Interesting Lexus article on Complex

"AM3R shamefully returns " (am3rshamefullyreturns)
12/11/2014 at 15:38 • Filed to: None

From a guy who isn't THAT familiar with Lexus, it's a pretty interesting article. I have to say it's pretty spot on too, I remember being a kid when the RX was relatively new and my mom almost buying one. The IS is a great point too, definitely showed us how serious Lexus was as a contender in the entry level lux market.

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DISCUSSION (13)

RazoE > AM3R shamefully returns
12/11/2014 at 15:52

The US didn't get the IS300 until 2001 (and it was auto only until 2002), but Europe got it in '99 as the IS200 with a 2.0L 6 cyl that burped out around 150hp, but you could get a 6-speed manual. Japan got it as the Altezza with the same 2.0L 6 cyl, or the 2.0L 4 cyl "how the hell did they do that with such an old engine?!" 3SGE punching out 100hp/L.

Steve in Manhattan > AM3R shamefully returns
12/11/2014 at 16:27

In 1989 I pulled my '87 300D in to the lot of the sparkling new Lexus dealer. My then GF, a Mercedes service writer, wanted to see what this big Toyota was all about. I recognized a couple pieces of switchgear that I'd had on a Camry, so I wondered how good it could be. Very good. Great ride, roomier than an E-class, dead silent - you couldn't even tell it was running (something you could not say about the 300D). We both agreed Lexus was anything but a flash in the pan.

AM3R shamefully returns > Steve in Manhattan
12/11/2014 at 17:23

I know I'm late, but the recent offerings from Lexus have been great lately too. I know the older Lexus's were very good and luxurious (part of why early 2000's Lexus hold value so damn well, seriously, look at a LS or GS) but the new IS is very competitive against its German competitors. I hate to say it, but I almost like it more than the F30 3 series, and I OWN an E90!

Steve in Manhattan > AM3R shamefully returns
12/11/2014 at 18:00

The Lexus luxury sedans are what they are, and do the job very well. Was driven in a 600hL recently, and it made me wonder why anyone with a driver would have an S-Class or 7 series. As for the 'sports' cars, I don't know enough to comment.

bob and john > AM3R shamefully returns
12/11/2014 at 18:10

lexus's in general hold their value STUPIDLY well. in 2012, my parents bought a used 2008 IS250 AWD (base, only option was sunroof..[was that even an option?]) with 50K km on it for....~26K. new that was a ~40k car. to only lose 14K in 4years and 40k is nuts.

AM3R shamefully returns > bob and john
12/11/2014 at 18:16

Woah, that gen IS is actually one of the few cheap Lexus for sale! I see you are not in the USA, Canada I presume? A 2008-2010 IS250 with the sport package, nav, awd, and sunroof with 50k (miles) on it goes for high teens around me.

AM3R shamefully returns > Steve in Manhattan
12/11/2014 at 18:17

I have to say, I liked the new LS more than the 7 series. I think Hyundai and other Asian manufacturers should stop trying to make flagship sedans that compete with the German big 3, Lexus is doing more than well against them, And it's a very tough segment.

The IS is good, I'd take one over the dinosaur B8.5 or .75 or whatever "facelifted" A4 Audi is still selling (one of the best looking IMO, though) and over the new C class, which I don't like at all. I've heard that they are comparable to M sport BMW's when in F sport guise.

bob and john > AM3R shamefully returns
12/11/2014 at 18:24

yeep.

also, remeber, that was 2 years ago, and 50K km is ~31K miles.

Steve in Manhattan > AM3R shamefully returns
12/11/2014 at 18:46

The Town Car was ubiquitous here for as long as I can remember. I've seen a few rich guys in the big Hyundai, some Lexi, more of the S-Class, and few 7-Series. Maybachs are rare - most now owned by hotels who schlep their rich clients to and fro (The Peninsula, for one). I'm thinking the garden-variety rich guy with a driver will keep his Town Car as long as he can, then move to an S-Class.

AM3R shamefully returns > Steve in Manhattan
12/11/2014 at 18:57

The S-class is wonderful now, honestly I'd only buy a 7 series if I were to be the one driving it. If I was being driven, I'd take town car/Lexus/S-class. I'm headed up to NYC soon, it'll be interesting to see all the uber sedans now that the town car is a little less common. I have yet to see a k9000 on the road. Plenty of S class, 7 series, A8's, and Lexus' here in NoVa.

Steve in Manhattan > AM3R shamefully returns
12/11/2014 at 19:05

Forgot that - you see the occaisional A8L with a rich person in the back, but more the Mercedes. GF's boss got his driver a 7-Series for a while, but it was in the shop too often, so back to a Town Car. I'd get the Lexus. And I take a lot of taxis for my job - the best one to ride in? Hands down - the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Great ride, comfy seats, plenty of room. Keep your Taxi of the Future Michael Bloomberg!

AM3R shamefully returns > Steve in Manhattan
12/11/2014 at 19:17

I really do like the town car. The highlander is nice, went on a 4 hour ride in one once, pretty comfortable.

Let's talk luxury three row SUV's, what's your pick? The big Mercedes GL? The Q7?

Steve in Manhattan > AM3R shamefully returns
12/11/2014 at 19:26

If my job comes with a ride home and a Town Car pulls up, I am happy.

Having driven none of them, probably the big Mercedes because badge. If I really needed a vehicle in that class, I'd get a used Landcruiser from the first years they had side-curtain airbags.