[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by katil.garage

Actually I got a great deal on it when buying, I got it 9 lakhs cheaper than the dealership price so I might be able to manage selling at a small loss.

As a Mercedes owner, reading this thread about low maintenance, reliability in a luxury car is shocking .Even if I have to pay extra to have this peace of mind I would do it in a split second. Just one more question, how are the spare part costs like? because if it's going to be with me for 10-12 years it's going to need repairs when insurance doesn't cover it.

Someone told me most of Lexus customers are Toyota owners, I think Lexus should definitely target Merc, Audi, BMW owners too cause many would be happy to shift!

Relative to Mercedes the spares are more reasonably priced. But not in Hyundai or Maruti territory. More importantly in almost 4 years now I have not needed any spares! - at all. Not even the brake pads yet which typically would have been changed in an automatic by this mileage. Only thing changed recently were the tyres. More than reliability is the sheer service and responsiveness. They treat you (so far at least) like a 5-star hotel treats its guests. Too many of my neighbours, business associates and even employees had complained with uncharacteristic bitterness over Mercedes' ASS which led me to the Lexus based on a suggestion by Turbanator. In the 1990s and 2000s I often used the services in USA of a self-made Brazilian taxi operator. He had a fleet of the German three, Lexus and Lincolns and he used to swear by the Lexus. And this was a fleet operator whose cars each did ~150,000 miles a year. That was when I learnt about Lexus' legendary quality. It was the quality the Mercedes was famous for, for 100 years till around the early 1990s.

[katil.garage]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

Relative to Mercedes the spares are more reasonably priced. But not in Hyundai or Maruti territory. More importantly in almost 4 years now I have not needed any spares! - at all. Not even the brake pads yet which typically would have been changed in an automatic by this mileage. Only thing changed recently were the tyres. More than reliability is the sheer service and responsiveness. They treat you (so far at least) like a 5-star hotel treats its guests. Too many of my neighbours, business associates and even employees had complained with uncharacteristic bitterness over Mercedes' ASS which led me to the Lexus based on a suggestion by Turbanator. In the 1990s and 2000s I often used the services in USA of a self-made Brazilian taxi operator. He had a fleet of the German three, Lexus and Lincolns and he used to swear by the Lexus. And this was a fleet operator whose cars each did ~150,000 miles a year. That was when I learnt about Lexus' legendary quality. It was the quality the Mercedes was famous for, for 100 years till around the early 1990s.

That's what customers like me expected of the German 3 but realised it's a whole different ball game later. You gave details of maintenance and running costs extensively in your review but I couldn't find how much was spent on insurance year-on-year as I presume that might also be a significant chunk. If you could also provide with a breakdown of insurance costs it would be helpful. Thanks!

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by katil.garage

That's what customers like me expected of the German 3 but realised it's a whole different ball game later. You gave details of maintenance and running costs extensively in your review but I couldn't find how much was spent on insurance year-on-year as I presume that might also be a significant chunk. If you could also provide with a breakdown of insurance costs it would be helpful. Thanks!

My premium for the current year is Rs 1.38 lakhs. This includes zero depreciation, hydro lock, the works. I prefer going for the best and fullest insurance always. Just my preference. You could go for a lesser insurance cover and cost to suit your preference. My car was hit while parked by a wonderkid in Feb'19. That repair cost of Rs 66,800/- was covered in the insurance. I had to pay Rs 2000/- or so. See posts #168, #171, #183 and #184.

[M00M]

Originally Posted by josesiju96

Just completing 2,000kms. Had the first complimentary service at 1k (just a general check on all aspects). Life with the ES has been fuss free so far and it grabs more attention than vehicles of its class especially in Kerala because of our special bond with the Middle east. The Lexus brand has a major following there.

The one thing Lexus has to take note of is that a lot of people still believe their cars are too expensive and beyond their budget. If they change that mindset I am sure they'll sell more numbers, a rival in the 3 series, C class territory can do the trick.

Problem with Toyota in India is the high price tag and high profitability they maintain per car sold. They rather sell less but get more profit is their motto. Which i dont think is the right method but it seems to be their thinking. Even the fortuner keeps increasing in price.

I think if they can maintain good aftersales, rationalise pricing a little bit, then the cars will sell on their own. They just need to not be soo much after profits per model sold.

I am hoping for good after sales as i am used to the same with my CRV. Yet to experience as i have not done any servicing. If Lexus keeps costs and servicing in check and aftersales are stellar then they have me as a customer for life even when EVs take over.

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by M00M

Problem with Toyota in India is the high price tag and high profitability they maintain per car sold. They rather sell less but get more profit is their motto. Which i dont think is the right method but it seems to be their thinking. Even the fortuner keeps increasing in price.

I think if they can maintain good aftersales, rationalise pricing a little bit, then the cars will sell on their own. They just need to not be soo much after profits per model sold.

I am hoping for good after sales as i am used to the same with my CRV. Yet to experience as i have not done any servicing. If Lexus keeps costs and servicing in check and aftersales are stellar then they have me as a customer for life even when EVs take over.

