Reflecting on Lexus Quality
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,067
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From: Pennsylvania
Reflecting on Lexus Quality
Last night it occurred to me that I can't remember ANY Lexus in my circle EVER going back for a mechanical repair. I, personally, have owned 2 LS400s, 1 ES300, 1 RX330, 2 LS430s and 2 LS460s. Others in my circle of family and friends have ES's, a GX430, multiple other LS's.
I admit that I don't keep a car very long, but even so, compared to the other vehicles I've owned (in particular Mercedes and Ford products), I just cannot ever remember ANY Lexus having any mechanical problems. It's amazing really. There have been a few issues with squeaks and rattles. And a number of recalls for stuff that I didn't notice. But other than that these cars truly are what they claimed they were gonna be 20 years ago (I had one of the very first 1990 LS400's in my area).
I posted this here under the LS460 because I frequent this board but perhaps this belongs elsewhere.
I admit that I don't keep a car very long, but even so, compared to the other vehicles I've owned (in particular Mercedes and Ford products), I just cannot ever remember ANY Lexus having any mechanical problems. It's amazing really. There have been a few issues with squeaks and rattles. And a number of recalls for stuff that I didn't notice. But other than that these cars truly are what they claimed they were gonna be 20 years ago (I had one of the very first 1990 LS400's in my area).
I posted this here under the LS460 because I frequent this board but perhaps this belongs elsewhere.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: WA
Although not owning as many Lexus vehicles as yourself I agree. Mine have been bulletproof.
Assuming your first LS460 was not AWD, how do you like your new one all things considered? Does it ride much better with the air suspension?
I sometimes ponder getting an AWD to replace my 07 LS460.
Thanks.
Assuming your first LS460 was not AWD, how do you like your new one all things considered? Does it ride much better with the air suspension?
I sometimes ponder getting an AWD to replace my 07 LS460.
Thanks.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,067
Likes: 457
From: Pennsylvania
I know I am gonna get flamed, but I STILL don't get this whole "air suspension" thing. The car rides exactly the same in any of the 3 switch positions. In fact I can detect no difference between the '09 AWD and my old '07. I would hope, however, that this is NOT the case in February!
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 26
From: Sakon Nakhon
The lower profile 19" OEM tires probably contribute to this as well.
Just think, you'll be able to rip through Snoqualmie Pass...
I just noticed the Pass already has a sprinkling of snow.
WSDOT Snoqualmie Pass Webcam
Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Canada
2 LS 430s, LS460, RX 330, RX350 - all have been super reliable.
When you spend so much on a car, one tends to be rather upset if and when things go wrong. You wouldn't get too upset if a $25,000 car gave trouble - inconvenient yes, but you mostly get what you pay for.
Having said that, cars are amazingly reliable compared to years ago and when you consider the complexity of the modern automobile and the abuse they take (both during driving and inadequate maintenance!) the industry has done well in building good machines.
I love my Lexus(s), for the over-engineering, obsessive attention to detail, the thrill of driving them and for showing the world how to build truly luxury cars.
When you spend so much on a car, one tends to be rather upset if and when things go wrong. You wouldn't get too upset if a $25,000 car gave trouble - inconvenient yes, but you mostly get what you pay for.
Having said that, cars are amazingly reliable compared to years ago and when you consider the complexity of the modern automobile and the abuse they take (both during driving and inadequate maintenance!) the industry has done well in building good machines.
I love my Lexus(s), for the over-engineering, obsessive attention to detail, the thrill of driving them and for showing the world how to build truly luxury cars.
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 26
From: Sakon Nakhon
But back to your topic, both cars were/are problem free, except for minor TSBs on the 460.
Last edited by Johnny; Nov 7, 2009 at 11:24 PM.
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Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 63
From: MO
My 1990 LS 400 had the rack and pinion go out. I ended up trading it in for a new Lexus LS. After the repair, it felt like it had no power steering. They tried 3 different racks.
