LS 460 v Mercedes E350
02-10-17, 12:35 PM
#16
Lexus Test Driver
I'd say you gave your friend good advice, lol. The Lexus ES is probably one of the most reliable vehicles on the road, and unlike the LS the parts aren't as expensive. Your friend essentially owns a very nice Toyota Camry V6...a V6 that operates on good old regular gasoline (which is about 60 cents cheaper a gallon than super right now). And that six cylinder doesn't have a timing belt to worry about - probably the worst thing is replacing the water pump - everything is wedged on the right side of that engine...and the intake has to come off to do the rear plugs, but any independent shop can do these repairs.
Reading about your assessment of the ES begs the question, (since I replaced my water pump myself on the LS):
Would you agree that in some ways, the ES is more difficult to work on in your own garage than the LS?
02-10-17, 01:13 PM
#17
Former Sponsor
There's still 1 or 2 around! I believe once most people get used to the larger size, they will likely think, "I should've gone big YEARS ago."Jason
02-20-17, 06:37 AM
#19
Pole Position
02-20-17, 04:48 PM
#20
I work at the Mercedes plant here in Alabama and I decided to go with a used Lexus over Mercedes even though we get a pretty good deal on lease or purchase. The only one I would consider is the S class but way too rich for my blood to get brand new.
02-20-17, 06:41 PM
#21
Lexus Fanatic
Wow interesting. Can you give some insight on why you chose the LS?
02-20-17, 06:55 PM
#22
Former Sponsor
You know what's funny here. I believe him 100%. But when i say this same thing on here that I worked for Toyota and then Hyundai for 7 years, and from that experience i never did and never will buy a Hyundai / Kia, i get A LOT of responses that imply that I don't know what I'm talking about. Not from you roadfrog. But lots of others. I've shared lots of stories on here. Some bad stories. I have a lot in the vault that i shouldn't tell because I might get into trouble for. And still people seem to doubt me.
But LeLs460L and I can relate. We've both worked at auto plants. We've been exposed to some of the things that go on there. Some things may be shady. Some things i saw go beyond shady. Must of the bad things i saw were just from people being stupid and/or lazy. But, suffice to say, I will stick to Toyota after seeing the difference between the two.
LeLs460L - I know / knew a few guys from the Mercedes plant. Seems quite a few defected from there during the 2008 / 2009 timing when the Kia plant in West Point GA was being built. Not only did they have their own stories, but their sentiment was the same as yours, "only an S-Class."
Jason
But LeLs460L and I can relate. We've both worked at auto plants. We've been exposed to some of the things that go on there. Some things may be shady. Some things i saw go beyond shady. Must of the bad things i saw were just from people being stupid and/or lazy. But, suffice to say, I will stick to Toyota after seeing the difference between the two.
LeLs460L - I know / knew a few guys from the Mercedes plant. Seems quite a few defected from there during the 2008 / 2009 timing when the Kia plant in West Point GA was being built. Not only did they have their own stories, but their sentiment was the same as yours, "only an S-Class."
Jason
02-21-17, 03:27 AM
#23
Now don't get me wrong....Mercedes do make some good looking cars with innovative technology but something about them that just make me feel like the reliability isn't there like a Toyota/Lexus. I've always liked the LS even back on the 430 body style. Then there isn't that many people that have an Ls down here that's "hooked up". I've only seen 1 other Ls in town with aftermarket rims on it. I like to have things a little different then everybody else. I even think my Tundra is the only one around town that's lowered with some 26" rims.
02-21-17, 05:23 PM
#24
Lexus Fanatic
Now don't get me wrong....Mercedes do make some good looking cars with innovative technology but something about them that just make me feel like the reliability isn't there like a Toyota/Lexus.
02-22-17, 04:20 AM
#25
You know what's funny here. I believe him 100%. But when i say this same thing on here that I worked for Toyota and then Hyundai for 7 years, and from that experience i never did and never will buy a Hyundai / Kia, i get A LOT of responses that imply that I don't know what I'm talking about. Not from you roadfrog. But lots of others. I've shared lots of stories on here. Some bad stories. I have a lot in the vault that i shouldn't tell because I might get into trouble for. And still people seem to doubt me.
But LeLs460L and I can relate. We've both worked at auto plants. We've been exposed to some of the things that go on there. Some things may be shady. Some things i saw go beyond shady. Must of the bad things i saw were just from people being stupid and/or lazy. But, suffice to say, I will stick to Toyota after seeing the difference between the two.
LeLs460L - I know / knew a few guys from the Mercedes plant. Seems quite a few defected from there during the 2008 / 2009 timing when the Kia plant in West Point GA was being built. Not only did they have their own stories, but their sentiment was the same as yours, "only an S-Class."
Jason
But LeLs460L and I can relate. We've both worked at auto plants. We've been exposed to some of the things that go on there. Some things may be shady. Some things i saw go beyond shady. Must of the bad things i saw were just from people being stupid and/or lazy. But, suffice to say, I will stick to Toyota after seeing the difference between the two.
LeLs460L - I know / knew a few guys from the Mercedes plant. Seems quite a few defected from there during the 2008 / 2009 timing when the Kia plant in West Point GA was being built. Not only did they have their own stories, but their sentiment was the same as yours, "only an S-Class."
Jason
02-22-17, 05:19 AM
#26
Lexus Fanatic
Whether people were doing meth in the back of it while it was being built or not, my Kia Sedona is still one of the best cars I've ever had, and is aging better than the LS (I have developed a console rattle I'm going to have to take it in for).
02-22-17, 07:27 AM
#27
Lexus Fanatic
Like Steve, family and friends have owned and currently own Hyundai's and Kia's. At work alone, there are five who own them and to the man....every one of them has had ZERO issues and love their cars. Family-wise, One owns a KIA (her second Soul) and loves it with zero problems as well. My brother and his daughter in-law both have Elantra's and again...no problems and will likely buy another. A family friend has had her Accent for 3 years now and has had no problems whatsoever. I appreciate all the insider info though. Perhaps my acquaintances have just been lucky? CR scores KIA 9th and Hyundai 11th out of 30 brands, in "Which Brands Make The Best Cars"......placing them well ahead of Honda, Acura, Nissan, Infiniti, Cadillac etc
02-22-17, 08:29 AM
#29
Lexus Fanatic