Screw it - I want a Lexus!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here - yeah I'm thinking a used Lexus GS (not the ES) or maybe used Audi or BMW, though I don't want the reliability problems that would come with those. Sure, a new Camry would have more tech innovations, but it won't drive or handle like a Lexus, BMW, etc.

The Lexus IS a Camry. Get a mercedes if you want it to handle beautifully. Don’t get a used one and lease a new one so you don’t have to deal with the problems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here - yeah I'm thinking a used Lexus GS (not the ES) or maybe used Audi or BMW, though I don't want the reliability problems that would come with those. Sure, a new Camry would have more tech innovations, but it won't drive or handle like a Lexus, BMW, etc.

The Lexus IS a Camry. Get a mercedes if you want it to handle beautifully. Don’t get a used one and lease a new one so you don’t have to deal with the problems.

Op here. I would agree that the Lexus ES is an upgraded Camry -- the Lexus GS is not. For starters, it's AWD, so you can't compare the handling. All that said, I am open to other cars and have time on a decision.

[Anonymous]

My mom grew up really poor and has been incredibly frugal her whole life. She just bought one at the age of 78! I love seeing her relaxing enough to indulge herself like this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here - yeah I'm thinking a used Lexus GS (not the ES) or maybe used Audi or BMW, though I don't want the reliability problems that would come with those. Sure, a new Camry would have more tech innovations, but it won't drive or handle like a Lexus, BMW, etc.

The Lexus IS a Camry. Get a mercedes if you want it to handle beautifully. Don’t get a used one and lease a new one so you don’t have to deal with the problems.

Op here. I would agree that the Lexus ES is an upgraded Camry -- the Lexus GS is not. For starters, it's AWD, so you can't compare the handling. All that said, I am open to other cars and have time on a decision.

https://cpo.bmwusa.com/certified/2016-BMW-328i-xdrive-WBA8E3G56GNU02140?zip=22102

Because it's CPO, you can buy an additional extended warranty provided by BMW.

[Anonymous]

I have a Lexus Rc300 coupe. Sporty, powerful and well appointed. Silky smooth power delivery. Build quality is top notch, and the materials used in the interior are outstanding.

For those comparing a Lexus to a Camry, yes, there may be some shared underpinnings, but a good deal (but not all) of Lexus vehicles are still built in Japan, and the paint quality is many times better than products sold under the Toyota brand

[Anonymous]

To the OP, if you think I am being too harsh on Lexus, just read the reviews. See what car and drivers said about the sportiness of the Lexus RC.

Go test drive the cars, it costs you nothing. Get something you enjoy. If that's a Lexus, great!.

[Anonymous]

I would recommend a Lexus for a 5 year old used car over other luxury cars such as bmw, Mercedes or Audi which are expensive to maintain at that age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm not saying new, but probably something 4-5 years old - think Lexus ES or GS sedan. I'm pretty frugal all-around and my last cars have been reflective of that, i.e., Camry, CR-V, Corolla, etc., all of which I drive into the ground. I'm now late 40s and feeling like I want a car that's more luxurious and fun to drive! Plus, I know that I'll have the car for the next 5-8 years, and feel like there are only so many cars in my future at this point. I hope I do it, but will probably end up with another Camry or Accord, lol. Just sharing, thanks.

I apologize in advance as I am a car guy. I cannot fathom how anyone can feel the sense of desire you appear to have for a 5 year old Lexus ES or GS. It's not even like the guilty pleasure of eating leftover pizza. It's like a can of LaCroix that's been left open for a few hours and has gone flat. Upon discovery, you may drink it if you are particularly thirsty, but to desire it?

And yes, Lexus is the LaCroix of luxury cars, and within the Lexus lineup, the ES GS are the least sporty/fun. And like LaCroix, people seem to be willing to pay an absurd amount of money for this level of blandness. No one will look at you driving a Lexus and think "now there's a guy that's enjoying the finer things in life and having a blast."

