Honestly the Crown is basically the Lexus before Lexus is even born. They're positioned just a step below Toyota's Luxury hierarchy with Century at the top. Hell, even all the new Crown line-up looks better than most current Lexus (especially with their Sport Crossover & Sedan)
Depends on which Lexus you are talking about. GS there is no equivalent. SC430 no equivalent. The finishing details in the Lexus for the ones that are the same or super close like the ES350 and the Camry are the quality of materials on the inside and some more robust suspension parts. Same for the Prius and the CT200h. Funny joke though.
As a mechanic with over 14 years experience in Melbourne’s western suburbs the only car that fits this bill is a Lexus of any sort. Forget anything else out there nothing come close. Sorry but they are the only ones that reliable enough.
The w220 is actually pretty good as a facelifted model. Presuming it has been taken care off correctly. Bombproof engine and transmissions. No other brands transmission from that time will last longer than that 5 speed. Only real serious expense to be afraid of would be the air suspension which is not cheap to replace. But there are aftermarket parts nowadays. You have of course other tech in the car like soft close and stuff like that. It can break over time and of course all such things add up. But the fundamentals of that car can go on for a really long time. Several for sale in Germany with +300k miles.
Out of the options in this video the Genesis, Toyota Crown Majesta or either of the 2 Lexus I'd personally look at purchasing. A couple of wild card grey imports I'd throw in as potential candidates to consider as well are the 4th gen Nissan President Or Cima and either the Mitsubishi Proudia or Dignity though they may take some serious hunting and haggling to get. Wonder if it'll be the best work buses for under $20k next week? Good work as always guys and look forward to Friday's video 👍
Great list. I owned a 2007 Lexus GS 300 and it was one of the best cars I have ever owned. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a reasonably priced luxury car with great interior and is reliable as well.
I'd buy a Crown Athlete or LS. Toyota's luxury cars are just awesome & honestly... I'd spend the extra for a Century. Only problem is these cars are meant for riding in the back.
Another great one guys. I have the 2008 Lexus LS460 and although it’s 15 years old it’s seriously the most comfortable car I’ve driven. Can’t say enough good things about it. Highway cycle it’ll sip 8-9L/100km but mine’s never been above 11 even in city driving.
I owned a 2008 Crown hybrid for around 2 years now. It seems not too many people know the top spec came with rear facing radar to reduce whipsplash damage to front seat occupants with hinges inside the headrest. Also the full digital display is for the night vision.
Had a w220 s500 on my red ps and it was bloody brilliant. 320,000kms and it didn't skip a beat,even while treating it like a p plater does. Everything worked and nothing broke in my ownership. Although had a cheap lexus ls430 recently and it shat on the s class in nearly every way.
I'm a sucker for the Lexus LS430, in particular the MY2004 onwards as it looked better than the earlier 430's, gained a 6th gear ratio and came standard with recline/massage rear seats.
"Do not buy one of these pieces of shit" when talking about the W220\W221 made me burst out laughing haha. Stuff like this is why I love this channel, you tell it how it is! Keep it up guys.
I would still pick a late Lexus ls430 over an early ls460 as the maintenance costs are higher for the suspension and electronics wear and failure for the 4th gen models
@@BomberFletch31 Maybe, dunno... I feel like many people actually hate Mercs in the enthusiast community, dunno - I'm pretty new. The irony is that my second Merc (a W219) sparked my interest in cars in general. I was driving an even older W168 before that, and had no interest in driving, let alone reading and watching videos about cars. Another irony is that it's happening right as my W219 is up for a horrendously expensive repair (timing chain and and a sleeving job on the engine, hahah)... Anyhow, it's a shame that they put the S class here, and not the W212...
@@SeeMoreLevingthonTrue car guys know that pre 90’s Mercs were the standard for a well built vehicle. That’s what Lexus was started to compete with, the S class.
Great video, but maybe you should also give some advice on where to find things like the Toyota Crowns - pretty sure they were never offered in Australia by Toyota from the 90s onwards, so I assume you are talking grey imports. Same would apply to pre-2017 Genesis I think.
Carsales website. I'm picking up a black 2011 Crown Majesta (4.6L V8) this weekend. There were 31 listed for sale. Yes, all bought at Japanese auctions and imported. Sat nav places you in the ocean and the dials are all written in Japanese but what a car for the $$.
