Well, I am happy to say I just bought a very well kept 07 White, Non-KDSS, ML, w/ RES. The previous owner/s did everything required at Lexus. Recent ones were new battery/alt, new front Shocks (almost $800 
), TB/WB all done. She only has 128k on it, and I have already had a few people ask if it was a brand new truck.
So far I like it a lot. I am coming from a 2002 Honda CRV w/ 190k, and the 2 hr ride home from picking this up sold me right away on Lexus. Man, this thing is solid, quiet, and a very different feel than the CRV. It does feel a little top heavy when going over changes in the road which get the truck moving laterally (rocking back and forth), and I am guessing that is where the KDSS would shine, as well as cornering.
Only things I am not all that happy with are the lack of storage in the drivers area for things like phones, wallet, etc. I plan to either use a RAM mount for the phone, but will have to get creative with a trash bin solution, as well as a place to store the kids snacks. What really surprised me was the read quarter window operation being manual. Our Sienna LE is manual, which I understand based on price point, but a LEXUS!! The truck came with Husky mats which were in a pile with the other mats at the dealership, but as I put them in place this morning I realized there is not DS mat...wtf? I am also not seeing the lug nut key anywhere in the truck.
The Rossen RES is kinda clunky to operate so far also, but I am hoping there is just a learning curve and it will get better.
As I was looking at it parked on the road and admiring my hours worth spit shinning last night, I couldn't help but think I just bought a chick truck, or maybe even a
truck. 
I know this might get blood pressures up w/ some people, but to me it just has a powder puff look to it...and I guess it was kinda designed to be a powder puff truck really. When we were buying it two woman came to buy the truck also, and the second woman actually asked if I was buying this for the wife. 
Also, the "Lexus phenomenon" is something I will have to get used to. Lots more looks from other motorists, as well as people saying "WHAT...YOU GOT A LEXUS, D@MN", w/o realizing it was less than $15k.
I am going to have to look at some mods that will add a masculine feel to this rig. I will be doing very few off pavement activities and put on a fair amount of miles per year, so aggressive rubber and lift will be out of the question. But I am really liking the look of a few different wheels (TRD PRO, Pro Comp 40 series Vertigo, Blackrock Type D). I also drive through Whitetail heaven on a daily basis, and would be looking for a deer slayer that isn't just show and maybe doesn't hurt the wallet @ $1,200.
), TB/WB all done. She only has 128k on it, and I have already had a few people ask if it was a brand new truck.So far I like it a lot. I am coming from a 2002 Honda CRV w/ 190k, and the 2 hr ride home from picking this up sold me right away on Lexus. Man, this thing is solid, quiet, and a very different feel than the CRV. It does feel a little top heavy when going over changes in the road which get the truck moving laterally (rocking back and forth), and I am guessing that is where the KDSS would shine, as well as cornering.
Only things I am not all that happy with are the lack of storage in the drivers area for things like phones, wallet, etc. I plan to either use a RAM mount for the phone, but will have to get creative with a trash bin solution, as well as a place to store the kids snacks. What really surprised me was the read quarter window operation being manual. Our Sienna LE is manual, which I understand based on price point, but a LEXUS!! The truck came with Husky mats which were in a pile with the other mats at the dealership, but as I put them in place this morning I realized there is not DS mat...wtf? I am also not seeing the lug nut key anywhere in the truck.
The Rossen RES is kinda clunky to operate so far also, but I am hoping there is just a learning curve and it will get better.
As I was looking at it parked on the road and admiring my hours worth spit shinning last night, I couldn't help but think I just bought a chick truck, or maybe even a
truck. I know this might get blood pressures up w/ some people, but to me it just has a powder puff look to it...and I guess it was kinda designed to be a powder puff truck really. When we were buying it two woman came to buy the truck also, and the second woman actually asked if I was buying this for the wife. Also, the "Lexus phenomenon" is something I will have to get used to. Lots more looks from other motorists, as well as people saying "WHAT...YOU GOT A LEXUS, D@MN", w/o realizing it was less than $15k.
I am going to have to look at some mods that will add a masculine feel to this rig. I will be doing very few off pavement activities and put on a fair amount of miles per year, so aggressive rubber and lift will be out of the question. But I am really liking the look of a few different wheels (TRD PRO, Pro Comp 40 series Vertigo, Blackrock Type D). I also drive through Whitetail heaven on a daily basis, and would be looking for a deer slayer that isn't just show and maybe doesn't hurt the wallet @ $1,200.
Just saying it's the manliest mods!
