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Is Lexus losing its' appeal?

AUDIMAN4 submitted on 11/28/2006 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 2:51 AM
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Is Lexus losing its' appeal?

Whenever I drive by my several local Audi dealers, or have my car serviced at them, I notice an interesting phenomenon--an unusually large number of Lexus vehicles parked in front of the dealership.

Even on Sunday's you see the same thing--Lexus vehicles parked in front of the dealership gate, owners having climbed them, in an attempt to take a closer look at Audi's.

Now this phenomenon may be reserved to the Dallas area, given that almost every other car is a Lexus. However, it does raise some interesting questions.

In attempt to find out why this is and what could be happening here, I visited my local Lexus dealer, and spoke with a representative. I asked him why he thinks Lexus is so popular in Dallas and his immediate response was, "because Lexus consistently ranks first in reliability under Consumer Reports".

This struck me on so many levels. One of which, as we've been over many times on this forum before, is merely the inconsistency and unscientific nature in which so many of these quality reports garner their results, their vagueness, and the trivial problems they exploit. But what astounded me even more was the fact that he didn't mention the technology, luxury, or "prestige" Lexus vehicles allegedly represent. Once you strip away the quality, what's left?

I think many owners (a number of them I personally know), have just figured out that Lexus is really just an average company once you cut through all the hype and media publicity, and thus are switching to other brands--namely Audi. I've heard so many Lexus owners tell me, "driving a Lexus simply is not exclusive anymore", and I'd have to agree with that assessment.

Furthermore, Toyota proved to us all this year that they're far from perfect--more recalls than any other manufacturer, and Lexus vehicles weren't immune from this either(transmission issues with the ES350, GS350).

So even though Lexus continues to break sales records, I think their overabundance on American roads, and the questionable means (alleged quality, service experience) by which the brand rose to prominence, are finally being questioned.

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Agent001 - 11/28/2006 2:55:42 AMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

Hmmm...smells like sour grapes to me!

001

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AUDIMAN4 - 11/29/2006 1:23:38 PM

0 Boost

The whole point here is that just because someone is on top now, doesn't mean they will stay on top. A number of individuals have grown tired of the now high prices and ubiquity of Lexus vehicles on the road. They are looking elsewhere.

mikeyv - 11/29/2006 7:07:36 PM

+1 Boost

I have two words for everyone who doubts lexus...IS 500(ISS) this car will give audi and bmw a run for their money... Lets give some more examples of Lexus innovation

1. LS 460 8 speeds i touch parking
2. LS 600h hybrid 8 speed, lane assist driving( keeps you between the lines(drives itself), accident detections( begin to adjust and apply breaks and detects weather the object is a person or an object for faster respons, and notifies you via a flashing light if your not looking at the road...Built in hardrive for music and movies..

3. LFH..Leaves mercedes in the dust.

4. GS500h -V8 hybrid with balls that can still give you 30+ mpg.

IamEvilHomer - 11/28/2006 3:02:59 AM

-6 Boost

our Audi store looks like it is going to have the best month in history
and great gross also

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MercBasher - 11/28/2006 7:33:35 PM

+1 Boost

Audi may well have its best month, it has been adding new models and if it didn't have a good month in terms of increases in sales [off a small base] I would be shocked.

There's another reason Audi will have a good month, incredibly cheap lease deals - which Lexus doesn't have to match.

AUDIMAN4 - 11/28/2006 9:04:04 PM

-5 Boost

Not where I'm at. Audi lease deals are relatively the same as BMW and MB.

It's this mentality of believing they can charge a premium, that I think will lead to Lexus' demise, because although the cars themselves usually are less expensive than the competition, the lease deals are not.

Diminishing quality and lessening exclusivity, while commanding higher prices = a loss of customers.

PlanoA4 - 11/28/2006 8:41:05 AM

+5 Boost

Lexus isn't going anywhere but up anytime soon. There is too much going for them. The fact that there are so many Lexus cars in the Audi dealerships is probably because there are too many of them here. The sheer number of them actually makes it interesting. It is very common to see Lexus at “tote the note” lots here, a place typically reserved for Pinto, Mavericks and Gremlins. And don’t expect to get top dollar on trade in either; there is more than an ample supply, so the resale value suffers as well.