Back in the 80's my granddad always had the Crowns, then the Cressida and Lexus's's... Lexus'es'... Lexeye??? Anyway, great cars, but i switched to the Darkside and drive an Infiniti Q70... absolute gem 👌👌
The two Lexus examples are great but I don’t think they have an attractive design. What would would great - Lexus bullet proof reliability with a 2012 Jaguar XF shell 🙂
Be careful with the 2007-2010 LS. Suspension problems, brake actuator problem, cooling valley plate leak, and some burn oil. Check records before buying.
Luxurious and Quality. 2 words I never thought would be used to describe a Commodore. You guys must have been sniffing to many petrol fumes the day you added that to the list. At least you hit the mark with the Toyota and Lexus.
@@lachlancook6718 I had the pleasure of driving a T6 when it first came out and just loved it. Though I didn't end up getting one, it was a very close call.
US buyers can find a Caprice of that generation...but it's going to be badged as a Chevrolet, and it will be an ex-police car. So it's going to have less features than the Australian variant, and it will be used pretty hard. It was built to do that though.
They’ll lose ad revenue due to people skipping through the video to the only sections they want to see. Annoying for us, but makes sense from a business perspective
I know this sounds bad but I am old enough to remember when a Toyota Crown was the ultimate old people’s car to go to bowls. I just don’t think I am capable of thinking of one as a luxury car no matter how good it is. I realise this is my problem. 😄 Personally I think the Genesis and Statesman are both hard to go past.
Same here, and the Cressida. The newer Crownss were never sold outside Japan so we've never really seen them. I'm picking up a 2011 Crown Majesta this weekend for about half what I paid for my Rav4. Sure the sat nav places you in the ocean and sure, the dials are all written in Japanese but it's so much luxury car with 4.6L V8 and peak Toyota reliability.
Come mate you haven't done your homework with the Lexus LS they make a hybrid model as well it's a LS 600hl and yes it's a great car and you can get it for under 20k
yeahhhhh baby the crown.. lol.. am a merc fan... but the crown is my top pick.. if my local legal import just become less difficult.. ahhh the s210 athlete hybrid..😮😮...guys get for review... please..
I wouldn’t call the caprice or statesmen luxury at all my parents had one 10ish year ago now plenty of space and yeah a decent amount of gear but that’s about it.
I have a different definition of luxury. Cost of maintenance is a secondary concern and the plethora of gimmicks is 'meh'. A restored XJ Jag will put all of the cars you presented to shame in terms of ambience and feel, but admittedly you will be struggling to find a good one around the $20K mark.
LS430, yes; LS460, no. The latter can be a money pit - see the Car Care Nut vid. Even he recommends avoiding the 460, and he’s a long-standing Lexus / Toyota master tech and fanboy.
The Crown’s exterior door handles🤦🏻♂️😡 That large stamping/pressing/embossing (whatever you call it) around the door handle like Nissan have as well… it’s looks terrible IMO, it’s like there’s supposed to be some trim fitted there but you bought the base spec and didn’t get it.🤷♂️
Sorry that old Toyota Century is the crapiest looking car on this list. I get that it is well built and very reliable, but it looks extremely ugly 🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮. The Toyota Crowns are appealing though. I actually really like the new Toyota Camry here in the UK, but only Taxi drivers have them which is a shame, I think a lot if people are missing out on a great large saloon by not looking into them here. The Lexus IS is a well proven reliable luxury car here, way better than a 3 series in my opinion. Again the UK motoring public cannot see past the BMW, Audi and Mercedes badge.
Yeah looks are subjective, it’s not a looker, but still luxurious. Take Rolex for example, undoubtedly considered luxury, but most of the watches look God awful
@@ReDriven different cultures percieve luxury differently. A 60's American Cadillac is a very different take on Luxury/prestige compared to a 60's Rolls Royce or Mercedes Pullman. I understand looks are subjective, but the lines and styling of the Century do look awkward, no doubt as you explained it is still a very well built, quality, luxury vehicle.
@@nk53nxg Century styling is very specifically Japanese conservative, made in Japan by the Japanese for Japanese. Even down to A and C pillar slopes mimicking Mt Fuji. You're right about tastes differing. to me it looks classy and outstanding without one single pretentious square inch of metal. Even dark tinted windows are seen as vulgar, hence the lace curtains.
