retired

You are 100% correct..............I will definitely do my homework on the reliability of the Mercedes that my friend is currently leasing...............If the ratings are below excellent then I will continue to drive my 01 Lx470 LUXURY AUTOMOBILE and buy my wife a new HYUNDAI...............which she will drive for three years and trade in for another new hyundai.............Why spent over $42,000 on a car where the side windows fall out.............ROLL TIDE

LexBob2

There you go. You'll always have a car with factory warranty and if the window falls out get it fixed and move on. In 3 or 4 years get another one.

Save the '01 LX470 luxury automobile(?) for those special occasions.

iceblast

A Hyundai is definitely NOT a Lexus... just throw it up on a hoist and take a look...

I will agree the design flaw in the windows is disheartening, but if it is after the warranty period (which could have been upgraded), what do you expect? A car that is 6-10 years old, anything is fair game to go. I would rather the slight 'chance' of a window going, rather than engine or technology issues which seem to plague other luxury brands.

dreyfus

I also have an early build '07 and have had no issues in 140,000 miles. This has been the most reliable and least costly to maintain car I've ever owned.

bpjadhav

Thanks a lot for the input guys! I still haven't test driven the car - it's been difficult to to coordinate a test drive with the owner - our schedules are conflicting. However, based on the feedback, I am leaning towards the newer year models - 09 and later. There's a 2010 with the UL package at a dealer (non Lexus) with 44K miles for $25,000.

I am also toying with the idea of a 2011/2012 Avalon - Limited with Navigation. I am sure the Avalon will not be as opulent as the Lexus but I can score a 2011/2012 Avalon with 10,000 to 20,000 miles for about 25K.

I will test drive both the cars and then decide what makes the most sense.

Again thank you all for the invaluable feedback - it's helped a lot.

donhellert

I just purchased my 2007 ES350 for a great price with 85,000 miles on. Did not hesitate even with that mileage. I have owned Fords, Hondas, Mitsubishis, Chevys, Dodge, BMWs, Acuras, Toyotas, Nissans, & Infinitis. Loved and hated each one for one or more reasons. Out of everything I owned I loved my 06 3 Series because of the way it handled. Maintenance was not bad since I could do the basics. Have a friend with a 7 & 5 Series. Has had tons of issues. Never owned a Mercedes. Had way many friends with stories. Loved the Acura. But in the older TL's had many bulbs go out in the interior. But ran like a top! Did love my Infinitis. The FX45 was my favorite! Was not as comfortable as the Lexus but man that thing would run! My wallet showed it.

Had an 04 GS300 and it was great only issue was the radio display going out but that was a known issue. Ran like a top, fun to drive and comfy. Glad to be back in the Lexus fold. I have loved many cars. You will find the one you want. You will love it or hate it off and on. Part of any car ownership. Take care of it and it more than likely take care of you! Oh and I happen to love the ES seats. On a 3 hour drive in the BMW I felt tired and my **** was not comfy. In the ES I was not fatigued and my **** was very happy. LOL

Thanks for all of you guys! I love all the comments. Helps me keep and eye for future issues if they arise.