As far as German performance goes:
I guess it all depends if you are a proactive driver and appreciate the ability to accelerate, stop, and handle in a fully competent manner. Some people are simply more passive and are concerned with the pamper factor rather than the performance factor. Passive drivers are great until they get in my way on the interstate doing 55 in a 80 mph zone. Then they are nothing more than a road hazard.

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AUDIMAN4 - 11/28/2006 5:24:13 PM

-1 Boost

You know, if Audi and BMW can engineer large SUV's to stop at shorter distances than a Lexus sedan, I'd say you've got a point there.

The LS brakes are frighteningly incompetant.

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AUDIMAN4 - 11/28/2006 4:01:11 AM

-5 Boost

Well I'm sorry you just can't handle the truth, Will.

The point here was that even though Audi/VW has had problems, they are improving at an alarming rate, while Toyota seems to be losing ground.

Most Lexus owners buy their cars precisely for perceived quality, what is going to happen once they see the one thing they coveted, being ripped away?

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PlanoA4 - 11/28/2006 8:42:46 AM

-4 Boost

The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. VAG is improving, and Lexus issues are starting to surface more due to volume.

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AUDIMAN4 - 11/28/2006 4:13:54 AM

-5 Boost

Why doesn't Lexus sell well outside of the US? Why in Germany and across Europe, Audi, BMW, even Mercedes are perceived by consumers and the press as being higher quality than Lexus?

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TheDonII - 11/28/2006 7:35:33 PM

+2 Boost

By the way if you could remember probably a month ago..Even the Germans gave the LEXUS their highest honors..The Gold Wheel Award..which none of their top cars including the 2007 Mer S500 did not win....Go fugure.

Lets give LEXUS its dues...They make far better cars than the Germans who rely on their goodwill as we call it in accounting to sell their cars.

Take the Lotus Estridge that was re-introduced last year or was it two years ago into the market. People are paying top dollars to own one..but guess what it has a toyota celica's 1.8 engine and transmission (the emperor's new clothes). Yet these same people will not buy a celica..It all boils down to perception.

Given a couple of years down the road, we will not be having this argument as the lines between the Germans and the Japanese as far as luxury cars are concerned will be very blurry.

Tell you the truth, my forte is Infinity but I very much admire Lexus for taking the lead and staying on top of all Japanese luxury brands when in the '80s people were fedup of purchasing Germans even British Luxury cars with very poor quality control.

Talking about Audi for instance people do easily forget that they had to withdraw their products from the U.S. because of the quality control issues..It is only in the past few years that they re-introduced their product into the American market. And by the way they are still struggling with quality control issues..

Whether some of us like it or not LEXUS and the other Japanese luxury brands are here to stay.

AUDIMAN4 - 11/28/2006 8:52:02 PM

+2 Boost

What in the hell are you talking about? Audi never withdrew from the American market.

I'd like to see how well Lexus would fare if something mechanical was said to cause Lexus vehicle's to accelerate out of control. True or not, it would affect sales.

Audi's near withdrawal was due to this.

MB_Lux_cars - 11/28/2006 4:39:10 AM

-11 Boost

100%
all japanese fans lost the sel,because they products are copied from mercedes and other german and europe fan.

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JUGNU - 11/28/2006 5:41:38 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Audiman4
"The point here was that even though Audi/VW has had problems, they are improving at an alarming rate, while Toyota seems to be losing ground."

One of the problems Audi had were lack of models in different categories. As we have already them, lately unveiling so many new models that resulted in a big turnaround for the company.

Well if u takes out RS4, Q7 and R8 from Audi's Line-up. What has left with them?

It’s only these new Audi models which made all the difference, therefore same will happen to Lexus when they will shortly unveil IS500,LF-A,SC and LX.It will rise once again in so called Appeal, Lexus will once again rule people's heart and mind(if u think some dent has been made in it's Appeal and exclusiveness).

Will
"As people "question" these aspects, Lexus will just continue to shift their priorities to other areas (i.e. performance, luxury)."

