how do lexus cars really compare to european cars?

[x_outpost]

But going for all-premium is expensive and that's why the Sesto Elemento is craptastically expensive.

As long as the parts is good as it is, I believe consumers should be satisfied. Cars nowadays are become more and more refined.. it's either because I'm aging or people are being pampered more. In this case, it's both. For example, multiple-zone climate controls were usually limited to the really premium models back in the day but can be found in Civics nowadays.

Nah, the reason why Jaguar was a flop was because.. well, it's Ford. Ford was a flop then... but Ford isn't a flop now. Hell, if Ford's parts bin was crap then, what about Tata Motors whos line-up was value-centric and targeted India's growing low and mid-income classes? It's not really much about the price.. but rather the quality.

As niky said, just use quality parts. I as a consumer won't really care what's inside of the car.. as long as it's as advertised... and it works. I might care if my car has a ZF transmission... or it has a V12 growling behind me.. but if it does not work.. all of that care will be in the form of complaints and lawsuits.

Just because you don't care what parts are inside your car doesn't mean everyone doesn't care.
Let me ask you this, you sound like you have owned a lot of premium cars, what premium cars have YOU owned in the past or currently own?
In my experience, a lot of forum peeps just say whatever they perceive and they state it like it was a fact. I'm curious if you have any first hand experience about owning a premium car (and maybe a premium car that shares parts with a "cheaper" brand).

[jhnkvn]

Just because you don't care what parts are inside your car doesn't mean everyone doesn't care.
Let me ask you this, you sound like you have owned a lot of premium cars, what premium cars have YOU owned in the past or currently own?
In my experience, a lot of forum peeps just say whatever they perceive and they state it like it was a fact. I'm curious if you have any first hand experience about owning a premium car (and maybe a premium car that shares parts with a "cheaper" brand).

I drive around in a Hyundai as a matter of factly. For me, that's already a premium car.. I mean, my Sonata doesn't feel cheap at all. It might not be Bentley, but I probably would get it over a 3-series BMW in terms of practicality. In local costs, my Sonata costs just a shy 1.6M pesos in our local currency. To have an idea how much "expensive" cars here is, a Porsche will be slotting in at 7 million pesos or around around three times as more as their $50,500 sticker price in the US. Even if I have that kind of cash and even if I wanted to, it's just pointless to purchase one. First, you'll see the BIR checking your assets and you'll be subject to all these graft and corruption in their offices. Second, I don't need it. Third, like you.. I dislike paying for uber-marked up parts and services. So I'll simply spare myself of the hassle.

I do not own a lot, but I have been driven around a lot. As with niky, I was raised in a rich family. We're simply low key because we're content being one. All you'll see in our garages are Japanese vehicles: Civics, the Corolla, the occasional Ford Expeditions and Land Cruisers. Just because you don't drive around in one or have owned them makes the experience less special. I've been chauffeured by cars that's well.. the topic of this thread really more so than you imagine. I can still remember how subtle the leather in Lexus LX feels or how the S-class is like a rolling miniature land yacht.. or maybe because I'm being chauffeured in Hong Kong and not in the Philippines.

Just because I am young doesn't mean it's right to discredit my opinions. After all, age is simply a number. Want a calling card of the current CEO of Giordano? Esprit? or a picture with China's First Premier Zhang Gaoli who's one of the few in their time who graduated from college? I've been going to Hong Kong for private banking matters ever since I was in high school, so familiar in fact I can give you details. UBS occupies 2IFC's 45-52nd floors.. or that they name their meeting places with capitals of Asian countries ("Right now, I'm in Manila" where Manila's the meeting room name). Or how HSBC's Wealth Management is at the 5th floor of HSBC Tower? I could give you equivalents from Bank of China.. ICBC.. name it.

Being realistic is a choice. It's not that we can't afford them but it's a matter that why should we buy them. That does not mean my experience is any less than those who owned them personally.. in fact, it should be better as I'm free from bias and is able to give pros and cons without regard.

I am so lost.....so if you are someone established everyone should get an S-class???
If you are a politian with scams it would be a "better" idea to "roll around" in a Lexus rather than BMW or Porsche???
I don't get it...says who???? Is there some kind of law or practical reason why someone in the right mind should do these???

Sorry, I threw in that bit for some extra sarcasm and I was wholly not serious there. What I meant is that the S-Class is still regarded as the most prestigious of the flagships. Moreso than 7-series, the XF, the A8, or the Lexus LS. On the otherhand, thanks to Lexus' relatively low-key brand status, it's recommended for our politicians (who's embroiled in a scandal for using government coffers to their own good) use them rather their European counterparts.

What is a "normal" consumer??? So everyone who buys a Lexus or perceives Lexus as the best car in its class is "normal" or everyone else is what? Abnormal???

