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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#24601 of 24699 Re: Looking to Buy in the next Few Months [houdini1] by lexusguy Jun 06, 2008 (8:27 am)
Replying to: houdini1 (Jun 06, 2008 4:03 am) In a recent comparison on Edmunds, it was noted that the A6 was extremely uncomfortable and that "the ride could not get much worse". This was an A6 but I would imagine that the S6's ride would be even more harsh. When Edmunds declared the Lexus GS430 "Japan's best sports sedan", their comparison tests lost all credibility with me. That said, the XF SV8 is a brilliant car, and I would take one over a 5, E, or A6 4.2. The S6 though is a different matter. The ride is firm but not overly harsh, and the seats are very comfortable. It's very good around town and exceptional on the highway, and can be quite fun to drive, though its not as playful as a 5 or M. Replies to this message: houdini1 (Jun 06, 2008 11:39 am)
#24602 of 24699 Effect of Economy/Gas on V8 Luxury cars by stkntraffic Jun 06, 2008 (9:56 am)
I know sales of new and used pickups and full-size SUV's are in the crapper these days. Reading the Real-World Trade-ins forum is pretty depressing when people find out what their trucks are worth. Just wondering if the same effect has been felt in the V8 luxury market or not. And if so, would it be a good time for a savvy buyer to get a good deal on a slightly used model? I'm thinking Japanese or German. Any thoughts? Replies to this message: houdini1 (Jun 06, 2008 10:22 am) lexusguy (Jun 06, 2008 10:29 am) stkntraffic (Jun 06, 2008 11:57 am) lexusguy (Jun 06, 2008 3:31 pm) houdini1 (Jun 07, 2008 6:37 am) and 1 more...
#24603 of 24699 Re: Effect of Economy/Gas on V8 Luxury cars [stkntraffic] by houdini1 Jun 06, 2008 (10:22 am)
Replying to: stkntraffic (Jun 06, 2008 9:56 am) I have had the same thoughts as you and I think this would be a good strategy if you are very careful. Obviously you would not want one as a daily driver where you had to drive it 30 or 40 thousand miles a year. I currently have a 2000 LX that still looks and drives like new but was thinking it may be a good time to get a newer one. It does not seem that the new LX 570 is being discounted much, if any, so probably smarter to go for an 05,06, or 07. This thing is a horse, very comfortable and we only drive it 5 or 6 thousand miles a year so gas doesn't kill us. You simply cannot beat it for versatility, etc. Your best bet would be to find an individual that has "panicked" and wants to dump one. I am sure they are out there.
#24604 of 24699 Re: Effect of Economy/Gas on V8 Luxury cars [stkntraffic] by lexusguy Jun 06, 2008 (10:29 am)
Replying to: stkntraffic (Jun 06, 2008 9:56 am) Just wondering if the same effect has been felt in the V8 luxury market or not. And if so, would it be a good time for a savvy buyer to get a good deal on a slightly used model? I'm thinking Japanese or German. Any thoughts? I think now is a great time to buy a lightly used V8 luxury sedan. A new M45 is about $7K more than an M35, and a new A6 4.2 costs a good $10K more than the 3.2. When you look at the used market though, those differences are basically erased. If you're looking for something a bit bigger, a CPO Jaguar XJR is an absolute bargain. You can get very low mileage '05 examples in the low $30s. Replies to this message: stkntraffic (Jun 06, 2008 11:57 am) lexusguy (Jun 06, 2008 3:31 pm) houdini1 (Jun 07, 2008 6:37 am) lexusguy (Jun 07, 2008 11:34 am)
#24605 of 24699 Re: Looking to Buy in the next Few Months [lexusguy] by houdini1 Jun 06, 2008 (11:39 am)
Replying to: lexusguy (Jun 06, 2008 8:27 am) When Edmunds declared the Lexus GS430 "Japan's best sports sedan", their comparison tests lost all credibility with me This had just the opposite effect on me. Different strokes.
#24606 of 24699 Re: Effect of Economy/Gas on V8 Luxury cars [lexusguy] by stkntraffic Jun 06, 2008 (11:57 am)
Replying to: lexusguy (Jun 06, 2008 10:29 am) I was in fact thinking about the M45. You're right, a quick search of on-line listings shows a lot of price overlap between 2-year-old M35 and M45s. There are a number of 06 M45s with low mileage listing in the low-to-upper $30K range. I hadn't considered the Jag, but I guess their reliability reputation has improved in recent years. I wonder if maintenance parts would be sky-high or not. Replies to this message: lexusguy (Jun 06, 2008 3:31 pm) houdini1 (Jun 07, 2008 6:37 am) lexusguy (Jun 07, 2008 11:34 am)
#24607 of 24699 Re: Effect of Economy/Gas on V8 Luxury cars [stkntraffic] by lexusguy Jun 06, 2008 (3:31 pm)
Replying to: stkntraffic (Jun 06, 2008 11:57 am) I highly recommend the M, its one of my favorite cars and "reliable as a wood burning stove" as they like to say on Top Gear, which makes it a smart used buy. I haven't found Jag maintenance prices to be significantly different from what Lexus charges.
#24608 of 24699 Re: Effect of Economy/Gas on V8 Luxury cars [stkntraffic] by houdini1 Jun 07, 2008 (6:37 am)
Replying to: stkntraffic (Jun 06, 2008 11:57 am) I am seeing several 2006 M35's advertised with low miles in the $27,000 range in the KC area. These are new car dealers and the cars have "lots of warranty left". I may also check these out. The only knock I have heard on these cars is that they get relatively poor mileage. Replies to this message: lexusguy (Jun 07, 2008 11:34 am)
#24609 of 24699 Re: Effect of Economy/Gas on V8 Luxury cars [houdini1] by lexusguy Jun 07, 2008 (11:34 am)
Replying to: houdini1 (Jun 07, 2008 6:37 am) The only knock I have heard on these cars is that they get relatively poor mileage. Yeah, the problem is aggressive gearing combined with only 5 ratios. I don't think its an issue with the engine itself, as Nissan has shown that the VQ35 can actually be reasonably fuel efficient when paired with their CVT, despite being a bit of a gruff 'ole bear compared to the silky Lexus 3.5L. That's another reason why if you're looking at a used M you might as well get the V8. The M35 is now rated at 16/23, vs. 16/21 for the M45.
#24610 of 24699 A8 Audi Brakes by michmport Jun 10, 2008 (5:59 pm)
Has it been everyone's experience to always change the rotors whenever changing the pads during the brake maintenance on the A8 Mechanic is suggesting that when the "brake pad" light comes on the rotors are already probably damaged. So, they usually replace them at the same time. I would think the warning light would warn you well in advance of impending damage. any advice would help with my discussion with the mechanic.