Dracoro

Anyone give any experiences on the two?

I'm after comfort, refinement, quietness, lots of toys, reliability. Are the 7's any where near as reliable as the Lexus? Bot 4l V8's so performance will be adequate

mpg and insurance not a problem as I don't do many miles.

£2k to £3k budget.

jjones

wait until petrol hits a pound a litre you will probably get paid to take one off someone's hands

Bobby Peru

lexus will be more reliable (and I say that as a confirmed BMW man)

andy99turbo

Thats a tough call with such a tight budget

Both a big cars, however, finding a decent one at that price might be hard work.

Just make sure all the toys work in them

Head says Lexus, heart would say BMW

brickboy

Probably Lexus -- if either car goes wrong it will be big bills but the Lexus is more reliable ..... fact. Just don't put gold badges on it, and try not to get a white or burgundy one

I think the first LS4000s are around that sort of money ... also have you considered a late 80s Merc S-class, either 380, 420 or 500? They often go for under £1000 and are very strong.

FatherPierre might be able to advise, he is a bit knowledgable on these old barges

SD

Lexus positively trounces the BM for refinement. It's sooo quiet it's eerie...

Dracoro

Cheers chaps. Anyone driven the two (or either one)? looking at 10/12 year old models, not the latest ones!!

How much quieter is the LS? Does it ride a lot smoother? more comfy etc?

fatscoobyfella

Ive owned both..The thing is you will get quite a nice LS for your budget,but probably get a rocket mileage 740 thats a bit ratty..LS's are awesome,200k no problem,look for rocker covers leaking oil onto alternator,causes all kinds of glitches,also look for lights in the floating binnacle being blown..and needles for clocks...if blown there pretty much unrepairable and non of the instruments will be visable.But the car will waft along nicely.

BMW 740..another brill car...be wary of the nikasil issue on the V8,and make sure everything works..no major issues with the 7 series,but heard cats going,and electrical gremlins..

Bear in mind the lexus has a timing belt,will prob cost £250-£300 to have changed if due,whereas the BMW is on chains..apart from that,there very similar on running costs..

HTH..

fatscoobyfella

Oh yea..the LS is a smoother ride,it was a little to wallowy for my taste and prefered how the BMW drove.Some of the LS's have air suspension,not sure if you spec this or its a jap import thing.mine was a 93 K and was on normal springs,it had done 140k upto about 4 years ago and still drove like new..

Dracoro

Have driven some of both and have decided on the BMW (either 735 or 4.4 740 both avoiding nikasil issue).

Just gotta find one at the right price etc.

Dracoro

Got it!

P reg, 740 (4.4 litre), TV/comms pack, electric everything, dark green with beige leather, everything works, 94,000 miles, full history. all for £4k.

Now gotta find out what all these buttons and menus do!!!

p.s. I got the indicator option fitted on mine!