Do you have to ask "your mom, sister and less fortunately people" what car you should buy and what they this is the best??? I don't. I buy what I think meets my needs, my wants and my budget. In fact, I don't know anyone who consults their mom or sister, or anyone who is "less fortunate" than me to decide what is the best car or brand for me. I hope you don't buy cars from consulting "less fortunate people"...and its funny you put "mom", "sister" and "less fortunately people" in the same sentence....

I'm sorry, but I feel like I'm talking to a 15 year old here....Thanks for your inputs by the way...I'll try to keep that in mind next time I buy a car...

Actually, I'm 21. Who paid for his own car and is liability-free.

What I meant is that many people are drawn into the entire "Keeping Up with the Jones" mentality. They buy cars not because they want them but to preserve their public image. If you buy what you think meets your needs, does a Lexus meet you need? If yes, then it does. If it doesn't, then shy away from it. From where we're going, I think it's pointless to create a thread for comparison.. this is because unless you've actually ridden or owned one, you won't be satisfied with the answer.

[niky]

What I meant is that many people are drawn into the entire "Keeping Up with the Jones" mentality. They buy cars not because they want them but to preserve their public image. If you buy what you think meets your needs, does a Lexus meet you need? If yes, then it does. If it doesn't, then shy away from it. From where we're going, I think it's pointless to create a thread for comparison.. this is because unless you've actually ridden or owned one, you won't be satisfied with the answer.

Which is probably the long and short of it. For some people, Lexus is solid gold. For some, it's not worth the premium. The main difference between Lexus and the Germans is subjective. What's called character. And that's not something everyone will agree on.

[x_outpost]

First of all, there is nothing wrong driving a Hyundai or any Japanese car - I currently own a couple of them right now.
Secondly, the topic is not about what you can afford or cannot afford.
Third, I don't care who you are, what you do and where you came from. You don't have to put your resume here and command respect. Try going to a forum called "www.ImVeryRichAccordingToMe.com", maybe you'll find people like you with same interests.
Forth, why do you and your peers talk about irrelevant things?
Fifth, so you're 21. Makes sense. By the way, you write like a 15 year old. And you're going to my ignore list too. Thanks!

I drive around in a Hyundai as a matter of factly. For me, that's already a premium car.. I mean, my Sonata doesn't feel cheap at all. It might not be Bentley, but I probably would get it over a 3-series BMW in terms of practicality. In local costs, my Sonata costs just a shy 1.6M pesos in our local currency. To have an idea how much "expensive" cars here is, a Porsche will be slotting in at 7 million pesos or around around three times as more as their $50,500 sticker price in the US. Even if I have that kind of cash and even if I wanted to, it's just pointless to purchase one. First, you'll see the BIR checking your assets and you'll be subject to all these graft and corruption in their offices. Second, I don't need it. Third, like you.. I dislike paying for uber-marked up parts and services. So I'll simply spare myself of the hassle.

I do not own a lot, but I have been driven around a lot. As with niky, I was raised in a rich family. We're simply low key because we're content being one. All you'll see in our garages are Japanese vehicles: Civics, the Corolla, the occasional Ford Expeditions and Land Cruisers. Just because you don't drive around in one or have owned them makes the experience less special. I've been chauffeured by cars that's well.. the topic of this thread really more so than you imagine. I can still remember how subtle the leather in Lexus LX feels or how the S-class is like a rolling miniature land yacht.. or maybe because I'm being chauffeured in Hong Kong and not in the Philippines.

Just because I am young doesn't mean it's right to discredit my opinions. After all, age is simply a number. Want a calling card of the current CEO of Giordano? Esprit? or a picture with China's First Premier Zhang Gaoli who's one of the few in their time who graduated from college? I've been going to Hong Kong for private banking matters ever since I was in high school, so familiar in fact I can give you details. UBS occupies 2IFC's 45-52nd floors.. or that they name their meeting places with capitals of Asian countries ("Right now, I'm in Manila" where Manila's the meeting room name). Or how HSBC's Wealth Management is at the 5th floor of HSBC Tower? I could give you equivalents from Bank of China.. ICBC.. name it.

Being realistic is a choice. It's not that we can't afford them but it's a matter that why should we buy them. That does not mean my experience is any less than those who owned them personally.. in fact, it should be better as I'm free from bias and is able to give pros and cons without regard.



Sorry, I threw in that bit for some extra sarcasm and I was wholly not serious there. What I meant is that the S-Class is still regarded as the most prestigious of the flagships. Moreso than 7-series, the XF, the A8, or the Lexus LS. On the otherhand, thanks to Lexus' relatively low-key brand status, it's recommended for our politicians (who's embroiled in a scandal for using government coffers to their own good) use them rather their European counterparts.



Actually, I'm 21. Who paid for his own car and is liability-free.

What I meant is that many people are drawn into the entire "Keeping Up with the Jones" mentality. They buy cars not because they want them but to preserve their public image. If you buy what you think meets your needs, does a Lexus meet you need? If yes, then it does. If it doesn't, then shy away from it. From where we're going, I think it's pointless to create a thread for comparison.. this is because unless you've actually ridden or owned one, you won't be satisfied with the answer.