MinhDo

Now that it has been out for 4+ years now do you guys recommend the LS500 if I am looking to buy and keep for 5-10+ years? I just want a SMOOTH and RELIABLE ride, that is not going to cripple me with repair bills.

mikedozz

Are you buying an 18 or new?

LS500Fan

See this thread to know what the issues are on the LS500: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...our-ls500.html

I've had a few issues with my car but it's an '18 and I've had it just over a year. If long term reliability is your #1 concern don't buy anything with a turbo, period.

BuyingLX

The ride is not smooth for sure.

sambrian

Wonder if you realize that your other thread, which is a copy to this thread but related to another Lexus, is visible to everyone else on this site...like literally, the exact same question about the LC appears right after this one as a related thread.

All Lexus vehicles are crazy-reliable, as long as you take care of them. They will all have issues from time to time. Just make sure to buy the most extended warranty, or make sure it is part of the used car deal. If not, be prepared to pay out-of-pocket for issues that will ultimately happen. It won't happen very often on this car. But when it does, be prepared to apply for a small loan from a bank to pay it off. It ain't cheap to fix this flagship Lexus. The engine itself will last forever. Every component AROUND the engine will slowly fail over time. As with every car.

BuyingLX

wait... whaaaaat?! 😅

mikesrx350

cripple you with repair bills?

what lexus cripples it owners

and second if you can afford a 75000 plus car or 1200 /month there is no crippling of anything or dont buy a vehicle that is outside the parameters of a budget

badaripanu

I have a 2007 LS460 I bought in 2015 and I am struggling with the same question. Did a test drive of 2019 LS550 and :
1) Ride is rough. May be they are trying to make it more like the German competition
2) I felt a little claustrophobic and elsewhere in this foum, they pointed out that front driver leg room reduce from 44 to 41, overall interior cabin volume came down too
3) Noise felt HIGHER despite noise cancellation technology
4) Still missing Android Auto
5) Basic 360 view functionality is an Option
6) Read seat ventilation and cooling is a Luxury Package.

I decided to drop it. Bit lost since I already dropped S550(repairs costs high and reliability lower per a website), A8(same reason). May even look at Genesis G90

EWDavid

Not smooth compared to what ??
I have had a RX, IS, and a ES. Lexus in general is the smoothest and quietest vehicles I’ve owned. I’ve owned various nissan, BMW, and Audi. I now have a 2019 LS500 and boy is it a huge difference for the better. Lexus in general are known for smooth and quiet. Buying the best Lexus doesn’t downgrade the ride quality.

badaripanu

Hi David,
It is true that Lexus is a very smooth ride in general. I drove Lexus LS series from 1994, kept replacing with a newer LS aftr ever five years or so. So, I am comparing with my current LS460; which seems like a smoother ride than the LS500. I am comparing 2007 LS with 2019 LS500. To be fair to the new LS500, I did not spend too much time adjusting all possible configurations of my car seat or the ride configuration itself. May be I should go back and spend more time.

EWDavid

Understood. I have never driven the older LS models as a comparison. I have found comfort mode is really plush. Actually too plush for driving around the city for my taste.

Sainte

I tested a used ceritified 2019 LS500 recently and honestly, I felt that my LS430's ride quality feels more solid and comfortable.
Although with that being said, the attention to detail and materials in the LS500 was definitely subslime. The black leather and stitching is great quality. I can say, It's quite possibly more quiet than any of the LS linedup before, but that all comes down to the quality of roads and environment too.
I'm not a fan of the modern tech stuff though, wish they'd still offered all analog buttons and controls on these new Lexus.