leosls400

Comparing US vs. European cars and they stick in that an 8 year old LS400 is more reliable than a brand new 2003 BMW 7 series.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...ninreliability

buttons

Just got the auto issue yesterday. LS430 is rated at the top and above ALL other lux cars--period !!!!
PS-Maybach wasn't tested !!!

BrickHead

I have always wondered who buy these horrendously unreliable european cars. Besides the lucky ones, are they poorly informed or just love those cars so much and don't care that they break down so often? Anyway, I am glad i did my research and i smile every time i see a 7 series or an S class on the road

Gojirra99

With all the additional gadgets it has over the S class, one can guess how well the Maybach would do.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

I have a buddy who is a German car nut. When I was looking for my next sedan, he was encouraging me to go Audi. I asked him why and simply because it was a nice driving car. To some, they rationalize the "fun" by having it in shop frequently. He can rag about the styling which IMO, I think the UCF 20 is quite nice but of course his response is it has to be a Benze to get the prestige.

I wonder how he is going to react in the coming years knowing that marquee is toppling and that reliability, quality and even a modest amount of fun can be had from a Japanese car. The Century is so limited, I wonder how it may be in comparison.

Colby

Ok, ok....I'm guilty as charged. I am a convicted German car nut (stress GERMAN, not European).

It started about 10 yrs ago. I was racing and modifying a 1990 Eagle Talon; my dad was in the process of rebuilding a project 911 ('74 chasis with a early 80's race-prepped motor). I remember looking at the timing belt tensioner on my car; it was about the size of a pack of lifesavers. The timing CHAIN (not a rubber band like on my car) on my dad's Porsche was at least three times the size of mine. The whole car was the same story; every component built to last.

I have never had good luck with American cars and now will simply not buy them. The problem seems to be a little engineering (some parts compromise longevity for cost-savings) but a lot build quality. My impression of Japanese cars was they're not built as stout as the German cars (such as timing belts instead of chains), but if not abused will last forever.

A lot of this is changing though; I admit. I now own a '84 911 and love it. Old school German technology. Built like a tank, but not all the power crap and computers now found in most cars they build. 260,000 miles on the original trans and engine.

I also own an Audi A8. I almost got an SC400 for a daily driver (the wife drives the LS400), but really needed AWD. The Audi (like the LS400, it's the flagship model) is very well-built, but I must admit it does fall short of the LS in several aspects. It takes 3 buttons to do the same thing that the Lexus does with one. The end result is 30+ buttons the size of an eraser button all over the dash...PITA when you're trying to drive. It has more luxury items, but that just leaves more things to not work...3 of 4 adjustable headrests don't work (an easy fix, just a pain to get to it), the rear sunshade doesn't go up, etc. The LS doesn't have a single leak; the Audi has a couple small ones. One advantage the German cars have to the Lexus is the tight steering, at the expense of a much harsher ride.

The Germans have always been known for over-engineering their cars, but have yet to figure out electronics. I think the fan base is still from their glory days when their cars were well built and mechanical sophisticated and ultra-reliable.

gs400998

Just received April 04 issue of Consumer Reports. LS430 is the their best model/top picks 04 for luxury sedan, best luxury & upscale sedan for kids safety, and best in predicted reliability in lurxury cars.

massshelti

I drove a V8 Audi A6 before I bought my LS. Loved the car. Would have bought one in spite of the very high price, except the reliability was predicted to be awful.

There's a lot to say about having a car that stays out of the shop.

ThaDRD

You glossed over maybe the best statement in the history of Lexus:

"...In a telephone conference with reporters, Champion revealed a startling statistic: a new 2003 BMW 7-Series sedan has more problems than an 8-year-old Lexus LS 400 sedan."

Now if that doesn't make you proud, I don't know what will!

DRD