ericmb

I am not a former MB owner, but I have owned mostly German cars (3 BMW's, 2 VW's and 1 Porsche). I purchased a 2000 ES300 about a month ago, and I don't think I'll ever buy German again. Don't get me wrong, the german cars are a blast to drive, but at this point in my life and career (I'm 37, a CPA), the Lexus is THE car for me. It is a great car for the same price of a German car, if not less. The ride is much smoother and incredibly quiet, the sound system is great, and it gets really good gas mileage. I also did my homework. I was looking to buy a C-Class or a BMW. I had never even considered a Lexus, but every magazine or website I went to showed them to be head and shoulders above all the German cars as far as reliability and satisfaction. I finally decided to test drive a couple, and fell in love with them within one hour. No problems so far. If things continue as they have, I think I'll be a Lexus owner for many years to come.

Thanks for the input on this subject. I realize that this is not really what this forum is intended for, but you have soothed my mind. I was beginning to think that I was wrong for thinking the ES300 is a great car for both man and woman. I guess I should consider the source. Both guys that teased me about this (just kidding around) drive Audi A4's. And I definately see a bunch of women driving those. Actually, they just hate everything not German. Maybe one day they will expand their minds and realize there are good cars from many countries, that can be enjoyed by both genders.

I recently purchased a 2000 ES300, black w/ black leather, 42K. My first Japanese car. I love everything about it. I have owned a Porsche 911, 2 VWs and 3 BMWs and I still like this car over all of these for what I need at this point in my life and career. Anyway, a couple of my friends have informed me that the ES300 is a chick car. Is this generally true? Personally, I disagree. While I do see females driving these cars, I also see many men driving them. Both of my friends who made this comment drive only German vehicles, and I think are a little hurt that I "crossed over". My response to them was that just because my car wasn't featured in "The Fast and the Furious" doesn't mean it's not a great car to dive, backed up with dependability and satisfaction ratings that blow away any German car. Anyone have an opinion on the whole "chick car" thing?