You can practically hear the somber soundtrack playing in the background in a woman’s horror story about a luxury SUV purchase that’s gone very wrong. It’s not mechanical or electrical issues that are causing all the trouble, just the missing creature comforts and aesthetics of a purchase made in haste. The popular clip from a recent Lexus GX 550 buyer, Just Shells (@justthegirlto), opens a trio of videos in which she vents her frustrations about being unhappy with her decision to buy a luxury SUV after being a happy Ford Expedition owner for 25 years. Intent on moving up, she researched and ordered the 550 without having driven one, and felt the bad vibes creep in after waiting six months for the delivery. “I absolutely hate it. I've had it for almost a year now, and I hate it. Every day I get in it, I find something else I don't like,” she said in a TikTok that’s been viewed more than 213,000 times. “I have been trying to deal with it. I don't really want to go into another payment and be upside down, but I don't like this car.” It's the slow drip of dread from the new everyday annoyances she discovers that really drives home how unhappy this owner is with the Lexus she'd been looking forward to. Her laundry list of complaints includes limited cargo space when the full third row is used, a surprising lack of storage and cup holders, poor fuel economy with the relatively small tank, and an interior she says doesn't feel “luxury.” Commenters got into a roiling debate over whether she bought the wrong Lexus, or just the wrong kind of SUV for her needs. Some were sympathetic, while others argued that the larger, more luxurious Lexus LX 600 would have been a much better fit. “I have a Lexus LX 600. It’s amazing. The GX 550 is too trucky,” one Lexus fan offered. Said another: “The LX looks too soccer mom for me. My kids are older now so give me something cool and rugged.” How Did She End Up With A Lexus She Hates? The question of whether Shells did a test drive is clarified in her follow-up videos, where she explains that she didn't skip the test drive entirely, but didn't evaluate it as thoroughly as she should have. The test drive also didn't actually happen until after she had waited six months under her purchase agreement, meaning she was already committed to the vehicle by then. She explained she took it for a fairly long drive on the delivery day, but focused mostly on how it drove and becoming familiar with the technology, rather than looking at the finer details, such as cargo space and interior storage, that figure into how the SUV fits into her everyday usage. She admits that the oversight is her fault, and it's a dilemma that resonates with viewers. At first blush, the vehicle appears to check many boxes as an upscale SUV. It has plenty of passenger room and is a clear move away from the Expedition she said she was happy with but needed to replace. Her situation illustrates why a proper test drive should feel more like a rehearsal for ownership than a quick spin around the block. Critical steps include checking the cargo space, opening every storage compartment, testing cup holders, and assessing how the vehicle fits your routine and how it handles and feels on the road. Prospective buyers could also bring everyday items, such as a stroller, large bags, or mobility devices, to ensure they'll fit comfortably in the available storage. Experts also advise sitting in every seat you'll use to ensure you have legroom. A 10-15-minute interaction with the onboard technology for navigation, climate controls, and infotainment is an increasingly important step, as is giving serious thought to fuel economy, tire size, and replacement cost, as well as the basics of insurance and maintenance responsibilities. What Should An Unhappy Buyer Do? Faced with the daily disappointment of her decision, Shells said she's now planning to go car shopping. Three names top her list: the Lincoln Navigator, the Infinity QX80, and the Ford Expedition King Ranch. She also noted that dealership proximity is a factor, as she prefers to buy something she can service locally rather than drive 45 minutes each way for routine maintenance. The possible move back to the Expedition makes sense because it's a model Shells is already comfortable with and fits the “full-size family hauler” category, with expansive cargo space even with the third row fully in place. The QX80 plays a similar role, leaning into traditional luxury and presenting a more refined feel rather than the more utilitarian, truck-like feel she's experiencing with the GX 550. Motor1 reached out to Shells via direct message and commenting on the clip. We’ll update this if she responds. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team