Actually sticking an LV label on a cheap toilet brush is NOT 'stupid'. Like it or not there are stupid people in the market and our free market economy is 'free' to make money from stupid people, even at inflated prices.
Nice video but my head just will never have luxury and a Japanese car in one sentence...plus half of them are ugly...I'll take a German or English/U.S. car any day
Haha. Cars! Worst investment youll ever make. Everyone is a potential lemon...you need a bit of luck. As long as the bastard gets you to Coles to buy some food, its done its job. You need food, dont know about a car...haha. 😂😅🎉🎉
The Lexus is just a Toyota crown that went to private school 😂
Honestly the Crown is basically the Lexus before Lexus is even born. They're positioned just a step below Toyota's Luxury hierarchy with Century at the top. Hell, even all the new Crown line-up looks better than most current Lexus (especially with their Sport Crossover & Sedan)
Wrong
Depends on which Lexus you are talking about. GS there is no equivalent. SC430 no equivalent. The finishing details in the Lexus for the ones that are the same or super close like the ES350 and the Camry are the quality of materials on the inside and some more robust suspension parts. Same for the Prius and the CT200h. Funny joke though.
As a mechanic with over 14 years experience in Melbourne’s western suburbs the only car that fits this bill is a Lexus of any sort. Forget anything else out there nothing come close. Sorry but they are the only ones that reliable enough.
100% correct mate. Lexus or pre 95 mercs.
@@izzy031096 Does a 2011 Crown Majesta come close?
@@simpletonballsack Yeah I should’ve added in most Toyota’s. Those Crows are luxurious vehicles. I had an Aristo for years, wish I never sold it!
The w220 is actually pretty good as a facelifted model. Presuming it has been taken care off correctly. Bombproof engine and transmissions. No other brands transmission from that time will last longer than that 5 speed. Only real serious expense to be afraid of would be the air suspension which is not cheap to replace. But there are aftermarket parts nowadays. You have of course other tech in the car like soft close and stuff like that. It can break over time and of course all such things add up.
But the fundamentals of that car can go on for a really long time. Several for sale in Germany with +300k miles.
Out of the options in this video the Genesis, Toyota Crown Majesta or either of the 2 Lexus I'd personally look at purchasing. A couple of wild card grey imports I'd throw in as potential candidates to consider as well are the 4th gen Nissan President Or Cima and either the Mitsubishi Proudia or Dignity though they may take some serious hunting and haggling to get.
Wonder if it'll be the best work buses for under $20k next week?
Good work as always guys and look forward to Friday's video 👍
This the one I have been waiting for 😊
The Crown or the Lexus after watching this.
my dad had a Hyundai Genesis and he absolutely hated it cause of the ride and the resale value.
That's why we buy them second hand 😜
In europe, this would also be close to impossible to maintain
I mean it’s a soft sprung chauffeur car, if he wanted a drivers car then he should’ve gotten a 5 Series instead.
Here in adelaide we are seeing more and more crowns on the road! I guess finally people are finding out how overpriced the camry is on today’s market
Great list.
I owned a 2007 Lexus GS 300 and it was one of the best cars I have ever owned. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a reasonably priced luxury car with great interior and is reliable as well.
The Lexus LS would be my pick out of this bunch of cars.
I'd buy a Crown Athlete or LS. Toyota's luxury cars are just awesome & honestly... I'd spend the extra for a Century. Only problem is these cars are meant for riding in the back.
1st one to comment here🎉
All the from Ghana in west Africa, I just love ReDriven. I made good choice because of you, thanks ❤.
Another great one guys. I have the 2008 Lexus LS460 and although it’s 15 years old it’s seriously the most comfortable car I’ve driven. Can’t say enough good things about it. Highway cycle it’ll sip 8-9L/100km but mine’s never been above 11 even in city driving.
Only thing is the 2007-2009 model years had major mechanical issues such as air suspension failures.
@@ravipeiris4388 Sigh! About to replace front links for the second time. Everything else is great so I think they are still worth it.
