LUV2REV

I am looking to get some feedback on 1998-2000 Lexus GS400 and 1998-2000 Jaguar XJR ownership. I really wanted an STi as a daily driver but have garnered mixed emotions over the past 6 months about the ultimate practicality (sure it would be fun) of the STi due to it's compact size and pure sporting demeanor. I have been seriously considering the aformentioned Lexus and Jaguar sedans as they are much bigger, amenity laden and can be had for a steal. I also like their V8 power and RWD layout. I have not driven the Jag but have read many positive reviews but am most cocerned with reliability and maintenace costs. I drove a 1999 GS400 and loved it. I believe the Lexus would be as easy to own as any other Toyota product and provide years of faithful service. Can anyone help me out with personal experience ?

SpeedxRacer

Use to own a GS, Loved it and wish I havnt sold it. Cant go wrong with Lexus's reliability.

steve c

Not sure about that generation, but the one before it was a piss poor design.

Typical scenario.

Power steering pump goes out -- as it does it pisses fluid all over the unit below it -- which as chance would have it is the alternater. Yay!

Then you have the 18 hour timing belt job because some asshole put 8 things in front of it....

My LS400 ownership experience was one of frustration -- weekends spent elbow deep in grease addressing stupid issues.

Not that every or even most Lexus experiences are like this -- but be forwarned. Browse the lexus forums for more information.

Slamnasty

Don't know much about either myself, but have a friend who's dad has an XJ, a 1995 V12 model or something like that, and he says its constantly in the shop.

I'd say, get the Jag for looks, and the Lexus for every-day dependability.

PLYRS 3

was contemplating an '02-03 S-type R last year until my friend said "whattaya wanna a buy a Faguar for?"

ended up getting an '01 BMW 740i sport (quite problem free so far, btw).

i have no idea what the point of me saying this is....other than i haven't been able to get the word "Faguar" out of my mind ever since....

Slamnasty

I'd say a 740 would be the better car as well, not least of which is because "BMW" can't rhymed with anything.

BPUKiller

My two Lexus automobiles have been flawless. My RX330 with 30000mi, while boring, puts a smile on my face. Just to give you and example, I rented a brand new Land Rover LR3 thinking it would be a step up and plus I was thinking of getting one. Wrong, while I loved the utility, looks and features, the power was zapped by its weight and little things didn't work like the fuel door opening all the time, the alarm not engaging, and the car would go into decent mode w/o me telling it to. I'm not too sure about a Jag. I haven't heard anything bad with them since Ford took them over. Their residuals drop like a tank, but you are going to take advantage of that. You know you might try to look at each CPO program and see which one is better. If I wanted to fell sexy I'd get the Jag, if I want a great car with superb reliability get the Lexus.

Sam

LUV2REV

I would much rather have a 540i than the 740i but still have apprehensions about BMW maintenance/reliability while not under warranty. The 740 while a very nice car is too large for me and better compares to the LS 400, A8, etc. I still need to drive the XKR but there are currently no used example's available locally.

Saab9-3

While I can understand how Steve's experience with his LS left a bad taste in his mouth, in my experience, for every story like his there are 50 to the contrary. The reason you don't hear these stories is because no one goes out of their way to say "My car is problem free after xx,xxx miles... but I just wanted to check in and tell everyone."

My experience with Lexus has been a great one. My dad just bought his 30th Lexus last fall and we have never, and I mean never, had a single problem with them. They are very boring and benign, but I think that is the reason so many people like them. There are a lot of people out there that, unlike myself, do not want to be very involved in their car- they just want comfortable transportation that will start every morning.

hibbity

I have a 1998 XJR and LOVE IT. It has 78K on it and drives like brand new. The only thing that has gone out is the water pump which I replaced myself in 20 minutes for $100.00 (Jag wanted $800 for the job). The only thing to watch out for are the timing belt tensioners which should be upgraded to the new style. The nikasil issues do not exist in any significant form in the USA. If you can do the regular maintenance yourself (brake pads etc.), which is SUPER easy (the easiest car I have ever worked on) then this car is the way to go; if you have to take it to the dealer then the maintenance costs are going to eat away at you.