off topic subject/question

[alexander]

My '96 Q is running quite good for the 150k miles on it and, I want to keep the car as city (San Francisco) car but need a freeway car (multiple airbags) for weekends.Considering a 2007 Lexus LS460 for 43 grand (not bad being certified and having huge sound system in it)Not a fun car but... Any thoughts on problems with first year model???Thanks in advance.

[qship96]

Should be a rock solid vehicle. As with any used car, run the VIN at the Lexus dealer to be sure it was serviced regularly and no ongoing issues reported in the records. Even though it is a certified vehicle, a paid inspection from a different Lexus dealers tech before purchase is never a bad idea.

[Q451990]

I hate to admit it, but I have always liked the look of them - especially the "L"

I certainly couldn't fault you since Infiniti has abandoned us in the large lux-o-cruiser category.

Heath

[Q45tech]

Not sure that air bags work as well as 4 point [racing] seat belts and a crash helmet.

But then in 47 years of driving [~630k] around the world [including California] I've avoided wrecks where they might have been useful.

Florida has cheaper lux/exotic cars which are then trucked/trailed to Californiafor resale to price ignorant buyers: Trade-In Private Party DealerRetail $36,957 $39,472 $41,370

[alexander]

Thanks for the comments.Just checking the Lexus LS 460 forums and it seems like there are quite of few owners very dissatisfied with this car. Many.Lousy Nav system. Poor driver seats. Wind noise ,. Jerky transmission And on and on.Might go with the '06 LS. Seems many like the previous model.

[qship96]

A thorough test drive will allow you to see if those complaints are valid- make a list and check them off after your evaluation.

[maxnix]

Lexus service writer admittd to me that quality went down dramatically with LS430. Not sure what I would recommend. Many alternatives may be worse even than LS460.

Drive then decide. Lexus is pretty numb, like steering a refrigerator.

[goody90q45]

........Lexus is pretty numb, like steering a refrigerator.

That's pretty easy to visualize.

You're very whitty in coming up with your comparisons.

[Q451990]

Kind of sad, because it seems like there's no worthy replacement for the G50...

Heath

[MinisterofDOOM]

Might I suggest a DIFFERENT LS?



Great highway cruiser that's also at home in the twisties (MT called it the best handling sedan ever built in America). They've depreciated horribly, a lot of car for the money. You should easily be able to find a CPO '06 in superb condition for under $20k.

Most worthy G50 "successor" I've found. It comes closest to Infiniti's pairing of sport and luxury, at any rate.

[elwesso]

do you not like the new Q45 or M45? The 05/06 Q has just as many amenities as the Q and they seem pretty solid...

FWIW, even if they do have oil consumption issues, i would MUCH rather have to put in a quart every 3k miles than replace nav systems (thousands).

[Q451990]

Might I suggest a DIFFERENT LS?

Can't speak for the original poster, but I would never, ever, ever, ever, EVER consider a Ford product. Made that mistake once in the early 1990s and will never do it again. It's funny that their marketing strategy every 10 years or so is something to the extent of "yeah we know we sucked but now we're good"

"Have you driven a Ford Lately""Look again... look again..."

I will admit that when their products are new, they're comfortable and nice to drive - making them appropriate for rental cars and people who trade every two or three years - but the quality of the components, quality of assembly, and dismal support in terms of warranty make them a non-starter.

Heath

[alexander]

I have test driven both the '05 and '06 Q45. Very unimpressed.M45 was fun but some quality isses.

Maybe a '05/'06 S65 AMG with long warranty and then just give it to the charity after it starts all it's problems

[alexander]

So I did purchase yesterday a '06 LS 430.53k miles and not a blemish in or out and service records totaly up to date.It is Certified with and added 6year/125k miles extended warranty.

Question for Q45tech please.

The LS is in service for minor item while there what xtra maintainance should I request(that they normally don't do) to get this 'refrigerator' up to snuff to last another 180k miles????

[Q451990]

Congratulations!

I'm not Q45Tech, but I can guess what he'll say. Replace all fluids every year or so... transmission, differential, brake, p/s, etc.

Heath