If you want to have some fun, go get a Civic Si. It will be fun to drive, reliable, and will hold its value well if you do decide to sell it after a few years. If you don't know how to drive a manual, well it's a perfect time to start. Add some spice and variety into your life. Go on an adventure. Buy a helmet and compete in some weekend autocross races. Other fun-yet-frugal cars: Mazda 3, Golf GTI, Mini Cooper.

Heck, go buy a Jeep Wrangler - many many many times more interesting than a Lexus. Do something exciting for a change.

I'm a Lexus driver, and this made me laugh. There is definitely a kernel of truth to it.

I love my Lexus, but it is not exciting or fun to drive. It is reliable - more reliable than any car I've ever owned. It is 8 years old and has been in the shop ONCE for anything other than routine maintenance - and that was when the USB port stopped working. I get in my car, and it starts immediately. I drive it, and it handles just fine. I'm not driving a car for fun. I'm driving it because I need to get from Point A to Point B safely. Lexus is great for that.

,BTW I do know how to drive stick, and I have owned both Mercedes and MiniCoopers. But my Lexus is the car that has lasted the longest and caused me the fewest problems.

[Anonymous]

At my late father’s urging, I bought a 2-year old used Lexus nearly 20 years ago. It died after 5 years. It was bookended by new Toyotas on both sides that lasted 12 and 13 years, respectively. I just bought another new Toyota last month. I won’t be fooled by a used Lexus again!

[Anonymous]

It’s funny how people are generalizing that Lexus are not fun to drive. For starters see Lexus GS 350 F Sport. Drive that and you’ll change your mind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s funny how people are generalizing that Lexus are not fun to drive. For starters see Lexus GS 350 F Sport. Drive that and you’ll change your mind.

It's not me generalizing, it's the entire automotive press. Lexus is not a "fun to drive" brand. The GS 350 F may be particularly fun for a Lexus, but that's not saying much. The platform is going on 8 years old and the last time there was any interest in it was from 2016:

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15104392/2016-lexus-gs350-f-sport-test-review/

Not exactly a review that praises the car's fun to drive characteristics. Note that they reviewed the more fun RWD version. The AWD version is even slower and has a 6-speed automatic.

You know what, forget it. People like me are know-nothings. Go get a Lexus GS and have the confidence that you have a fun to drive car.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lexus is just a Toyota with a nicer interior typically.

"Just" a nicer interior? Most of us spend their time in the interior of the car. Quieter, more comfortable seats, better sound, nice touches here and there are nothing to scoff at.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s funny how people are generalizing that Lexus are not fun to drive. For starters see Lexus GS 350 F Sport. Drive that and you’ll change your mind.

It's not me generalizing, it's the entire automotive press. Lexus is not a "fun to drive" brand. The GS 350 F may be particularly fun for a Lexus, but that's not saying much. The platform is going on 8 years old and the last time there was any interest in it was from 2016:

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15104392/2016-lexus-gs350-f-sport-test-review/

Not exactly a review that praises the car's fun to drive characteristics. Note that they reviewed the more fun RWD version. The AWD version is even slower and has a 6-speed automatic.

You know what, forget it. People like me are know-nothings. Go get a Lexus GS and have the confidence that you have a fun to drive car.

So what do you suggest, that OP buy a used Audi or BMW and immediately have mechanical problems. Or, go after something like a Mazda 6 or Subaru WRX, or perhaps a Mustang Cobra, or something like that. Sporty is in the eye of the beholder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lexus is just a Toyota with a nicer interior typically.

"Just" a nicer interior? Most of us spend their time in the interior of the car. Quieter, more comfortable seats, better sound, nice touches here and there are nothing to scoff at.

THe premium sound systems in some Lexus models are really good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not saying new, but probably something 4-5 years old - think Lexus ES or GS sedan. I'm pretty frugal all-around and my last cars have been reflective of that, i.e., Camry, CR-V, Corolla, etc., all of which I drive into the ground. I'm now late 40s and feeling like I want a car that's more luxurious and fun to drive! Plus, I know that I'll have the car for the next 5-8 years, and feel like there are only so many cars in my future at this point. I hope I do it, but will probably end up with another Camry or Accord, lol. Just sharing, thanks.

Love mine!