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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

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

You are in the Sedans Forum.

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 1383 of 1626

#13812 of 16251 Re: German vs. Japanese Ergonomics [graphicguy] by abacomike

Apr 21, 2012 (8:44 am)

Replying to: graphicguy (Apr 21, 2012 8:05 am)
After retiring from Public and Private School Administration, I moved to Florida to take care of my ailing parents. I got a job selling Lexus and then manager of an Infiniti Store. I have found that Mercedes manufactures, designs and engineers the most trouble-free sedans in both their C and E class lines. I've owned 7 E Class Sedans and have never, ever had any of them in to the service department for repairs, issues, or anything, except oil changes.
 
I doubt it is just "luck". Not after experiencing BMW 5 series issues with two identical cars with identical electrical issues, both manufactures in Germany and shipped here in the same year, 2008.
 
I found that Infiniti is most closely alligned with BMW in terms of ride and handling and power along with Audi. Lexus seems to be in a class by itself, as is Mercedes. I do not compare Mercedes to BMW, Audi or Infiniti due to the ride and handling differences.
 
Finally, Mercedes E Class Sedans and Coupes are equipped with a 302 horsepower powerplant and fuel economy over 30 mpg hwy.
 
In summary, Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes and Infiniti manufacture outstanding vehicles. Each one is just a little different from the other - enough so that they attract a large segment of the driving public. The only think BMW has over the other brands in this category is free total maintenance which saves the driver about 300-600 dollars a year, depending upon when a car is due for brakes, etc. Otherwise, I rate the entire segment mentioned above as outstanding value for the dollar.

#13813 of 16251 Re: German vs. Japanese Ergonomics [abacomike] by nyccarguy

Apr 21, 2012 (9:20 am)

Replying to: abacomike (Apr 21, 2012 8:44 am)
Thanks for posting your insights here. I very much appreciate it. Have you checked out the Stories From The Sales Frontlines thread here? We'd love to hear some of your sales stories over there.
 
What do you think of the new C250 & C350 and the outgoing C300 (which they still sell with 4Matic here in the northeast)?

#13814 of 16251 Re: German vs. Japanese Ergonomics [nyccarguy] by abacomike

Apr 21, 2012 (10:41 am)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Apr 21, 2012 9:20 am)
I spoke with Mercedes, and they told me that they are trying their best to increase mpg's across the line as they will not meet federal mandates in 2 years if they don't start now.
 
They are phasing out the C300 (4 matic is sold down here only, as you know, so it is almost impossible to get a C300 down here in FL) and increasing the lines mpg's with the C250 and the higher horsepower, higher fuel efficient C350.
 
Also, very shortly they will be expanding their "engine shut down at stops for longer than 30- secs" which they claim will increase mpg's by 20% throughout their line. When you stop for more than a few seconds at a light, the engine shuts down automatically. It starts up immediately when the accelerator is depressed. Much like those propane golf carts in the mountains.
 
Mercedes missed the boat by not coming out with a diesel hybrid, in my opinion.
 
And thanks, I will check out the Sales Frontlines Thread. I sold new cars and managed two dealerships, and you wouldn't believe the stories I have. I began writing them down as I want to write a book about my experiences.
 
thanks again

#13815 of 16251 Re: My Primary Beef. . . [greg128] by andres3

Apr 21, 2012 (3:19 pm)

Replying to: greg128 (Apr 20, 2012 2:25 pm)
AC compressors that can't last 40K.
  
Oh you mean Honda CRV AC compressors
 
I don't know about that.... my 2003 Accord had 65,000 miles and 50 months of age on it when I sold it and I had spent $0.00 on the A/C and it still blew cold. The Neon cost me about a thousand dollars thanks to burned belts in addition to the compressor blowing, it seized on the belt and burned it causing ancilliary damages. This was at literally 36,100 miles or so. Just in time to be denied warranty claim.
 
Honda 1, Chrysler 0.
Audi 1, Chrysler 0.
Toyota 1, Chyrsler 0
 
No matter what I or my family buys, I can't have as many failures as the Dodge. If I added up all the costs and numbers of repairs for 3 or 4 Toyotas, 2 Hondas, and 1 Audi, it still doesn't add up to the cost per mile of a single Chrysler in repairs.
 
Sorry.... bankrupt twice..bailed out twice..... Strike 3 and your out I hope!
My families vehicles seem to never have the problems Chryslers do.

#13816 of 16251 Re: My Primary Beef. . . [andres3] by billyperksii

Apr 23, 2012 (9:18 am)

Replying to: andres3 (Apr 21, 2012 3:19 pm)
My wife's 2004 Accord has 130K on it with no major issues-
1). Window Regulator
2). Changed the drive belt at around 115k

#13817 of 16251 New 3-series by fedlawman

Apr 23, 2012 (9:11 pm)

I finally picked up my new 3-series convertible...
 
Friday in Sacramento

 
Saturday on the coast

 
Sunday in the garage

#13818 of 16251 Re: New 3-series [fedlawman] by nyccarguy

Apr 24, 2012 (4:46 am)

Replying to: fedlawman (Apr 23, 2012 9:11 pm)
Awesome! I love it & your 911! Congrats!

#13819 of 16251 Re: New 3-series [fedlawman] by graphicguy

Apr 25, 2012 (1:08 am)

Replying to: fedlawman (Apr 23, 2012 9:11 pm)
Fed.....love the pics. Love your family of cars even more!

#13820 of 16251 Re: New 3-series [graphicguy] by fedlawman

Apr 25, 2012 (3:09 pm)

Replying to: graphicguy (Apr 25, 2012 1:08 am)

#13821 of 16251 Re: New 3-series [fedlawman] by sweendogy

Apr 25, 2012 (3:53 pm)

Replying to: fedlawman (Apr 25, 2012 3:09 pm)
Best pick is the one of the bull-
Infact edmunds should have a funny pix section blog - or a general pix blog - post a pix with uour car maybe at a landmark of some sort- my camry climbed mt Washington - or my Porsche went to the opera- could be fun and put some life into the site.

Messages Page 1383 of 1626

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