10,000 miles and she continues to amaze me every time I get behind the wheel. That being said (and as much as I truly love the car), the punishing ride and clunky transmission still bother me, especially at this price point. I have heard that both of these issues were addressed for 2019 models.

Is that the case? Are there any of you that have driven both 2018 and 2019 models and can clearly verify that it is better and worth buying a newer model? Or is the difference so minimal that it really doesn't matter and I should focus on the next 90K+ miles and beyond?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

I've been in both and tracked both. Minimal differences between 2018 & 2019, ESPECIALLY not enough to sell your baby and purchase a different one!

I vote take care of yours and focus on the next 90K+ miles.

Recent photo of my odometer -

 

Thank you for the feedback!

 

You are going to switch that to Sport+ before you head out, right?

 

Absolutely - as you can see by the temperatures and Tach redline I had just started it and was still in the garage.

 

That might be a factor in the “punishing ride”

Would be nice to be able to select the “handling” mode separate from the “powertrain” mode.

A good dual clutch would of course be nice, there is a “clunky” quality especially at lower rpm. However, I back up a hill a pretty long ways to put the fun cars to bed. Those dual clutches roll back as I slowly maneuver my way up. It’s well worth it though. Just loud for any neighbors.

 

The 2021 I test drove road amazingly well.

Steve

 

if you lug your motor, the auto tranny "hunts" for a downshift in normal mode and below; in sport and sport + if you keep the revs up, it never does....despite their plush comfort these cars are meant to be driven, not cruised...

 

my '21 rides GREAT, not punishing at all. they did lighten some suspension components and the wheels (maybe rear only) for '21 which would definitely help ride quality. sounds like yours is an '18 and lexus has made changes each year it seems.

that might contribute to your 'punishing ride'. unless i know i'm going to be having some extra 'fun' i drive in comfort mode, plus so it uses the extra 2 gears as well.

that's certainly my experience. frankly i'm amazed with such a low front hood and thus limited space for suspension travel and 21's/runflats that it's as good as it is.

 

If you go into setting your "Custom" mode you can set handling and powertrain separately to your liking. FYI

 

That is a neat feature, and they have made it a good bit easier to adjust than many seetings on this car.

But I am referring to be being able to quickly adjust “on the fly” like we could on the McLarens. Separate physical switches close at hand. On those cars the effect of the adjustments were more pronounced as well. But those are made for a different purpose, different orbit. I’m finding the adaptability of the Lexus to be very nice in real life. Can be almost “floaty” or pretty flat in a turn. Great car.

Tried to load a picture of the adjustment system on the McL but I’m still struggling finding pictures that are low rez enough or configured such that this forum will accept them 😔

 

I agree DR live and let live. Drive it and njoy tmill