midwesterner

I do that in my BMW Z4 roadster ^_^ .

Thanks to MIss Pizzaz and you for the welcome, but I am not new to this site. I think my last post was in response to the query about test drives vs A6 about 18 months ago. The Saab is clearly not an appropriate direct comparison with the GS350, and it's "personality (read "quirkiness) was a much a part of its acceptance problem -- and ultimate demise -- as its success among enthusiasts. But that car was a very comfortable, willing partner in spirited driving, and there was / is an exuberant website. I am not looking to reclaim my hotrod, drag racing, autocrossing, hillclimbing younger years, and I don't expect my Lexus to perform like the Saab or my BMW Z4 roadster. Earlier Lexus models may have been dull, although I'd call my wife's '09 RX350 more bland than dull. And I agree that the current GS350 can hardly be described as dull; it is an impressive performer when pushed. But otherwise, it just "is." I drove a friend's '06 BMW 3-series a while back, and must say that, in terms of driving experience, it fell into much the same category -- not the lightfooted thoroughbred BMW of yore. So maybe the problem is endemic as cars become more government compliant, luxury-oriented, and reliable. Your other points are well placed, I think. You are likely correct about social media, which I dislike and do not use (I admit to being a dinosaur). Perhaps that's where the ferment is. Still, I'd like to see a livelier website. In the end, I suspect the real problem is that Lexus cars are so well executed that they require little debate. One needs only to put gas in and drive 'em. I guess we'll call this "case closed." Thanks again.

My '06 Saab 9-3 Aero was fast, nimble, delivered excellent braking and could hit 30 mpg under certain circumstances. It had lots of personality, but was quirky, with a few reliability problems. My '13 GS350 AWD accelerates faster but lacks the mid-range response of the Saab turbo, is not so nimble, but delivers excellent braking, if not quite the same fuel consumption performance. It is much more luxurious than the Saab, and is solidly reliable. Alas, it has little personality; no pizzaz. At age 70, I am generally happy enough with the solid performance of my Lexus, about equal to anything in the same class from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, I think. And if I want to get aggressive, the car is generally up to it. Likewise, the Saab Club website was full of interesting posts, reports on events, and solutions to problems. It had pizzaz. This website is like my car: Solid, but little pizzaz. Maybe that's because Lexus has so few problems, and maybe because those of us who buy them don't much fit into the cult car category of so many Saab owners. The only challenging posts I've seen here were related to some comparisons with the German makes in making the buying decision, and that was a couple of years ago. But I'd like to see a little pizzaz. How about an entry that sparks some debate or contributions. For all those former Audi, BMW, M-B drivers, how about a comparitive assessment after, say, one year? Does anybodt race or autocross these things? How about a report? Unfortunately, many of we 70-year-olds are well past our autocross and hillclimb years, and wouldn't likely be doing it with a Lexus anyway. And while I still like spirited driving, I haven't lately been cuttin up curvy roads at 9/10ths -- at least, not with my Lexus. So am among the guilty on the shortage of pizzaz. My contribution, for now, will have to be this post, and maybe start the ball rolling. Anybody out there got a posting with some pizzaz?

Baseline car for me was '06 Saab Aero V6 -- nimble, responsive, fast, outstanding mid-range acceleration, fuel-efficient, distinctive. If Saab hadn't gone out of business, I'd still own it. Looked at German cars as replacements, but not very hard because of reliability problems and local dealer issues. Drove a late-model BMW 3-series and was disappointed in extent to which traditional BMW simplicity and nimbleness had given way to big car feel. Viscerally, I'd probably have preferred Audi, BMW, or Merc, and have owned each in the past. Also was interested in Cadillac ATS or CTS. Although the GS350 AWD is a bigger, heavier car than I originally sought, I was impressed by solidity and handling, and its quiet interior. Dealership very professional. I don't usually lease, but decided to do so in this case, and the offer was impressive -- could not have duplicated with the German cars or Cadillac. After six weeks and 1200 miles, car is meeting expectations except for fuel consumption. I have yet to hit 26 mpg on the road, although have managed 20 or 21 in winter suburban driving -- about equivalent to the Saab under same conditions. Suspension probably not quite as buttoned down as the Germans, but close, and steering is in range witih Europeans. Braking excellent. Lexus needs a 7- or 8-speed transmission in this car, which would help with fuel consumption. Wifes '09 RX350 can hit 27 mgp on the road under the right circumstances, with speeds in the 70 - 75 mph range. On balance, I'd say pretty competitive with the A6, from what I know, with perhaps a few advantages and a couple of shortcomings. I am generally happy with the car and willing to accept some trade-off in mpg for the awd and other features I like. Compares well in my mind with standard offerings from Audi BMW, and M-B, less expensive to own and operate, and likely more reliable. Delear and customer care better.

The factory nav system in my 09 RX350 is substantially inferior to my portable Garmin unit of about the same age. The Garmin is easier to use and read, and is more reliable. The factory system has failed numerous times. For a couple of hundred bucks, plus or minus, you can have a simple, readable, reliable system, with better prompts that you switch among cars. I would not waste time trying to adapt the factory unit.