Not so Luxury
11-13-15, 11:30 AM
#31
Lexus Test Driver
For most people, Luxury is something that they look up in AWE and Respect.
With MB, it is the history of being the first in many areas (innovator)
With BMW, it is the first of being the first in setting the standards for a vehicle that everyone can drive to the limit without getting scared - the ultimate driving machine.
With Porsche, it is the the car that beats everyone on the track.
With Ferrari, it is the car that won most of, if not all of, the races.
That is what is missing with Lexus.
Nothing more. For your dollar, it is as good or even better then the others in its price class, but that historical piece of claiming we are the the first in - __________ is missing.
With MB, it is the history of being the first in many areas (innovator)
With BMW, it is the first of being the first in setting the standards for a vehicle that everyone can drive to the limit without getting scared - the ultimate driving machine.
With Porsche, it is the the car that beats everyone on the track.
With Ferrari, it is the car that won most of, if not all of, the races.
That is what is missing with Lexus.
Nothing more. For your dollar, it is as good or even better then the others in its price class, but that historical piece of claiming we are the the first in - __________ is missing.
Those non-car folks don't give a damn about which company is the "innovator" or the "driving machine" or what history the make has; I don't think they even give it any thought whatsoever. They just want a nice car to impress the neighbors.
11-13-15, 12:18 PM
#32
Formerly Bad Co
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not everyone that buys a lux car is a "car guy"--in fact, most are not.
Those non-car folks don't give a damn about which company is the "innovator" or the "driving machine" or what history the make has; I don't think they even give it any thought whatsoever. They just want a nice car to impress the neighbors.
Those non-car folks don't give a damn about which company is the "innovator" or the "driving machine" or what history the make has; I don't think they even give it any thought whatsoever. They just want a nice car to impress the neighbors.
11-13-15, 02:20 PM
#33
Not everyone that buys a lux car is a "car guy"--in fact, most are not.
Those non-car folks don't give a damn about which company is the "innovator" or the "driving machine" or what history the make has; I don't think they even give it any thought whatsoever. They just want a nice car to impress the neighbors.
Those non-car folks don't give a damn about which company is the "innovator" or the "driving machine" or what history the make has; I don't think they even give it any thought whatsoever. They just want a nice car to impress the neighbors.
11-13-15, 08:03 PM
#35
Lexus Test Driver
My RX is luxury enough for me. I don't need exotic skins, sparkling jewels or rare woods. That's NOT to say YOU shouldn't have it. If it's there and you want it then booya, get it. Free country & all that. But sometimes I look at these interiors of exotic cars and just know I'd screw it up in 6 months. Lol.
11-14-15, 06:57 AM
#36
Lexus Test Driver
Ok--next time you see a suburban housewife in the parking lot of the Kroger getting out of an Escalade, a GL, a Range Rover or an X5, ask her about the car's historical marketing. See what she says.
Last edited by tex2670; 11-14-15 at 09:51 AM.
11-14-15, 07:28 AM
#37
The pursuit of F
I've gotten the "why did you buy a Lexus? It's an overpriced Toyota."so many times. Ive also gotten Lexus isn't luxury, BMW, Audi and MB are. You should have bought one of those. I would just respond with, it's my money and I can buy whatever I want. I personally don't consider Acura a luxury brand even though it is suppose to be for Honda. I also don't consider Infiniti a luxury brand. Some may disagree and that's okay. I do however consider Lexus a luxury brand with awesome reliability. That's why I have two Lexus vehicles in the family and plan to get another soon.
Tell these folks "Well because I didn't want to get an Audi, an overpriced VW".
11-14-15, 07:33 AM
#38
Pit Crew
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: MA
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
11-14-15, 09:51 AM
#39
11-14-15, 12:44 PM
#40
Lexus Test Driver
11-14-15, 05:00 PM
#41
Lead Lap
if toyota took the V12 from the century and made an option for an LS 500 (or whatever) i think more people would realize that "heritage" and "pedigree" is just a bunch of marketing hot air and that brands like toyota and hyundai are just as capable. and yes, i realize that the V12 in the century is like 20 years old now and doesn't really make that much power but come on you gotta have a V12 option for your flagship
11-15-15, 03:32 PM
#42
Lexus Fanatic
"Luxury" is one of those things that depends on the user.
If you're someone who is accustomed to cars of this caliber, then no...they aren't "luxurious" any more. If you're a Rolls Royce owner, then no, none of these cars are "luxury" cars.
To the vast majority of people, a Lexus is certainly a luxury car, and something that is unattainable probably ever in their lives. Thats something we loose sight of, for 95% of the people in this country, a $40,000 car is something they likely will never be able to afford.
