1998 Lexus LX470 review from Australia and New Zealand

Some dashboard lights failed - replaced free of cost.

Rear brake disks replaced at dealer at around 130000klms.

Huge, heavy, thirsty. Everything you'd expect from a full size luxury 4WD. The stuff you don't expect is the luxury, the ride quality, the reliability, the evangelical zeal that the dealers approach their job with and the general feeling that you've found the car that you want to keep for ever!

A clear class above a Toyota Landcruiser - I know, I bought one new - the Lexus should dominate the market. Its simultaneously exclusive and understated. The competition - BMWs, Mercedes etc are simply outclassed in quality and delivery. The dealers are simply fantastic - I have never experienced these service levels from a car dealer. BMW, Mercedes and Toyota should be embarrassed - they are clearly left in the weeds by Lexus service levels.

The car itself is incredibly quiet, huge interior, dual air-con that gets the car from furnace to comfortable in seconds - not minutes. The sound system is good, though lacks some power if you really push it. All the toys work - seat memory, ride height, ride levels (soft through to hard), auto dipping centre mirror - everything.

The suspension adjustment for ride quality is a bit of a toy - but its pricless if you're on a rutted road with sleeping kids, or if you're wanting to maintain speed and stability on a twisting road. Load space is cavernous - even with the 2 additional seats in the car (though in their stored position) you can get a pushchair or pram, plus luggage and shopping in without cluttering up the car itself.

This is a great car. If you're in the market for a luxury 4WD, try it. Try everything else first, then try it. Then go find a 5 year old BMW, Mercedes and a Lexus and compare them. The Lexus holds up to the daily abuse of kids, stop-and-start and the occasional blast on the beaches way better than the competition.

That's the last word - try one.