I owned a 2008 Crown hybrid for around 2 years now. It seems not too many people know the top spec came with rear facing radar to reduce whipsplash damage to front seat occupants with hinges inside the headrest. Also the full digital display is for the night vision.
Had a w220 s500 on my red ps and it was bloody brilliant.
320,000kms and it didn't skip a beat,even while treating it like a p plater does.
Everything worked and nothing broke in my ownership.
Although had a cheap lexus ls430 recently and it shat on the s class in nearly every way.
Wowowow as an American hearing you call the caprice luxury is wild. That’s cool to see difference of vantage points from continent to continent.
I'm a sucker for the Lexus LS430, in particular the MY2004 onwards as it looked better than the earlier 430's, gained a 6th gear ratio and came standard with recline/massage rear seats.
"Do not buy one of these pieces of shit" when talking about the W220\W221 made me burst out laughing haha. Stuff like this is why I love this channel, you tell it how it is! Keep it up guys.
Now for a most fuel efficient list..
The Calais is brilliant, they had better fuel economy than some of the newer cars featured here!
Everyone asking where are the Audis?
Behind Adam on the hoist 😂
I'd put the Nissan Fuga in the list too. Good range of engines, topping out with the 4.5L V8
Infiniti q50/nissan skyline 350gt is a awesome option for the under 30k video
Ls430 is more reliable than the ls460.
This.
And the Ls400 is more reliable than both the ls430 and ls460.
Although all are incredibly reliable when compared to anything else.
The LS460 is renowned for some very expensive problems with the brakes and suspension and the Mark Levinson stereo
I would still pick a late Lexus ls430 over an early ls460 as the maintenance costs are higher for the suspension and electronics wear and failure for the 4th gen models
Might laugh but a toyota aurion prasara is actually quite nice for a budget 'luxury' car
As a Merc owner, I have to say that you guys were a bit too harsh there... But, what can I say - it doesn't really matter.
This channel hates Mercs.
@@BomberFletch31 Maybe, dunno... I feel like many people actually hate Mercs in the enthusiast community, dunno - I'm pretty new.
The irony is that my second Merc (a W219) sparked my interest in cars in general. I was driving an even older W168 before that, and had no interest in driving, let alone reading and watching videos about cars.
Another irony is that it's happening right as my W219 is up for a horrendously expensive repair (timing chain and and a sleeving job on the engine, hahah)...
Anyhow, it's a shame that they put the S class here, and not the W212...
@@SeeMoreLevingthonTrue car guys know that pre 90’s Mercs were the standard for a well built vehicle. That’s what Lexus was started to compete with, the S class.
Just got a 2012 S Line Quattro with under 70k kilometres and three year mechanical warranty at just under 20k
Does the map based suspension on the crown work outside of Japan?
Also no E38 or E39? An E38 on M Parallels is the luxury car imo.
Hahaha a BMW as a reliable, well built luxury vehicle?? I’d love to know what you’re smoking buddy.
(Even though an e38 M5 is my favourite Bimmer)
I'd be going for the last Saab 9-5.
The only Caprice we got in the US was the spartan Police Interceptor. 🙁
Great video, but maybe you should also give some advice on where to find things like the Toyota Crowns - pretty sure they were never offered in Australia by Toyota from the 90s onwards, so I assume you are talking grey imports. Same would apply to pre-2017 Genesis I think.
Carsales website. I'm picking up a black 2011 Crown Majesta (4.6L V8) this weekend. There were 31 listed for sale. Yes, all bought at Japanese auctions and imported. Sat nav places you in the ocean and the dials are all written in Japanese but what a car for the $$.
No Honda Legend? I'm so sceptical about the Holden Caprice that I'm going to go check one out when I get a chance
It's so sad that not even one people submit the import application for the last gen Legend hybrid.
Back in the 80's my granddad always had the Crowns, then the Cressida and Lexus's's... Lexus'es'... Lexeye??? Anyway, great cars, but i switched to the Darkside and drive an Infiniti Q70... absolute gem 👌👌
No Audis?
Sold the Genesis in 14/15. Clients rated it better than they're Mercedes.
The two Lexus examples are great but I don’t think they have an attractive design. What would would great - Lexus bullet proof reliability with a 2012 Jaguar XF shell 🙂
Great list.
The toyota crowns have to be my choice, cool jdm old, or more modern and sensible, amazing. Jesus loves yall
Didn’t see Audi here?