Agree with you. Moreover, prove is the new IS500, LF-A and new SC.Which will bring revolution in Lexus's Performance.

JUGNU----->THE CARMAN

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S4cabriofoxone - 11/28/2006 5:21:16 PMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

"It’s only these new Audi models which made all the difference..."

Well, not exactly. The A6 has won more awards than any other car in the last two years, and the A8 is considered a class-leader. A4 and A3 are also very strong products. They're very popular cars.

But otherwise- EXACTLY! And why shouldn't it be any other way? Their new cars are making a difference! That's not an excuse- that's progression!

Gennissen - 11/28/2006 7:33:46 AM

+2 Boost

Its mostly BS. Lexus was launched into the arena because it was 'somewhat exclusive'. I'm not so sure how that happened though. but I'm sure we all remember how the term 'LEXUS LS 400' would roll off your tongue. It was not a Mercedes nor a BMW. It was another make, with a luxurious interior, with chucky A, B and C pillars, giving it that umph. It was a 'Lexus' - and what a deliciously sounding name at that.
But as you know 'reasonably priced' + 'exclusive' do not hold for long and thus Toyota (seeing that the experiment had achieved positive results) then played the most obvious card that caught competition flat footed. Thus 'reliable' came into the equation. Brilliant strategy.
In the case of Dallas, the 'too common' aspect outweighed the 'reliability' aspect.

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PlanoA4 - 11/28/2006 8:26:51 AM

-4 Boost

Part of the equation is that in Dallas (and in others areas) people want to stand out from the crowd.

The Lexus dealerships here do an outstanding job selling cars no doubt. But if you want to have something a bit more exclusive, then Lexus is not for you.

BMW and Mercedes and Land Rover are very popular here as well. That pretty much leaves Audi, Jaguar if you want a higher end marquee, that isn't three houses down.

It is a testament to Lexus success when you walk up to a car at the mall and press your remote to unlock it, and find you car is actually 5 more Lexus down from the one you are trying to unlock. They are that common here.

In this major metropolitan area reliability is not nearly the factor as in a small town or more rural area, so it really does not factor in.

After returning from Missouri this weekend and passing through Arkansas Mountains and the Oklahoma Indian Reservations, it was quite apparent that even if you owned a Toyota and broke down then it was a serious problem. Basically in those areas it better be a GM or Ford product or you were screwed.

Agent009 - 11/28/2006 10:14:21 AMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

Reliable enters the equation for the paranoid only....

PlanoA4 - 11/28/2006 12:37:24 PM

-3 Boost

Will,

You and I agree on something....OMG!

answer - 11/28/2006 3:20:22 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I think saying that reliability matters only to those that are paranoid is one of the dumbest things I have ever read on autospies.com.

theman - 11/28/2006 8:33:30 AM

-1 Boost

Lexus never had appeal! If it did, it would have beaten Mercedes/BMW to the top..But it doesnt..

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PlanoA4 - 11/28/2006 9:04:40 AM

-2 Boost

Oh it has appeal...

To the same people that but buy "Whopper Choppers", "The Ginsu Knives", and all other infomercial gadgets. It is all marketing and Lexus should be right up there with Ronco and the "Popeil Pocket Fisherman"

As PT Barnum said "There's a sucker born every minute...and I'll take two to take 'em." Lexus marketing execs. took that to heart.

PlanoA4 - 11/28/2006 12:40:56 PM

+2 Boost

I am quite aware of what is going on in the US. Lexus is a marketing juggernaut. Probably the best example of automotive marketing to ever be seen in the US.

If you noticed the superlatives did not mention engineering.

Lexus is a marketing phenomenon, but not an engineering wonder by any stretch .

answer - 11/28/2006 3:26:40 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Few questions for you Plano,

Why don't you think Lexus is doing well in the engineering department?

If Lexus has the most awards for vehicle build quality (which they do), wouldn't that be engineering? Or maybe you think it's magic?

MercBasher - 11/28/2006 8:55:23 PM

-1 Boost

It has beaten BMW and Mercedes to the top in the world's largest luxury market the US.

