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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 1993 of 2473

#19921 of 24723 Re: Strategic Vision Survey [dewey] by hpowders

Oct 15, 2006 (6:29 pm)

Replying to: dewey (Oct 15, 2006 4:01 pm)
Somehow, I don't see a Lexus in your future, Dewey.
 
I believe you would be more comfortable being known as Infiniti45Dewey if your doomsday scenario ever takes place. I would rather err on the side of caution and turn the BMWs over every several years.
It won't be so easy on August 1, 2008. Tears will be shed for my wonderful 545. I really found out how good it can get and I urge everybody who hasn't experienced this kind of exhilaration to go to their local BMW dealer and test drive a 550i.
If I concentrate on the annoying iDrive as I bring it back, I just might be able to tear myself away.
 
I try and drive whatever is out there between $35k-$75k looking for that vehicle which can replace a BMW.
Hasn't happened and probably will never happen, but I do enjoy test-driving whatever I can in that price range.
 
As I age, I may get more into the comfort thing, so checking out Lexus models now isn't such a bad thing.

#19922 of 24723 Re: Sounds like some of the natives here are trying to lure me out? [drfill] by dewey

Oct 15, 2006 (6:44 pm)

Replying to: drfill (Oct 15, 2006 10:17 am)
Dr. Fill,
 
I find your description of the Lexus product line and their potential for sales increases quite interesting.
 
But let us forget sales and focus on the cars themselves.
 
Based on some of your past posts you do sound like an enthusiast that likes sticks,a tight chassis and high performance.
 
So my question to you is why do you like Lexus cars so much?
 
Would you pick a IS350 over a manual BMW335i or new G35?
 
Would you pick a ES350 over a fun driving manual Audi 2.0T Quattro?
 
Would you pick a GS350 over a BMW530i or Infiniti M35?
 
Would you pick a LS460L above a MB S550?
 
Would you really pick a SC over a BMW 650 or a new MB CL?
 
Now Dr. Fill if you can answer all my questions as honestly as possible you may begin to discover your Lexus arguments have as many holes as a slice of Swiss Cheese.

#19923 of 24723 Re: Strategic Vision Survey [brightness04] by hpowders

Oct 15, 2006 (6:48 pm)

Replying to: brightness04 (Oct 15, 2006 6:27 pm)
I'm not an economist, but I have pretty good feeling that $45k for an ES 350 in today's $$$'s is a lot cheaper than the $35k LS 400 was in 1990.
If I wanted Lexus comfort and pampering and the horses' mouth is telling me the ES 350 is better in every way than the flagship LS was in 1990, I would be at my Lexus dealer tomorrow morning for a test drive.
For value and excellence, this is a no-brainer.
From some of the postings I have seen, people want the basic LS because they can't or won't spend $75k MSRP for the new LS.
IMO, if your strategy is to get the basic LS, it's not worth it-the car "comes alive" with the pricey options.
Instead, I would order the ES 350 fully loaded for between $45-50k MSRP. You will feel like a king with all the gizmos you could ever dream of.

#19924 of 24723 Re: more blah blah [maxhonda99] by tagman

Oct 15, 2006 (6:48 pm)

Replying to: maxhonda99 (Oct 15, 2006 5:28 pm)
the ES is already a VERY nice car. I don't know what more you can expect for a $40K luxury car. If you made it any nicer it would be a LS
 
Well, it took quite a long while, but you finally got the point!
 
I was starting to get concerned about you! Are you usually this slow?
 
And that point has been simply that the ES is quite a bargain as compared to the LS.
 
Particularly for a Lexus buyer, who is generally willing to give up on costly performance features.
 
So, instead of those costly performance features, and also due to the relationship to the Camry, what ends up is a vehicle that can offer a generous abundance of luxury for a modest price.
 
TagMan

#19925 of 24723 Re: Strategic Vision Survey [hpowders] by dewey

Oct 15, 2006 (6:50 pm)

Replying to: hpowders (Oct 15, 2006 6:29 pm)
try and drive whatever is out there between $35k-$75k looking for that vehicle which can replace a BMW.
Hasn't happened and probably will never happen, but I do enjoy test-driving whatever I can in that price range.
 
But seriously I recently made a vow that my next car will be a non-BMW since I like change and novelty. But unfortunately I made a similar vow a few years ago and ended up buying two BMWs this year. Well at least I will have another six years to break my vow again when I search for a new car

#19926 of 24723 Re: Strategic Vision Survey [dewey] by tagman

Oct 15, 2006 (6:55 pm)

Replying to: dewey (Oct 15, 2006 6:50 pm)
Oh well at least I still have another 6 to 7 years to break my vow again.
 
My friend, a LOT will happen in that amount of time. These coming years will offer more changes than in the entire history of the automobile! Being a spectator will be very good!
 
TagMan

#19927 of 24723 Re: Strategic Vision Survey [tagman] by hpowders

Oct 15, 2006 (6:59 pm)

Replying to: tagman (Oct 15, 2006 4:15 pm)
About the tail lights:
You don't have to be a design genius to see the rear resemblances among the Camry, Avalon ES and LS.
 
IMO,Lexus must break away once and for all from all this obvious Toyota-sharing and come up with their own unique innovative designs, drive trains, etc;
No Lexus should even remotely resemble a Toyota.
Sure, the vehicles will cost more, but when people start seeing that Lexus is independent and not just an obvious extension of Toyota, the Lexus brand will earn itself more respect and people would be willing to pay a bit more.

#19928 of 24723 Re: more blah blah [tagman] by houdini1

Oct 15, 2006 (7:02 pm)

Replying to: tagman (Oct 15, 2006 6:48 pm)
So, if we follow your argument as to how great the new ES 350 is then we could logically assume that you would also pick this supercar over the entry level lowly 5 series or the dreadful E class. Glad to see you are finally coming around.

#19929 of 24723 Re: Strategic Vision Survey [tagman] by dewey

Oct 15, 2006 (7:06 pm)

Replying to: tagman (Oct 15, 2006 6:55 pm)
My friend, a LOT will happen in that amount of time. These coming years will offer more changes than in the entire history of the automobile! Being a spectator will be very good!
 
A 2013 fuel cell Honda?
An 2013 electircal Prius?
A 2013 Electronic Chauffeur-Shiatsu Massager Lexus LS750 with no steering wheel
A 2013 450HP gas guzzling BMW performance sedan?
 
Hmmm, my vow is already beginning to look vulnerable.

#19930 of 24723 Re: Strategic Vision Survey [dewey] by hpowders

Oct 15, 2006 (7:07 pm)

Replying to: dewey (Oct 15, 2006 6:50 pm)
Well, I took the same vow you did with just a few word changes to make it a legal oath in the USA.
At the beginning of 2005, I drove the GS300, GS430, M35, and M45.
I liked the GS300 best of that bunch, only it tended to lurch forward with the slightest touch of the gas pedal, its cabin was cramped and the trunk bordered on laughable.
 
I next tried the 330i and the 545i and I knew I had to have the 545i.
 
I always search for a BMW beater, but have not found it in my price range.

Messages Page 1993 of 2473

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