Helmar

I just picked up my LS600hL on Tuesday. So far, the only problem I've had was that the back-up camera lens was dirty, so I cleaned it. I expect this car to be just like my other two LS's, regular maintenance, and nothing else. I never had a squeak, rattle or thump, let alone anything major with either one. I let go of my BMW 5 months before the lease was up, just to get back into a Lexus. The first year of ownership it was in the shop 4 times. BTW, the LS600hL is everything I'd hoped it would be and much, much more. HBH

I was much cheered by the review by Car and Driver. Quick off the line is sometimes just the rush I need along with morning coffee. It should also be interesting seeing how often I can start up in battery only and how long I can stay there. There's a great deal of conflicting information out there, I guess I'll just have to wait and see for myself.... This was a major concern of mine when I chose the LS600hL, especially since they force you to get the cool box if you want the radar cruise control. I understand that the cool box reduces trunk space even further.... By the way, what's TOL? The AWD is a major reason I chose the LS600hL over an LS460. This will be an all season car for me, and here in Maine, AWD is a must for me. My previous LS's were terrible in the snow with regular or all-season tires, but improved a great deal with snow tires. HBH

I have a Verdigris Mica LS600hL on order, due in June. At first, we had the Nobel Spinel Mica in mind, but we saw the green Verdigris at the dealer and chose that on the spot. One of the optional features I most value is the radar cruise control. I predict that you're going to LOVE it. I use it all the time and, along with navigation, are the two features I now require on a car. Without the radar, the value of cruise control is much reduced as in light or moderate traffic you must continually fiddle with your speed. Another comforting advantage of the radar is that if your attention gets diverted (it DOES happen), and you start approaching the car in front of you, your Lexus will keep your distance. It'll be interesting to see what happens in this situation, though, with the new-fangled driver attention monitor..... This will be my third LS and this time I plan on testing a Lexus feature I've never used before: that of long term reliability. My previous two were traded in after 3 years, but I plan on keeping this one for 10 years or so. HBH

I put down a deposit on a 600hL last August. The dealer called me yesterday and said that I was 1st on the list. He expected delivery sometime in June. He had no other details about what colors or options would be available, but did say that pricing would start in the low $90's. HBH

On a 2006 BMW 330xi with manual transmission and radar cruise control, the car maintains the set speed, even when going downhill. If necessary, it will use the brakes. This and the excellent voice recognition are about the ONLY things I like about this car. HBH