PlanoA4 - 11/29/2006 3:53:00 PM

+3 Boost

Answer:

"Why don't you think Lexus is doing well in the engineering department? "

Name the industry awards Lexus has won for engineering in the last 5 years? Also name the industry advancements Lexus has made in the last 5 years? Now with that list compare them to BMW, MB, or even VW. and you will see readily.

"If Lexus has the most awards for vehicle build quality (which they do), wouldn't that be engineering? "

Manufacturing quality on the assembly line is an indication of perfection of a process, not necessarily an overall indicator in engineering competence. For example I can make the worlds most perfectly built broom; it still pales in comparison to say a Dyson Vacuum cleaner in performance. The Dyson due to all of the moving parts will mathematically be less reliable as well. So do you want a broom or a Dyson?

"Or maybe you think it's magic?"

The magic is in the marketing, They are simply the best in that area no doubt.

PlanoA4 - 11/29/2006 3:56:47 PM

0 Boost

Those intial estimates of potential first years sales were very low for the LS460. But they are selling well, hence the 9 fold increase.

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SSP350 - 11/28/2006 9:48:02 AM

+4 Boost

Obviously, this post was to get at Lexus. This thread was created by an Audi fan, duh.
Interestingly, I've come across a couple of very rich friends whom are in the market to purchase a new vehicle. They both were looking at purchasing an Audi. And a couple of my friends in response to that, said "Don't do it, I've owned Audi's before" and even went further to say that "The build quality is inferior to a Lexus".

Aside from that, there was a post earlier while I was reading that stated along the lines of why Lexus isn't well known outside of the U.S.. I really don't like to mock on people for any reason, but the level of misinformed and extremely bias opinion when it comes to car companies just baffles me.
Does one not know that Lexus has only been around for 17-18 some odd years? Did he/she know that it started in the States? Did they know that Ford/MBz/BMW has been around for more than 50 years possibly more than a century. A lot of people are familiar with these cars for the simple reason of being around longer.
The fact that Lexus has been around for only 18 years and have gone international with the company and has been praise for their build quality, might just lead some people to think that in 20 more years, they might just surpass some of the "prestige" car makers.
For now, Lexus doesn't hold up a level of achievement that some might perceive MBz or BMW to be. One has to wonder why a car company so young surpassed them in build quality and almost up to the same level of driving experience among other things on so many levels. Although, Lexus doesn't seem to care a lot about driving dynamics and are more geared toward luxury and accomodation for intuitive driving. One might also think, why does a German car that costs 100K or more, is not intuitive. Isn't that what defines a luxury vehicle. It's suppose to make everything 'easy' for you. Well, for one, its not called an IDrive.

My two cents.

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KeyserSoze - 11/28/2006 11:26:11 AM

+3 Boost

lexus is breaking never seen before sales records in the South African automotive history because their new global strategy is starting to bear fruit.for a brand that was relaunched in july this year here is remarkable, the IS is selling like hot cakes.

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KeyserSoze - 11/28/2006 11:26:29 AM

+1 Boost

PlanoA4 - 11/28/2006 12:41:58 PM

0 Boost

Well Yugos used to sell in Yugoslavia too...

EL34 - 11/28/2006 12:11:41 PM

+1 Boost

Why has the Lexus ES350 blended in with the scenery so fast?

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SSP350 - 11/28/2006 1:28:03 PM

-2 Boost

EL34^^^^^^??????

EL34 - 11/28/2006 1:40:43 PM

0 Boost

Will, here is a phto of a Altima and one of a S550, please tell how the Benz looks like the Nissan, because I don't see it!

http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/01/altimaser06_05.jpg

http://www.dennigcars.com/2007_Mercedes_Benz_S_Class_S500_Side_View.jpg

markusck - 11/28/2006 1:47:16 PM

+3 Boost

The lexus design philosphy is 'play it safe'. That is why the line between the Toyota and Lexus is so very fine. Lexus needs to branch out on their own, have their own design studio and develop a unique style and driving dynamic that doesnt mimic the parent Toyota.

EL34 - 11/28/2006 7:30:24 PM

+3 Boost

Will, I looked at those photos of that old Altima youre comparing to the new S-Class and the only thing I can say is, that's a real dome scratcher, a real eye blinker because the Altima is clearly a ripoff of the MB 300E.

