💼 How much would I save with a Lexus ES instead of an LS flagship?

As Everything Lexus puts it, true cost of ownership isn't just about what you pay at the dealership. It's everything you'll spend over 5 years of ownership. While a flagship LS is a masterpiece, the practical ES is the most affordable Lexus to own, and it's not even close.

Depreciation is how much value the car loses over 5 years. As Everything Lexus notes, this is the biggest cost most people ignore. An LS can easily lose $50,000 in value, while the ES holds its ground far better.

Luxury flagships require premium fuel and get much worse gas mileage. The ES shares a platform with the Toyota Camry, letting it sip regular gas efficiently.

If you drive 15,000 miles a year, paying for premium fuel on an inefficient V8 or twin turbo V6 adds up incredibly fast over a 5 year period.

Complexity drives repair costs. Air suspension compressors can cost $2,000 to replace, and hybrid batteries can be a massive expense on older high mileage cars.

As Everything Lexus points out, the cheapest Lexus to buy isn't always the cheapest to own. In fact, some of the budget models will drain your wallet faster than the luxury flagships. Factoring in high insurance premiums for flagships is critical.