Luxury Lounge

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  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Their wood trim is all real, while it was obvious to me where the fake wood was in our previous RX.

    The RX has never had fake wood. I don't think Lexus has ever used plastic wood. If they have, it would've been in early versions of the ES only.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Most beautiful cars in the world?

    Ah, you're killin' me with these. The S5 is a great looking car, but I don't like that color.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Well it's about time that they did this. TOO LATE in my opinon.

    I'm not so sure. Unlike the RL which has been a big fat dud since its introduction in '96, the TL has something of a loyal following. I don't really think the new TL is going to pull in BMW buyers in droves, but I'm sure it will do reasonably well. That said, I very much doubt I'm going to like the looks.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,208
    While the S5 may not appear as "exotic" as the others, have you seen it in the flesh? Pix don't do it justice... But, I think I'm agreeing with you as far as defining the looks. At a glance, you may see an S5 and think, "Nice, handsome car." But on closer examination, it (to me) does have some exotic lines...

    But, the AM, Maser and Jag, just one look is all it takes!

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    "made to look like aluminum"

    It's called metallic finish. To me that's better than the all black and cheapo looking 3er center stack. Oh okay so 3er's control is precise but not the IS? That I had another good laugh...

    BMWs also use simple, elegant, effective gauges.

    You forgot to mention "last century"... Lexus also makes simple, elegant and effective gauges but without making them look so outdated.

    By the way, all wood trims in RX, as matter of fact, all Lexus cars/SUVs are real.

    What useful luxury feature does the LX have that the LC does not?

    Good gawd man, gadgets and wood trims alone do no make a luxury car! Next time in the auto show make sure you compare the interior material quality (leather, center stack/console finish, door panels...) between the two then you'll see the difference is bigger than you realized. Maybe those differences do not justify the $20k premium TO YOU but I am sure all the LX owners out there would disagree with you.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    but in materials quality you're simply incorrect.

    My "material dependent" ranking was taking both the material quality and design into consideration, not just the materials.

    With the materials alone my ranking would be:

    1. 3er / IS (tie) - 3er tied IS here with the utilization of real aluminum.
    2. C / A4 - I haven't seen the new A4 in person so I am using the old A4 as my reference
    3. G - class competitive now except for hard plastic on door panels
    4. TL - Need a real wood trim and better door panel materials
  • lovemyclklovemyclk Member Posts: 351
    Completely agree on the S5... especially the rear 3/4 view. Nice detailing on the front end as well. Interior has the ambience from an even more costly vehicle - nicely done, Audi. And this, from a pretty loyal BMW owner ;)
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Well I guess everyone is busy doing their taxes?? I did mine and am speachless Tony
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    Thanks for the hurricane survival tips. Just out of curiosity, where is your summer resident since I noticed that you drive to your Florida home. I guess Florida can be too hot in the summer or is it that you prefer not to live there during hurricane season.
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    From the tone of your post, I guess the idea of the Florida home is a good one, especially when the price/cost is right! I don't think I can afford a property on an island like yours with my budget, so I would likely settle for a modest gated community on the main land.
    Getting rid of winter tires is one thing, I am not sure about ditching the SUV because I do have uses for it.
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    Do you have the rear pictures of the DBS? while the one you posted look extremely good, I have seen some that showed the backend and it does not compare to the rest of the car.
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    My place in Florida is a condo, so it is very easy to own...Hurricanes are a part of everywhere I have a place, so again my advice is to have good window protection, and a good roof....a hurricane can be a scarry experience when the winds are a hundred or more...The house shakes enough for the toilet bowl water to have ripples in it, and one`s thoughts get pretty basic, with God very prominently respected...other than that the wind noise really gets on your nerves as it blows for such a long time.....I hope everyone paid enough taxes for the government to supply lemo. for all the high ranking....Tony
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Based on my own experience, Florida is a decent place as long as you don't have to live there 24-7-365. I lived in the Space Coast (Melbourne) for a year and that was all I can stand. I moved out of there as soon as my commitment to my previous company was up and looked back at that 1-year as a well-learned lesson.

    Also, for those of you who baby your cars (don't we all...): Do not, and I repeat, DO NOT go to Florida during March and September (lovebugs seasons). You'll regret if you did, trust me on that. :sick:
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Nobody here seems to be in the fevered state to buy a new car. I know I am not right now. Of course that can change quickly if I see something I really like. :)

    I am sort of waiting to see if something good comes out on the next batch of new cars. I am curious about a C class diesel and the 09 TL. If I had to buy something right now I would be looking at an 05 or 06 LS and that is about it.