AUDIMAN4 - 11/28/2006 8:54:31 PM

0 Boost

Altleast the S-class doesn't look the a bloated Camry LS. You can slap a Lexus badge on an imposter, but it's still a Toyota.

Ironman273 - 11/28/2006 1:16:27 PM

+4 Boost

Speaking of imminent Toyota/Lexus demise, just take a look at the monthly sales numbers posted on this very website every month. Toyota/Lexus is outselling itself every month and Lexus has the highest sales in the luxury brands.

I understand that people in this forum are not drawn to Lexus. This is an auto enthusiasts forum! But guess what, you're in the minority. Revel in your difference but don't bash the winner just because they are the winner.

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iown1 - 11/28/2006 5:28:41 PM

+1 Boost

I'm not saying it's going to happen, and I truthfully hope it doesn't, but believe me when I tell you it's only a matter of time before Toyota experiences what all other car manufacturers of their scale have gone through. No one could have imagined Ford on the brink of bankruptcy or GM struggling to get into the black neither.

There are three things working against Toyota.
1.) What goes up, must come down. Companies simply can not continue to grow at the same rate. Think Microsoft.
2.) Not everyone wants a Toyota.
3.) The theory of inevitabilty. Toyota will have a major recall. They already have had several "smallish" ones this year. Look at the effect reliability had on Mercedes and you can see that this could be a major problem.

AUDIMAN4 - 11/28/2006 5:42:19 PM

+3 Boost

Excellent point. Look back twenty years ago, the Taurus was the best selling and most highly respected family sedan. Ford was extrememly profitable during this period, as was GM.

Then, Toyota took over. But now we're starting to see some cracks (however small they might be) emerge. Quality was the one thing that drove people to Toyota initially, now that is starting to deteriorate.

Hyundai is posing some serious threats to Toyota, and actually delivering. Empire's rise and fall, and it's high time for Toyota!

markusck - 11/28/2006 1:39:13 PM

-3 Boost

The very success of current Lexus sales will hurt it in the long run. They seem to prioritize a Wal-Mart type approach, sell as many as they can to the largest demographic they can (this dilutes their design philosphy). They are trying to be all things to all people. Not appealing to the enthusiast.

While I have lots of respect for their reliability I feel (read: my opinion)is Lexus needs time to mature, develop something (an image) of their own, as currently they are young and have not earned the respect their elders have. They basically have entered the market by 'borrowing' what others have taken decades to learn, by trial and error, research, development, etc. Lexus needs to learn a few things for themselves in order to gain the respect that they seem to demand by their overly zealous fans.

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Ironman273 - 11/28/2006 2:41:17 PM

+4 Boost

They aren't trying to be everything to everyone as this community can attest to. They are great at what they do to a large part of the population and they are voting with their checkbooks.

Agent009 - 11/28/2006 2:55:42 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

In what way specifically?

I know of the extra gear in the normal transmission and the crystal look headlights. The self park Feature is not getting good reviews at present. But I guess I want to know where it breaks new ground?

SSP350 - 11/28/2006 4:17:25 PM

+1 Boost

Its more refine than a S-Class. It has body sensored climate control. In my opinion, it looks better than a S Class. What makes the Lexus more refined than a S Class, you might ask? How about little things like a 36 feet turning radius as oppose to the Benz whopping 40 feet turning radius (engineering gone wrong), rear view camera that, I think, should be standard on the Benz is not. The car doesn't look as gappy as a Benz. How about being able to extract 380 horses from a 4.6 liter as oppose to the benz 5.5 liter 382 horses.
It just goes to show that the Benz was trying to take shortcuts.

MercBasher - 11/28/2006 7:40:07 PM

-1 Boost

Hey MarkUSuck Lexus in the US is selling based on its product features and reputation - as opposed to Mercedes, BMW and Audi which are all doing incredibly cheap lease deals to support their market share.

Lexus is pushing the RX with a cheap lease, but Audi is the pushing the A3, A4, A4 convertible, A6; BMW is pushing the 3 series, 5 series, X3 and its horrible little convertible, while Mercedes is pushing the R, ML, C, CLK and E classes [see the Winter Sales Event].

