Dedicated internet automobile forums provide a wealth of information to owners of automobiles. Unfortunately, some posts submitted by fan boys add nothing of a positive nature to the forum but instead viciously attack and denigrate advocates of other makes of automobiles. I consider these posts nothing more than written by immature, unintelligent and mean spirited asses.
I am a car enthusiast. I have owned cars of differing body styles, engine sizes and types of transmissions. I enjoy owning cars, I enjoy driving cars and I enjoy reading the comments about cars issued by other enthusiasts.
Based on personal experience, I pass on to others my opinions about the cars I have owned. I try to be objective but at times my bias for or against something is displayed. To forewarn others of my bias, I preface my remarks stating that they are subjective and based upon my personal opinion.
Now, to the purpose of this thread, as if this point in time, I have owned and driven my 2007 Lexus ES350 long enough to make comparisons between it and two former cars I owned the two years before I purchased the Lexus. In 2005 I owned an Acura RL. In 2006 I owned an Infiniti M45. In 2007 I purchased my Lexus.
I select my cars after extensive research. Once I decide on a particular car, I obtain pricing from local dealerships. Next, I compare the lowest local price with those offered by dealers in California and Nevada (adjacent states to my home, Arizona). I then make my purchase from the dealer who offers the lowest out the door price.
Although the RL, M45 and ES350 differ in engine size and drive train, each is comparable to the other in most other ways. All were equipped with similar features.
2005 Acura RL 6 cylinder 300hp 3.5 liter SH-AWD (paid $47,886).2006 Infiniti M45 8 cylinder 325hp 4.5 liter rear wheel drive (paid $52,522).2007 Lexus ES350 6 cylinder 272hp 3.5 liter front wheel drive (paid $42,243).
From this point, everything I say is SUBJECTIVE! I recognize and respect that some will take issue and advance their opinions. Good. I welcome a decent and spirited exchange of views.
I believe that all three of these cars were well worth the price I paid for them. Each has been reliable, failure free and a pleasure to own. The following are my SUBJECTIVE observations about these cars:
The RL is feature rich and luxurious. I loved every moment I owned it.It provides the best handling of the three.It provides more stability than the others.It has the most intuitive and best-working navigation system.It delivers more detailed and better driver information on the screen.It has the best interior lighting system.
The M45 evokes visceral sensations and is the most exciting to drive.It is fastest out the gate and accelerates with verve.Its interior is the most elegantly appointed.Has the best paint finish.Has the best head-light system.Has the best voice recognition system.Has superior brakes.Its tire pressure monitor system is the most informative system.
The ES350 is stylish, the most sedate, quiet and comfortable of the three.It accelerates and cruises quickly with ease and safely.It is clearly the most fuel efficient of the three.It has the best fit of hardware.It has the best bluetooth system.It has the best home-link (garage opener) system.Its electroluminescent instrumentation is the most visible night or day.It has the finest audio system.Its heating/cooling seats are fractionally better.It has the most outstanding camera, front and rear avoidance system.
There are many, many more features and/or attributes that each of these fine cars provide. But, the ones I have listed were the most important ones to me.
For the final car I would every own and drive, I would choose the Lexus ES350 over the Acura RL or the Infiniti M45. I like the layout of its dashboard controls, the way I fit in the driver’s seat, the smooth and quiet drive and the power at my pedal when I need it. Lastly, I cannot help but smile at the pump after which I get between 22mpg in the city and 31mpg on the highway. I also really like the lines of the ES350. The Lexus simply looks elegant to me.
I compare my 2005 RL, 2006 M45 and 2007 ES350
Re: I compare my 2005 RL, 2006 M45 and 2007 ES350 (carbuff)
Are you sure you liked the paint on the M? I'm glad to hear this as my experience with Infiniti's paint (G35) has been horrendous with easy chipping and scratching. I would think most models are painted with similar quality materials with the same method.
Re: I compare my 2005 RL, 2006 M45 and 2007 ES350 (Bocatrip)
Bocatrip, when I buy a new car I have a clearshield process performed protecting the body surface of the car. It protects against stains, abrasions, scratches, nicks, chipping and road debris.
In addition, because I do not keep a car for more than two years, the "look" of the paint never appears to change in color.
While many might think this an unnecessary expense, I think it well worth it as I not only have the enjoyment of a beautiful looking car but also get top dollar when I dispose of the car.
In addition, because I do not keep a car for more than two years, the "look" of the paint never appears to change in color.
While many might think this an unnecessary expense, I think it well worth it as I not only have the enjoyment of a beautiful looking car but also get top dollar when I dispose of the car.
Re: I compare my 2005 RL, 2006 M45 and 2007 ES350 (carbuff)
We all have certain passions in life. Besides my wife, my passions have been the Navy, my business career and cars. My love of cars began when I was a teen in the 1940’s. Then, I helped two older neighbor boys build a hot rod. Since then, I have owned or leased thirty-nine used and new cars.
Since 1988, I obtain a new car and retain it for a period of fifteen months to two years (regardless of mileage driven).
I am a good trader and receive top dollar for my cars because they are always in excellent condition when I dispose of them. Since 1988, the cost for me to own a new car for the amount of time it is with me (18 months to 24 months) has averaged $5,500 or $229 to $305 per month. Some might think this extravagant. But, it keeps me in a new car all of the time.
Since 1988, I obtain a new car and retain it for a period of fifteen months to two years (regardless of mileage driven).
I am a good trader and receive top dollar for my cars because they are always in excellent condition when I dispose of them. Since 1988, the cost for me to own a new car for the amount of time it is with me (18 months to 24 months) has averaged $5,500 or $229 to $305 per month. Some might think this extravagant. But, it keeps me in a new car all of the time.
Re: I compare my 2005 RL, 2006 M45 and 2007 ES350 (carbuff)
I too have gone the clear bra route due to some bad and expensive experiences with road chips. Although the 3M clear bra is pricey, I find it worth the money as I have no chips since installation.carbuff wrote:Bocatrip, when I buy a new car I have a clearshield process performed protecting the body surface of the car. It protects against stains, abrasions, scratches, nicks, chipping and road debris.
In addition, because I do not keep a car for more than two years, the "look" of the paint never appears to change in color.
While many might think this an unnecessary expense, I think it well worth it as I not only have the enjoyment of a beautiful looking car but also get top dollar when I dispose of the car.