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Add in real estate as well...
But on the oil/gas issue, Len I must disagree with your rosy scenarios. The probability that we'll see $2 a gallon is much much lower than that we'll see $4/gallon. This is the reality. Demand is simply going to go up, and as long there remains conflict in the middle east, a barrel of oil will remain high, maybe even go up beyond the $62-ish it is currently selling for. China is growing, demand here in the US has not waned, rather is going up.... more and more cars are being sold, many more people can afford 2, 3, 4 vehicles in their homes. Here in Cali, we have people with 4+ garages... The population is growing, the labor force is growing, and there is not enough incentives for fuel alternatives in the recently signed energy bill. So... our dependence on oil will continue in the foreseeable future, IMO.
The LS600H is the MY2008 release. This car should do the mid-30s in mpg. That would be plenty for a car churning out 375-ish HP and weighing over 5000Ib. That will be a solid vehicle, and should do well in the market... combining power, speed, fuel efficiency and luxury in one neat package.
Additionally there are other issues, such as the fact that rescue crews risk electric shock or acid burns if they cut into a hybrid car to try and pull someone out. A lot of these things have to be dealt with if hybrid cars are going to become more than 1% of the total vehicle market.
Actually, the 2006 IS are screenless, unless you opt for the Navi.
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Oh yeah, an $80,000 LS hybrid that gets 30 mpg might sound nice to your buddies at the country club, but spare me if you're going to say you got it to "help the environment" and "reduce our dependence" on foreign oil.
If you really want reduce our dependence on oil, there are cars that get better gas mileage and don't take nearly as much energy to manufacture.
All the cars with VDIM or NAVI will have the screen, if you don't get VDIM (or Navi)you wont have it. Since the IS350 has a VDIM system, it gets the screen standard.
The GS would've been the one to make that move, if they were gonna go that route.
That is just a harbinger of things to come, as the Gs has some faint cues from this concept, but is not nearly that aggressive.
And that would p-off many of the LS faithful, who are not into something that sexy/sporty/aggressive.
I think we all should have learned by now these adjectives are not in the Lex-icon.
DrFill
When I discovered Ebay Motors and the many Lexi that they have for auction my dream finally became a possibility.
My question for everyone here, is based on your knowledge of LS 430,400 quality and reliability, what would be the oldest LS you would consider a quality car, also what milage?
For example on 8/28/05 a 2002 LS 430 with 82,000 (in excellent condition according to inspection report) sold for $27,100, a 7.79% discount over the Kelly Blue book value. Does this seem like a good deal, good idea?
If a 2002 can sell for 27K then a 2000-2001 would probably sell for $25,000.
Does anyone own a 2000-2001 LS? How reliable is it? I know that the LS series is called the most reliable car on earth according to JD Power. Thus I am working under the impression that a 5 year Lexus LS with under 100,000 miles, if properly maintained, is good for another 150,000-200,000 miles and thus, in my book, is practically new.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also, 82,000 miles in 3 years is a lot of driving, so I would pay particular attention in those case to make sure the car was properly maintained, and yes, the 90K service would be coming up soon on a car like that.
There's some major service at 60K, but the 90K-100K period is where you have to be ready to hand a check for anywhere from $1000-2500 or so to the service department. What I would suggest is an '01, with more than 60K and less than 70K, which should get you past the 60K service and give you 25-30K miles before you have to worry about anything. Talk to a Lexus dealer and see if they can work out a deal on a CPO '01 LS. You will probably have to pay a bit extra up front, but that way you can be assured that the car your getting is in perfect condition, and it will carry a warranty until '07 and 100K total vehicle miles.
If not, then definitely have a mechanic check out the car before you buy anything. The LS is a luxury car, and even though its the most reliable one you can buy, maintainance on any luxury car is still expensive. You dont want to find out that your brand new baby needs $2000 worth of work done the day after you drive it off the lot.
For the record, my first LS was a '96 LS400. I traded it for my current '01 with 156K miles on the odo, no problems. When the '07 hits, it will be my third. I highly recommend the car.
First time hearing you are interested in the '07 LS. Good for you.
With rising gas prices, I really don't want to hop into a GX470 and suffer the losses. I don't need the 4WD.
A Lexus people hauler, (preferably a minivan) would be perfect for me. My wife would like the creature comforts and prestige that comes with the Lexus badge and I'd like the nice and long warranty and excellent dealer service. (you can't get that on the Sienna XLE Limited)
I'm also not sure that a wagony-suv thing like the R-class at over 200" long is any more fuel efficient than a GX.
That is just for the first model year as always. There is no way they aren't going to offer 4Matic on the new generation S450 and S500 at some point in the future.
M
1: Intelligent Active Suspension System (IASS)
This technology was developed under the existing active suspension system currently employed by the Celsoir sedan. The system works through a central computer which would constantly monitor each suspension in the car. Whenever sedan turns into sharp corners, the central computer would issue commands to adjust each suspension appropriately to enhance the sedan’s cornering ability.
...sounds less radical than the Bose system. It could be that the Bose won't be ready in the right timeframe. I read an article somewhere that made it sound 3-5 years away.
Kevin, we would very much appreciate your input on this subject!
What statement by Lexus Marketing are you referring to?
The GS ("The Next Phenomenon from Lexus") might be overstated
The Next IS is no 3 Series. Fast and pretty, a major step forward, but not of that ilk.
The Next LS will be a great one, as the three before it were. In many a Lexus brouchure, you will see "Exceeding customers expectations" mentioned.
I think it would be wise for Lexus marketing to not get into overpromising. The 1990 LS was a Nuclear warhead taking on Scud missiles! I wouldn't put that much pressure on my flagship, as great as it may be.
We may not get back to 1989, but we may go Back To The Future! :shades:
DrFill
I do agree with everything you said until the last closing statement. "Back to the Future" ? I'd rather argue that the next LS should re-define what the future car should be (not the glitzy/ritzy Hollywood definitions you see in futuristic movies). Making Lexus job much easier are the not so outstanding releases from BMW, MB, Audi (if you love in-your-face grilles, which I don't). All Lexus needs to do is beat these crop in styling. Interior ergonomics, fit-and-finish, luxury appointments, reliability and customer service will all be top notch for Lexus anyway, so I am not too worried on those fronts. Just get the styling right, please....And no grossed-out futuristic alien-like styling either
Being more fuel-efficient is en vogue now, and Lexus will take Hybrids to new and exciting heights.
If the LS looks HALF as good as the IS, it will take best-in-class honors over a solid A8, and weak 750/S550!
Let's face it. There aren't many warts on the car to fix now. More features, more efficient, more powerful, LWB, and a prettier face. Anything else is gravy.
DrFill
Good post, as always....