Mr. M
Tire Trailblazer
So yes, we finally went back to owning a Japanese car after 20+ years of being sat in a German car (and one Italian 
).
It was not an easy decision, because the current E-Class was more appropriate in size to what my dad had in mind. We wouldn't change it if it drove as nicely as it should. But the four pot turbo and five speed auto of the E250 CGI was too much to take. It was jerky like a learner driver, noisy like any typical base model (except that it was badged as an E250 - so we feel it's definitely a downgrade from the E240 V6 of the W211) and also threw up suspension issues since day one. We decided - we had enough of dealing with the consistent issues in German cars (though they are noticeably lesser in recent days) and thought, why not try one of the most reliable brands in the world, Lexus? Besides, my dad has never driven a Lexus before so it would be a nice experience.
The first drive kind of sealed the deal. 96,000km on the clock for a December 2006 LS460 and it still felt 95% new. Nothing was broken and the car still goes like the day it was new. The pictures below should give an idea just how outstandingly little the wear and tear is. The drive - I have to admit - is cosseting and quiet. It is the quietest car I have ever sat in, probably equivalent to a Phantom I sat in Vegas but somehow, I think the LS430 is a tad quieter than all of them. The drivetrain is smoother than butter - 8-speeds and that V8 is a perfect pair. Certainly a big step up from the E250. I know it's a rather unfair comparison, but the fact is that the depreciation on the LS for the past few years made it only slightly more expensive than the E250 to keep, including road tax, insurance and fuel. So in terms of running costs they are running pretty close.
Handling is typical of a Lexus. Nothing of the new sporty style of the new GS. This one floats over the road and dives when braking. There is nothing of the confidence behind the wheel like in the E-Class. It doesn't hold the road well and you always feel very detached from everything. But hey, my dad doesn't feel a difference and for him, this car feels better actually because he has different priorities in a car. So it all fits in nicely.
4 days of ownership so far and I we are actually very satisfied... I think I derive my satisfaction very differently in a Lexus. It's the peace of mind of rock solid reliability, the fact that the air-con is arctic cold (important for a tropical climate in Singapore), the fact that we have many more toys that come with the car as standard (Mark Levinson system, air-cooled seats, etc) that enhances every aspect of comfort for the occupants. Also, it's even quite efficient for a 4.6L - we're doing 14L/100km so far, better than the D3 A8 4.2q we had before (AWD for sure played a part). It's that worry-free experience and stress-relieving drive that makes it special. Not the handling. That's fine by me... At least the car is unpretentious and knows what it is all about. Kudos. Which is also why I don't like where Lexus is going with F sport on the LS... But I'd understand if they want to improve the handling and keep everything else as it is.
So, enough of talk, here are the pictures. BTW, Lenspeed is my website, feel free to see it: http://www.lenspeed.com
Enjoy!
Being Japanese doesn't mean being cheap! They like their digital things, including this clock.
Ambient lighting very subtle and a bit of a disappointment after getting used to what the Germans can do. It's like a Japanese tea room.
Air-conditioning EVERYWHERE, including on top of your head! (not pictured)
). It was not an easy decision, because the current E-Class was more appropriate in size to what my dad had in mind. We wouldn't change it if it drove as nicely as it should. But the four pot turbo and five speed auto of the E250 CGI was too much to take. It was jerky like a learner driver, noisy like any typical base model (except that it was badged as an E250 - so we feel it's definitely a downgrade from the E240 V6 of the W211) and also threw up suspension issues since day one. We decided - we had enough of dealing with the consistent issues in German cars (though they are noticeably lesser in recent days) and thought, why not try one of the most reliable brands in the world, Lexus? Besides, my dad has never driven a Lexus before so it would be a nice experience.
The first drive kind of sealed the deal. 96,000km on the clock for a December 2006 LS460 and it still felt 95% new. Nothing was broken and the car still goes like the day it was new. The pictures below should give an idea just how outstandingly little the wear and tear is. The drive - I have to admit - is cosseting and quiet. It is the quietest car I have ever sat in, probably equivalent to a Phantom I sat in Vegas but somehow, I think the LS430 is a tad quieter than all of them. The drivetrain is smoother than butter - 8-speeds and that V8 is a perfect pair. Certainly a big step up from the E250. I know it's a rather unfair comparison, but the fact is that the depreciation on the LS for the past few years made it only slightly more expensive than the E250 to keep, including road tax, insurance and fuel. So in terms of running costs they are running pretty close.
Handling is typical of a Lexus. Nothing of the new sporty style of the new GS. This one floats over the road and dives when braking. There is nothing of the confidence behind the wheel like in the E-Class. It doesn't hold the road well and you always feel very detached from everything. But hey, my dad doesn't feel a difference and for him, this car feels better actually because he has different priorities in a car. So it all fits in nicely.
4 days of ownership so far and I we are actually very satisfied... I think I derive my satisfaction very differently in a Lexus. It's the peace of mind of rock solid reliability, the fact that the air-con is arctic cold (important for a tropical climate in Singapore), the fact that we have many more toys that come with the car as standard (Mark Levinson system, air-cooled seats, etc) that enhances every aspect of comfort for the occupants. Also, it's even quite efficient for a 4.6L - we're doing 14L/100km so far, better than the D3 A8 4.2q we had before (AWD for sure played a part). It's that worry-free experience and stress-relieving drive that makes it special. Not the handling. That's fine by me... At least the car is unpretentious and knows what it is all about. Kudos. Which is also why I don't like where Lexus is going with F sport on the LS... But I'd understand if they want to improve the handling and keep everything else as it is.
So, enough of talk, here are the pictures. BTW, Lenspeed is my website, feel free to see it: http://www.lenspeed.com
Enjoy!
Being Japanese doesn't mean being cheap! They like their digital things, including this clock.
Ambient lighting very subtle and a bit of a disappointment after getting used to what the Germans can do. It's like a Japanese tea room.
Air-conditioning EVERYWHERE, including on top of your head! (not pictured)
After owning many problematic German cars, I think my family places build quality and dependability even higher than the 'feel good' factor. Sure, there is less of a sense of occasion, but there are other things to enjoy which you can't in a German car (or you pay a lot more for it). 