What you're missing is that "luxury" is not about being capable. Its about fulfilling wants that go beyond what someone needs. Citizen makes watches with precise automatic movement, they are "just as capable" as a Rolex, yet why are they not as "luxurious" as a Rolex? Because the brand, the history, the track record creates part of what makes it "luxurious".
Thats what Lexus lacks, but it will get there. I was 9 years old when Lexus came out, my Dad wanted one at the time but had to wait another 8 years before he could finally get one. So much of our worldview comes from how we were raised. For my kids, they will grow up seeing Lexus as a brand having come long before them, remember their dad driving them and them being an important symbol of luxury and success for him, and to them they will have just as much heritage as Mercedes and more.
It just takes time.
If you're someone who is accustomed to cars of this caliber, then no...they aren't "luxurious" any more. If you're a Rolls Royce owner, then no, none of these cars are "luxury" cars.
To the vast majority of people, a Lexus is certainly a luxury car, and something that is unattainable probably ever in their lives. Thats something we loose sight of, for 95% of the people in this country, a $40,000 car is something they likely will never be able to afford.
Originally Posted by Stroock639
f toyota took the V12 from the century and made an option for an LS 500 (or whatever) i think more people would realize that "heritage" and "pedigree" is just a bunch of marketing hot air and that brands like toyota and hyundai are just as capable. and yes, i realize that the V12 in the century is like 20 years old now and doesn't really make that much power but come on you gotta have a V12 option for your flagship
Thats what Lexus lacks, but it will get there. I was 9 years old when Lexus came out, my Dad wanted one at the time but had to wait another 8 years before he could finally get one. So much of our worldview comes from how we were raised. For my kids, they will grow up seeing Lexus as a brand having come long before them, remember their dad driving them and them being an important symbol of luxury and success for him, and to them they will have just as much heritage as Mercedes and more.
It just takes time.
11-15-15, 05:05 PM
#43
Lexus Test Driver
What you're missing is that "luxury" is not about being capable. Its about fulfilling wants that go beyond what someone needs. Citizen makes watches with precise automatic movement, they are "just as capable" as a Rolex, yet why are they not as "luxurious" as a Rolex? Because the brand, the history, the track record creates part of what makes it "luxurious".
Thats what Lexus lacks, but it will get there.
Just because a Lexus isn't a Rolex doesn't make it not a luxury car. And just because a Tag Heuer costs $2,500, and not $10,000 like a Rolex, doesn't mean it's not a luxury watch.
11-15-15, 05:22 PM
#44
Lexus Fanatic
You missed my point. Lexus is clearly a luxury brand. BUT, everybody has different definitions of what "luxury" is to them, and Lexus does not present "luxury" to everyone. Nor does Mercedes, etc. It depends on the consumer and through what lens they view these brands and how they fit into their experience and their worldview.
To someone who collects Rolex watches, a Tag is not really going to be something on their radar neccisariy, or something they consider a "luxury". To some people going out to eat at the Outback is a "luxury".
Lexus won't get to where RR is, of course not. But to successive generations who don't remember a world without Lexus as a luxury brand, they will be further along than they are to people who were 40 year old BMW drivers when Lexus launched their first car. That was my point.
To someone who collects Rolex watches, a Tag is not really going to be something on their radar neccisariy, or something they consider a "luxury". To some people going out to eat at the Outback is a "luxury".
Lexus won't get to where RR is, of course not. But to successive generations who don't remember a world without Lexus as a luxury brand, they will be further along than they are to people who were 40 year old BMW drivers when Lexus launched their first car. That was my point.
11-15-15, 05:40 PM
#45
Lexus Test Driver
You missed my point. Lexus is clearly a luxury brand. BUT, everybody has different definitions of what "luxury" is to them, and Lexus does not present "luxury" to everyone. Nor does Mercedes, etc. It depends on the consumer and through what lens they view these brands and how they fit into their experience and their worldview.
To someone who collects Rolex watches, a Tag is not really going to be something on their radar neccisariy, or something they consider a "luxury". To some people going out to eat at the Outback is a "luxury".
Lexus won't get to where RR is, of course not. But to successive generations who don't remember a world without Lexus as a luxury brand, they will be further along than they are to people who were 40 year old BMW drivers when Lexus launched their first car. That was my point.
To someone who collects Rolex watches, a Tag is not really going to be something on their radar neccisariy, or something they consider a "luxury". To some people going out to eat at the Outback is a "luxury".
Lexus won't get to where RR is, of course not. But to successive generations who don't remember a world without Lexus as a luxury brand, they will be further along than they are to people who were 40 year old BMW drivers when Lexus launched their first car. That was my point.