2002 Lexus Is300, Runs Good And Fun To Drive! on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Lexus joins subscription craze with Complete Lease

Lexus is the latest automaker to offer a vehicle subscription service, even if it isn't marketing it that way per se. The luxury brand is launching Lexus Complete Lease as a "full-service lease program," but if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, well, you get the idea. The program is offered exclusively with the 2019 Lexus UX subcompact crossover, both the UX 200 and the UX 250h hybrid, in all trim and option levels. Lexus is teaming up with roughly 80 dealers for the program in seven states: California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. And it's touted as a simplified monthly payment that includes insurance, scheduled maintenance and other services. So it's a subscription service, OK? More specifically, Complete Lease involves a two-year term capped at a total of 20,000 miles. Insurance is provided by Travelers and includes a $250,000 per-person and $500,000 per-accident bodily injury limit and $250,000 property limit, with a $500 deductible, though other rates and coverage can vary by state. You also get two years of connected vehicle services including SiriusXM satellite radio and Lexus Enform Remote Destination Assist on models equipped with Navigation. There's no word yet on Complete Lease pricing; Autoblog sought that information from Lexus and will update this if we hear back. But we know that the UX is the lowest-priced Lexus, starting at $33,025 for the UX 200 and $35,025 for the UX 250h. For comparison's sake, those are in the same ballpark as the respective starting prices for Volvo's XC40 crossover and S60 sedan, which are available under the Care by Volvo subscription service starting at $700 and $750 per month, respectively. For more information on Vehicle Subscription Services, check out the Complete Guide. Related Video:

2023 Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h get updated suspension system

Lexus is making a handful of changes to the LC for the 2023 model year. Again offered as a coupe and as a convertible, the firm's range topper gets an updated suspension system and a new paint color, among other changes, and it costs slightly more than the 2022 model. The most significant changes for 2023 are invisible to the naked eye. Lexus notes its engineers optimized the front and rear suspension to "enhance ground contact feel, linear steering response, and steering effectiveness in the high cornering G range." While the LC is more of a grand tourer than a track-ready sports car, these updates should make it more engaging to drive on a twisty road than the 2022 model. Buyers who prioritize handling can order an optional Sport Package that bundles a limited-slip differential, Yamaha performance dampers, performance brake pads, and Alcantara upholstery. While the package isn't new, it gains 21-inch forged alloy wheels for 2023. The only other visual change is a new color called Cloudburst Gray that Lexus charges $500 for. It bumps the number of available colors up to nine. Finally, every 2023 LC offers a 10-year subscription to the company's connected services. The drop-top LC also benefits from these updates, and it receives a lighter soft top as well as an optional feature called Climate Concierge that adds a few weeks to convertible season by keeping each passenger's upper body warm. The function can even direct warm or cold air to the back of the driver's hands. Lexus is not making mechanical changes to the LC for 2023. Power for the LC 500 comes from a naturally-aspirated, 5.0-liter V8 rated at 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. It spins the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission, and it sends the coupe from zero to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds. While that's the LC Convertible's only engine option, the coupe is also offered with a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain built around a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 and rated at 354 horsepower. It shifts through both a CVT and a four-speed automatic. The new model year also brings a small price increase: the LC now starts at $94,600 including a $1,150 destination charge. Pricing for the full range is as follows: LC 500: $94,600 ($475 more than in 2022) LC 500h: $100,600 ($475 more than in 2022) LC 500 Convertible: $102,650 ($475 more than in 2022) On sale now, the 2023 Lexus LC will begin arriving on dealer lots in November 2022.

What does a million-mile car really tell us?

A million miles. Nearly every car brand and motor oil company plays the million-mile marketing racket at some point. The typical recipe is to take a car that experienced a ton of low-stress highway miles, and make it a rolling testament to the long-term qualities of whatever reputation you're trying to prop up. Saab, Lincoln, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chrysler. It's a tired game that I would normally just consider one of the pointless ranking exercises of our time. But the truth is, when it comes to a car's longevity, it's almost always the owner that makes the real difference, not the brand. Like a pitcher at a baseball game, the owner mostly determines the victories and the defeats for his car. Some specific models are the basement dwellers of our time – I'm looking at you, Chrysler car with the 2.7-liter engine! But a lot of cars and trucks hit right around the average that is a powertrain whose longevity is mainly determined by that person who turns the key and hopefully learns that patient art of long-term ownership. The best owners are the ones who deserve the attention. So with that in mind, let me introduce you to Matt Farah's Million Mile Lexus. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This Lexus could be written off as another cynical marketing exercise in this business, performed by those who didn't do the real driving in the past and have no plans at all on doing the bulk of the driving in the future. Matt's actually doing a few things that are genuinely cool, though. Letting other auto journalists and enthusiasts drive it along the way and giving Regular Car Reviews a crack at it. Focusing on the rare virtues of the first-generation Lexus, which, to be frank, can out-diesel a diesel. There is a great story to be had with this car. This isn't a car that was "going to the junkyard" and magically given the kiss of life. That story is far more vast than a guy who bought a high-mileage car in great overall condition. This isn't a car that was "going to the junkyard" and magically given the kiss of life so that it can endure the ages. This Lexus, like all other high-mileage models worthy of our love, has been given one hell of a good maintenance regimen by the prior owners. It was taken care of and primarily maintained at the dealership, where it probably received the best parts and service, thanks in enormous part to owners who were willing to pay that exorbitantly high bill.