    Anyone else got their eye on anything special or about to pull the trigger on something?

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    I have to say that there is nothing awfully exciting right now or in the near future for me. If I have to get a new car within the next 12 months here are some candidates:

    Acura TL - SH-AWD + 300hp is inviting but again if the size remains roughly the same then it's a bit too big for my taste. 300hp would not be "enough" to offset the added weight by SH-AWD, something like 330hp is more desirable.

    BMW 335di - I got a feeling that this thing will be even more expensive than the petrol 335i, which would be too rich for my blood.

    BMW 135i - Again, kind of expensive for such a little car. The one in my liking would be around $43k...

    Infiniti G35 - I'll definitely consider this if something happens to my IS350...

    Lexus IS250/350 Coupe - Another candidate if bad things happen...

    Pontiac G8 GT - I am really liking this car right now, a poor man's 5-series at around $32k loaded. The only downsides are the gas-guzzling V8 and its GM heritage.

    Based on the list looks like I'll be driving my current ride for a long time to come. Houdini, have you test drive the LX570 yet? ;)
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Nope, not yet. The time has not been right. I am working myself up to it.

    I wonder what Hemi bought? He probably opted for the LX and is too embarrassed to tell us about it.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Amen brother..
  • clemboclembo Member Posts: 253
    It seems as if the board has been light lately on new car experiences, maybe Hemi is maintaing a low profile in his new LX?

    I have a 335 Cabrio coming to the dealer this week, it should have landed in port two weeks ago but the boat from Europe had problems and all of the cars had to be re-routed. I am looking forward to it although if it doesn't get to the dealer by Friday I'll have to wait until the 28th to pick it up since I'm going to be on vacation in Florida next week.

    I am returning my leased 2006 A8 tomorrow night which has been a great car and I'll probably get another one this fall to use throughout the winter. I know that Audi's have a love/hate relationship on this board but this is my first one and it has outperformed my expectations.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    I really don't think anyone could "hate" the A8. It is a fantastic car and I am glad you had good luck with yours. All the Audi's have been growing on me of late now that I am getting used to that big grill.

    It is nice that we will have someone to give us a first hand review when your 335 Cabrio comes in. I hope it gets here Friday. We need some excitement.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Wow, there is a lot of space between an XK and a TL! Although, I guess I of all people shouldn't be poking fun at someone else for looking at too many vehicles at once.

    My list includes, as of this minute...

    -BMW M3 sedan
    -Merc C63 AMG
    -Audi S5
    -Audi S6
    -Lightly used Audi S8 or new A8
    -Jaguar XF SV8
    -BMW 535xi
    -BMW 335xi
    -Infiniti G35X
    -BMW M5
    -Merc CLS550

    Bear in mind that one of the above will be my "winter" car, so AWD is a priority, but if I fall in love with a RWD sedan that wouldn't stop me from buying it.

    What I wouldn't get, however, is a RWD coupe.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Like dada said, you just have to wait until you see this thing in person.

    The first time I got a good look at the S5 at the dealer, I couldn't take my eyes off it. Easily the best-looking car they've ever made. It (obviously) isn't as exotic as the R8, but it's just sheer beauty at $55K. If ever you get one, expect heads to turn on every corner and mouths to water with them.

    I stand by my statement--it is one of the most beautiful cars currently on sale. I would say it's the most beautiful for under $100K... Edit: sans the Jag XK. Forgot how much it was! Looks like it should cost twice as much. :blush:

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    It's called metallic finish. To me that's better than the all black and cheapo looking 3er center stack.

    To me being the key phrase there. If you weren't convinced by that post, there's no point in trying to convince you now, so let's just agree to disagree. I will say, though, that the 3's dash is certainly not cheap. BMW interiors are terribly underrated.

    You forgot to mention "last century"... Lexus also makes simple, elegant and effective gauges but without making them look so outdated.

    I don't think the 3's gauges look outdated. They just work. Lexus's gauges with the blue lighting just looks like they're trying too hard.

    Good gawd man, gadgets and wood trims alone do no make a luxury car!

    Yes, you don't think I know that? Your implication was that the LX is a far better luxury vehicle than the LC. The way they appear, there is no great contrast in material quality, so the difference must be in the features.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Look, I know you're biased because you own an IS, and you need to see that too.

