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High End Luxury Cars

24723 messages,  Last post on Jan 28, 2013 at 6:55 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ-Series, Lexus LS 460, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Volkswagen Phaeton, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, Sedan



Let's try to define this forum as being limited to luxury performance vehicles where the mainstream version in a typical configuration has an MSRP of at least $60k.

A luxury vehicle with a base price of $59k qualifies because it would typically be bought with some additional equipment, bringing the MSRP over $60k.

Vehicles like the E, 5, A6, M, or GS, even if available in certain versions over $60k, don't qualify because they are cars from companies that have higher end cars in their lineups.

Messages Page 1137 of 2473

#11361 of 24723 Re: Dewey et al [syswei] by hpowders

Nov 20, 2005 (9:24 am)

Replying to: syswei (Oct 22, 2005 6:51 pm)
Forgive me for being about 500 messages behind, but I have had 3 BMW's since 1993 with no problems and the latest, the 545 with the comfort seats, is awesome.
 
Tried the Lexus LS430 but didn't care for the driver's seat-I couldn't get comfortable.
 
However, If the LS430 was priced more competitively as a lease and Lexus threw in free maintenance, I may have made a deal on one. (Being 6'2", seating comfort is usually a problem).
 
As it is, I got my 545 lease at 2.4% interest and am paying only $673 a month ($60,000 vehicle). With the free maintenance thrown in, the decision was a no-brainer.
 The car has had no problems since I got it August 1st.

#11362 of 24723 Re: Dewey et al [hpowders] by ljflx

Nov 20, 2005 (10:30 am)

Replying to: hpowders (Nov 20, 2005 9:24 am)
That is either a heavily discounted car or a heavily subsidized lease. It seems the German leases are being more and more discounted. I've seen $78K S430 leases that are $50 less a month than a $65K LS430 as long as 12 months ago. The MSRP's are getting lost in these lease programs. Someone's going to get killed on that lease because the car will have to retain 2/3rds of MSRP just to break even.

#11363 of 24723 Re: Dewey et al [ljflx] by hpowders

Nov 20, 2005 (12:59 pm)

Replying to: ljflx (Nov 20, 2005 10:30 am)
It was a heavily subsidized lease in order to clear out the remaining 545's and make way for the incoming 550's, the latter for those who want to improve their 0-60 time by a couple of 0.1's.
 
I may try and get out of that lease early if the 2007 LS looks as good as some of those questionable photos I've been viewing, and has a bit of improvement in the handling dept. I am looking forward to the reviews.
 
One of my neighbors had one of the early LS400's until last week-kept it absolutely immaculate-just got a 2006 LS430. I wonder why he didn't wait a year for the new model? I really have to start talking to my neighbors...

#11364 of 24723 Re: Dewey et al [hpowders] by ljflx

Nov 20, 2005 (2:08 pm)

Replying to: hpowders (Nov 20, 2005 12:59 pm)
For .1 or .2 of a second - I'll take your deal.

#11365 of 24723 Re: Dewey et al [hpowders] by nvbanker

Nov 20, 2005 (3:53 pm)

Replying to: hpowders (Nov 20, 2005 12:59 pm)
There are many reasons for buying that 06 LS430 rather than wait for the 07 -
 
1) You could wait forever for the 07 to debut - or if it's on time even, demand will likely be so high, you'll get no discounts, perhaps even encounter premiums to buy one.
 
2) You may not like the 07 that well - Hard to tell right now. Looks nice, but what if it has an I-Drive that you hate? Lots of questions at this point.
 
3) Probably can get a killer deal on the 06 - but there's no question, you're not going to get a killer deal on the 07 for at least 6 months after introduction, if then.
 
4) May have needed a car NOW!

#11366 of 24723 Re: Dewey et al [nvbanker] by idele

Nov 20, 2005 (4:16 pm)

Replying to: nvbanker (Nov 20, 2005 3:53 pm)
With respect to reason 2) let me point out the following; I have a new RX400h and a colleague has new Audi A8. I took him out for a drive and he marveled at the touch screen in my Lexus. The Audi has something like the I-drive which he has learned to handle but he definitely preferred the touch screen. I assume that Lexus will keep their touch screen.

#11367 of 24723 Re: Dewey et al [idele] by nvbanker

Nov 20, 2005 (5:11 pm)

Replying to: idele (Nov 20, 2005 4:16 pm)
"I assume that Lexus will keep their touch screen."
 
Why would you assume that? Simply because it makes sense? I would tend to agree with you - if they weren't putting in an I-Drive simulant already. Bodes poorly, IMO for the future. Nobody likes it - but they keep using them in Germany. I'm actually disappointed to see Lexus going that way.

#11368 of 24723 Re: Dewey et al [nvbanker] by lexusguy

Nov 20, 2005 (5:56 pm)

Replying to: nvbanker (Nov 20, 2005 5:11 pm)
" if they weren't putting in an I-Drive simulant already."
 
Where did you hear that? I havent heard anything about some sort of joystick control system in the new LS. I was very surprised to see Acura go that route with the RL, but it would be even more of a shock to see on in the LS.

#11369 of 24723 Re: Dewey et al [ljflx] by hpowders

Nov 20, 2005 (7:08 pm)

Replying to: ljflx (Nov 20, 2005 2:08 pm)
I figured out that to lease a 550 for 3 years, it would have cost me between $7000-$7500 more than the 545.
You know with the comfort seats and the upgraded surround-sound audio system, I do believe the 545 can fit into this discussion.

#11370 of 24723 Re: Dewey et al [nvbanker] by hpowders

Nov 20, 2005 (7:11 pm)

Replying to: nvbanker (Nov 20, 2005 3:53 pm)
Yes and also, it really isn't too smart to buy the first year of any new model, even Lexus.

Messages Page 1137 of 2473

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