Good bye E70, Hello Lexus GX460

[Kloogy]

This is a funny thread. I have 2 friends with these marshmallows. When I got my X5, they both tried to dump them. They ride like an oil tanker.

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by Kloogy

This is a funny thread. I have 2 friends with these marshmallows. When I got my X5, they both tried to dump them. They ride like an oil tanker.

Yes, they have the handling integrity of a garbage bag full of chopped livers.

[ALE53]

Reliable as hell, expensive as hell once out of warranty, and boring as hell. Nice car though and the decision is yours.

I made the same mistake with a S500 after my M5. I still regret it.

[Jordo]

Nothing is worse then my wife's Kia serento. That handels like a cement mixer, with a front flat. It's that bad!

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by StumpyPete

Having just made that move (to a Q7); I have to tell you it is only very slightly behind on driving experience, but WAY ahead on build quality. Had the Q7 for a month now, and it is so much quieter, rides smoother, the electronics are Soooooo much better thought out. And it is cheaper!

As for the driving experience, yes it isn't quite so sharp as the X5, but on my favourite section of twisties it is only one or two seconds a mile slower.

Glad to hear you like it. The new ones are pretty good looking, but a little bloated as well. I like Audi, but the problem is that they are only about 8/10's of a BMW, imo.

[Viperfreak2]

In the past I have had 2 vehicles in my driveway that were examples of the BEST and WORST handling sport utes ever made. The X6 and the Izuzu Trooper (1993 model).
The most dangerous thing anyone could do was to take the X6 for a brisk drive, then jump into the Trooper. You think you can take that first curve at similar speeds.

As I get older, sometimes I think I might enjoy the 'oil tanker' ride and handling...then I drive the Trooper to remind myself, I don't!

[watrob]

Originally Posted by rufusdedog

I've had the E70 for 4 years. I pulled out the stack of service orders for electrical problems, water problems, noise problems, etc and it was over an inch high.

The E70 was like my first wife, good looking but high maintenance and unreliable. It was hard to believe that I had to plug a high $60K truck into a charger each week.

I bought a Lexus GX460 this weekend. Silent, powerful V8. According to owners I met in the service area bullet-proof reliability. Water temp meter! Oil dipstick! Full size spare! You can change the battery without programming! The manual even has a do it yourself maintenance section! The Lexus dealer waiting area puts the BMW dealer's area to shame.

I do miss the comfort seats (incomparable) and good looks of the E70. The Lexus has a great rear end, but the front is truck-like.

Good luck to everyone on the forum. I enjoyed all the tips, experiences, and general banter.

Actually Rufusdedog, I am sad to see you gone, its been good seeing your comments over the last 4 years or so, good luck with the Lexus GX40, l have owned many a Toyota 4 wheel drive, 80 series, 100 series, then moved to the X5's E53 & 3 different E70's.

Yes the first E70's had a few problems, l know for a fact but the second & third gen came good.

One thing though, if you hang onto your Toyota long enough like I did and do a rebuild every now & then you could end up with one of these like I have after 40 years if you are able t keep it that long?

[ukwildcat]

Originally Posted by Kloogy

This is a funny thread. I have 2 friends with these marshmallows. When I got my X5, they both tried to dump them. They ride like an oil tanker.

I never thought of it that way, but.. Yes.

I really did like it, and for a vehicle that size it handled quite well, acceleration was good, etc. It should not go unsaid that my first wreck in that car was being bored to sleep and running it into and across the guardrail. (not a joke - major cosmetic damage but nothing else, $4K to fix)

Now all my friends say: "Your driving has gone to hell lately."
Me: "How so?"
Friends: "You drive like a complete $#&*! You never drove like this in your Lexus."
Me: "That's because I COULDN'T!"

[ukwildcat]

Originally Posted by FSETH

Glad to hear you like it. The new ones are pretty good looking, but a little bloated as well. I like Audi, but the problem is that they are only about 8/10's of a BMW, imo.

I think the new one is a good progression of the old, actually.
HATE what they did with the cargo area, but eh..
Oh and the fact that it's $10K pricier than it was.

I tried the Q7 but man.. I just couldn't get into that.
It's a great road car, but the rest of it didn't really make me want to buy it.
Dealer said "Well, I hope you've found your next car!"
(he knew virtually nothing of his product)
Me: "Wow! I really hate it!"
Dealer: "Maybe drive the Q5?"

I am not going to dis Audi, it just isn't my style. And it seems more style than substance.

Someone at work has a new S5. Says it corners like a drunken opera singer. It is a good-looking car, but he says he can't wait to get rid of it.

Now the R8, on the other hand..

[emcman]

[FONT=Verdana]

Originally Posted by [/FONT

I understand though, when my 2007 E70 was bought back by BMW after months of endless problems, I was so fed up, beaten down and tired..that I went back to Lexus. Kept it about 9 months, and then went back to BMW! I deal with European cars and their issues, because the driving pleasure is so rewarding. But, I totally understand not wanting to deal with issues & just have a car that works easily. !

I can see both sides myself. I had a terrible 2007 X5 4.8. It was in the shop for months in total over the first 2 years. When this car dies with battery failures it is a pain as nothing works except the alarm for the last hour of life. You feel beaten when time after time they can not fix the issue and then will not offer any help. Yes it is a real problem but it is your problem. That is what really gets you down. I ended up having an attorney write a letter to NJ and I wrote an email to a VP in Munich who had an English name so I knew he could read it. Then boy did things happen. It is a shame you have to go that far for a car in this price range that really you could not count on starting.

We love the 2010 35D and it is 100% problem free. However we talked and would never have two BMWs at the same time. The lasting taste of poor customer service is really the bigger issue than the car troubles which were major.

I would never get a Lexus SUV just because they are boring. The cars are boring but the corporate customer service I imagine is much better. Our dealer was good but they care only as much as BMW wants them to care.