This is my 5th Lexus, and I agree, not many mechanical problems to report...
Craig
This is my 5th Lexus, and I agree, not many mechanical problems to report...
Craig
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 3
From: Virginia
I agree!!!
Last night it occurred to me that I can't remember ANY Lexus in my circle EVER going back for a mechanical repair. I, personally, have owned 2 LS400s, 1 ES300, 1 RX330, 2 LS430s and 2 LS460s. Others in my circle of family and friends have ES's, a GX430, multiple other LS's.
I admit that I don't keep a car very long, but even so, compared to the other vehicles I've owned (in particular Mercedes and Ford products), I just cannot ever remember ANY Lexus having any mechanical problems. It's amazing really. There have been a few issues with squeaks and rattles. And a number of recalls for stuff that I didn't notice. But other than that these cars truly are what they claimed they were gonna be 20 years ago (I had one of the very first 1990 LS400's in my area).
I posted this here under the LS460 because I frequent this board but perhaps this belongs elsewhere.
I admit that I don't keep a car very long, but even so, compared to the other vehicles I've owned (in particular Mercedes and Ford products), I just cannot ever remember ANY Lexus having any mechanical problems. It's amazing really. There have been a few issues with squeaks and rattles. And a number of recalls for stuff that I didn't notice. But other than that these cars truly are what they claimed they were gonna be 20 years ago (I had one of the very first 1990 LS400's in my area).
I posted this here under the LS460 because I frequent this board but perhaps this belongs elsewhere.
Even once got a free battery! We all from the LS400-LS460/600 are very fortunate to own high priced cars new/used that give us back reliability as long as we do preventitive services to them that is! I felt you hit the nail on the head sir! L.G.N.M
Last edited by usermel; Nov 7, 2009 at 05:14 PM. Reason: spelling!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, Socal
lets see, failures that left me stranded...
1979 Pontiac Firebird, 305 V-8 cracked radiator at 30,000 miles
1994 Ford Mustang V6, Clutch failure 12,000 miles
1997 Ford F-150 4.6L V8. Shift linkage broke 25,000 miles, unable to shift out of park
1999 Lexus ES 300 EGR valve broke?, car refused to start. about a 10 minute fix at 45000 miles
2003 Acura MDX major engine issues, replaced valves or something like that, engine kept stalling when accelerating at 19000 miles
2005 Volvo V70 2.5T cracked radiator at 15000 miles
No major problems with 2008 RX 350, 2007 GS 350, 2009 LS 460, 2004 Toyota Sienna, 1993 Acura Integra, 1986 Ford Escort, 1989 Toyota Corolla
1979 Pontiac Firebird, 305 V-8 cracked radiator at 30,000 miles
1994 Ford Mustang V6, Clutch failure 12,000 miles
1997 Ford F-150 4.6L V8. Shift linkage broke 25,000 miles, unable to shift out of park
1999 Lexus ES 300 EGR valve broke?, car refused to start. about a 10 minute fix at 45000 miles
2003 Acura MDX major engine issues, replaced valves or something like that, engine kept stalling when accelerating at 19000 miles
2005 Volvo V70 2.5T cracked radiator at 15000 miles
No major problems with 2008 RX 350, 2007 GS 350, 2009 LS 460, 2004 Toyota Sienna, 1993 Acura Integra, 1986 Ford Escort, 1989 Toyota Corolla
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 7
From: TX
I was also one of the "first on my block" to get the '99 LS400. It had several things done to it ... the entire ECU was replaced (a $3500 part at the time), the tires were replaced, it had a pull to the right, and a few other minor things. All under warranty, of course, so no cost to me.
My second LS was fine, as was the RX300, and the IS350 I had for a few months was okay once they got some things sorted out early on.
