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I looked at the MB S550, BMW 750, Audi A8, and Infiniti M45. Reliability was tops on my list, so that gave the LS a head start. Also, I thought the S550, 750 and A8 were overpriced.
You'll probably laugh at my list, but after owning my RL for ten years I wanted a V8. I first looked at the Dodge Charger SRT and Hellcat. Watched point of view videos and reviews on youtube until I couldn't stand them anymore.
Then, sense kicked in and I started looking at the Audi A7 and then S7. In fact I was on my way to buy the Audi when I bought this for the same price as the Audi A7, but was less than the S7 I was looking at. I just really liked the way those cars looked.
Finally, alarm bells went off in my head regarding reliability of the Audi and here I am.
I always wanted one of these cars too, but to be honest, I knew this model was nearing its end of life and that's why I didn't initially consider it, but I couldn't wait on a new car any longer. It had everything I wanted and I really wanted a V8, having never owned one before.
I test drove an 11 M56. Fast car, and I liked the way it drove. A bit stiffer springs than a standard LS. This one was a bit higher miles than I wanted at 98k. It also had a Borla exhaust. Sounded good, but I prefer to be in stealth mode. This dealer was going to "give me a deal" at 23k. I was surprised that NADA is only 19.
I looked at jaguar XK8 before I got my first LS430 and then mercedes. Once I was ready to upgrade from my second 06 LS430 to a 460 it was between the 460 and mercedes S550. Ultimately I came to the realization that if I really wanted a reliable car I should stick with lexus and that's what I did. I had no issues with my two LS430's and I am happy to say the 460L has been the same so far. Plus I saved a little money too.
I have lusted after an LS ever since the 1990 release. I never even considered any of the Germans or Jag because of reliability issues. Maybe if I had test driven a few, I might have changed my mind, but I am very happy with the LS, the car of my dreams
Almost bought a CPO '13 E350 4matic luxury trim. Beautiful car and the price was too good to be true. The dealer allowed me to keep the car overnight and really get to know it. Taking it through its paces I discovered that the transmission had serious issues and ultimately walked away. Looked at the Lincoln MKS and Cadillac XTS and was underwhelmed. Looked at an A6 and felt cramped. All the while I was just hoping that the right LS would pop up and I'm grateful that it did. Had to fork over a bit more dough and drive over to the next state to get it, but it was well worth it!
Well, if you want a good laugh at my expense - be my guest!.
- Started out driving a "salvage" title 2005 corolla for 7 years (bulletproof daily driver), passed it on to son for first car.
- Bought a CPO 2012 Camry SE - very good daily driver for 3 years.
- Wanted to "step up" so considered a 2013 Avalon.......big disappontment (NO headroom, stiff suspension and terrible base stereo).
- Walked around 2016 auto show in Saint Louis and came across the 2016 Lexus 460L..........hmmm I thought to myself. Who would ever spend $80K + for a car......its just a CAR! But what a car it is I said to myself.
Well, going on almost a year now and a happy happy owner of a new to me 2008 LS460L and can't stop smiling every time I get in it. Most people said I was crazy going backwards from a '12 to an '08 until they see and ride in this beauty. I must say though, I never even considered a german, european or domestic brand as reliabiliity was #1 consideration and between my daughter, son and me we have owned 5 toyotas and have all been VERY satisfied.
Back when I bought my '09, I decided this might be my last chance to have an LS so I bought it. No comparison shopping although I had driven most of the competitors at one time or another. I had wanted an LS since 1990 so now that I could afford it, why not enjoy it while I could. I still miss it, but right now the 2016 RX is a better fit, but maybe a 2018 LS is in the future.
Steve
Chrysler 300SRT...... Drove one on a road course and loved it.
Infinity M45...... Considered it but wanted to check out Lexus.
Once we sat in the LS460...... we had to have one!!
It was a pretty long road to the LS460 for me, coming from my '13 GS I was planning on another car of that caliber, considered a 15 GS but it was the same car. Looked at the 5 Series and E Class which I had looked at before I got the GS in 2012. Considered an Audi A6 which I had also really liked before I got the GS, but the interior was not as nice, same issue with the A7. Considered the Hyundai Genesis. So I toyed with the idea of stepping up to a flagship car, the two real contenders being the Jaguar XJ and the LS, the BMW 7 was still the previous gen then, and I never cared for it and the S550 was way more than I wanted to spend. The A8 I crossed off because of Audis poor leases. No joke, an $85,000 A8 costs the same to lease as a $115,000 S550 lol.
From a lease perspective the best deals were the XJ and the LS. I chose the LS because of my history with it and Lexus, and because its a little less ostentatious than the Jaguar, which I considered a little too flashy to put in front of my clients. The other issue with the Jag was terrible electronics, ancient nav system, etc.
The only car I considered was a Jag XJ. I liked it for its form and exclusivity. To be honest the thought of owning it scared the crap out of me though so no. I was in Florida telling my brother in law that I was too lazy to search and fix my A/C leak in my LS400. I told him I was putting a can of refrigerant in every summer and now it wasn't holding more than a couple weeks. We started looking online and when I got home the first car I drove was the one. One owner 07 80k perfect 20k and glad to pay it.
I was between getting the LS I have now, and a slightly newer Genesis 5.0 R Spec. The Genesis was also a bit cheaper. The only reason I went with the LS was that I was swayed by the Lexus reputation. The Genesis was faster and had all the features the LS did and more. I found the LS had the better (ML) sound that the Genesis Lexicon as well. I would have considered an Equus, but none were available near me.
Infiniti M35X. Looked at couple '09-'10 that were "carfax" certified to be accident free only to find obvious paint work on both. That's when I came to a conclusion that if I'm going to buy a car that was in an accident might as well buy a rebuilt title one and save a bundle.
01-23-17, 01:50 PM
What non-Lexus vehicle did you cross-shop when you bought your LS?
