I guess I'm a jerk too. Just an opinion, but I think Subaru is the only Japanese make with a sense of originality.
My boss has a 96 SC400. Beautiful car I suppose, but the leather feels cheap, the wood looks like Cadillac plastic from the 80's, the door panels are coming apart, etc. The car has been reliable and they have kept the service strictly by the book. It has around 50K miles. Her husband drove a CLK 320 and now has Benz fever. When I get in the Lexus, well, it doesn't have the old world "coach" feel of my 300E...the closing of the doors, the materials, the comfort of the seats.
I've spoken to several dealers who agree that while the Benz does cost more to maintain, the Lexus and Infiniti are great lease cars. They tend to become electrical NIGHTMARES and start to self-destruct at some point, and their resale value takes a BIG skydive about that point. Just another observation: here in Dallas I have seen quite a few 90-93 LS400's customized with gold chain license frames, tarnished gold trim, and 20 inch chrome rims. Their drivers usually view the road from the drivers seat mostly reclined. I just don't typically see that in a Benz.
I do think the Lexus has some incredible features...but after riding in them I do agree with some of the reviews I've read. "The perfect sterilized Luxury Car." I'm sure I've insulted someone, but, oh well...

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R Talley
88 BMW E32 735i (make it go away)
95 Volvo 960 "Inga" (valve problems)
95 Nissan Maxima (the indestructible)
89 Ford Ranger XLT (ugliest truck in the South)