I don’t feel that the shifter is that bad, I actually really like it. The X7 I test drove a few weeks ago had the crystal shifter and start button and I thought that looked pretty cool and elegant and anything but cheap.

 

ok so how does this work, i somehow doubt the dealer just volunteers to give you 1-7k, lol. Have you bought out the lease end and sold it yourself or just always done the deal with the dealer? If the latter then it seems they have the upper hand in the shell game to make it seem like you got money back but in fact didn't.

 

When you get a trade in value, the dealer doesnt know the lease payoff, same as a financed car. You get a trade appraisal and negotiate that and then let them know the payoff.

Its all just negotiation on the trade value. If they give you $25k for your trade and your payoff is $23k then you get $2k.

Thats one of the best things about leasing. Think of it as a guaranteed trade. If its worth more, you get that difference, if its worth less, thats their problem.

 

The S class and 7 series are as close as it gets. They buy the same parts from the same suppliers, afaik the use the same transmissions, steering rack, similar engine with a lot of modules from the same suppliers.

The LS drives similar, not sure if the transmission it uses is as awful as their older 8 speed that they used to have.

 

I just drove them back to back on the same loop, and that’s just not true, the S is more detached from the road, 7 feels the road more and feels lighter. LS500 doesn’t feel like the S or 7 at all. Much tighter, much less removed from the road, not as quiet. My LS460L feels very similar to the S and 7.

 

I don't know, best I remember they all feel artificial and disconnected to me, much like they supposed to. Sport/Comfort mode in BMW makes quite a bit of a difference.

I miss having a sedan, and I was trying to convince my wife to go with the m760 which is ultimate "gangsta", but she insisted on another X6 because she loves SUVs.

 

The differences are subtle, but they are there for sure.

Yeah, SUVs just aren’t the same. I always try to go to one and just can’t. I pointed an X7 out to my wife at the beach and she was like “you’ll never actually get one of those”

Actually back in my LS460L today after driving the Pacifica for a week on vacation and I think I’m just going to keep it, at least for another year.

 

I believe every dealer has access to payoff information. They will not give you more than the payoff since they have to make a profit when they sell it, unless it is a dramatic difference like $7k on the Tacoma and the dealer will still somehow manage a profit.

 

SUVs are basically minivans but not ugly. They are nice to get into and get out of, and the higher seating position allows you to see better, but when it comes to driving they are just meh no matter how much they try.

Your LS460 is a most certainly a good car, but the 8 speed transmission Lexus had back then was awful, and overall chassis rigidity and steering weren't on par with the Germans. It didn't drive with the same authority and didn't inspire the same confidence at high speeds as the 7 or the S class of that era. However it was much better built inside and out, much more reliable, with much better materials, audio system.

In many ways the Germans have caught up to Lexus quality while retaining their much superior drive trains, and I think if you go with the 7 or the S class you will absolutely love it once you get used to. Make sure you get the appropriate package as both come in sport and luxury editions, and get wheel/tire size to accommodate your preferred ride quality.

 

I can only speak to the 15-17 LS460s as my seat time in older ones is really limited, but I don't find the 8 speed "awful". It has its quirks here and there but I think it shifts fine. The 9 speed in my Pacifica...thats awful.

Mine will cruise all day at 80-85 and feels like a tank, very confidence inspiring.

No doubt, and I have no doubt I would absolutely love a 7 or an S, they just don't excite me enough over what I have to make me figure out how to get out of it early. I still have a year left on the lease (its a 4 year).

 

Ive only done that 7 or 8 times but what do I know?

If it’s the same brand they can get the payoff, if it isn’t they can’t. So Lexus to Lexus, they can call LFS and get it. That doesn’t change anything though, I know what the car is worth and if they want to do the deal they give me what it’s worth.

 

^Same here. I’ve done it a number of times. Works no different than if you’re trading in a financed car that still has a balance. If the trade in offer is more than the balance owed, you get that difference.

 

i'm talking about this one



i just remember my general takeaway being flimsy feeling shifter and firm seats

being a BMW the aesthetic design of everything naturally is quite good

 

i much prefer older BMW interiors, they used to actually be quite comfortable

 

My first bmw was a 2005 745 that i think i got in 2007 or 2008. I promise you the newer ones are ten times better, but audio systems are still a joke.