Lexus makes a good quality car that's quiet and fairly reliable simply because they're not complex or overengineered like BMWs (haha Adaptive Transmission Control........pft you wish, Toyota:nanana:). However, having had a Lexus before, the parts do wear out just like every other car. So after 7-8 years and 100k miles, you'll still need to replace parts. And they ARE expensive! (Just like any other luxury marque). But yes, the IS and just about every other Lexus has serious space issues. I'm 5'8" and there wasn't enough headroom in the front. And the backseat is sized for amoebas.

Actually I said that because Lexuses are the most boring cars ever, I fall asleep looking at them. (no dis to yours, I know you have one).
Driving dynamics don't exist. And since I'm not really a fan of Toyota, a super-toyota isn't really my style. :D That's why ;)

the thread makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. So you're concerned about gas prices.. as a result you are willing to take a hit by trading it in, incur more cost to acquire another car. How much gas do you think it's going to take before you recoup that cost? Maintenance is not an issue. You can always buy extended maintenance and warranty for about $3000 which would cover you to 100K. BTW, if you want reliabililty why buy a CPO car from any brand???

I just wanted to use this as a sounding wall. Youre correct, why buy used of any car if you are worried about repairs. I was just thinking a later model E46 would have more kinks worked out than my '02 E53. And I still have my full CPO warrenty on the X now.

I really just have to look at the numbers. In a dream world I could just swap my X for a 3er with no additional costs. Then gas savings would immediate. But thats in a perfect world. hahaha :)

In a perfect world, we'd have all the petrol and diesel BMW models offered in Europe. Then I could get a 320d (or even a 120d) for low fuel consumption while not looking all stupid driving a dorky Prius.

I had the Lexus until this past May, when my dad sold it off. It was getting to be quite expensive since many parts required repairs. It was practically leaking everything; the radiator, engine and ATF, and PS fluids. The steering gear was loose required a new steering rack. Valve covers were leaking.........yea too many to list. The dealer estimate for ALL repairs was $9k, with $2k for the steering rack alone. While some items were possible to do independently or ourselves, it's not too easy on the '96 ES with the way the intake manifold is positioned over the engine.

So this illustrates my point about reliability: an old car WILL need replacement parts, no matter how reputable it was when new.

However, most of these problems weren't easily detected, and that's why it looked terrific inside and out. The white exterior was magnificent, and the black leather interior was clean and I had done a few backlighting repairs (and of course being me, I care alot about interior cleanilness). It was not a terrible drive either. With 188hp and 203 lb/ft tq on tap, it was fairly quick. The 2nd gear pull from 40-72mph was simply astonishing and very impressive. All while returning 22mpg city. But the suspension rolled and pitched like a boat driven by a drunken captain, and my keyboard gives me better steering feedback. Not a driver's car, but as a high schooler's car, it creates better impressions than say, my mom's Civic (which is why I never drove her car :rofl:). For a 1996 car, it looks quite good too. Better than some of the snooze designs coming from Toyota lately.

Didnt you say way back when that your dad never took care of his car? Thus when it went all broke it was because of that?

So it seems like maybe I should just stick with my X and put any extra money into some preventative maint. Ohh maybe a detail too.