Be careful with the 2007-2010 LS. Suspension problems, brake actuator problem, cooling valley plate leak, and some burn oil. Check records before buying.
Please do a review on that Lexus GS (06-11)
Luxurious and Quality. 2 words I never thought would be used to describe a Commodore.
You guys must have been sniffing to many petrol fumes the day you added that to the list.
At least you hit the mark with the Toyota and Lexus.
If I was buying from the heart, my choice for this money would actually be a Volvo S80 V8 😀
I had the pleasure of owning an S80 T6, fantastic car. Love the V8 too and wish I could have found one at the time
@@lachlancook6718 I had the pleasure of driving a T6 when it first came out and just loved it. Though I didn't end up getting one, it was a very close call.
The 2008+ LS are known for suspension component issues. I'd get a late model GS300
I watch this but I still just want my old 2000 Hyundai Grandeur
That’s a real tuff stato mate.
US buyers can find a Caprice of that generation...but it's going to be badged as a Chevrolet, and it will be an ex-police car. So it's going to have less features than the Australian variant, and it will be used pretty hard. It was built to do that though.
W126 is where the S Class is at
Actually, a Lexus is where it is at!
Shout to the Suzuki Kizashi.
Just had my 2010 ls460 stolen with all my money inside:/ got $300 dollars to my name and now ride to work now
Great video, Genesis for me 😊😊😊
YEAAHHHHH ME MADE IT TOYOTA CROWN, thanks redriven, I wonder if my performance comment inspired this choice lmao.
Pro tip: divide up the video into sections for each car you talk about.
They’ll lose ad revenue due to people skipping through the video to the only sections they want to see. Annoying for us, but makes sense from a business perspective
Bugger these cars, give me one of the Eskys in the background 😂
I know this sounds bad but I am old enough to remember when a Toyota Crown was the ultimate old people’s car to go to bowls. I just don’t think I am capable of thinking of one as a luxury car no matter how good it is. I realise this is my problem. 😄 Personally I think the Genesis and Statesman are both hard to go past.
Same here, and the Cressida. The newer Crownss were never sold outside Japan so we've never really seen them. I'm picking up a 2011 Crown Majesta this weekend for about half what I paid for my Rav4. Sure the sat nav places you in the ocean and sure, the dials are all written in Japanese but it's so much luxury car with 4.6L V8 and peak Toyota reliability.
I can't find the S Class shirt on your website merch section 😢
Apologies! We’ll fix that…
Opinions on the BA/BF Ford Fairlane?
I agree with the picks you made. I'd also consider Infiniti or Acura options.
Thank you
Holden reliability 😂 good jokes bro.
The cheapest Genesis on Carsales is $40K, there also aren’t any pre 2017 models available…
In Carsales need to look under Hyundai then genesis. After 2016 they become separate brand
Yeah there’s a few Hyundai Genesis under 20K on CarSales
@@ReDrivenah whoops, my mistake! Time to start seriously considering one
@@ReDriven Thanks to you I'm picking up a black 2011 Crown Majesta this weekend, not that I'm just randomly telling everybody or anything! 😂😂
Come mate you haven't done your homework with the Lexus LS they make a hybrid model as well it's a LS 600hl and yes it's a great car and you can get it for under 20k
Why not a P3 Volvo (S80 or XC 70)?
Anyone that has a genesis ultimate or regular version between 2014 - 2016 could you please let me know how your experience has been.
yeahhhhh baby the crown.. lol.. am a merc fan... but the crown is my top pick.. if my local legal import just become less difficult.. ahhh the s210 athlete hybrid..😮😮...guys get for review... please..
Another great video guys!! 👍. I hate to sound like your mum Adam but you’re getting too thin! Hope you’re ok 😊
I thought maybe it’s the camera angle ….
yeeeeeeeeeeeeah up the Holden!
I’d buy an E38 over any of those but the GS or LS would be high on the list.
I purchased an E38 as a comfortable daily two years ago. Couldn't speak highly enough of it. Only downside has been the fuel consumption 😅
How about an AWD Honda Legend.......geeeez wish I really hadn't commented this in youtube....
