Hello all, this is my first post to this forum. My wife and I are looking at new cars and have narrowed the field to:

BMW 745i
Infiniti Q45
Lexus LS430

We looked at the Infiniti Q45 first and my wife very much liked the car but my daughter convinced her to drive the BMWs. We first looked at the 545i since it was more reasonable priced then the larger 745i. She definitely liked the BMW more then the Infiniti and got to the point with the salesman to locate what she wanted (which he could not find). Before we left I mentioned the 745i and the salesman asked if she wanted to drive the 745i which she did. Well he quickly lost a sure sale on the 545i and raised the indecision level for her.

I took her to look at the Lexus LS430 because of the on-line feedback concerning problems with the newer BMWs. She liked the Lexus although I do not think she liked it as much as the 745i. After researching the three cars, it appears though that the reliability of both the Infiniti and the Lexus is much better then the BMW and the BMW dealer in our area is one of those types from which you would not like to purchase a car.

Both the Infiniti and Lexus seem to have a very high level of customer support which is not the case with BMW or their dealers. I think she has decided on a Black Onyx exterior/Cashmere Leather interior, the Modern Luxury package with options and possibly the sports suspension.

The new 2005 Q45s are due out in the summer but it appears the LS430 will not be out until fall so I do not know if she wishes to wait that long.

It might come down to the best deal and the Infiniti dealer has already mentioned that he could deal on Q45s. We have not yet talked numbers with the Lexus dealer so I do not know if they are willing to take anything under MSRP.

I am curious if anyone has any information on changes for 2005 for the Lexus LS430 (included maintenance, new options, ETC).

I realize this is a long saga but I would appreciate any options/feedback on the Lexus LS430.

Thanks in advance.

Lester

 

The LS430 just have a facelift and upgrades for the 2004 model, it's unlikely for it to have significant changes, if at all, for the 2005 model.

 

Thanks, I have not really followed the luxury car market. This is more a purchase for the wife. I think she is leaning toward the Lexus since it is so highly rated in all the reports we can find.

Lester

 

Good choice Except for the sportier handling of the 745i, the 2004 LS430 blows away the BMW in all other aspects IMO.

 

Be sure to lsee the interior of the custom lux before you buy. There is a significant increase in the use of leather on the dash and doors as well as an upgraded headliner. The other stuff you get is listed on the lexus web site and is a good deal for the additional cost over the modern lux. Except the rear seat additions and the air suspension the ultra is the same. It may be easier to find an ultra to look at than a custom. You can't go wrong with the LS regardless of the package.
Good luck!

 

I priced and test drove the 545i, 745i, E500 and S430 before deciding to go with the LS430. I didn't drive the GS430 because I had a GS 400 a few years ago and the 2004 style is basically the same.

The 545i and E500 were too small and I didn't like the i-drive in the BMW's. I looked into the ratings and found that the LS430 was rated #1 in it's class when compared to Q45, S class, 745i, Jaguar, etc.
I basically decided that the Lexus was more trouble free and MUCH more of a value given the price and the included options. In addition Lexus service, when necessary, is second to none.

I struggled with deciding between the Modern Luxury and Custom Luxury because I really wanted the Laser Cruise Control and a couple of the other goodies in the Custom Luxury. I couldn't, however, get the Euro Tuned Suspension with the Custom. I finally decided on the Modern Luxury with the Euro Tuned Suspension because I liked the drive much more than the standard suspension. It is firmer than the standard without being harsh over bumps. It is a nice compromise.

I have 7,500 miles on the LS and haven't regretted the decision.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

 

GSDPack, Do you like to drive your car and enjoy it ? or do you like to take it to the dealer and let them work on it , while you drive a loaner ?.............If you pick the first question, Then buy the ...... Lexus LS430.....

 

Because this is a lexus forum people are loyal to the lexus brand name..But my brother in-law bought a 745li last summer and was happy with it at first but it was PLAGUED with electrical problems which eventually led him to trade it in for an S class...My opinion was that BMW went a little "too far" with their electrical adventure by making simple features complicated for some people....Best bet is the LS430, they wont change it again till 2006 or 2007...

 

Forgive me for not referencing each post as I reply; I have been spending the morning re-building a tape server.

The dealer happened to have a sport suspension in that was obtained for a customer and let my wife and I drive the car. I think she felt it was soft enough for her.

He also had a Custom in that had been ordered for a customer. The wife liked the leather but was not overly thrilled and I also think she found the Ecru color a bit too light for her taste and she is moving away from black interiors. The lack of sports package may also be a deciding factor.

The 745i was very nice and I think it would be her first choice except that Consumer Reports and others do not give good reviews. That and the fact that the owners of the BMW and Mercedes dealerships are not persons I feel comfortable dealing with I feel certain that it will be the LS430.

I do not drive very often, I commute with my wife and she keeps the car at her place of employment.

The selection is really hers to make, next year is our 25th and I wanted to get her a nice car.

Thanks again I'll keep an eye on this thread and post the outcome.

Once she makes up her mind.

Lester

 

My brother is in exactly the same position - huge buyer's remorse and unable to unload this car. Resale value on 745i's is abysmal.

I weighed all the same models as everyone else on this thread and ended up buying an LS430 with Modern Lux and Euro suspension 3 months ago. I love it.

But don't take our word for it ... read for yourself ...

Car and Driver December 2003

 

Thanks for the link to the Car & Driver article. I think that the Consumer Reports reviews for reliability on the 745i is going to rule it out for my wife and I really liked the 545i. I have also read a great deal of posts on other forums which are BMW centric and I does seem that BMW still has a lot of ‘fixing’ to do on the newer models.

After reading the J. D. Powers articles on reliability I might take her to look at the Jaguar XJ8 one last time but I feel that it really will be between the LS430 and the Q45.

I am still undecided on the Sports package but since she did not feel the ride was too harsh I would most likely favor it.

It may well come down to the ‘best deal’ between those two cars. I had hoped to look some this weekend but it appears that we will have rain all weekend.

Thanks again.

Lester

 

Lester, I know the Q45 is a nice car, but it really is not as highly rated as the LS430. Look at this article :
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hreadid=118365

Consumer Reports doesn't give the Q45 an excellent review either. Make sure you test drive both thoroghly before making your decision. Good luck.

 

Don't show that to the Q45 forum people.

Anyways, take the BMW out of the equation. I'd go either way on the other 2 cars.