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New Harris poll places Benz as new leader in luxury line, knocks out Lexus. Ford now number one above Chevrolet and all comers. This survey had a sample of over 20,000, so it has good accuracy. http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/27/ford-mercedes-benz-named-top-brands-in-new-harris-polls/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+weblogsinc%2Fautoblog+%28Autoblog%29

I think you hit the nail on the head. NO ONE knows what the Echo Boomer's will be like, and as you say, what is the definition of nice or "Performance" for that fact. Based on the article, it would seem the auto marketing gurus have at least recognized a shift in the landscape, but I was just reading an excerpt from Wikipedia on Gen Y demographics, and it sounds as though when those people become the primary consumer as you say, I think it could be a very fragmented marketplace. Sure glad I don't have to figure it out.

If that's the case, in your opinion, do you think the 07'-08', etc., ES folks will go ahead and trade for a 2012, or will they wait for a "maybe" new 2013. I guess it's a question of, was the refresh in 2010 enough to spur those early ES owners into going ahead and quit waiting for a whole new ES.

Geeez Jim!! We didn't know you had a private jet! LOL

But are the Gen "Y"s THAT different. For example, the article highlights a 38 year-old, looking to up grade from a Jeep. He has picked out a Cadillac, a Chrysler, and a BMW. Very traditional, boomer aged cars. True, Caddy has made some significant styling moves, but the badge is old school. After the great depression began to recover toward the end of the 1930's and the subsequent war, the following prosperity brought on a return to the enjoyment of new goods and expensive luxuries, and once again people could afford them. In my mind, as we turn the corner from this mess were facing now, and we will, people will once again purchase luxury. But, perception is reality. You are right in that what the "Y"s perceive as luxury is up for grabs. Whether or not Country Clubs still exists, people like to be seen in nice cars. As you and I have said in other discussions, that logo on the hood is a symbol of hard work and achievement. It has nothing to do with being better than anyone else, or feeling superior. To me it means I was able to accomplish in one part of my life, some moderate success and I pampered myself for it. When I look at BMW drivers passing me on the road, or Mercedes C class drivers, there seem to be a good representation of what I classify as 30-45 year olds behind the wheel. (Yes this is unscientific). The BMW lot is across the street from the Lexus dealer, and when I drive by,once again there are younger buyers looking around. Gen "Y"s buy technology toys, at almost any price asked, and as soon as the newest release comes out, they buy again, price no object. And the way retail is shifting away from marketing to the older market and to the young, again at extreme price points, I doubt that luxury car manf. are in peril. But, someone like Lexus may have to ramp up there styling and come out with new looks more often than every five years. Paul

This has come up before and a search may find a method that is more "dry". Just FYI

The Buick Lacrosse, which has out sold Lexus for the last two months, has quite a bit of plastic wood-like trim inside and even the Honda Accord sports a generous touch of wood-like trim. The Buick is trying to appeal to the younger buyer and I think the Accord has always appealed to a pretty wide age range. The largest market are the boomer's and they have more money. However, the younger buyers purchase more frequently, and trade more often. Their also less loyal, and generally have less money. The 2012 ES should continue to be the bread and butter of the Lexus line and that should mean an interior for boomer's, but sleek enough for the gen x. Paul

Thinking about the 2012, did you guys like the interior, especially the dash of the 2007-2009 ES? Previously, I had an 2005, ES330. I loved the wood that ran across the dash and the doors, both front and back. When they brought out the 350 the dash looked like a slab of gray with no touch of elegance. Then, with the refresh in 2010, the addition of the glove box wood strip and chrome accents helped to sharpen up the interior. I would like to see them go back to some more wood trim in 2012. I've been told that's to old fashioned.

You are correct. There are no chrome wheels anymore for the ES. Dealers are now sending out the OEM spoke wheel that comes standard and having them plated. Here, that runs around $ 5-600. I went with the E-Sport wheel which has a high polish but very sophisticated. They are Lexus OEM @ $1250 for a set of 4. The thing I like about the E-Sport beside the looks is that I have never seen another ES with them. I hate looking like everybody else. In some markets chrome is going out of style, I know of Maryland specifically from Steve W. Here, they are popular.