Love the Honda legend .so well said back you up fully
I wouldn’t call the caprice or statesmen luxury at all my parents had one 10ish year ago now plenty of space and yeah a decent amount of gear but that’s about it.
Lexus GS, please 😊
If you consider a Camry 'luxury' you on something that's considered illegal.
It's a toss up between the Toyota Crown and the Suzuki Alto.
What happened to the BMW?
I have a different definition of luxury. Cost of maintenance is a secondary concern and the plethora of gimmicks is 'meh'. A restored XJ Jag will put all of the cars you presented to shame in terms of ambience and feel, but admittedly you will be struggling to find a good one around the $20K mark.
Why bother ,still a money pit .
@@rodneyedgar7448if you can't afford it why are you shopping for "luxury" vehicles then?
@@AKK5IBecause luxury isn't defined as unreliable?
If your car leaves you needing a cab to travel somewhere, is it truly luxurious?
@@AKK5I what a wanky comment ,as far as reliability dimwit
@@jeeves6490 well said ,that's exactly what I mean , thankyou for clarifying that Jeeves
LS430, yes; LS460, no. The latter can be a money pit - see the Car Care Nut vid. Even he recommends avoiding the 460, and he’s a long-standing Lexus / Toyota master tech and fanboy.
Honda Legend.KB1
Am I the only one hearing crayon instead of crown?
Jaguar sovereign?
Lexus? Soulless ricecar.
“He-in-day” 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Final Gen Honda legend…?
The Crown’s exterior door handles🤦🏻♂️😡 That large stamping/pressing/embossing (whatever you call it) around the door handle like Nissan have as well… it’s looks terrible IMO, it’s like there’s supposed to be some trim fitted there but you bought the base spec and didn’t get it.🤷♂️
its because your driver is supposed to open the door for you XD
Volvo S80 V8?
Guess what video is coming out this Friday? - AK
Sorry that old Toyota Century is the crapiest looking car on this list. I get that it is well built and very reliable, but it looks extremely ugly 🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮. The Toyota Crowns are appealing though. I actually really like the new Toyota Camry here in the UK, but only Taxi drivers have them which is a shame, I think a lot if people are missing out on a great large saloon by not looking into them here. The Lexus IS is a well proven reliable luxury car here, way better than a 3 series in my opinion. Again the UK motoring public cannot see past the BMW, Audi and Mercedes badge.
Isn’t it a good thing that looks are entirely subjective…
Yeah looks are subjective, it’s not a looker, but still luxurious.
Take Rolex for example, undoubtedly considered luxury, but most of the watches look God awful
@@ReDriven different cultures percieve luxury differently. A 60's American Cadillac is a very different take on Luxury/prestige compared to a 60's Rolls Royce or Mercedes Pullman. I understand looks are subjective, but the lines and styling of the Century do look awkward, no doubt as you explained it is still a very well built, quality, luxury vehicle.
You make a very good point
@@nk53nxg Century styling is very specifically Japanese conservative, made in Japan by the Japanese for Japanese. Even down to A and C pillar slopes mimicking Mt Fuji. You're right about tastes differing. to me it looks classy and outstanding without one single pretentious square inch of metal. Even dark tinted windows are seen as vulgar, hence the lace curtains.
W126 > any other s-class
Soooooo buy Korean and Japanese brands lol that’s the whole video there saved you some time
Actually sticking an LV label on a cheap toilet brush is NOT 'stupid'. Like it or not there are stupid people in the market and our free market economy is 'free' to make money from stupid people, even at inflated prices.
Buy a GS Lexus
Nice video but my head just will never have luxury and a Japanese car in one sentence...plus half of them are ugly...I'll take a German or English/U.S. car any day
Wow i never hears of these cars lol. Am i to young hah
Exported to the united nations 😂😂
promo sm
1980-1989 Lincoln Town Car
utter garbage tier list, ngl
I genuinely have a hard time taking anyone seriously when they are wearing a merc shirt
Glad you still managed though!
@@ReDriven I spent slightly more time leaving these messages than actually watching the video.
All engagement is good engagement! Thanks for watching :)
Lexus
Haha. Cars! Worst investment youll ever make. Everyone is a potential lemon...you need a bit of luck. As long as the bastard gets you to Coles to buy some food, its done its job. You need food, dont know about a car...haha. 😂😅🎉🎉