The saga is finally over. After 6 months of assorted electrical problems, I picked up my 2006 RL this morning.

Can't honestly say that I'm ecstatic at the moment. The whole thing was just unsettling...really does not feel like a win. The 2005 had some demons to be sure but there is always uncertainty as to what the future will hold. But for now, I am going to enjoy the car and that is, really the reason why I fought for the swap rather than just ditching it and buying a Lexus. Even got the same color rather than the temptation to go with something different just to feel like I got something new.

I know I have been a bit negative around these parts due to the problems my 2005 had but the truth is, I absolutely love what this vehicle has to offer: the perfect blend of sport and luxery, superb handling and first class navigation/audio systems. In the end. having driven Honda products for as long as I have, there really isn't another vehicle in this class that I would seriously consider.

Just keeping my fingers crossed.

 

I am not trying to cause you grief but I have to ask. Knowing that lexus has a new 350ES coming out soon with supposedly a new upgraded Navigation and complete re-design of the vehicle, do you think you acted too quickly?

Reason I ask. Have a TL and love the RL but I've been unable to pull the trigger knowing this new Lexus product is coming out.

Is this the model where Lexus catches up with Acura on the Navi?

 

Don't know and can't predict the future. What I do know is that I am economically better off today than I was yesterday and my options are still open.

 

Don't get me wrong. I love the RL and think it's a great vehicle.

My only gripe is that it's a bit small in the back. Seems much smaller to me than a even an Avalon...I guess that's nit picking though...

Did you look into the technology package that is an option?

 

While I agree that the back seat is not generous, I don't really care as I never sit back there...my 5 year old twins have plenty of room.

Never considered the technology package as the run flat tires are said to be rough. I feel very safe in this car with all the airbags, the outstanding handling and the 5 star crash test ratings. As for the smart cruise control, driving in NJ and NY, I never use the standard cruise control. Quite frankly, this car has more technology than I can use and that fact may have been the cause of all the problems I had with my 2005.

 

No, the gen 5 nav from Lexus doesn't catch up to the Acura. I have it - closer, much closer - but no cigar.

Congrats on your win and swap! Hopefully better luck this time!

 

Was the swap a trade in of your 05 and buying an 06? Or was it a special deal just for you because of your problems with the 05? I am asking this because it makes all the sense if you didn't financially take a hit.

I agree with you that it is hard to find a car with the RL's combination of features. Waiting also may mean it would be taking more loss with the 05.

 

I thought he went through the lemon law/BBB arbitration route. Or am I mistaken?

 

I fortunately did not have to go down the Lemon Law road It was structured as a trade. There was a nominal amount of $ required of me but well worth getting rid of my 2005 with 12K miles.

 

I am so glad this worked out for you, I am in a similar predictement at this time, my car has been at the dealer for over 2wks now, and they just got the part from Japan, and they have to translate the manual/instructions and attempt to install the part this week, I have not driven the car more than 1500 miles and the car has been at the dealer longer than in my posession?
Can you tell me your porcess, I don't mean to rehash old wounds!
thanks

 

Originally Posted by atomarchio
I am not trying to cause you grief but I have to ask. Knowing that lexus has a new 350ES coming out soon with supposedly a new upgraded Navigation and complete re-design of the vehicle, do you think you acted too quickly?

Reason I ask. Have a TL and love the RL but I've been unable to pull the trigger knowing this new Lexus product is coming out.

Is this the model where Lexus catches up with Acura on the Navi?

Atomarchio, the new IS350 (not ES - I just checked the Lexus Auto Show site) is not in the same class as the RL in my mind. More sport, less luxury. Like the BMW Motorsport series. The IS350 is certainly easy on the eyes as is new 2007 LS model. It looks like a 7-series BMW!

I think someone shopping for an RL wouldn't consider the IS350 with the same weight. Car companies know this. Someone shopping for an Avalon isn't going to check out the Lexus ES - even though the two cars are built on the exact same chassis.

The last Lexus Navi system I saw was not very user friendly and required the user to put the car in PARK before setting a destination. That, in my mind, sends me looking at other brands!

 

I agree about the nav problem. You shouldn't be forced to hack the nav in order to be able to use it while driving.

As far as cross-shopping between the RL and the IS, it seems to be a pretty common comparison. I sold my RL and bought the IS. Another member here totaled his RL and bought the IS. Several people on the lexus forums have been comparing the two.

After owning the IS for a couple weeks now, I don't think it is the luxury factor or the size that makes people shop between the two, I think it is more the technology in the two cars. Nav, bluetooth, heated/cooled seats, backup cam, etc. The RL has things like SHAWD, onstar, navtraffic, and XM standard. Personally, I used onstar more tha most people would - so I liked it. The AWD Is great here in Michigan. I sure wish the IS had the same SHAWD on the IS - without the added weight.

Either way, both cars are great, but truly are in two different categories. The size alone puts them in two different classes.

 

Well said Vik

I love my RL but I'd prolly want to trade it in if I could get an AWD IS350