@Will1991 The 'great german-engineering' myth is equalliy as staunch in the UK. Not an episode of Wheeler Dealers goes by if it features a German-car without Mike Brewer spouting how bullet-proof, solid, made from a solid block of iron and reliable German cars are.
I must say, it's almost as though the German motoring brands have paid the media off across Europe. There was a BBC documentary about 5-6 years ago now called Das Auto: The Germans, Their Cars and Us. In it, it essentially reinforced the notion that German marketing and hype machine in Europe is absolutely a textbook lesson in how to run a business.
I find it extremely irritating because I know that German cars are superficial. I absolutely adore the look of Mercedes at the moment, the new BMWs look great (besides that hideous new 4-series) - and yes I am very much alone on that opinion it seems. And the Audis, although it pains me to say it because so many horrible people drive/bully you with them here, look fantastic in some models.
The problem is Lexus look great too, but when they go in head-to-heads with the Germans, their toys and tech just don't match up. All the little gimmicky things that are admittedly cool just aren't there. Seriously, go look at Mercedes ambient lighting for night-time driving...the thing looks like Tron - which people will say is pointless and they don't like, but it has the wow-factor undeniably.
In Europe, Lexus sales are increasing, but overall it's still pointing the gun on themselves mentality. The premium-hatchback sector here is insane. Seriously, if you have time, go pull figures for Audi A1 & A3, BMW 1 and Mercedes A-Class. You can't go a 5 minute drive here without passing at least one of each. Yet, as
@Tragic Bronson linked to, the CT has been out since prehistoric times and looks pathetically dated vs its rivals, especially inside.
Back on topic, and the story of the LC becoming a used-buy. That is the purpose I am on this forum. I'm a teacher ( well-paid job here in the UK, which baffles me vs the USA where teachers are viewed as terribly paid) and right now I drive a 12 year old Civic hybrid. All my peers have these newer cars that they lease and probably think I'm making terrible financial choices, but I'm actually saving a huge portion of my monthly salary so that I can buy a used LC cash in a few years time. I can't wait for purr into the car park in it!
carbuzz.com