If Lexus matched the lease deals that the Germans are offering, then Lexus sales would go through the roof!

EL34 - 11/28/2006 1:44:14 PM

0 Boost

I expect a Lexus recall or refund for that joke self-parking whatchumacallit.

Somebody stop the madness!

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2JZSoarer - 11/28/2006 2:26:46 PM

+4 Boost

Once you strip the AWD from Audi what's left,just a Volkswagon,the style is even too close to tell them apart,one example is the Audi A8 and the Volkswagon Phaeton!!!

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Agent009 - 11/28/2006 2:58:02 PMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

Actually that is far from the truth. Maybe a little research would be in order for you to prove that bold but inaccurate statement. If you take out quattro, The vehicles will still stand on their own quite nicely.

answer - 11/28/2006 3:28:40 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Um, without quattro they would be front wheel drive as the other non-quattro Audis are.

Sorry Agent009, but your open display of ignorance is casting a nasty shadow on the title of "agent" here at autospies.com.

Agent009 - 11/28/2006 4:17:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Your are entitled to your opinion my friend, however last time I looked about 80% of all Audi outside the US are sold as non-quattro. This means they are indeed standing up to the test of sales.

AUDIMAN4 - 11/28/2006 5:48:07 PM

+1 Boost

Audi has so much more going for it than Quattro. Racing/motorsport success, diesel engine development, interiors, global respect, etc.

Take away the "quality" and what is really left? Just another advanced car (no more advanced than the competition).

MercBasher - 11/28/2006 7:43:33 PM

0 Boost

Agent 009 rarely does sufficient research before posting comments. Audi sales in the US are shockingly low, the marketplace is voting and its not voting for Audi.

AUDIMAN4 - 11/28/2006 8:57:24 PM

+1 Boost

That's funny because the marketplace "votes" internationally (where Lexus has ZERO image) show otherwise--Lexus is a loser. Namely in Europe. Get off the superiority trip.

Agent009 - 11/29/2006 1:19:00 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I agree US sales are low, But I tend to look at the global picture which is far different.

VAG in general has done a poor job marketing in the US. Something the Japanese have excelled at.

PlanoA4 - 11/29/2006 3:30:48 PM

+1 Boost

Mercbasher- Audi sales in the US are the best in it's history. So I think 009 is right on this one.

KeyserSoze - 11/28/2006 3:59:48 PM

+3 Boost

That is why I am happy agent 001 is back! he is more neutral than 009!

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Agent009 - 11/28/2006 4:14:52 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

He tends to balance us all out...That is why he is 001...

KeyserSoze - 11/28/2006 4:18:47 PM

+2 Boost

no offence 009!

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Agent009 - 11/28/2006 4:40:06 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

none taken.

AUDIMAN4 - 11/28/2006 5:22:11 PM

+3 Boost

Okay, this has gotten totally out of control. Of course the Toyota boys couldn't take the heat so they resorted to personal attacks.

The new LS is NOT being as well received as initially hoped for, and the "innovations" it brought are also coming under scrutiny--a difficult to operate self-park feature, and "the world's first 8 speed transmission".

The point of this article was to discuss that Lexus IS coming under scrutiny, and a number of consumers are looking elsewhere because Lexus is just not delivering. You believe the marketing hype, you'd think the IS and GS are sporty, yet you go and drive one and it quickly becomes apparent that was nothing but good advertising.

Now, Audi on the other hand, doesn't do this, yet they consistently deliver products which live up to customer expectations, in terms of driving dynamics, fit and finish, and overall experience.

Audi performs, Lexus talks. End of discussion.

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MercBasher - 11/28/2006 8:59:23 PM

+1 Boost

Sales in the US don't support your personal impressions of the marketplace. However I am amazed that Lexus sales are up this year when Audi, BMW and Mercedes have had incredible lease deals.

AUDIMAN4 - 11/29/2006 2:20:05 AM

0 Boost

But sales internationally certainly do, a place where Lexus consistently fails. Lexus may be experiencing international growth, but so is Audi, at an astounding rate.