The LS460 has had alignment problems, and tire problems, both fixed under warranty (got a set of new Michelins free!). It still pulls to the right, but I ignore it. The speedometer (and odometer, I assume) is reading fast by 3mph, and I'm working through that with Lexus as we speak.
Per another thread, I just had a valve spring break, and my car might be in the shop for a total of 3 weeks for that.
I still consider Lexus to be pretty bullet poof, but I've actually had a lot better luck with BMW's and Acuras.
.
.
My second LS was fine, as was the RX300, and the IS350 I had for a few months was okay once they got some things sorted out early on.
The LS460 has had alignment problems, and tire problems, both fixed under warranty (got a set of new Michelins free!). It still pulls to the right, but I ignore it. The speedometer (and odometer, I assume) is reading fast by 3mph, and I'm working through that with Lexus as we speak.
Per another thread, I just had a valve spring break, and my car might be in the shop for a total of 3 weeks for that.
I still consider Lexus to be pretty bullet poof, but I've actually had a lot better luck with BMW's and Acuras.
.
.
CL Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,265
Likes: 482
From: MA
I remember the days when you changed the plugs, points and condenser every 5,000 miles. Youngsters on here are asking themselves, "what the hell are points and condensers?". They may not even know what plugs are since they don't own a car for 100,000 miles to need to change them.
And while we're at it, I walked 5 miles to school ..... uphill ...... both ways!
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 26
From: Sakon Nakhon
LMAO, so you never did get home...
I used to do my own tune-ups as well; still have the tools. And you really knew when it was time as well (sputter, sputter...). Lucky if I could get 10K miles on a tune-up. Then there were the head and manifold gaskets, the brakes (drums & discs), the differential, the steering members, and I went in blind just using shop manuals, but got it done. Spark plugs didn't last very long back then either - had to be re-gapped or changed. Thank for the memories...
I used to do my own tune-ups as well; still have the tools. And you really knew when it was time as well (sputter, sputter...). Lucky if I could get 10K miles on a tune-up. Then there were the head and manifold gaskets, the brakes (drums & discs), the differential, the steering members, and I went in blind just using shop manuals, but got it done. Spark plugs didn't last very long back then either - had to be re-gapped or changed. Thank for the memories...
Driver
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: VA
Perhaps I'm in the minority, but the 90's was the best decade for me in terms of vehicles. I drove numerous 90's vehicles over 150,000-200,000 miles with little more than routine maintenance. I'd be shocked to get that kind of mileage out of the vehicles put out today.
The LS460 is my first Lexus, but so far so good. I've had good luck with Toyota in the past and have little doubt the experience will extend within the Lexus realm as well. Even compared to previous MB and BMW vehicles I've had, the Lexus service and dealership experience has been amazing. Absolutely no regrets!
As for maintenance.... I've always done my own maintenance and repairs from the "good ole days" of points to the present multitude of emission sensors and tight tolerances. I have the scan tools/computers and tools - I like doing it and I especially like knowing that it's done properly, so why not?
The LS460 is my first Lexus, but so far so good. I've had good luck with Toyota in the past and have little doubt the experience will extend within the Lexus realm as well. Even compared to previous MB and BMW vehicles I've had, the Lexus service and dealership experience has been amazing. Absolutely no regrets!
As for maintenance.... I've always done my own maintenance and repairs from the "good ole days" of points to the present multitude of emission sensors and tight tolerances. I have the scan tools/computers and tools - I like doing it and I especially like knowing that it's done properly, so why not?
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 26
From: Sakon Nakhon
I agree Ace. The battery of sensors that we have on most vehicles today can be somewhat intimidating, but they are extremely useful. How often do we get an engine check light? Not very, but if and when we do, we can quickly determine the fault by plugging in an OBD2 reader, giving us an instant output on the cause. From there, we're equipped with the data we need to either repair, if it's minor enough or getting the car serviced with the kind of data that gives us a talking knowledge on the issue with the dealer. It's the best one-time $80 anyone can spend on any car.