High End Luxury Cars

24699 messages, Last post on Nov 30, 2009 at 6:41 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

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.

Outline

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#24556 of 24699 Re: Best Used Car? [copyrightatty] by knowspinzone Jul 23, 2007 (12:44 pm)
Replying to: copyrightatty (Jul 21, 2007 10:15 am) I would definitely avoid the E55 AMG. First of all you don't need that kind of performance for your intended use (unless you want to scare your clients in signing with you, LOL!). Plus the repairs and maintainence on that will likely be big bucks. I noticed that neither a Lexus LS430 nor an Infiniti Q45 are not on your list. For your intended use I think these would be perfect. They are luxury cars, low maintainence, and least likely to breakdown with your clients in the car! Let us know what you settle on. Replies to this message: 500lbman (Sep 13, 2007 11:39 am) lexusguy (Sep 13, 2007 2:34 pm) cdnpinhead (Sep 13, 2007 2:57 pm) stkntraffic (Sep 20, 2007 5:58 pm) and 3 more... elias (Oct 23, 2007 6:10 am) houdini1 (Oct 23, 2007 2:00 pm)
#24557 of 24699 Re: Best Used Car? [knowspinzone] by 500lbman Sep 13, 2007 (11:39 am)
Replying to: knowspinzone (Jul 23, 2007 12:44 pm) I sell M-B's for a living. I would say avoid the '01-'02 S-Class. It has been a dog of a vehicle, as well as the '00-'03 E-Class. The new cars are MUCH better in the reliability and performance departments. The new S-class is a dream car! The '07 E-Class is a wonderful car that will be reliable for years to come. M-B has done a lot to combat the "not reliable" reputation of the brand. As a used car, the only Lexus I would even consider is the LS430. It is a quiet car with lots of space and would be great for carrying clients or going on trips. The ES and GS are rebadged Toyotas. Lexus makes a good car, quiet and comfortable and affordable. However, the new S-class STOMPS the new LS460L. Lexus is very good at loading their cars with features to combat other car makers, but the drive of a Lexus cannot compare to the drive of a M-B. I would not even consider an Infiniti. We get them in all the time as preowned cars and I think they are cheap and plasticky, and the interiors wear down faster than other cars. There is no reason to consider the M35 unless you just want a luxury badge. The Nissan Maxima is the same car. Anyway, if you want a good pre-owned car for your needs, I would say Lexus LS430. If you are willing to step up a little go for the newer M-B's, they are great cars. Replies to this message: lexusguy (Sep 13, 2007 2:34 pm) cdnpinhead (Sep 13, 2007 2:57 pm) stkntraffic (Sep 20, 2007 5:58 pm) lexusguy (Sep 20, 2007 6:12 pm) and 2 more... elias (Oct 23, 2007 6:10 am) houdini1 (Oct 23, 2007 2:00 pm)
#24558 of 24699 500lb Man by toyota2lexus Sep 13, 2007 (2:19 pm)
I sold and managed at a Toyota store for over twenty years, things changed at the old place and I now sell Lexus. Only because I am very familiar with both lines I got to respond to your post and take issue with you. Your comments --- "As a used car, the only Lexus I would even consider is the LS430. It is a quiet car with lots of space and would be great for carrying clients or going on trips. The ES and GS are rebadged Toyotas. Lexus makes a good car, quiet and comfortable and affordable. However, the new S-class STOMPS the new LS460L. Lexus is very good at loading their cars with features to combat other car makers, but the drive of a Lexus cannot compare to the drive of a M-B." are very misleading, you either have been sniffing the tailpipes for too long around the dealership or believe all the horse hockey that the Mercedes Corporate Propaganda Machine has been feeding you. While there are many similarities between the Camry V6 XLE and the Lexus ES in terms of platform, performance and features the cars are not "rebadged" Toyotas. The majority of Camry's are built in the United States, all Lexus except for the RX which is assembled in Canada are built in Japan. The fit and finish of the Lexus meets a higher standard, the overall noise, vibration and harshness of ride is less, the warranties are longer, servicing is called for at much less frequent intervals, Lexus retains a greater portion of it's value at resale and a Lexus demo is provided free of charge for all service. There is no car in the Toyota selection that shares the Lexus GS all wheel drive performance or available V8 engine. It can hardly be called a rebadged Toyota. Obviously you've been standing outside in the sun for too long without a hat and are beginning to see things if you really believe that the new S class stomps the LS 460L or LS 460 The new LS series has an 8 speed transmission - MB only 7, the car retails for $15K less, produces 380 HP from a 4.6L engine as opposed to 382 HP from a 5.5L, has more interior space and more trunk space, I believe in many respects that the Lexus is a superior car, I hardly think that the S class stomps the LS. Even the 12 cylinder S600 takes second place to the LS 600h, the hybrid motor smokes the S600, has a faster 0 to 60, offers more interior space, has a longer warranty and retails for about $25K less. Mercedes enjoyed a reputation for years as building the best large luxury sedans in the market, with the introduction of the new LS series Lexus has climbed on top of the pedestal, you just can't beat the Japanese for innovation and quality.
