When Toyota decided to compete with high end Euro Cars, they took their entry level cars and Lexurized the crap out of it with gadgets and slapping parts from other models. Like taking an Avalon and place a Celica engine, $25Gs more, make it look A-La-Benz or BMW and there you have it.
Audi, BMW, MB and even VW are pretty original on their design. I drove those cars before and they are a good experience to drive them. Some about the stile and the ride that can not be cloned.
On the other side of the Pond, seems to be liked by a group of people that likes to mod Japanese Imports. Care more about if my Toyota, or Nissan can make 1/2 sec faster than your Bimmer. That Koyi Toyo San says is the best car to drift. That comes with Blue Ray, Boom Box, Leather Seats and a Nav system that tells you how to find the toilet in your house with the best hours to watch Anime/Manga with Play Station, HDTV capabilities. And that makes it better than any other car on the road.
I am ready for some flame here, some people can not handle the truth. All you have to do is, take a good look at any of their entry level cars and look at their high end cars, a Headlight and a Tail Lights change does not makes it a better car.
If I have the money, I get the Audi, if I barely do and I want to have a wannabe clone Euro car, I look to the the other side of the Pond. Beside in any car, you should be able to maintain it. Some people barely are able to keep up with payment and maintenance. Therefore they end up like junk. Do not be one of those guys. Check your finances and see how much you can shed for a car in overall. That means, Payments, Maintenance, Insurance, Tax n Title and Fuel. That is the bottom line on what are you going to get so you can enjoy your ride. Perhaps, instead of a Lexsucks, look at a Camry or Avalon, is the same Toyota Quality, almost identical looks at a much affordable price. Gadgets? You can buy Garmin or a Tomtom later and keep it when you trade your car ;-)