Should you Buy a Lexus? Are they just glorified Toyotas?

A Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician shares the truth about Lexus. Are they worth their high cost? Are they just glorified Toyota Models? What's good and what's bad about Lexus.

So Should you buy a Lexus? This video happens to be the first of many videos on my channel as a new initiative to be more inclusive to Lexus models on my channel! This comes by request of the Car Care Nut awesome community!

So in the first section of this video, We will take a trip down memory lanes to look at the humble beginnings of Lexus. How they started and what kind of impact they did that believe it or not changed the entire trajectory of the luxury car market.

Then we're going to dive into the first conversation. Are Lexus models basically a Toyota with some fake leather and a higher price? The jury is still out on this one but in this video I give you the truth from experience.

Then we're going to set the record straight for who should and shouldn't buy a Lexus. The worst thing that could ever happen to a car buyer is to pay a small fortune for a car then dislike it after 2 weeks. I hope this video will give you a better insight as to what to expect when you buy a Lexus so you can decide if you Should or Should NOT buy a Lexus.

Folks, No company is perfect. Lexus included! In a later part of the video I will cover somethings that Lexus gets so wrong and this is recent! Then we will cover the "test results" of the Lexus LFA. Many say the Lexus LFA was a muscle flex exercise from Toyota\Lexus to show the world that they can be serious about performance. I have a different opinion about this which you might find interesting I hope!

@lexus if you are watching, Keep up the good work and keep making fabulous cars!

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#thecarcarenut #lexus #toyota

0:00 Intro
0:44 Lexus History
6:55 So is Lexus just a Glorified Toyota?
13:11 Should you buy a Lexus?
14:55 Things Lexus doesn't do well especially Today!
21:34 Lexus LFA test results?

[citationbob]

Bought my LS400 the first weekend they went on sale in California. My nephew still drives it. Besides maintenance items and 1 water pump, and one starter it’s all original after 535, 000

[kensaito]

A friend of mine in Japan is working for Toyota R&D in Aichi. He said all the components for Lexus are produced under much more strict quality control than those for Toyota cars. It is known in Japan that Toyota has the toughest quality control than any other motor companies but Lexus has more than that. Another friend of mine who is working for Bridgestone R&D in Japan told tires refused by Lexus could be sold to other motor companies. This is the level of quality control employed in Lexus.

[peterwolf]

I was fortunate and was given the opportunity to be the Service and Parts Director for 1 of the first Lexus Dealerships in September 1989 when we started selling cars. Lexus did it right from the start with amazing product but Lexus has its reputation today because of how customers were treated by Dealership associates and that’s what Lexus IS known for. I’m proud that I played a part in building a reputation for a car and company that changed the Automobile business. This September will mark my 33 year anniversary with the same Lexus dealer I began with. Update…this September 1 2024 will mark my 35th anniversary with The Lexus dealer that I began my Lexus journey with!! And 30 days from now will mark my 40 year anniversary with the same dealer!

[zakmoon]

Proud Lexus owner here! and I can say that nothing beats the quality build and long term performance of my 2005 ES330!!! Amazing daily

[BrianBourgeois-]

just bought my wife an rx350, driving down the interstate at 80mph it feels like you're sitting in your recliner at the house. when we drove it home from the dealership i could tell it was an extremely well built vehicle.

[coloradoboo]

My neighbors see me working on cars a lot. One of them, a widow, had bought a new Jeep but after only 3 or 4 years, had problems with it and was quoted $4, 000 by Jeep to fix it. She came over asking me for car advise. I said, if it were me, I'd get rid of the Jeep and buy a Lexus. The next week, she's driving a very nice Lexus SUV and loves it...great vehicle!!

[JoshKnight]

A huge difference that many folks fail to mention is the paint quality. While the German brands might be known for the best paint, Lexus ranks right up there. Next time you see a 10-year-old Lexus take note of the lack of rock chips or fading, then compare that to a Toyota, Honda, etc. So, if you want a car that drives AND looks great after 10 years, upgrade to the Lexus.

[gboules]

I agree completely! I was a German car buyer for 20 years. I've owned 6 Porsche 911s from 1986, 1987, 1988, 2001, 2007 & 2011. I also owned a handful of BMWs and Mercedes. I bought a 1995 Land Cruiser and not only made a killing on it, but woke the hell up about quality control, not quality of materials. QUALITY CONTROL! German cars and the two Range Rovers that I owned had quality of materials and ability to perform, but their quality control was terrible. I've never looked back! I now own a Lexus GX460 and I can tell you, it's been heaven! Not only that, the Lexus dealer experience is phenomenal!

