When I bought my '07 RL new, I took a good look at a used LS430 but thought the Acura was the better value. Three years later, I'm still infatuated with the LS. While I like my RL, I've always loved LS's so I'm making the jump this weekend.

Wifey is getting the RL, and I landed an '08 LS460L w/ 20k mi. Going from 290hp to 380hp will be nice, as will the extra legroom and the 8-speed transmission. I don't point out the horsepower comment to spur another "RL needs a V8" debate...just personal preference.

I'm still glad I bought the RL when I did - it's a solid car with lots of great features, and it doesn't get enough respect IMHO.

cheers

 

I think I saw somewhere that the LS isn't actually faster than the new RL as it's heavier. Then again, without the power loss of AWD it just might be.

Think the RL should handle better either way.

Your wife just made off with a really nice car. Can I have the Lexus when you're bored with it in 2 weeks?

 

I saw an LS460 yesterday on the road. The 460 emblem on the trunk was crooked - funny.

 

peace out!!! good luck with that you will miss the SH-awd i promise.

If you want respect get a GUN lolol

 

Congratulations and enjoy your ride.

I expect you will appreciate it for what it is as you have appreciated the RL for what it is.

Not everyone can imagine value to a vehicle beyond top speed and handling-at-limits dimension. Nor does that dictate what attributes you should enjoy in any vehicle.

The big Lexus has a lot to offer. I am sure you will enjoy it.

 

Tampa, cheer up, handling does not need to be tested at it's limits. I drove a 2009 Malibu and merging lanes on a highway pushes the limits of it's handling.

It tilts like a boat and when you turn the wheel the other way, it keeps going!!!

 

You sure do have difficulty thinking past your own stink.

Who cares what YOU think about handling. He did not buy the car to appease YOU.

Can you just be big enough to congratulate the man and let your own selfish values of what car is best take a rest. Can anyone enjoy any car without it being what YOU want or think is best? More importantly, can anyone buy a car, or appreciate a car without it affirming you?

Maybe you think your wisdom of what car is best is appreciated after the guy already bought another car, but it really is a backhanded compliment. It is not about you.

I swear is everyone in this forum owned a 2009 RRP Acura RL and modified it exactly as you did yours, you would find a way to prove you and yours was better.

 

Nothing wrong with moving on to an LS. Congrats.....and you're keeping the RL in the family

I test drove an LS430 prior to buying the RL and was impressed with the ride but for my taste, it just wasn't the right car at the time. I'm sure with all the improvements the 460 is a totally different driving experience.

Good luck!

 

the LS is a neat car - enjoy. I don't know exact sales volume of the RL vs the LS - but I like the fact that hte RL is a somewhat unique car - and from my own subjective memory of how few LS's I see on the road - you will still enjoy driivng a unique car. Every time I see an LS I think they look pretty sharp. I suspect it is more $$ than my used 06RL....

no idea how handling is.. I suspect most people who buy an LS aren't concerned with handling nearly as much as the luxury factor...

enjoy the car. when you've had some seat time - stop by and let us all know how you like it and give us your candid pros/cons of how it is and what you miss about the RL...

 

Tampa, no selfish values here. I'd love to drive the LS460 as I already asked em to let me have it. It's a different ride from the RL but if he likes it plush, I see no reason why he won't enjoy it. Of course I'm defending an RL cause he's on an Acura forum and we all went through our comparisons and final choices before buying a car. In the long run, he doesn't hate the RL and gave it to his wife, might be a win win for both of them.

 

iceburg, please do come back after awhile with a nice comparison of your likes and dislikes of both, thanks.

 

LS460 is a baller car. It will look good 10-15 years from now for sure.

 

where are the pictures!?

 

He said he's making the jump this weekend.......how's he supposed to have pictures?

 

I'll post some pix after I pick it up on Saturday, although to be honest, it looks like every other LS460. And I will miss the SH-AWD of the RL - I didn't appreciate how sweet that was when I first got it. I'm going to RWD on the Lex - it'll probably just sit in the garage the next time it snows here. I'm sure my wife will taunt me when I ask her if I can borrow HER RL. :-) It was too good of a car to let go completely.

 

Smart move, now if I could only convince my wife to take my RL . . . . fat chance ! Good luck with the new car, it is definitely one of my top 5 cars I would like to have

 

You are not the first to make the move from the RL to the Big Lex. MikeTX made that move a couple of years ago. The Big Lex is a beautiful car and offers the "no holds barred" luxury that the RL should as a flagship. If I were interested in a pure luxury cruiser, the LS would be the one....and I'd keep a sports car for when I need razor sharp handling. The RL is a different ball of wax altogether.....great luxury....great handling.

Congrats on the new car and show us some pix!

 

I also have a fondness for Lexus....good cars! Still have an old 1999 L-Tuned GS400 that has 114,000 miles on it and still runs like new. Hands down best car I have EVER owned dollar for dollar. Reliable as all get out and with normal maintenence will last forever!

I have also been considering the LS as my next car.....

I am getting old...lol.

 

Grats! Can't wait to see some pics!

My dream car right now would be an LS 600h

 

I love my RL, but there's no doubt the LS430 was a finalist. If I didn't have a lot of snow duty, I might have bought it -- that's how impressive I thought it was. And the LS460 has much more style, which to me was one of the LS430's few weaknesses. I think you'll enjoy it a lot.

 

I have a 2007 RL with 132,000 miles (and love it). Our other car is a Lexus SC430. These are the only two car manufacturers that I would own. Congrats on your additon. The LS460 is rated by many as the best car on the road. I test drove an 08 and it was a drive that I found very similar to my RL. It was a quieter , heavier and softer feel. Searching Autotrader.com, a 08 Lexus can be had for around $43,000 and a 08 RL for $32,000. It is the law of diminishing returns. Is the Lexus a better drive, probably? Is it worth $11,000 more than the RL probably not (in my opinion). Again congrats on your LS and you can not go wrong with either of these fine automobiles.