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.
#6770 of 24723 Re: 2000 A8L, 740IL or S series?? [tiny1]
by rgsw
Sep 24, 2004 (7:28 pm)
I'm 6 ft 3 inches and with seat on the bottom, I can put my doubled up fist on top of my head in the Lexus LS430. I think you would find the Lexus ES300/330 a tight fit. As for ice & snow, the LS 430 is a rear wheel drive like the BMWs and MBs. You would need to get the top of the line snow tires. I believe the Lexus has the best reliability record. I would stretch the purchase to a 2001 if possible, NADA Trade in Value at 50,000 miles at 37K and Dealer Retail at 42K. I note the 2000 LS 430 at 60,000 miles is 25K and 29K. Quite a difference but the car is the upgrade year 2001 if I recall correctly. Also take a look at post 6390 & 6391 in the Lexus LS forum (this web site). As for warranty, you can only buy the Lexus Factory Extended Warranty up to 36 months and/or 36K miles, whichever comes first. I'm sure there are some after market policies out there. Good luck.
#6771 of 24723 Re: 2000 A8L, 740IL or S series?? [rgsw]
by tiny1
Sep 24, 2004 (9:10 pm)
Thank-you very much. I've not sat in a Lexus yet. I'll check one out soon. I initially was drawn to the German cars because I sat in a A8L and could bearly touch the steering wheel when the seat was back. And my 5'11" daughter could sit behind me with comfort. Obviously the ride was great also. I agree from what I've read that the Lexus would be more reliable.
Sep 25, 2004 (5:39 am)
Hi tiny1 - if you haven't already, you should look up our individual discussions on all of those vehicles. You'll find lots of helpful information. The "Browse by Vehicle" search on the left side of the page will help you find them.
Also, the Used Car blue tab at the top of the page will take you to reviews, specs, etc. of all the vehicles you find interesting.
Hope this helps... good luck!
#6773 of 24723 Re: 2000 A8L, 740IL or S series?? [tiny1]
by rgsw
Sep 25, 2004 (1:27 pm)
I'm not sure when Lexus LS430 started putting in the driver's seat with the extending bottom cushion. I usually drive with the seat all the way back and the seat bottom about 4 inches forward to support the back of my legs. I have not seen any other car (haven't really looked) that has this feature. All LS430's come with sun or moon roofs, if that was not installed you might get another two inches of headroom. I drove a GMC Yukon before the Lexus and found the headroom to be about equal. Again, good luck.
#6774 of 24723 Re: OOps, did I hit a nerve? [livinbmw]
by hjcanter
Sep 27, 2004 (7:08 am)
Man, buying my Audi A8 SWB is a bad decision? Four wheel drive, better styling, better version of I-drive. Plus, just beat BMW in the Motor Trend comparison test. It comes down to what are you looking for in the car. For some, it is BMW, or MB, or Lexus, or Audi. But it is not a bad decision. I have driven the BMW, Audi, and Lexus. Audi had all the features I wanted and the one that no one else did, 4 wheel drive.
Sep 27, 2004 (4:00 pm)
The Audi I think would me my pick these days, too. Phenomenal cars, and in Europe they have a reputation for reliability. I think it's service departments in many dealships in the US that are subpar and less than totally dedicated to excellence. In any case, I know 2 long time A8 owners that have not had any issues with their cars.
Sep 28, 2004 (9:18 am)
Maybe in Europe where Lexus and the other Japanese brands haven't as yet established a foothold their reliability standards are different...
Sep 28, 2004 (10:38 am)
According to thecarconnection.com website, Lexus said at next year Paris show they will showcase a sedan above the LS range. Anybody hear about this? Any more info.?
#6779 of 24723 Re: [michael_mattox]
by pablo_l
Sep 28, 2004 (1:58 pm)
I do not question the lead in reliability that Toyota has when it comes to designing it in. But at the tailend of that there is the service - I am not sure whether Toyota enforces more quality control there than what seem to be the more compacent and arrogant channels that are in charge of German brands here. I think the Merc-BMW dealers are hurting themselves with wide-spread arrogance and complacency. It seems owner satisfaction with a high end brand is highly correlated with the dealer culture. One of the main reasons I abandoned Jag is because the dealer in the area was overwhelmed when the S and X classes got introduced, and service quality and attention went to the dogs.