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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

16251 messages,  Last post on Jun 18, 2013 at 7:02 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS, Volvo S60, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 1011 of 1625

#10101 of 16251 Re: Speaking of brake dust... [circlew] by habitat1

Aug 01, 2007 (10:29 am)

Replying to: circlew (Aug 01, 2007 9:25 am)
Good memory. But actually, it's a 95 Maxima and inasmuch as it's sitting at our second home 375 miles away, it doesn't do much as a back up. I do have a 2004 TL, but I'm considering selling it and bringing back the Maxima.
 
Maybe there's something in the engine oil out there in southern California, but the BMW experiences of my friends and colleagues back east have been pretty good. Maybe not quite up to Lexus in problem infrequency, but comparable or better than Lexus if and when something serious goes wrong. My former boss put 120,000 miles on his 1997 528i and never had a major repair. Retired, moved to Laguna Niguel, bought a new Audi S4 convertible and has had nothing but problems in the first 18 months.
 
I'll admit that although "driving pleasure" is very high on my list, I'm not going to turn a complete blind eye to reliability and the potential for costly repairs. I had a chance to "steal" a Ferrari 328 at the time I got my S2000 and couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger on a car that runs $2k+ for a tune up and lots more for repairs. As I've said many times, the fact that my 1995 Maxima gave me 155k of trouble free miles contributed to my financial ability (and guilt free conscience) to buy a 911. Also, I always pay cash for my cars and expect to be able to keep them for 100k+ miles, whether I choose to or not.
 
Blueguy, not that it's any of my business but, if driving pleasure is/was paramount to you, and you are a two car family, why not one of the two cars you already have - take your pick - and something like a Honda S2000? I can understand why a single person might not want a 2 seater sports car as their only car, but for a couple to have two compact FWD cars seems a little redundant. Not that each isn't a great choice by itself, but I think one or the other with an S2000 would be a better "driving pleasure portfolio". Feel free to tell me to pound salt - I'm NOT trying to pull your chain, I'm just curious.

#10102 of 16251 Re: Speaking of brake dust... [habitat1] by blueguydotcom

Aug 01, 2007 (10:51 am)

Replying to: habitat1 (Aug 01, 2007 10:29 am)
Blueguy, not that it's any of my business but, if driving pleasure is/was paramount to you, and you are a two car family, why not one of the two cars you already have - take your pick - and something like a Honda S2000?
 
We've got 3 cars for two of us. I flirted with a MX-5 (we get s-plan pricing) but my fiancee expressed that she would never ride in it with the top down. Ditto the S2000, Z4, Z3, Boxster. No point in going convertible in San Diego if I can't use it 24/7.
 
but for a couple to have two compact FWD cars seems a little redundant. Not that each isn't a great choice by itself, but I think one or the other with an S2000 would be a better "driving pleasure portfolio". Feel free to tell me to pound salt - I'm NOT trying to pull your chain, I'm just curious.
 
I would agree and I wanted a small RWD. No such thing exists in compact coupe/sedan form. Also knowing that we are going to start a family in 09/10, I had to get a daily driver that I could flip easily - the Mini stands apart expressly because it's fun, BMW-engineered and it has astounding resale. In 09/10 I should be able to part ways with it and avoid the 40-50% drop of cars that don't hold their value very well (like my BMWs for for instance). At the point when I need to sell I'll get something roomier (alas, the 1 series won't come as a hatch/sedan here): WRX, 335i (wish it came as a wagon) or maybe the new A4 Avant.

#10103 of 16251 Re: banner ads [jzalkin] by dontbuylexus

Aug 01, 2007 (12:49 pm)

Replying to: jzalkin (Aug 01, 2007 5:16 am)
"Who shot JFK? "
 
ROFL
 
I bet you think that we attacked Iraq because of 9/11.
 
As I said before, the Lexus Zealots would say anything as to not let the reputation of their precious car maker be damaged. I have said that I had a good experience with BMW and have used it for contrast but more so than that I would have to say for me anything but Lexus. Give me a honda, Volvo, whatever but just not Lexus because the company is shady.
 
as for the other forum you did not get to see the whole story and all of the postings that Edumonds removed based on negative coments about Lexus in a Lexus forum. You cant have that when they are your advertisers. as for sylvias comment, how exactly can I prevent people from posting? you said "give others a chance to talk" If I had the power to control someone elses website, I would post the truth right on Lexus.com and not bother with Edmunds.
 
