General Comments:
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.
21st Sep 2006, 21:58
Lexus is a great car to drive on frequent long distance trips. I replace my car every 2 years and since 1997 its been a Lexus. I drive from Southern California to Nebraska at least once every 1.5 months. I bought a 1997 LS400 and had close to 80,000 miles when I traded it in for a 1999 RX300. I got the SUV due to the harsh weather back east. The RX300 did great and had 65,000 miles when I traded it for a 2003 GX470. Now I'm in an LX470 which is by far the best SUV for winter driving. I can't see myself driving anything else. The Lexus has never left me stranded. A TRUE Lexus fan!