[tylernewberry]

100%. I completely represent the Toyota/Lexus buyer that he describes. Daily drove an Audi A7 for 5 years, my other choices before I bought that were Porsche and BMW, and I chose what I thought to be the most reliable between those and by all accounts I did make the correct choice. BUT, the A7 has averaged about $2, 000 a year in repairs and maintenance so far. I could afford it, but that doesn't mean I wanted to. My wife's Lexus NX200T (was an F Sport, I thought it was cool, even if AMD doesn't think so) cost nothing more than the routine maintenance. I didn't love driving that NX, but I respected how affordable it was to keep around. If I'm honest though, it handled better than the Audi in a hard downpour rain, but that was the only situation. I don't drive the Audi anymore, daily a 2022 Sienna platinum now. It's as Lexus as I could get with automatic sliding doors for the kids. Will continue to daily Toyota/Lexus in the future. I hate sounding like Scotty Kilmer, but Toyota/Lexus are reliable. I've witnessed it with my own wallet.

[aliihab]

This is the best car brand review I have seen on Youtube.

I can relate to all what Ahmad said. I owned X5 for 5 years and I switched to Lexus recently. Everything this man said I experienced as owner of these two different brands.

The thrill of getting behind the wheel of BMW is unmatched, but the comfort and reliability of Lexus is AMAZING. My brother owns a 2003 Lexus and still running great!

Man I forgot how cars looked in 2003 except for this brand!!

[curtgomes]

I bought a used, one owner, 2006 Lexus GS300 in 2013. It had 50, 000 miles and was in wonderful condition. ($18, 000) About two months later the check engine light came on. I took it to Lexus and they said there was a problem with the engine and that it would need to be rebuilt. They then told me that Lexus was willing to rebuild the engine with factory new replacement parts. Basically a new short block. I was given a brand new Lexus loaner car which I drove for about 1 1/2 months. When my '06 Lexus was returned it ran perfectly. The cost? ZERO DOLLARS! The car now has 120, 000 miles on it and runs like a brand new one. I have had no other serious issues with this car. Just took it on a 2000 mile road trip.... gorgeous. I have never had a car company treat me this fairly....NEVER. My hat is off to Lexus. I can easily afford a new one, but I just love this GS300.

[akasdou]

I was once about the rush, but now I just want plush and hush in a vehicle. You're the only (who I've heard) who ever talked about insulation in vehicle. So vital! Knock on the exterior panels on these new cars. They're empty shells. Because of you I'll look into lexus. Glad I stumbled on your channel sir, God bless!

[kabysummit]

Once I started owning Lexus, I have not turned back. I love every one of these: RX350 RX450H SC400 GS450H.

[peterkwok]

My wife had a 2000 Lexus RX 300 with over 250, 000 miles on it before the transmission locked up on it. We just brought a 2004 Lexus RX 330 with a 152, 000 miles on it and it drives perfect. I fell in love with Toyota ever since we purchase her Lexus. It's an awesome investment. I am a lifetime Toyota customer 👍👍. My 2003 Toyota Camry has over 322 000 miles on it and it's still running strong with no issues

[gianmariavolonte]

The Lexus is an incredible vehicle. Even if we get a Lexus with well over 100K on the odometer as trade in, they are still solid, quiet, ride and drive better than some new cars that just rolled off the assembly line. It's evident that a lot of effort went into the Lexus nameplate. The only thing I don't care for about Lexus of today is the front grille. Although unique, it's just too bizarre for my taste. Lexus ( and every other manufacture) needs to stop listening to automotive journalists and listen to what really matters which is the people who own these fine vehicles and what's important to them.

[莊立倫]

Agree. I've been a Lexus RX onwer for 4 years, it still remains strong, quiet and good to drive. No any single minor problem came up. Amazing car and I love it.

[joemysterymusic]

This guy is absolutely the bomb as a reviewer. He is insightful and knowledgeable due to his background as a master Toyota mechanic. He breaks it down so even the average buyer can understand these cars, deftly explaining the differences between Lexus, its original parent company-Toyota- and the European brands. After multiple car reviews seen here on YouTube, I bought a Lexus RX350-h. Car is getting 40 miles to a gallon so far and that helps in this economic nightmare we are all living through even if you are solid financially. I anticipate a good maintenance history for this vehicle and a good resale return when the time comes as he suggests. Thanks for the awesome post.

[vietle]

One big selling point for me the Lexus IS has over the BMW 3-series that nobody ever talks about, is double wishbone front suspension - in a compact sedan. This makes the car way more planted in the corners and more nimble, but car reviewers will often mistake this as "boring driving dynamics" because it's less unruly with less body roll....it's actually superior. BMW tunes out some of the problems with Macphersons and make them work, but will never be better than tried and true double wishbone.

The reality is that most car reviewers don't actually want a better car. They just want a more fun car - and that is often very subjective.

[tchauish]

I would buy Lexus over other brands. They are very comfortable and quiet.

[iamjaay]

This video is spot on. Anyone considering purchasing a Lexus should watch it. The cars may be boring to drive, but they saved me a lot of money. I drove to France, belgium, holland and back to the UK with so much ease and didn't need to worry about breaking down. On the other hand, I would never have tried that in my Alfa Romeo.