If you believe, like Edmunds does, that the cost of maintanece, and how that should affect your buying decision (my point in that forum), is not a factor for the purchase then you know nothing about buying a car.
 
or
 
Maybe you work for lexus. you seem to pull "facts" out with every posting breaking down any dissentient's comments line by line. If it walks like a duck. If the Pharm company lobbists can out number congressmen 4 to 1. Why can't an auto maker put an employee in forums to provide disinformation for potential buyers?
 
Before you do your ROFL dance, just remember this one, I said any car but Lexus so that clearly makes me impartial, but are totally Lexus Zealot all the way. You seem like a logo buyer.
 
and BTW this proves that your information is BS. IS250 AWD does come with runflats and that is why they couldn't patch them.
 
and lastly why when I am posting my viewpoint and experience, do you have to so vigorously rebute line buy line that my personal experience is wrong... it is my experience not yours and not JD powers and not Edmunds.... its' mine. Like I said either Lexus Zealot or a fourm lobbist for Lexus. Which is it? Maybe YOU should look in the mirror.

#10104 of 16251 Re: seems to me... [fedlawman] by dontbuylexus

Aug 01, 2007 (1:12 pm)

Replying to: fedlawman (Aug 01, 2007 6:52 am)
(you probably won't even detect a difference), but they will no longer perform to "OE standards."
 
this is true. so many, and I cant begin to count, want to make it a major performance issue. That would be true if I was racing my IS. but I am going to work and back and the High Friction system might stop faster (no more than 2 feet), but in the real world with consumers, the weakest link by far is the person, between eyes to brain to foot. that could be many car lengths. so to spend $600 (that is for the front system, rotors and pads at the dealer) for 2 feet, is not logical (this is setting the dust asside which can be annoying but not as much as an empty wallet).
 
Also, Lexus did threaten me that not continuing on the $600 every 20k miles by putting aftermarket would not only void the warranty for those parts (understandable to me) but anything associated to them. (unacceptable to me). I took this as them making a case that my rear brakes are now not covered because they are part of the entire braking system which was void by the front non-om parts.

#10105 of 16251 Re: banner ads [dontbuylexus] by jzalkin

Aug 01, 2007 (1:34 pm)

Replying to: dontbuylexus (Aug 01, 2007 12:49 pm)
This is becoming a back and forth that is not informative nor fun.
 
Considering I point out where Lexus is not as good as others - room, power (IS250), handling - how can I be a zealot or employee.
 
You go way beyond experiences where you state all Lexus cars are bad, unreliable, and that the corporation is defrauding everyone.
 
And yeah, I like to use facts. It is how effective debating is done - using things that can be verified. I also am smart enough to realize one car does not create a trend. Or distort things such as the TSIB to try and make it fit.
 
I guess Apple just admitted they lied since they just released an update to the iphone fixing bugs. Or that Canon lied since they had a firmware update to my Rebel XT after over a year of ownership.
 
I don't ever rebut your experience as being wrong, but I constantly rebut your logic of your experience = everyone's experience. It is the extrapolation of your one issues to the whole that makes no sense. The same as you dismiss the individuals that say the same thing about BMW.
 
Considering I have only owned my Lexus for a little over a year and have owned multiple other brands from Volvo, Audi, Acura, Saab, Honda, and others. I traded my Audi that I loved because of reliability and cost to upkeep on the Lexus and have experienced better fit and finish so far with the Lexus.
 
I drive a lot and need a comfortable, reliable car that also offers some fun. Seems Lexus fits it to a tee, but I miss the convertible and may ultimately end up with another one from another brand.
 
I will wrap it up by putting it this way. I had a Honda Civic in the 1990s that everything kept falling apart on it (bought new). They could never solve about 10% of the issues and they were all minor (no engine failure stuff), but annoyed the (you know what) out of me. I got rid of the car for a Mazda MX-6 V6 (fun car that should have lasted longer in the marketplace) and I still think that I got a bad example from Honda. Facts show Honda makes a reliable car, but mine was the small percentage that was not. I guess I am smart enough to realize that I got the lemon and that someone had to. Did I create a grudge about Honda Corp - Nope. They just stopped receiving my money and I moved on. If Acura makes a more compelling car to my liking, I may even go back. (I did have an early Integra that was great prior to the Honda)
 
I have said my peace and unless compelled will move on and enjoy these forums.
 