    The IS is fast, comfortable, stylish and unique. What it is not is class-leading on the inside. The IS does not match the A4--B6, B7 or B8--on the inside. It looks more modern than the B6/B7, for sure, but the B8 has caught up (surpassed it) in that regard and moves the materials bar even further. All publications have said it once again sets the class standard.

    Materials quality rankings:

    1. A4
    2. 3
    3. IS
    4. C - I'll give you this. No more tie.
    5. TL
    6. G - well-equipped but it will wear out over time. That would not, however, stop me from buying one.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    I disagree
    image

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    I really don't think anyone could "hate" the A8. It is a fantastic car and I am glad you had good luck with yours. All the Audi's have been growing on me of late now that I am getting used to that big grill.

    :D:D:D

    Where is TM? Did he follow up on his threat to leave the board? That would be extremely depressing.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,208
    "Wow, there is a lot of space between an XK and a TL! "

    I am but a simple man of modest means. I must decide upon an entertaining, yet fiscally responsible, automobile purchase or mortgaging my family's financial future in order to satisfy a long running mid-life crisis.

    Wonder if I can get a no-income verification, 110% financing, adjustable rate car loan of, say, 84 months to pick up an XK? Kids can get jobs, put themselves through college! Retirement? Why, when I can drive my XK to my less than adequately salaried job and be the envy of all the girls in the steno pool!

    :shades: or is it :cry: , maybe :sick:

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • clemboclembo Member Posts: 253
    Go for the mid-life crisis car and let the family fend for themselves. :shades:

    (Please don't tell my wife I said that)
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Countrywide will do the trick for you!

    Seriously, a car is just a car at the end of the day. Lease it and leave it when college starts! Never retire!

    Regards,
    OW
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    He is probably just taking a break. After all, it is impossible to ever leave The Hotel California!! :)

    That one series he bought is nothing but an ugly, over weight, over priced little porker. I have heard that it suffers so badly from turbo lag that there might have to be a recall. :lemon: There, that ought to smoke him out! :shades:

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    That one series he bought is nothing but an ugly, over weight, over priced little porker. I have heard that it suffers so badly from turbo lag that there might have to be a recall. There, that ought to smoke him out!

    :);)
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    I have bought two new cars within the last year, so it's safe to say no more car buying for another few years. However, if mid life crisis struck tomorrow, I think you can find me in line up at a Nissan dealer to beg for a new GT-R.
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    I was there March 2005 in Ft Lauderdale, but I did not notice the bug at all. I guess the problem is not as bad in the city.
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    As I've said, it's not bad but does not compare to the rest of the car in pictures.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    there is no great contrast in material quality, so the difference must be in the features

    That's where you are wrong, especially the "there is no great contrast in material quality" statement. I have been in both the LC and LX, trust me, any idiot can tell that one is a Toyota and another is Lexus.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Sorry, we'll just have to agree to disagree. The A4 might tie IS in terms of material quality but once the design got factored in then it's IS all the way. By the way, how much time have you spent in the cabin of the cars on that list?

    Also, if I am biased toward the IS because I own one then I would say you are biased toward the A4 because you own one. It's a wash...
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    If I am not mistaken, the "lovebugs" is more of a central Florida problem.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    BMW interiors are good enough for me. Beats the US luxo interiors hands down. They could use some updating as the Jaguar interiors are very appealing.

    What do I know? I thought the LS interior was fantastic and some think it's long in the tooth.

    Regards,
    OW
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    The differences are really only skin deep on the LX/LC though.

    They roll out of the same factory with all the same underpinnings. Safety features are exactly the same. Engine and transmission are exactly the same.

    Nicer stereo, nicer console and seat leather and more power-everything for the Lexus.

    Interesting, you cannot get the LX with a locking center differential but it's standard on the LC.

    If someone wants to spend more to have more creature comforts, it's the LX. However there is nothing between them to make the LX far superior unless all you care about is luxury.

    Heaven forbid any LX buyers would be buying a huge 4wd because they need the actual abilities of the vehicle.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    However there is nothing between them to make the LX far superior unless all you care about is luxury.

    I may have missed something but isn't that the whole point between the LX and LC? :confuse:

    One is that the LX570 has the LC doesn't is the Limited Slip Differential or Axle.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,208
    As I assume that all the posters here are men of wealth and fame, the practical advise seems to be to damn the torpedos, full Jag-speed ahead! I just have to confirm with Warren Buffet and Suze Orman (can I afford it?)...

