rwallican

So is it a standard feature or only on SOME GSs?

What year did Lexus start putting the vdim (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System) in the GS? Is it a standard feature?

Great choice. I was at the Audi dealer with a friend this morning. He's looking at the A7. It's like comparing apples and oranges. I was in the service area getting coffee and talked to a current A6 owner. he said he was in for some electrical problem that they just couldn't resolve and his excuse was "you know that German engineering".....All I was thinking was how *BLEEP*ed I'd be if I was sitting at a dealership on Christmas Eve dealing with some recurring issue. That's what I mean when I say I don't know anything about other brands. All I think about when I hear German is reliability issues. So Lexus it is!

Yes, let's not forget reliability. It's amazing to me how some totally deny JD Powers and other reliability studies when their brands aren't listed as reliable. One of the joys of driving a car, to me, is not having to do much maintenance outside out of the scheduled stuff.

I've driven the A6 and A7 and was very impressed with both the look AND the drive. The interiors are definitely bland but seem to be of great quality (especially compared to the Benz/BMW). Audi is my 2nd favorite car brand as well. I just don't know anything about them as far as dependability, maintenance, etc.

What to expect? Years of a great ride and awesome reliability! Congrats on your purchase. You won't be disappointed.

The 430 and the 400 were 2 different rides. The 400 has less get up and didn't have anywhere near the technology of the 430. That being said, there is just something about that 400 that I love. The body style is classic and it is still as sturdy as a tank. I think I got rid of the 400 too early and just wasn't truly ready for the transition. I had an independent mechanic do all of my rubber parts changes. I'm not going to do the paint repairs myself. I've been looking into auto restoration specialists in my area. You might want to check that out where you are.

Greetings all. I haven't been on in a while. But the light finally went recently and thought I'd share. I sold my pristine 96 LS400 to my sister 2.5 years ago and bought a 2005 LS430 with all the bells and whistles. After owning that for 2 years and still kinda missing my 400, I traded it in for the "vehicle of my dreams," a black, fully loaded 2008 Range Rover. After driving that for the past 3 months, I realize what love really is LOL. I absolutely LOVED my LS, even without the nav, heated and cooled seats, etc. I now appreciate its basic beauty and simplicity. I had 130k miles on it when I got rid of it, after owning it for 6 years. It was absolutely immaculate and I had started the process of changing all of the rubber parts out that wear after years (motor/transmission mounts, rear knuckle bushings, replaced the power steering system, etc.). Needless to say, I'm buying it back this spring! The Range Rover has appealed to me since 2003 but it just doesn't come close to giving me that feeling when I'm driving it! It feels big and isn't maneuverable, something that I really miss when driving in the city. Now I realize why so many on this forum keep their older vehicles! When I originally sold it, I had decided that I would always try to keep up with the newest body style and the latest gadgetry. They were all overrated to me. I STILL like the LS400 even better than the new 460. I can't wait to get mine back, get the rock-chipped paint fix done in front, recondition the leather and carpet and fall back into the seats! If anyone has any referrals for auto restoration shops in the Dallas area, let me know.

I had the issue on my 05 LS430 but it was with aftermarket rims. He actually showed me the leak. Got the rim fixed (it had curb rash as well) for $130 and it's fine now.

I'd have to agree. Service records are most important to me. Usually people that really care for their vehicle keep service records. I would take it to a independent Lexus shop for a good once over as well. Expect to pay around $100.

I was told at the dealership that ALL Lexus vehicles 2007 and newer have a timing chain and not a belt. This means no $1500 bill at 90k miles!!! The salesman explained that they switched to a belt in the first place because they were quieter than chains. This new chain is insulated somehow and is nearly as quiet as a belt. He also said it was in response to a lot of Lexus customers complaining about the expensive service to replace them.

I have mistaken so many 460s for the ES that it's a shame! I thought it was just me. I do love that interior on the 460. I don't like the driving position though. Seems as though I'm sitting in a lower position than my 430. I'll make a final decision by June-July. I just had the 60k service done and would like to enjoy that $500 a bit more. Thanks for the feedback.

I guess I didn't even think about the Toyota issue! I saw how low the 460s were as well. That's one of the big reasons that I wanted to get one! Seeing that you are one of the "experts" on the forum, what do you like more about the 430?

I've got the silver with black interior. Good points. I was thinking around $25k or so. I'm so torn between selling it and just keeping it for a couple more years. I must say, it's nice to drive a vehicle for a couple of years and still equity in it! This is one of the few brands that give you that possibity. I was thinking that this might be the "ideal" time to sell because of the age and relatively low mileage. The longer I keep it, the more I risk losing potential buyers.

I'm considering selling my 2005 LS430 and upgrading to a 2008 LS460. It's silver with 62k miles. It has the Mark Levinson/nav package, park assist, heated and cooled seats, etc. It's super clean and has had all the maintenance done up to this point. What do you guys think would be a good starting point to sell it?

I have a friend that likes Euro cars. Says he loves Lexus quality and reliability but can't stand the design of their vehicles. He has a Range Rover now and says it's 1000 times better looking than the LX. I guess it all depends on your taste.

I didn't like the pictures but actually saw the 2010 today. I like it a lot better in person. That interior is awesome and it also looks a lot wider from behind. I also like the LX better than the old body style. I guess it's just a matter of preference.

That's exactly what I've been reading! I NEVER deal on the payment when buying cars but had no idea the same technique should be used on leasing. I talked to a few salesmen....the first said $2000 down and 815/month. The next said $1750 down and $765/month an the last said $900 and $750/month. That's what made me decide to look into what this lease thing was all about. We still may go ahead and purchase or just keep her GS300. I've been looking at some other sites and see that the money factor is .00220 and the residual value is 60% on a lot of current LFS deals. I'm going to dig into the numbers on all of this.

That's a great article. Thanks! Yeah, I have casually talked to a couple of Lexus salesmen about leasing to get general ideas and ballpark numbers for certain vehicles. Now I feel like I'm better equipped to haggle. I figured some on here had leased the 2010 and wanted to get an idea of what they were paying.

Guess I need to do my research. Actually, I've been reading up on leasing since I talked to the salesman over the phone (never leased a car before) and am just now finding out what a "money factor" and "lease residual" is. I prefer to buy but the wife keeps trading in every 3 years and our salesman told us that leasing would probably be better. I'm going to sit down with him this weekend. When I find out the numbers, i'll let you know.

Greetings all. What type of lease deals are you getting in your areas for a fully loaded 2010 RX (nav, etc.)? I'm thinking about a lease for the wife...3 years/15k miles per year 1st payment of $900 and 35 payments of $750. This is after absorbing a $3000 loss on a trade-in. Any opinions?

I had mine replaced at about 52k at the dealership. I was told the same thing about changing them before the brake light comes on to save the sensor. It cost $290 total. My indie charges $240 but I got the loaner at the dealership (which was verrrrry convenient).

I had a 96 LS400 and got rid of it with 140k miles. Now I've got an 05 LS430 with 56k miles. Bought it last year and, trust me, it's worth it! These cars are rock solid and age gracefully. Maintenance is expensive compared to American made cars but who wants to drive an American made car?!? I'd say pull the trigger and get the latest year model you can for your price range. You won't be disappointed.

The great thing about this forum is it makes you THINK! I decided to go ahead and keep my 2005. Just going to wait a couple more years and get the ls460. Thanks for all of you guys' advice. It was helpful.

Identical to mine too. Nice ride. Trust me, you'll love it!