Originally Posted by 7.3 AMG

No, I did not suffer any relability troubles while driving any of the newer models or any quality defects. Never said I did, I was simply stating my opinion (which I believe to be informed)

When it comes to build quality it is my personal opinion that the newer Lexus models are not as well built as previous models. When I mean "build quality", I mean most everything. Dash plastics, door handles, buttons..

I'm am not downplaying Lexus' newer vehicles, In fact I happen to think highly of most of them (I'd buy an LS460 in a minute, over an S-Class, 7er or A8) Same goes for the IS, I'd rather have it over the 3er, C or A4. It's just that I found those particular items to not be quite as good as previous Lexus models.




Some were limited time and some were not. Doesn't take rocket science though.. Especially when one has had much experience with many vehicles from that particular manfacturer.


When it comes to reliability I agree with Mr. Mercedes for the most part. While they have adapted a number of technological features, they have traded some of their reliability.

Originally Posted by Mirage77

And that's where I agree with you, Lexus or VW can never be status symbols.

BTW Wimmer, where's part I?

Originally Posted by RICHBOY

Listen "Mr. Mercedes" with the exception of one model the E-Class, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, and even my favorite brand Porsche can't compete with the reliability of the Japanese! Say what ya want, I don't see 20 year old Mercedes every day, heck not even in a weeks time! For you or anyone else to claim the Germans, Italians, or Americans are on the level with the Japanese build quality is insulting. But most of all goes to show that you and anyone else taking such a position is the ultimate FANBOY!! I wish this wasn't the case but as it stands now that's the way it is!! I brought my fiances brother a 1990 Honda Accord with 377,000 miles on it in 2000, this car has outlast every German, and American car I've had since then. No nickle in diming, just a new head lamp, tires, brake pads, that's about it. I have high expectations for the current Audi's, Benzes, and Bimmers to match the Japanese but come on, know body buy's 10 year old German saloons with expectations any longer than a year or two! Take your blindfolds off.

Originally Posted by 7.3 AMG

Thanks Wimmer. Although I'm sure there are a few other people like myself around..

Originally Posted by cawimmer430

I never posted Part I because I never bought the issue and when I heard about it, I couldn't find the article on Autobild's website and the links on other forums wouldn't work.

BTW, call me crazy, but to me, Volkswagen has more prestige than Lexus for the sole reason that they've been around longer, have produced innovative cars and have enjoyed a huge cult following. You don't hear of "Toyota Corolla Meetups" like you do about the various VW meetups in Europe and the infamous WATERFEST in the US.

Originally Posted by Mirage77

I'll keep a lookout for Part I.

That's true, VW has a cult following for its iconic Beetle, Golf and even Passat models. But it's virtually unheard of in the high-end market... That was what I was referring to.

Originally Posted by cawimmer430

As much as I like Phaeton and respect VW for this technological marvel, I feel it was a wrong move.

VW never stood for luxury but a car for the masses. Over the years, they've established themselves as a somewhat "elevated mainstream manufacturer" meaning that they're slightly above other mainstreamers like Toyota, Nissan etc. in terms of target market (more expensive).

VW should continue what it does best. Design some of the best-looking and fun-to-drive mainstreamers in its segment. Leave the luxury market to Audi.


BTW, check:

1) Maserati Picture Thread

2) Spotted Today

Originally Posted by cawimmer430

Huh?

If we're honest, this is an excuse that was invented by Lexus fanboys that has made its way around the internet. There is no proof that this even true. Lexus are well-made cars, but so are those from the competition.

Many people criticized the Mercedes W210 E-Class (1996-2002) for lacking the durability and build quality of past Mercedes, and yet, one of father's friends has an 1996 or 1997 E230 W210 with over 500,000 km on the odometer and the car according to him has never failed him. This man uses his car to travel to Eastern Europe to do business there and as far as I know, they have some pretty bad roads there that should shake up a car pretty quickly. He also owns a 300SE (W126) S-Class with a similar mileage.

The point? Don't believe everything you hear. The LS and S-Class are both well-built cars that will last long enough. Also, Mercedes' recent quality offensive has shown tremendous improvements in build quality. If my father's friends E230 can last so long, then imagine an S-Class.

Originally Posted by RICHBOY

Respectfully Mr. Moderator you started the Fanboy labeling not me.