Which vehicle described below would be the best purchase?

Definitely Lexus,.

Thank you for your definitive answer! I have been reading remarks online and some Lexus owners do talk about the expensive sensor repairs and also the transmission issues. But most say they love their Lexus and would buy again.

Lexus automobiles are some of the most highly engineered cars in the world. Few people would argue with that. There are certainly expensive parts on every car, Lexus is no exception, BUT, they last longer. You cannot put a price on the driving experience, performance or safety. Again, if I were choosing between the two cars you're looking at, it would be a clear choice for the Lexus. Question, have you considered looking at a Subaru Outback? I see that you want an SUV, but, the Subaru is more of a station wagon than an SUV and has a lot of advantages in that it drives like an ordinary car, but, has a lot of interior space as well.

The vehicle I drive is a 2011 Outback. And I already own the 1999 Nissan Pathfinder. Bought it 1.5 years ago for $ 3,000 for my mom to drive. Now I have a chance to "upgrade" to the 2000 Lexus SUV and am wondering if it would be a good trade.

JennySand, OK, so, you have a 2011 Subaru Outback? Interesting? Which model do you have? Limited, Four or Six, automatic? How do you like it and why are you looking to replace it? As you know, I have a 2010 Outback Limited with CVT, and it seems like a pretty nice car. I'm very interested to hear your experience and thoughts. ----Mark

JennySand- I understand that it was your Mom's car, why do you think that the 2000 Lexus is an upgrade? Actually, I really think that the Subaru line of cars is the most under appreciated make of car on the market today. Plus, there's a world of difference between a 2000 and 2011 vehicle. Ten years is a lot in terms of car technology. See this article, http://fortune.com/2012/11/19/are-subarus-the-best-cars-money- can-buy/

And this, http://blog.lacarguy.com/why-subaru-vehicles-hold-value-more-than- any-other-in-the-us/

My 2011 Outback is a 4 cylinder, automatic, has the 'paddles' and is NOT a Limited. Back to my original query - whether to purchase the Lexus for my mom who is 86 years old or just leave her with the Pathfinder. I am interested in the best quality vehicle between those two models only. I am not interested in spending a lot as she will probably not be driving too many more years. I was hoping to find a simple answer.

JennySand, OK, yes, I see your choices are clearer to me now. I understand that you're looking for the replacement vehicle for your mother, so, yes, get her the Lexus, it's a definite upgrade to the Nissan Pathfinder. My only question would be whether it wouldn't be easier for your Mom to drive a smaller vehicle, the Lexus or Nissan SUV's are pretty big, don't you think? Maybe a Toyota Camry or Accord would be easier to be a daily driver for her. My Mom is 87 and has a Camry, so, I know there's a lot of people in their late 80s still driving, good for your Mom.

Jenny- I presume that you will continue to keep your 2011 Subaru Outback? We love our Outback,; it's a very nice car. By the way, one of the people I've been in communication with on the forum had a 2010 Subaru Outback like mine with over 291,000 miles with no mechanical break down. Keep your Subaru and stay with the maintenance, it should give you many years of service. I hope that you have had good experiences with your car.