I'm now in my second month of Lexus ownership; I bought it as a pure luxury and have spent more time polishing it than driving it so far! When I do get behind the wheel I'm a happy chap, though. It's got 131000 miles, and there are a few little niggles: heated seats don't work and there is obviously an ill-fitting seal somewhere because the boot gets damp after washing or rain; this, in turn, causes a lot of condensation on the rear window. They aren't big problems, though, and it's a magnificent cruiser. I'm really looking forward to our trip to the south of France in August.
To the point of the thread...... 3 children have meant me having a series of sensible estates and a Toyota Previa (from which, I notice, they've taken the Cruise Control switch to use on the LS). The car I'd compare the Lexus with, however, is the Series 3 Jaguar; I had three of them, including the V12, and I've loved big saloons ever since.
Firstly, the Cat has the LS comprehensively beaten on aesthetic grounds, inside and out. The Series 3, especially with the pepper pot alloys, was one of the most beautiful cars ever produced. Jaguar have tried and failed to match it ever since. The interior was gorgeous, too; like sitting in a St James' gentleman's club. The interior of the LS, whilst noticeably bigger, is spartan by comparison. The exterior is imposing, certainly, but nobody could describe it as pretty.
Things are fairly even as regards comfort; the LS is quieter, and the fitted stereo is better, but I prefer the seats in the Jag; they seem to offer better support.
The LS comes out on top regarding performance. it is considerably quicker than the straight six Jag, and - despite producing less bhp - a bit faster than the V12. And although none of these cars are frugal, the Lexus is giving me better consumption than the smaller-engined Jag (the 4.2), and much better mpg than the 5.3 V12. Even with the later HE (Higher Efficiency) engine, that is a very, very juicy car.
A weakness of the Lexus is its handling; fine on a straight run, but over-light on a twisty road. The Series 3 Jag was no rally car, but there was a lot more "feel" to the steering and response.
I'm hoping the Lexus will really shine in the reliability stakes. I had problems with both the 4.2 Jags I owned, including a £3000 engine re-build on the second. The V12 was a much better proposition; other than the air-conditioning packing up, it gave me no problems in 5 years of ownership. Its build quality couldn't match the Japanese car's, though. I've been really impressed with how beautifully the LS is put together.
In conclusion I would say that I'm hugely enjoying ownership of the LS, and intend to keep and nurture it for many years to come. If, however, you secretly crave heads turning whenever you pull up at the lights, (and have a limitless bank account to pay for the petrol), go and get a late Series 3 V12 in black, with cream seats and pepper pots. You'll spend hours just sitting behind the wheel with a soppy grin on your face.