PS - Not for this group, but my company builds a lot of labs for Biotechnology and I have been involved in it alot. If you think that big Pharma controls drug discovery than you are misinformed. Look at Scripps Research Institute, Burnham Institute, Torrey Pines not to mention the University Research. Big Pharma actually does the least drug discovery. They just purchase the science and bring it to market with some internal research as well. Talk to any of the scientist researching cures and tell them that they have not made the breakthrough because of Pharma and they will laugh.

#10106 of 16251 Re: banner ads [dontbuylexus] by mz6greyghost

Aug 01, 2007 (1:37 pm)

Replying to: dontbuylexus (Aug 01, 2007 12:49 pm)
and BTW this proves that your information is BS. IS250 AWD does come with runflats and that is why they couldn't patch them.
 
Oh really?
 
IS250 AWD Specs
 
Let me clear it up for you:
 
Wheels & Tires
Alloy Wheels, 17-In. X 8-In.
SBRP225/45VR17, All-Season Tires
Compact Spare Tire
 
Another one:
IS250 AWD Specs
 
Under "Handling and Control":
17.0" silver alloy wheels
Compact steel spare wheel/tire
 
Now why would a runflat-equipped vehicle have a spare tire?

#10107 of 16251 The horse is dead... by Sylvia

Aug 01, 2007 (2:40 pm)

This line of the discussion has been exhausted and deteriorated into personal attacks which simply won't be tolerated.
 
We have taken a great discussion about entry level performance sedans and have focused it on one item/agenda. Therefore, please note that if there is a desire to continue any one line or agenda open a separate discussion for it. Any further comments along the lines of one agenda (positive or negative) dominating will be removed (if personally attacking or otherwise violating the Membership Agreement which a member agrees to when joinging and posting) OR moved to a discussion that it is more appropriate and on-topic. There are numerous problem topics about vehicles and manufacturers that are heavily read for people looking to learn more. Again, stay on topic.
 
Let's get back to the Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans.

#10108 of 16251 Re: Speaking of brake dust... [blueguydotcom] by habitat1

Aug 01, 2007 (3:52 pm)

Replying to: blueguydotcom (Aug 01, 2007 10:51 am)
We've got 3 cars for two of us.
 
Mini, A3 and ???
 
but my fiancee expressed that she would never ride in it with the top down.
 
I won't ask you how one can live in San Diego and NOT want a convertible. And to think I got a call on my 911 Cab when I was considering selling from a guy that lived in Nova Scotia.
 
I'll give you credit on the Mini purchase / exit strategy. The damn things just don't depreciate at all.

#10109 of 16251 Re: Speaking of brake dust... [habitat1] by blueguydotcom

Aug 01, 2007 (4:27 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Aug 01, 2007 3:52 pm)
Old 90s Corolla from her high school years. It still runs and serves the purpose. Additionally, her mom has a Jetta and a 07 Prius (just replaced the 06 lemon-lawed Civic Hybrid) that we can borrow whenever. Access to extra cars is not a problem.
 
Man, you're telling me about the convertible thing. Just today a coworker was pointing out the e93 BMW 3 series convertible and I laughed as it'd never be an option. She has agreed a used Boxster in the future might be okay if it's not my primary car.

#10110 of 16251 Re: Speaking of brake dust... [shipo] by jimbres

Aug 01, 2007 (5:42 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Jul 31, 2007 9:16 am)
On my E39 I replaced the pads with PBR/Axxis pads after I got tired if cleaning my wheels every couple of hundred miles. With the new pads, I could not feel any difference in braking capabilities, but I did notice a HUGE difference in brake dust, as in NONE.
 
IIRC, you originally suggested PBR/Axxis pads as a solution to the brake dust problem a couple of years ago on the 3-series forum. Before this thread dies, I'd like to thank you. Earlier this year, I replaced the pads on my '01 330i with PBR/Axxis. What a difference!
 
Should've done that years ago. Thanks again.

Messages Page 1011 of 1625

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