Yeah I dunno about the SC... of course it's hard to really say what "class" the SC is in because everytime I see it in a comparison people are trying to compare it to Mercedes, BMW, and GM coupes that cost nearly twice as much. It'll have a redesign out within the next 2 years.

The LX most definitely is getting long in the tooth. and I've already been seeing spy photos of the next design that should be out in less than a year. Looks really nice even though the outside still doesn't look that much different (easily recognizable as an LX/Land Cruiser)

Louder than your 325, would you say?
I drove the IS and the newest 3-series in late 2005 and would definitely say the IS was among the quietest in that entry level luxury/sport class of car.
Not super quiet - not as quiet as the ES, for sure... but still held up well against the competition. Like I was saying, my A4 is LOUD inside, relatively speaking.

I'll be looking carefully at the GS460 my next go 'round for car shopping, though I doubt I'll go that direction because I'd prefer to lease, and Lexus just doesn't even try to be competitive with their lease rates. Plus if I'm gonna lease I might as well go for a car that's more fun even if it's less reliable.


Yes, and yes. It cuts down on noise and wind resistance under the car. I noticed even our '05 Toyota 4runner makes use of this to an extent.