Did any of you look at the Lexus LS600h L before placing your orders for the new A8L? I never considered it before as I had already set my mind on the A8L to replace my A4 but then one day I casually showed my wife a picture of the LS600h L and mentioned that it was a hybrid. Now she's all excited about the fuel economy of the hybrid and the reliability reputation of Lexus. What have I done?! :)
I started looking at the Lexus a little more and it does seem like very fine vehicle. Have any of you cross-shopped against the LS600h L? I'm not opposed to jumping into the LS but there's something about the A8L that makes my eyes widen and gets me excited! (It could very well be the Audi's drop-dead gorgeous interior!)
Can you typically get 300,000 miles out of a big Lexus before it goes into the scrap heap? That's one reason I like the Big Audi's.
derfA8L
12-04-2010, 07:36 AM
Don't really like the look of the car itself, but I'll take that rear lounge seat :^)
woofster
12-04-2010, 02:26 PM
Can you typically get 300,000 miles out of a big Lexus before it goes into the scrap heap? That's one reason I like the Big Audi's.
That's an interesting point. I'm on my second A4 now, cumulatively clocking quite a number of miles. I never doubted that these cars can last a long time with proper maintenance and care. In fact, my current A4 has been quite reliable. I haven't had any issues with the little Beetle either.
I'm not sure of the build-quality for the current Lexus LS series but I do agree that I've seen many older LS models (LS400, LS430, etc.) that are in much rougher shape than older A8s (i.e. D2s). I would imagine the current Lexus LS would be of high quality equal to the A8 though.
woofster
12-04-2010, 02:35 PM
Don't really like the look of the car itself, but I'll take that rear lounge seat :^)
In my opinion, styling-wise, the A8 is clearly the victor when standing up next to the Lexus. That rear seat in the LS600h L, however, sure does look inviting. I would almost want to simply let the wife drive it so that I could recline in the back with a Crown on the rocks. ;)
That said, I don't think I'd complain if I had to sit in the D4's rear seat either!
Glad your Beetle is okay too. I see you have the TDI. I've got a 2001 Turbo. Been having intermittent very rough running issues for six months. Even resorted to delaer service. 1st time it was bad then it healed itself like it does for me. So they gave it back. a few days later same problems. Just took it back so we'll see. Only 107k on the clock. I figure it should be good for at least 225k.
Omeletpants
12-04-2010, 03:46 PM
Fuel economy argument is total nonsense when you are buying a car of that price. If that's the real goal and not just to make someone feel better than get a Prius
woofster
12-04-2010, 07:01 PM
Glad your Beetle is okay too. I see you have the TDI. I've got a 2001 Turbo. Been having intermittent very rough running issues for six months. Even resorted to delaer service. 1st time it was bad then it healed itself like it does for me. So they gave it back. a few days later same problems. Just took it back so we'll see. Only 107k on the clock. I figure it should be good for at least 225k.
My TDI is up to 225,000km (~140,000 mi) with an automatic transmission, the ill-reputed 01M transmission, to boot. The car has been religiously maintained mechanically and really has been great. There is some minor transmission slippage but my shop tells me it's still doing pretty well given the volatility of these transmissions (knock on wood!).
woofster
12-04-2010, 07:10 PM
Fuel economy argument is total nonsense when you are buying a car of that price. If that's the real goal and not just to make someone feel better than get a Prius
Haha, this is my wife we're talking about! She likes the idea of a hybrid but we certainly wouldn't be making a decision based on fuel economy figures. Interestingly enough, both the Lexus LS600h and the A8 post up similar fuel consumption values of about 10L/100km (~30 mpg).
auditory
12-05-2010, 04:51 AM
Have you driven the LS? I haven't in a couple of years, but my test drive was not satisfying. For me, its a bit like kissing my sister. All the parts are there, but no thrill and sub conscious sense that something is a bit wrong about the experience. Just my 2 cents.
woofster
12-06-2010, 06:03 PM
Have you driven the LS? I haven't in a couple of years, but my test drive was not satisfying. For me, its a bit like kissing my sister. All the parts are there, but no thrill and sub conscious sense that something is a bit wrong about the experience. Just my 2 cents.
I haven't, in fact, driven the new LS600h L as I initially had no interest in that vehicle. My wife already knew I wanted a bigger car than the A4 and asked the seemingly innocent question as to what other cars would be competing against the A8L. I, not knowing what would transpire afterwards, simply showed her photos of the LS600h. One thing lead to another...and you know the rest. ;)
Hopefully I'll get a chance to head over to the Lexus dealer to see the vehicle in person.