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,208
    Tag, if you're out there: It's officially spring: First handwash (Z-7) followed by an application of instant shine (Z-6). I gotta again give props to Zaino. It's been 6 months of New England winter since my last application of Z-2, but after the wash still a great shine! And bettered with the Z-6. Just good stuff.

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • tx_buzzardtx_buzzard Member Posts: 130
    A few of us got together to wash & wax our cars. Thought I might share a few photos of our efforts.

    link title
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Nobody here seems to be in the fevered state to buy a new car. I know I am not right now. Of course that can change quickly if I see something I really like.

    I'm waiting to see what Jag does with the XF-R. I like the XF SV8, but it doesn't feel or look quite special enough vs. the standard car. The S6 is much more of a jump from an A6. While I do like the S6 quite a bit, I think I would rather wait until the next gen version arrives on the MLP structure with the engine further back. I'm also curious to see what Infiniti does with the eventual M50.
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Then why does the LC cost so much in the first place? You do realize that it is now the same price as the LX470 was when it came out, if not more.

    I think it would do. Just a hunch.

    I also don't really love the look of the LX570. It looks expensive, but it also looks like it's on tip-toe. It would look so much better with five-spoke, 20" rims and a proper front bumper.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    The A4 might tie IS in terms of material quality...

    I don't know if you're talking about the new A4 or the old A4. :confuse:

    The current (old) A4 "ties" it in material quality, yes, but the new one takes it a step further.

    ...but once the design got factored in then it's IS all the way.

    Again, personal preference.

    By the way, how much time have you spent in the cabin of the cars on that list?

    I have a close friend with a G35, so I've driven that several times. I have test driven the 3 Series on numerous occasions. I always sat in the IS (and various other Lexi) when we took the RX in for service. Another friend's mother has a TL, which he has to take for her frequently. The only one I don't know much about is the C-Class.

    Also, if I am biased toward the IS because I own one then I would say you are biased toward the A4 because you own one.

    I don't have an A4. :mad:

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • bmlexusbmlexus Member Posts: 755
    This forum is very quite today !!!

    Since i never checked gotta ask every1

    1.Mercedes where is all the benz made in?

    2. Audi same question as above

    3.Toyota

    4.Honda

    5.Porsche
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Then why does the LC cost so much in the first place?

    Because LC and LX are practically the same car except the LX has a better interior plus the limited slip differential or axle. At the end, if one WANTS or MUST HAVE super uber luxury to go along with a true off-roading 7-seat SUV then the LX570 is the choice. Otherwise, the LC could offer exactly the same performance with no wood trims and a more "mainstream" interior for at least $10k less.

    The relationship between the LX and LC is just like Camry XLE and ES350. You may not see the point in it but apparently a lot of people do.

    Again, personal preference.

    Well, of course Mr. Obvious... :P

    The reason you like A4's interior better than others is also due to personal preference.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    According to Autocar, the new NSX will be followed in Europe by a new range of rear wheel-drive sedans. First out of the gate will be a 7-series-fighter set to debut in 2015, then an S2000-based sportscar aimed at the SLK.

    I don't think Acura is going to let the RL twist in the wind for ten years (that would be even longer than last time), so it will probably be redesigned somewhere around 2011 or so, which would indicate that this "7-series fighter" would slot above the RL. Who do they think will want a $70K car with no more badge cachet than a Phaeton? And they seriously think Europeans want to buy Acuras?
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    2015!!??

    Of course a RWD flagship sedan from Acura will be a welcoming news but my question is what about those sedans slotted below like the RL, TL and TSX? Is Acura still going to put half-a** efforts into them? Will the TSX continue to be a rebadge FWD Euro Accord? Will the RL continue to be so blend, mediocre and irrelevant? How about the TL, why the base model is still FWD when competitors are all RWD? How about a RWD-biased SH-AWD?

    Acura simply has too many questions to answer and they are running out of time. They also need to remember that they need to walk before they can run...
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Maybe you would understand why some buy the LX over the LC if you examined your own motive for buying an Audi over a Volkswagen. Aren't they basically the same with the Audi being a bit more luxurious?

    There is such a thing as prestige and exclusivity you know. Actually I thought that was the main reason why anyone would buy a European Luxury Sedan. ;)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

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