redlight30

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

I just wanted to see if I could get some thoughts from folks on a 2013 AWD (not L version) with 14k miles with the comf pkg and blind spot pkg. Non Levinson. Dealer is asking $62k and change. Car looks pretty nice a few small chips in nose is all I noticed.

All the sites seem to be around that number give or take. I was thinking of going in with around $60k then deal with what I can get for my 2010.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

roadfrog

I'm just such a HUGE fan of the Mark Levinson systems, that I just couldn't consider ANY LS without it. But not everyone cares about sound quality. So I'm obviously biased.

greekguy66

Well I am biased with you!

escapedcon

same here!
ML is a must, imo!
I got lucky when I got my LS since I was not specifically looking for it - didn't know any better, but listening to any other system in any other car now hurts my ears

It's that good!

redlight30

I know I love mine as well but I thought if I could get a really good deal it might be worth it to live w/o the ML system.

cpcc

Just got a 2012 460 L awd with ML stereo and 32k miles. for more than 10k less than your dealer is asking.
Best of luck.

roadfrog

Then you CLEARLY don't love is at as much as I do! LOL

dlbuckls10

The dealer may be willing to go down 2 more grand, so give it a try. The ML sound system is a must and it should be standard in all LS.

roadfrog

Agreed. The Flagship should have the Flagship sound system like the other marquee cars do.

redlight30

Who actually makes the std lexus system? I agree on the ML being std on that car.

Nospinzone

It's up to you how much you really want the ML system. I have it, but I don't think I would miss it if I didn't. I mostly listen to various sports and business talk radio stations so the ML is a non-factor. The few times I listen to music it is usually on XM and it is so compressed that no sound system can compensate for the poor quality music feed.

greekguy66

I have ML in my car. Last week I had an ES350 for a few days as a loaner. I can certainly tell the difference between my LS460L with ML and a car without. I listen to news, talk radio, music and it was a noticeable difference for me.

Devh

It's quiet possible that it's made by Fujitsu-10 as are most Toyota's. Fujitsu-10 makes the Eclipse head units which were at one time some of the best money could buy.

From what I understand Mark Levinson doesn't make the Mark Levinson system.
It's just a sold so called "consulting" bought badge just like Sony Zeiss and Panasonic Leica.
It might be a great system no doubt but sadly I don't think it's the real deal.

ClaytonW

Mark Levinson is now owned by Harman. According this, ML in Lexus should be very similar to Harman Kardon in BMW 7. But I could compare both and still prefer ML sound.

roadfrog

My seven series with the HK system sounded nowhere near as good as the ML.

I read a review of the top 10 car audio systems available, and if I recall correctly the ML came n second place right behind a Bang & Olufsen system in either the Audi or Aston Martin (can't remember which).