Remember that earthquake damage did not cover the entire island. So I don't know if it helps to keep wringing your hands in despair. Three days after the quake, Lexus shipped three container ships full of cars for the U.S. They say that is enough inventory to last two months when added to what is already here. Parts are supposed to be sufficent for several months.

Welcome Lexi to the LOC !

Welcome to the LOC. Glad your here. I'm next door in Iowa.

Taste have change in recent years, but not for altruistic reasons. Boomer's didn't suddenly decide that driving luxury cars wasn't cool. They either lost their job and couldn't buy one, or kept the one they had and drove it a lot longer. People like luxury anything. True, some eschew opulence and garish just for the sake of being ostentatious, and want a simpler and more realistic life style. But many like to be pampered and treated to creature comforts even when their driving. Homes built during the housing boom where not modest bungalows, but four and five bedroom Mc-mansions with three car garages, one for the riding lawn mower. "How much did it cost?" Almost the first question someone ask when they see your new "luxury" car. Price is always related to luxury IMHO, and in marketing history. If I showed you two diamonds, the same carat weight and cut. One was $2,000., the other was $1,850., which would you think is the better. If you were told that the $1,850 stone was laboratory created, flawless, same color and clarity would you buy it, or would you think the natural stone superior. A Hundyi started out as a low cost auto with reliability problems. They have changed. But, in my mind when I see that badge I still think cheap and I don't think of it in the same breath as Lexus. People will always buy the best when they can afford it. Since the industrial revolution, at least, the best as always meant the most expensive. It assumed that it always cost more to make the best. Again, in my opinion, all auto manufacturers want to be in the luxury car market because that is where the most mark-up is. They need the profits. The downside is that the luxury segment will get so blurred and fractured that someone will have to fail miserably. For me, there is no prestige in paying too much. Paul

I wouldn't jump to that conclusion. I read today that Toyota has paused some production for only two weeks. The ES as I recall from Steve W. is on a 5 year replacement cycle, hence it's due for a makeover in 2012. Last week, my dealer had been on a conference call with Lexus. I asked if there was any new info on the ES. Nope. Lexus keeps a very tight ship when it comes to new revisions. I am really interested in seeing what they come out with. I hope it doesn't make me wish I would have waited to buy my 2010. Paul

Welcome to the LOC! Just personal taste, but why ruin beautiful leather seats in a luxury car with wool sheep skin, unless the leather is severely damaged. If it is, I would recommend having the seats repaired to maintain the value of the car for trade in purposes when you buy your 2008. Also, if you decide to go ahead with the sheep skin, and your leather seats are a light color as my 05' was, be careful none of the tanning oils from the skins transfer over to the leather. Paul

I did it, but this type of anonymous solicitation on the INTERNET always makes me suspicious. Call me an old lady.

Try e-bay. I think some others have had luck there.

This article claims that the consumer is redefing the luxury car market and that the manufacturers are responding with a strategy to position a 28-30k auto as a legitimate luxury vehicle. What DOES a car have to have to be in a luxury line?? Comment. Paul http://autos.aol.com/article/are-american-car-buyers-really-re-thinking-luxury/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk3%7C207256

The sub may be repairable. This is a common issue and there are numerous threads on how to repair the tear IF it is repairable. Just do a search. Kicker is always a good bet. I also use Alpine. Be sure and ask around amongst your friends before you chose a shop for install, should you choose to go that way. A reputable shop can save you money.

Glad to hear it.

Good news: Your not paranoid!.....Bad news; the plumber really is out to get you! Very sorry about your situation. Paul

For my part, Volvo has the firmest seating, yet the most comfortable over a long haul of say 8 to 10 hours. Their lumbar support is very good, and the seat back height flows well into the head rest for a seamless full back support. On the other hand, I would always go for the Lexus ride over anyone else's.

The old saying, "Into every life a little rain must fall" sounds pretty stupid with this bunch. This is more like "Live a good life and you'll get your own personal Tsunami!!" LOL Paul

He is on the forum most every day. Hang in there.

The great thing about this plan is that all things would get properly lubricated!!