24723 messages,
Last post on Jan 28, 2013 at 6:55 PM
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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.
#546 of 24723 re: Jag experiences
by arcoates
Feb 08, 2001 (1:19 pm)
This may be of some use to you- I'll throw it out there anyway. We had a 1995 XJ6 until September. Not the same engine, but bodywork, electronics, chassis etc...
Interior was gorgeous- no problems there. The I6 was a gem, as is the V8. The handling, although not a BMW, is very competent- when you push it, you are surprised at how it reacts. The tires on ours were very grippy (225 Pirelli P6000 with 16'), and the handling was very confidence inspiring.
In our experience, it is not a winter car at all. When we got rid of it, there were mutliple rust spots- not huge, but still there. We didn;t have the traction control, and there was no limited-slip diff, so it was hard to get it going in the snow, or even the rain!
If you're willing to have a winter car, or live in the sun, it is a great car. Beautiful, fast, great handling. The electronics acted up once in awhile, but it is a british car after all. I would reccomend it. If you're having passengers though, go for the long-wheelbase- the back is extrememly tight. Other than that- get one!
I hope this helps you.
A.R.
Feb 09, 2001 (9:43 pm)
am 16 and got a 98 bmw 750il, is it reliable? am hearin some bad stories. need to know specifically about the 98 model(earlier and later dont count)
I bought it cuz its not a copy(lexus), im too tall(jag), and i dont wanna show off (MB), my fellow students dont know what it is, and its better than a MB(my oppionin), it 'looks' longer than the new MB S(who i think they look like a elongated lincon ls w/ different front) so i chose a BMW.
Feb 11, 2001 (5:37 pm)
Well I do agree that the Japanese are great imitatiors, but what I do love about my GS is that from a distance, love it or hate it, you know what it is. The LS430 is NOT like that. From the front you know what it is, from the rear at a distance it a cross between the Avalon and the 99 S class Benz. That's what turned me off. Another thing I have to speak of is vehicular content. I don't mean just bells and whistles I mean solidity, rigidity and plain old substance. Close he door on the LS430 then close the door of the S Class. I did this.. with the vehicles side by side, there is a difference and I don't mean a subtle one. Then close the trunk, Hood etc... big difference..
#549 of 24723 arcoates
by merc1
Feb 11, 2001 (10:36 pm)
With the "M" brand/image so strong now. I think we will get a M version of the next 7-Series. Yes M cars are sportier in part because of their manual trans, they handle a smidge better too, it's very close though. Two publications actually liked the E55's handling over the M5's, which was a surprise to me too. One thing is for certain the Japanese don't have a single car at this level.
M
Feb 12, 2001 (2:00 pm)
Now, the question is, if they did make an M7, what engine would they enhance? The V12, or the V8? Edmunds has this review on the new X5 4.6is, and there is a sidenote regarding the X5 Le Mans addition with a 700bhp V12- wouldn't that look nice in the bonnet of the new 7's!
With the new S55, BMW will have to turn out something that can compete- they are not going to lose money, even though it is a small market.
A.R.
Feb 12, 2001 (5:00 pm)
limited edition 400HP AWD Q45 coming in the fall.
#552 of 24723 1998 or 1999 XJ8 Jag or VDP?
by jarmstrong2
Feb 12, 2001 (7:37 pm)
I am going to buy a Jag either 98 or 99 XJ8 or VDP.I have some questions for all you Jag people.
If I buy a high mileage Jag VDP do you see any problems later with the high mileage? You can save mucho $$$ when buying a 98 XJ8 at 50k mileage than one at 20K mileage. Should I buy the 100K warranty? How is the realiability for a higher mileage Jag XJ8 opr VDP? It is rated very high on realiability at every site I have read but would like to hear for owners. Any problems?
#553 of 24723 LS430 vs S Class
by ljflx
Feb 12, 2001 (10:00 pm)
Ejerod - What are you talking about? The LS430 doors sound like bank vaults when you close them. Stop trying to convince yourself that you bought the right car. The S-500 is a great car but the LS430 is in its league at $18-$25k less and to many including myself it's a better car. As for copycats I'll bet in near future the S-Class interior is significantly upgraded to match Lexus which simply blows it away today. And if it wasn't for the Lexus competition MB would still be giving its customers the vinyl like leather it had in its cars 10 years ago and the ride quality would never been improved. The truth of the matter is that these two cars are so close that it really comes down to whether you want the LS430's glorious ride and better then average handling or the S-Class' glorious handling but harder ride. After that it's that gorgeous interior of Lexus and far superior reliability vs. MB's stature and "heritage". However heritage doesn't influence me. Last time I looked Microsoft and Intel, despite serious drops in share price still had a higher market cap than IBM with all its heritage.
Be greatful these companies are in competition with each other as we the customers, regardless of our preferences, get better cars and have more choices.
#554 of 24723 arcoates
by merc1
Feb 13, 2001 (1:10 am)
Well knowing BMW I would say that they would go for a hi-po V12 in a car like an "M7". That way the have all engines covered. The baddest in-line-six (M3), V8 (M5) and V12 (M7). Of course such a motor would at least have to have 400hp to out-do the M5's engine. I think their is a real chance because they aren't going to let the S55 go unanswered. But then again the next 750iL is supposed to have at least 400hp, so a "Sport" version of that car will take on the S55.
M
#555 of 24723 ljflx
by merc1
Feb 13, 2001 (1:22 am)
That vinyl like leather you speak of was that way for durability. Look at any older Mercedes and you'll see why. It was still real leather nevertheless. The thing I keep hearing from Lexus people is how they changed everything. Cars, Mercedes included ride better with each re-do, that's called progress. A Mercedes in particular always had a good ride/handling tradeoff, Lexus had nothing to do with the ride of a Mercedes. If Mercedes was chasing Lexus' ride they would have the same lifeless handling too. My biggest problem with Lexus is the constant copying, it's ridiculous, and on top of that they copy an "old" Mercedes' look. Silly.
M