rominl

iTrader: (4)

then they didn't do it. the new version nav wasn't here yet when you got the car (seems like the dealership had no idea what they were doing...)

newest nav is 7.1

zzzzdoc

Interesting. I asked them to install version 7.1, and they said they did.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

umm, unless i have the wrong info. i am not 100% sure, but i think there is a way to check what version of nav you have on the system

zzzzdoc

I know how on my LS430. But that's 1-2 generations older software. Unless someone knows off the top of their head, I'll search around later and find it.

daryll40

For what it's worth, someone over on the EDMUNDS.COM bulletin board said there will be NO all wheel drive for either 2008 or 2009 and possibly not at all (meaning beyond 2009). I am guessing that this is Lexus trying to keep sales moving on the 2007s and 2008s...because they've obviously already created it on the hybrid and it can't be that big a deal to build it for the "cheap" car. But, I am just reporting what was printed over there.

dimapb

Lexus is probably doing this so that they could keep selling LS600. I'm sure most of the people that are bying the 600's now are getting them because of the AWD and not because it's hybrid. I can tell you that if AWD is not available on 460 when my lease is up in 09, i will probably go to S550. Before you guys tell me that it cost more, lease terms on the MB are much better then they are on Lexus.

daryll40

Kinda silly to spend $115K just for AWD. Heck, you could buy an LS460SWB and either an RX330 or an AWD GS for $115K.

dimapb

The thing is Daryll, when you go lease the S550 for 36 months with 0 down, you are going to be paying $900 - 1100/month compare to $1400/month that I'm paying for LS460L. I was also quoted $900 - 1000/month for BMW 750. I and my business partner both decided to go with Lexus for their reliability and got 2 LS460L's in Dec of 2006, but looks like MB is getting there (reliability wise) as well. We'll see what happens in 2009.

daryll40

You can lease an S550 for a grand a month?????????????????????????????

rominl

iTrader: (4)

the lease programs for mb and bmw are far better than lexus. they set the residual of their cars higher than what they should be and also provide factory incentives. so yes, s class, you can lease it for really cheap

daryll40

I'll have to check that out. Frankly it doesn't pass the smell test that you can lease an $80,000 to $100,000 vehicle for $1000/month.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

then you definitely have to check it out, it's true. it's been covered in another thread in the car chat forum. it's a very bad health thing for mb right now. they want to attract people to get their cars, but since they are so expensive, they raise the residual and also use factory incentives, the lease rate is very good

but the problem is after lease term, people has to return the car coz' by then they figure they really can't afford the car (coz' the payments financing the car would be sky high)

and to dealership, they are stuck with a lot of used cars after lease return and it's very hard to sell, since factories set the residuals to so high and the cars aren't worth that much at all.

but bottom line, if you were to lease today, most of the time you get better terms with bmw or mb. there is a reason why there are so many people driving s class out there (at least around here)

daryll40

Yeah, I get it. But again I have to ask, ARE YOU SURE you can lease a $90,000 car...even an $80,000 car...for a mere $1000/month?

daryll40

I went over to the EDMUNDS.COM forum for Mercedes "S" Class and they are saying that their car leases for high teens to about $2K/month.

I don't know where you get $1000/month for a new "S" Class, but if you can prove it, I'm SERIOUSLY interested!!!!!

dimapb

There is really no need to prove anything. Just make an appointment and go to the MB dealership. Tell them you are interested in leasing S550 and see what they say. MB and BMW are really trying to push their stuff. They'll do just about anything to get you to lease these cars. Trust me, I've been down that road before. I also could not believe it. MB... 20K more for the car then Lexus, but monthly payments are about 300 - 400 $ a month less. Ignore what Edmunds is saying, go check it out for your self.