eat junk food occassionally, however that is why they are great... they don't eat the junk! Millionaire's could spend more, but they don't... that's why they are so damn rich lol.

However, is the goal to be the wealthiest when you die?? I think the goal is to be balanced, get the Lexus if you really want it, but will you be happy if your daughter can't go to the school she wants?

Balance is the key

Fred

jvcn

My sentiments exactly. The issue is not whether the status matters, whether a car is "worth" it or what school you "must" go to. The issue is to preserve choices for one's children and their future.

asleep

I love my 2004 LS430, but it doesn't "fit" my girl physically and she's 5' 4", 110 lbs. The ergonomics reaches are noticeably longer in the LS versus my GS400(i.e. elbow resting on arm rest reach to steering wheel, etc.) In my opinion, I'd get her the new GS coming out in the Spring.

jvcn

A very important consideration. I picked the LS400 specifically because it could accomodate my 6'5" frame. So it might be too large for a girl even with all the seat and wheel adjustments.

gewe21

My wife is 24, 5'1" and she drives the LS430 ok. I just bought myself a cheaper toy for commuting and winter beater (Subaru Impreza WRX wagon), so my LS430 is now hers. No problem at all.

cutecboy

she will look OG if you slap on a vip kit, rims and system.. trust me haha