After enjoying my LS430 for 18 months, I traded it in for an LX470. Totally different concept, but a pleasant experience nonetheless.

I just posted for sale the complete service manual set for the 2003 LS430 over in the classifieds, if anybody's interested.

 

I thought you got rid of the LS for a 2004 Base V8 Phaeton last Saturday? At least that is what you posted on another board.

Any impressions so far in comparing the two?

 

sad that you got rid of the ls430 already, but at least you stay in the lexus family, that's all good

 

so much for that vaistech mod then huh?

 

.... the LS430 was traded in for an LX470, which is now my wife's primary ride. I ended up leasing a base v8 Phaeton for myself. So yes, I remain a Lexus owner, but have my first german car to compare to my LS430.

I havve put only about 300 miles on the Phaeton so far, but I will surely post my comparison once I get more miles under the belt.

digital_b: The new LX has XM built in, so I guess the vaistech mod is out for me, but I will help out any way I can.

PS: I do have the full set of service manuals for the LS for sale.

 

I have driven both the V8 and the V12 Phaeton. Both of those are the first cars I would be tempted to leave my LS for. The power, the Handling, and all the cool features inside were just amazing. Very Very cool car. I do believe if people who were seriously considering buying a Merc S Class, a BMW 7 Series, or a Lexus LS would test drive the Phaeton first they would buy it instead.

Now saying that. While I was test driving the V12 Phaeton I was telling the Sales manager how reliable all the Lexus cars have been over the years. He flat out tells me that I will be in for service due to mechanical problems. He said to me VW are known for their Electrical glitches BUT we will take good care of you. You receive a loaner car and we will fix any issue that come up. I was floored by this comment.

Anyways is VW could fix their technical problem the Phaeton would out sell all the other Luxury cars. I don't think ANYONE should talk bad about the Phaeton until they have taken it on a thorough test drive. It will impress you.

If I won the Lotto tomorrow would I buy the Phaeton over a new LS, Hmm tough call probably not but its the first car to make me think of buying something other than a LS and that's saying allot.

Jerry

 

The Phaeton is an amazing car, the only thing holding it back is its market segmentation. The VW badge really hurt the cars image. If VW wanted success, they would have came up with another high-end luxury make aside from Audi, and placed the phaeton in it.