#24559 of 24699 Re: Best Used Car? [500lbman] by lexusguy Sep 13, 2007 (2:34 pm)
Replying to: 500lbman (Sep 13, 2007 11:39 am) There is no reason to consider the M35 unless you just want a luxury badge. The Nissan Maxima is the same car. Actually, having driven every single one of the mid-lux cars currently on sale, I can say that the Infiniti M easily ranks among the best. It thoroughly trounces the RL and the GS, and it beats the rapidly aging E-class, both in performance and technology. It takes a BMW 5 to outperform the M. The "they are a rebadged Toyota\Nissan" is a tired, stale and cheap argument from the entrenched trying to defend their turf. It's no different than saying the E-class is a rebadged Chrysler 300.
#24560 of 24699 Re: Best Used Car? [500lbman] by cdnpinhead Sep 13, 2007 (2:57 pm)
Replying to: 500lbman (Sep 13, 2007 11:39 am) ". . .no reason to consider the M35 unless you just want a luxury badge. The Nissan Maxima is the same car." Well, so long as you pay no attention to which pair of wheels drives the car, or what the fore/aft weight distribution on said wheels is, or any of a number of other things, you're exactly 100% correct. If you do, you're not. Say after me: "RWD is different from FWD." I knew you could. Replies to this message: stkntraffic (Sep 20, 2007 5:58 pm) lexusguy (Sep 20, 2007 6:12 pm) moxie (Dec 10, 2007 2:15 pm) and 1 more...
#24561 of 24699 Any Jag XJ owners out there by topspin628 Sep 13, 2007 (7:43 pm)
I have become smitten with the XJ as I find it an interesting departure from my current LS430. I've narrowed the field down to the Jag, the 7 series or if I want to go sport, the BMW 535. I'm am a little unsure of the Jag, never having owned one before. I drive about 15K per year for work and do need reliable comfortable transportation so it won't be a garage queen. Any experience with it? By the way, I recently tested the LS460 and the MB S 550 back to back for about 20-30 minutes each. The MB is a heavier car with a very smooth ride. The LS feels lighter in every way but is also smooth and quiet. I know that MB had some quality issues with the last S Class but I prefer the way it drove over the new one. This one felt a bit ponderous to me but it does exude class and quality. The interior is of a very high quality but in a "serious" almost austere way. I'm sure it will last forever. The LS460 is a half notch up in all departments from my LS 430 but to me it is very much the "same" car from a driving perspective. The salesman must have said ten times that "it's a completely different car in every way than the LS 430". They must be trained in that "mantra". Maybe because the average guy who has been used to leasing LS's for 800-900 per month for the last 10 years is suddenly faced with a 1250-1300 per month car. Yikes! And guys, it really feels very similar, not that it's a bad thing.
#24563 of 24699 Post moved by pat HOST Sep 17, 2007 (3:15 am)
Here's the link: touringchef, "Audi A8: Prices Paid & Buying Experience" #55, 16 Sep 2007 10:15 am.
#24564 of 24699 Re: Best Used Car? [cdnpinhead] by stkntraffic Sep 20, 2007 (5:58 pm)
Replying to: cdnpinhead (Sep 13, 2007 2:57 pm) Word. You forgot to mention the Maxima is also the most singularly fugly car on the road today. I had an '02 6-speed, but they lost me on buying a new one when they came out with the new styling and CVT. I love the Infiniti M-series... M45 in particular. Replies to this message: lexusguy (Sep 20, 2007 6:12 pm) moxie (Dec 10, 2007 2:15 pm) lexusguy (Dec 10, 2007 7:00 pm)
#24565 of 24699 Re: Best Used Car? [stkntraffic] by lexusguy Sep 20, 2007 (6:12 pm)
Replying to: stkntraffic (Sep 20, 2007 5:58 pm) You forgot to mention the Maxima is also the most singularly fugly car on the road today. I had an '02 6-speed, but they lost me on buying a new one when they came out with the new styling and CVT. I agree, although the Maxima really lost its way years earlier when they went to a beam axle for the sake of rear seat room. So much for the "four door sports car". Replies to this message: moxie (Dec 10, 2007 2:15 pm) lexusguy (Dec 10, 2007 7:00 pm)