Well, here I am again, around 2 yrs of ownership and ready to trade ! Over the last 9 yrs it's been: 528, GS300, LS400, 330i and then my present LS430 (P.S. the 330i was way to small, I'll never do that size car again). Each time I swear I'll never go back to the other manufacturer, but then I remember how each has characteristics the other doesn't. For example, right now I remember why I like a Bimmer, the car is meant to be driven ! No squeeling of tires going around a corner at 15MPH, love the handling Bimmers give. BUT, each Bimmer has come with some little niggling problems of some sort, where as the Lexus seems to always be tried and true to build quality. I'd love to get the new LS460, but the very thought of: 1. 1st year out 2. full sticker price for .....how long??? has me thinking of a 2 year lease (1st time to lease) and then get the LS460 after a bout with BMW. Even though the comparable Bimmer would be the 7 series, I am thinking of the 530i for 2 years instead. Why must I go through this? Car nuts are truely nuts!! Any leasing tips to look for ?

 

If you can do it, go for it.

I'm still not sold on BMW's long term reliability, so leasing one is a good option. The 5 should be a good buy as it is not recently redesinged (last in 2004).

You may be tempted though as the 7-Series is in need of a redesign: just in time when you are ready to get the LS460...

 

i am also not sold on any of the euro long term reliabiltiy as well. i am sure they are fine machine and the driving experience is nothing but fun, but i need a car that's long lasting and give me zero trouble. cars i have owned are 92 camry, 02 acura tl-s, 98 gs400, 03 is300, 05 sc430.

i have considered the e46 m3, sl500, 911 turbo, e39 m5, etc.... but i stll came back to lexus for the very reason.

and to be honest, i really see my next car as lexus as well..... if i really have a lot of money and able to have a fun car i will probably get a euro

 

Interesting how Lexus seems to focus less on handling the higher up the models go.

ie. the IS is very much a drivers car but as you go to GS and then LS, the focus seems to shift entirely to luxury.

It's almost like they're trying to compete with Mercedes with the LS, BMW with the IS, and with the GS, who knows?

 

IMHO, as of now, ALL the Lexus models, from IS up to LS are more Mercedes competitors than BMW competitors, nomatter what they try to say . . .

 

Very true Although I have to say the IS is closer to a BMW than a Mercedes in the handling dept.

 

I agree with that too, but not in steering feel & feedback . . .

 

You will not be satisfied with a BMW 5 series car after the LS430.

 

....for the past 2 weeks I have driven the Acura RL, Mercedes E350, Toyota Avalon, Infiniti M35, Lexus GS300, BMW 530i and the ES350. I must say that I wish I could take certain features from cars and create my own. But, with all considered (price, performance, space, etc), the top candidate right now is...........____________? (even surprised me).

 

Acura RL? i'd choose RL over all those you listed. Such a great car at a great price (if you can find a really good deal. I heard some people are getting under invoice at 42K)

 

M35... gotta be the M - ride, handling, power, price, space, performance.... it has it all. I'll take theM amongst all of the choices in a heartbeat...

Good luck tho'

 

Avalon!!

 

Before I saw your last post LXTASY I was gonna suggest trying an RL since you can probably get a smoking good lease deal on it. I know the RL lacks somewhat in exterior visual impression (although I love the view from back), it has an excellent drivetrain, interior, and reliability.

 

My thoughts EXACTLY.

6 months ago I traded in my WONDERFULL 2003 LS430 for a BMW 330Xi.

It's just too small and noisy, and (except for the driving, which is excellent, but not "better enough" then the LS430) the 330Xi just doesn't do anything as well as the Lexus. The I-DRIVE is awful, the NAV system is very counter intuitive, plus dozens of other things, some minor, some not so minor.

As soon as the lease is up (fortunately, only 2 year), I'm going back to either the LS460 or the LS600hL, THIS time with a 5 YEAR LEASE or purchase.

I live on the east coast and I'm going to try to buy it from a dealer on the west coast so I can enjoy a leisurely 3 week drive back accross country. I'm not sure if I can do this..... Any dealers on the west coast interested in helping me?

HBH

 

hey, can i play too?

'm gonna say ES350