Steve -- We own two Mercedes E-classes; a 1997 E420, and a 2000 E430 4matic. We have had horrible dealer experiences with both, often getting something fixed, only to pick the car up with something else wrong or damaged, with the dealer claiming "it must have been like that when you brought it in." Also, the "free service" plan on the 2000 model was just a waste, as they would only change the oil when the computer said, sometimes not for 10,000 miles, so we would pay to change it when we wanted to (buying Mobil 1 from Sam's Club). Just as the "free service" period ended, with only 22,000 miles on the clock, we brought it in for a oil change, and then the car supposedly needed nearly $2200 in work done, including new hubs for the awd system. We threatened legal action and the work was performed for free (did they really do it? we'll never know). We also own a 2001 Toyota Sequoia, which has almost 90,000 trouble-free miles on it, and are considering buying a new one (bigger engine, new 5-speed tranny, new colors). Our experience with Toyota has been so great we are considering trading both Mercedes and buying two Lexus vehicles, most likely an '04 or '05 LS430 sport, and maybe a second LS430 sport or the new (yet to be released) GS300 (with awd) or GS430 (with the V8). I really wish they had a GS430 with all-wheel-drive on the way. Anyway, I'm glad to hear of your satisfaction with your LS430. I really like the (IMHO) improved looks of the 2004 over the 2003. Are you happy with the Navi system, and the audio system as well? I've always loved how the Mercedes' drive, and I've often lusted after the handling of the BMW, but experiencing and hearing too many service horror stories have turned me towards the "boring but reliable" brands. I think many "German car snobs" who bash Lexus just don't get it. Sure, you may give up a bit of handling or driver involvement, but neither are worth giving up dependability and the lack of service headaches. I'm anxious to join the Lexus family, and hope to do so this year.
Randy
In a message dated 2/1/2005 8:07:45 A.M. Central Standard Time, Steve writes:
After chronic problems that affected the drivability on my X5, I literally crossed the street and bought a '03 LS430. After 20,000 mi's I knew I could not live with the softer suspension. A slightly used '04 Sport was available and the rest is history. Lexus has a jewel that they fail to promote. It's impossible to find literature that even describes the hardware (and these days---software) differences. The Sports seem to arrive at dealers in bunches in late winter when they should be hard to sell (summer tires) but are snapped by auto enthusiasts who appreciate the firmer handling. After that delivery, the Sport becomes a ordered model with long waits and the showrooms are flooded with the standard models. The ride is considerably firmer than the standard model and similar to the standard BMW. If you like the "feel" of a German car but are done with your autocrossing days and want Lexus quality and reliability, it's the way to go. IMHO Steve