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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 2033 of 2474

#20312 of 24723 Re: "Taste Of Lexus" Review... [psychdoc] by hpowders

Oct 23, 2006 (8:59 am)

Replying to: psychdoc (Oct 23, 2006 6:41 am)
 
As a BMW person, I care only slightly about the BMW interior and if you consider the Bangle effect "ugly", I care not a whit, nor would the vast majority of driving enthusiasts. BMW could do whatever they want with the exterior and interior, so long as they leave the world-class driving experience alone; its unique Gestalt, which nobody competing in the ELLPS, LPS and HELM realms have been able to replicate.
 
The nicest BMW interior belongs to the X5, by the way.
 
As you refer to the BMW 7: "the car drives like a dream."
However, as I have written before, I would not buy or lease a 7 Series because once you enter the Helm realm, you should expect a fantastic interior and eye-catching design.
The 7 does not deliver as a HELM, in my opinion, for those looking for one. The very term "HELM" seems to me to be in direct conflict with BMW's mission, and as I have written before, no tears would be shed by me if BMW made the 7 obsolete.
 
I have leased a 2005 545i, which has just about the same interior as the 7, is more agile than the 7 and is acknowledged by all auto magazines as one of the best cars on the planet. The vehicle in its upgraded 550i guise has a MSRP price range of $58,500 stripped, to a much more likely $77,000, loaded: pretty much in line with the LS460 pricing.
 
There is currently no HELM known to me which can deliver the looks and exciting driving experience I would be interested in.
 
For those who already put down a deposit on an LS460, (hopefully it's refundable) I would test drive the car immediately to check out the brakes.
 
I never could understand anyone putting down a deposit on a vehicle sight unseen without thoroughly researching it hands-on first. I wouldn't care how stellar the reputation of the company is.

#20313 of 24723 Re: "Taste Of Lexus" Review... [hpowders] by tagman

Oct 23, 2006 (10:46 am)

Replying to: hpowders (Oct 23, 2006 8:59 am)
I never could understand anyone putting down a deposit on a vehicle sight unseen without thoroughly researching it hands-on first. I wouldn't care how stellar the reputation of the company is.
 
I have put a deposit down in advance on vehicles in the past, and the advantage is that it gave me an earlier "turn" to get the vehicle if I still wanted it.
 
At the point when someone's "turn" comes, they can and should thoroughly test the vehicle and check it out carefully, as you suggest. At that point, they can either pass, or take delivery.
 
Without the deposit, on a popular vehicle. you'll seldom get the chance to get it the way you want. Sometimes there is one available that someone else didn't want, but it is not typically the one you would want either.
 
So, that's the only reason I know of to place a deposit, and the only reason I have done so in the past.
 
In 1994, I placed a deposit on a 1997 Boxster! Needless to say, I was number one on the list, which later did grow to be huge. It was to be a new model, and I could only rely on media information and the "stellar" reputation of Porsche.
 
I was glad I made that deposit.
 
TagMan

#20314 of 24723 Re: "Taste Of Lexus" Review... [tagman] by kirstie_h HOST

Oct 23, 2006 (10:51 am)

Replying to: tagman (Oct 23, 2006 10:46 am)
It just gives you the right of first refusal. If people are putting down deposits, it's generally because they anticipate that it'll be a high-demand vehicle. You drive it and don't like it? No sweat. Next depositor on the list is up to bat.

#20315 of 24723 Re: "Taste Of Lexus" Review... [kirstie_h] by tagman

Oct 23, 2006 (10:55 am)

Replying to: kirstie_h (Oct 23, 2006 10:51 am)
I wish I worded that as well as you. Thank you.
 
Well . . . that's why you're the HOST.
 
TagMan

#20316 of 24723 Re: "Taste Of Lexus" Review... [tagman] by hpowders

Oct 23, 2006 (11:15 am)

Replying to: tagman (Oct 23, 2006 10:46 am)
I can see putting down a deposit as long as the deposit is refundable in writing. I wouldn't want to feel like I'm obligated.

#20317 of 24723 Re: "Taste Of Lexus" Review... [kirstie_h] by hpowders

Oct 23, 2006 (11:17 am)

Replying to: kirstie_h (Oct 23, 2006 10:51 am)
Spoken like someone who doesn't sell cars for a living.

#20318 of 24723 Re: "Taste Of Lexus" Review... [hpowders] by tagman

Oct 23, 2006 (11:36 am)

Replying to: hpowders (Oct 23, 2006 11:15 am)
I can see putting down a deposit as long as the deposit is refundable in writing. I wouldn't want to feel like I'm obligated.
 
Feeling obligated and actually being obligated are entirely different things. Kirstie said it best.
 
As far as the legal obligation goes, however, I don't know about other states, but in California, as I understand it, there is no binding contract until you sign DMW registration and take physical possession of the vehicle. After that there is no "cooling off" period. It's a done deal.
 
Generally avoid giving a deposit to a dealer that says, "We know where you live and the names and locations of your loved ones."
 
TagMan

#20319 of 24723 HELM status report by tagman

Oct 23, 2006 (12:28 pm)

HOST -
 
Pat and Kirstie,
 
Can we clarify the requirements for inclusion as a HELM on this board? The reason I ask is that after reading this article:
 
Mercedes-Benz E Class has taken over the lead in the upper-range segment worldwide
 
I began to consider that the latest Mercedes E-Class has many of the same qualifications as the former LS430 and even the current LS460 standard wheelbase.
 
It's base price is over $50K, and it has a very relevant BlueTec option as well as an $85K AMG variant.
 
The LS was clearly low man on the totem pole last year, but this year, the new LS leaves room for the E-Class, IMO, and in some ways the E-Class can outgun the LS.
 
The inclusion of the E-Class to the HELM board seems evolutionary to me, and I believe that its time has actually arrived.
 
Please give me an explanation of the HELM criteria and your thoughts on whether or not the E-Class does indeed finally meet them.
 
Thanks.
 
TagMan

#20320 of 24723 Re: HELM status report [tagman] by kirstie_h HOST

Oct 23, 2006 (12:39 pm)

Replying to: tagman (Oct 23, 2006 12:28 pm)
Since I got here first, I'll let you in on a huge secret (about me, and possibly only me):
I don't know a ton about most of these cars.
 
So, you folks who are interested in HELM vehicles should have a huge hand in making the determination about which cars fit into the categories.
 
Maybe that's a good topic for you to discuss among yourselves - has the E-Class finally made it? I don't know that any one person can or should make that determination. How 'bout we see how that goes? (please, please don't shed blood)

#20321 of 24723 Re: HELM status report [kirstie_h] by syswei

Oct 23, 2006 (12:57 pm)

Replying to: kirstie_h (Oct 23, 2006 12:39 pm)
Since I got here first, I'll let you in on a huge secret (about me, and possibly only me):
I don't know a ton about most of these cars.
 
You should have kept that one secret, Kirstie, as you've now contributed to the stereotypical image of women and cars!

Messages Page 2033 of 2474

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