What are your thoughts on the quality of the new Lexus models? I just had a new IS350 loaner and to be honest if that was my first experience with Lexus it would have been my last. This wasn't a ragged out old model it was new and had only 2000 miles on it. But the interior was so cheap feeling to me, the leather was so thin I thought I could rip it or tear it. The dash and clusters seem as if they are from a model that should cost thousands less. I am not picking on the IS either. I have felt the same way in the previous RX loaners the hybrid and the 350 both I have had too. But one of the most disappointing things was the drive of the IS350 to me. It sure did not make me feel as if I was driving a Lexus at all. The tone of the exhaust was muted by the engine which to me didn't sound good. The cluster when you start getting to high RPMs would have a orange light which is not quite what I am used to seeing at all. I have driven other models that change colors like that but actually look quite nice this looked like a cheap bulb that I would have popped in when I was in high school.
Now to be fair I don't have a clue what packages these loaners have but it just wasn't what I was expecting when I sat in a new Lexus. Ones I purchase have the top of the line trim so I know that would have something to do with it but man the dash, the materials everything. Maybe with the upgrades it will be better but even my previous 04rx330 was much more luxurious than either of the past few loaners I have had.
So how does everyone else feel?