Lexus just hasn't had the setbacks Audi has in America, so it's simply an unfair comparison.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/28/2006 5:23:09 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Lexus never had much appeal in my book.

What's so great about them, anyway?

I don't care about value/reliability blah blah... if I'm buying a $90-100K car in a few years, I'd like the Lexus fans to convince me why it should come from their brand.

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Onyx - 11/28/2006 5:23:42 PM

+1 Boost

I can't wait for the Lexus LF-A proverbial shoe to drop on everyone's head. When this sports coupe hits the market it will silence a lot of you Lexus performance nay sayers.

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AUDIMAN4 - 11/28/2006 5:33:50 PM

0 Boost

No it won't. Lexus and Toyota lately have proved that they can't create anything that's actually enjoyable to drive--that ended with the Supra.

Sorry but soft steering, couch-like suspension settings, and horrendous brakes (a hallmark of nearly every Lexus) does not equate sportiness.

MercBasher - 11/28/2006 7:28:18 PM

-2 Boost

Three reasons why there are a lot of existing customers parked at the Lexus dealership:
(i.) Lexus in the US has a higher customer retention rate than Mercedes, BMW and Audi
(ii.) Lexus has a lot of new models, and existing customers are interested in going for a test drive, for example the ES350, LS460, GS350 and the IS250/IS350 is gaining momentum
(iii.) Lexus is doing a lot of advertising at the moment, for example the "December to Remember Campaign" and individual campaigns for the ES and LS

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S4cabriofoxone - 11/28/2006 8:50:19 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

"By the way, the IS is extremely sporty, and so is the GS."

Oh, puhleez! Get your thinking cap on!

And why would I care about how Lexus delivers on everybody ELSE'S expectations, when they don't deliver on MINE alone?!? I don't care about stats- I want to drive a car that I like! Not a car that everybody else likes! Lexus is for followers!

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EL34 - 11/28/2006 7:32:18 PM

+2 Boost

Most of the people that buy a Lexus are not into driving like a BMW, MB or Audi driver are. Lexus drivers need self-parking for cyrin' out loud!

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MercBasher - 11/28/2006 7:36:08 PM

-1 Boost

Do you know which other company has self-parking technology in an existing production model - its VW/Audi in Europe. So cut out the crap EL34

EL34 - 11/28/2006 7:41:42 PM

+1 Boost

MercBasher, I always check out who is driving cars and most of the time people that drive a Lexus are not really into driving, but need a badge to stay aheade of Joneses.

Matter of fact, I'm jonesing for the MB S550 with the AMG package.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/28/2006 8:51:46 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

We don't NEED anything. Audi makes fabulous cars. Did it ever occur to you that we're NOT badge whores?

AUDIMAN4 - 11/28/2006 9:21:07 PM

+2 Boost

VW tested self-parking 15 years ago. Lexus just took the idea, and ran with it.

sexylexy460 - 11/28/2006 7:41:50 PM

+1 Boost

hmm funny you say this audiman. where i live, all i see at my lexus dealership is audis beemers and mb's.

on which planet do you live where audis outsell lexus?

and i thought there was a sort of audi-lexus rivalry in bashing mb and bmw... (we both have understated elegance and fine interiors)

...way to kill that

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S4cabriofoxone - 11/28/2006 8:50:57 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

"on which planet do you live where audis outsell lexus?"

Earth. Audi outsells Lexus by about 3 to 1.

AUDIMAN4 - 11/28/2006 9:01:22 PM

+1 Boost

Why are Lexus owners so shortsighted? AUDI GLOBAL SALES TRUMP LEXUS SIGNIFICANTLY.

Go to Europe and say Lexus. Lexus who? That's how irrelevant the brand there.

PlanoA4 - 11/29/2006 9:40:45 PM

+1 Boost

Actually due to the large amount of Lexus on the road. It mathmatically is feasable to see a large amount of Lexus trade ins at any luxury dealership. It is a simple numbers game. The same thing goes for Aston Martins. There will be a low number of them on the lots due to the rarity.

sexylexy460 - 11/28/2006 7:42:39 PM

0 Boost

*correction-- audi-lexus ALLIANCE

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