Good or bad, right or wrong I can't say but I doubt Toyota will ever, in the forseeable future, start pricing more modestly. They believe that their reliability and ASS should command a premium - pragmatic or high handed I can't say. But that is the way it is.

The way I see it is that the initial price is only one cost you pay for the acquisition of an automobile. The other costs are - maintenance, spares, downtime, aggravation over non-availability of spares, aggravation over frequency of issues needing maintenance and so on. And here we are not counting the operating fuel expenses.

In my old days when I used to advice customers on which business jet to buy I used to tell them you can go for make B and get every price break you demand and have every desire fulfilled and then hop on hot coals for years when it comes to ASS and rip offs. Or you can buy a Gulfstream* with its higher price and little (pre-covid) price wriggle room, but excellent ASS and very little of downtime. Life is all about trade offs.

If Lexus continue their first class ASS in India and come out with EVs then I will be a customer again.

*PS: No sales pitch here. I am a neutral retired old codger now.

[M00M]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

If Lexus continue their first class ASS in India and come out with EVs then I will be a customer again.

[/i]

Yes sir i completely agree with all your comments thats why i went along with the Lexus on your advice. I am yet to experience this famed lexus service because the delivery was ok like any other car, infact i little underwhelming but i am overall very happy with the car. If the service is stellar and parts are reasonable and so on then like i said before and you have repeated that i would gladly stick to the brand and buy a ev too when it launches if i have to change any vehicle.

[Ashutosh]

If they launch a sedan with the same 1 million KM warranty and only electric as the model pictured below

Currently on cards seems to be a "electric" concept LF-30
https://www.lexus.com/concept/LF-30-Electrified

SUV Lexus UX300e
https://www.thedrive.com/news/31153/...-familiar-form

[M00M]

Originally Posted by Ashutosh

SUV Lexus UX300e

They should launch the UX300e in India at a 40 lac price tag. If they can manage that it will sell and how but if they bring it at some stratospheric 1 cr or 60 lacs no one is going to buy it as its quite small like the GLA. However if they bring it at 40 i will get one and im sure Mr. Narayanan may also consider the same.

[NevGin]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

*PS: No sales pitch here. I am a neutral retired old codger now.

And here I was always under the assumption that the Citations and Embraer were the easier and cheaper ones to maintain.

I read through the entire review albeit a few years later. What an absolutely splendid choice of vehicle. And to have that peace of mind of being treated well by the brand, the dealership and the car; perhaps to pinnacle of satisfaction.

I personally feel this car also ages so well and looks absolutely brilliant even after a few years.

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by NevGin

And here I was always under the assumption that the Citations and Embraer were the easier and cheaper ones to maintain.

Like a good Indian with the panni of paani poori in my veins I have six views where two would suffice! Sheer design excellence - here I'm talking deep technicals not just cabin interiors, Gulfstream followed by Dassault are tops. Embraer I have a big soft spot for and they certainly try the hardest to please but their hulls thus far at least do not wear as well as a Dassault or GS. That may change. Citations are somewhere in between but their ASS is wanting outside USA and Western Europe. Sad because they are well designed machines. The one's I would be wary of are Bombardier due to overtly complex electronics and now Hawker due to poor ASS and almost nil support. But these are just my views. If you are in the market consult someone in the sales field.

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by M00M

Yes sir i completely agree with all your comments thats why i went along with the Lexus on your advice. I am yet to experience this famed lexus service because the delivery was ok like any other car, infact i little underwhelming but i am overall very happy with the car. If the service is stellar and parts are reasonable and so on then like i said before and you have repeated that i would gladly stick to the brand and buy a ev too when it launches if i have to change any vehicle.

https://lexusenthusiast.com/2020/02/...ant%20or%20oil

Have a word with your Lexus dealer if this applies to your car or not. I assume not and hope not. But better to check.

[Turbanator]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

Have a word with your Lexus dealer if this applies to your car or not.

Most likely limited to US as we get kits from Japan.

[M00M]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

https://lexusenthusiast.com/2020/02/...ant%20or%20oil

Have a word with your Lexus dealer if this applies to your car or not. I assume not and hope not. But better to check.

Thank you. I hope not. I have sent him the link. Waiting for reply. Lexus has started CKD of ES in india and mine is first batch of the CKD with the higher GC.

Sir could you share the email address and contacts of senior Lexus people just for my reference, I could email them and contact them in times of need. Thank you.

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by M00M

. Lexus has started CKD of ES in india and mine is first batch of the CKD with the higher GC.

Congratulations on picking this beauty. The higher GC is quite a handy improvement too.

What is the revised on road price in mumbai with the new CKD approach please?

Thank you.

[M00M]

Originally Posted by Axe77

Congratulations on picking this beauty. The higher GC is quite a handy improvement too.

What is the revised on road price in mumbai with the new CKD approach please?

Thank you.

Thank you. Prices have increased again in January. Im not too sure about the current Mumbai prices but i think theyre in the range of 65-75 on the road. The higher GC means there is much less scraping in the car. So far in 800 kms i have touched once on the highway where we were 4 in the car and the speed breaker was very high and nasty.