Lexus GS 300

[Natnut]

Thanks !

 

I'm glad we can have a friendly discussion. I'm a fan of all good cars whether Conti,Japanese,Korean etc.

 

I agree that buying and owning cars is largely an emotional decision--if you like and enjoy your car, then you shouldn't be swayed by facts and figures--just enjoy it.

 

Having said that,making statements about objective things like crashworthiness, safety, dependability, reliability even roadholding should be backed up by facts and not just whether the door felt "solid" on closing it or whether the car felt "tight" while going around the corner.

 

If more consumers did their research before buying, that would prevent car companies from overcharging us just because of their perceived reputation/snob appeal.

 

BTW here's the figures on roadholding from Car and Driver (American car mag ):

 

Mercedes E350 : 0.82g (with 16" tyres)

BMW 530i : 0.82g (with 17" tyres)

Lexus GS430 : 0.85g (with 18" tyres)

 

*granted the lexus gs300 in singapore comes with 17" tyres but that's what tyre/rim companies are for

[Vblaster_w211]

If that's the case, should compare the holding of either the Merc's Avantgarde E series, or better yet, the AMG E series equipped with 18" airmatic suspension! Then it's 18" vs 18". I'm pretty sure the roadholding would be just as good if not better!

 

There's no end, right?

 

Actually, I'm always thinking, which is better... A6 2.4, 523, GS300, E Class (now awaiting the new E250 with the M272 V6 engine that is taking over the E240).... Then I realise, each is better depending on my mood then! They all have their areas of strength.

 

As for the "lowly" E200 Kompressor, I always smile when I take at look at the road tax!

Edited November 1, 2005 by Vblaster_w211

[Sealtan]

Hi:

Just to join in the fun. I traded in my BMW 520i for the new GS300 a month ago. Reason: reliability issues with the Bemmer. I must admit the Bemmer is a damn good car to drive with superb handling. But it's let down by certain reliability issues.

 

I wasn't very pro Lexus but when tested the GS300, it completely changes my perception. I always feel Lexus, when compared with BMW or Merc, is second class in the luxury segment. Perhaps that's the perception of most of us too. If we can put that perception aside and not tell our minds to be influenced by it, I am very sure most of us will be able to accept that the new generation of Lexus cars are just as good. Go try/test drive a Lexus GS300 and you be surprised that "it has made it". Don't always harbour the fact the conti cars are better build, the real sad truth is, they are not. It's just a perception built into our minds.

 

I quote from an authoritative European motor magazine, Autocar (January 2005 issue), pg 29:

" Last November [2004] Mercedes hit the front page of the Financial Times - but for the wrong reasons. Once a touchstone for enduring durability, it was forced to admit that its quality was sub-standard, and that it would have to work - hard - to win back its reputation. In 10 years it has slid from being one of the most reliable brands to one of the least. "

 

That statement/article speaks a lot about Mercedes reliability which I am sure not even one local motor magazine dare publish. The European magazines are more professional and unbiased and they will not hesitate to publish any factual statement even knowing that would hurt the egos of many. I am sure I am going to get a backlash over this statement!

 

On the other hand, Lexus was voted the top luxury brand in the US market for the fourth consecutive year. Picture this, we Singaporeans keep perceiving that conti cars are the best, while in the US market, Lexus outshines the contis. The big question is, must anything that is good have to be conti and not Jap. Why can't we accept Jap as better car manufacturers?

 

I meant no offence to anyone reading this. Just my opinion which you are free to criticise/comment/agree. I have owned a Beemer as well as a Lexus now. I know which is better in my own opinion which you need not have to agree.

[Vblaster_w211]

Seems Lexus supporters feel very inclined to put down Conti makes, whereas Conti make enthusiasts are very comfortable admitting the GS300 is a good car, no need for put downs and extensive searches for reports to the contrary....

 

Just an observation. Be comfortable with your choice. They're all great cars, and they've reached a standard that choice is probably a personal one as there is no clear technical advantage over each other. So what if those so called reliability reports are not printed here? It's not to preserve the egos of Conti owners here or anything. You think we have no access to internet?

 

Fact is, we don't face those problems ourselves, or we would not be buying Conti's.

 

Again, give us Conti drivers more credibility than that. You had a bad experience with BMW. But that's not representative of all. Anyway, I've owned and driven Korean, Japanese and Conti. And speaking of reliability, I'll rate Honda and Merc right up there.

Edited November 3, 2005 by Vblaster_w211

[Guyver]

162k for basic model, 176k for super luxury model.

 

my dad looking at GS300, BMW523i, and E240. basically of all 3 i prfer the GS300 most.

 

comes with a lot of technology functions where BMW and MErc couldn;t fight wif. of conti and compared to jap, jap cars are of cos more durable than conti, wad i think. and the Gs300 is actually designed by the jap for the US market, so i believe its a v good deal.

 

Yah... I like the GS300 over the rest also.....

[Zakuii]

i know someone who dumped their 520 for a GS300 because of reliability issue.

 

i also know someone who upgrades to a 520 from 318, and the 318 is also having reliability issue.

 

2 out of 2 person i know who drives bmw has reliability issues, to me, that is an issue!

 

no doubt bmw rides and handles well, but if every now and then have to visit the workshop for repairs, i'd rather not take the chance.

 

this is my personal opinion. u are welcomed to ignore if u find it uncomfortable.

[Astrid]

I used to swear by Conti cars only (over 2 decades and many brands) ... the last one being the Merc E200 Kompressor. Thought it gave me the best ride (but not necessarily reliability, road holding nor handling). Until I switched to a Lexus. Then I realised what the Japanese had to offer and what I have been missing all this while. Reliability, ride, handling and power all rolled into one at a price point.