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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

16087 messages,  Last post on May 09, 2013 at 9:32 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 1563 of 1609

#15618 of 16087 Re: b8 S4 vs G37x vs GS350 vs random [bunit23] by tlong

Feb 06, 2013 (4:47 pm)

Replying to: bunit23 (Feb 06, 2013 4:19 pm)
I can afford the car, and maintenance. I just don't want the car to be rumplestiltskin and force me to offer up my 1st born.
 
I LOVED my 1998 Audi A4. I drove it 88K and after the warranty ran out I probably spent about $1800 total on maintenance and repairs. Most of that was a cooling issue that the dealer had trouble finding. I sold it earlier than I normally do as I was worried about more costs/problems. But it was never unreliable or left me stranded.
 
I now have an Acura TL with 130K and pretty near nothing has gone wrong. It's more reliable and cheaper to own than the Audi, and a very nice car.
 
Costs aside, I'd pick the Audi. Just be prepared for some extra $$, which you might not need, but you never know. If you are concerned, you might be able to buy an extended warranty.

#15619 of 16087 Re: b8 S4 vs G37x vs GS350 vs random [tlong] by sweendogy

Feb 06, 2013 (6:22 pm)

Replying to: tlong (Feb 06, 2013 4:47 pm)
I also agree the b8 is one hell of a machine- as others have mentioned audis in general love the shop, and costs are high if you get a runt. They are real performers but please get one with a manual- the autos are fine but this car should be reserved for the enthusiasts.
 
G35O another nice rig but its more of a cruiser then a hot rig- love the looks and RWD pretty cool.
 
G37- awd nice cars - bummer can't get with stick- halls - best value in this class- not the best in the slick weather (snow) with 18s -
 
In Texas - I would go slightly used s4 (stick), new g 37 sport RWD stick, then awd g37x, then gs.
 
All pretty good choices - good luck.

#15620 of 16087 Re: b8 S4 vs G37x vs GS350 vs random [tlong] by graphicguy

Feb 07, 2013 (7:59 am)

Replying to: tlong (Feb 06, 2013 4:47 pm)
tlong.....you and I have the same taste in cars.....TLs, Audis, BMWs.
 
Before the GF bought her S4, she did her due diligence. Personally, if I like a car, I'm all over it. But, I don't give much thought to reliability. And, quite frankly, I don't put much stock in Consumer Reports reliability rankings, as I consider them little more than the CR faithful (who they base the reliability rankings on) as confirming foregone conclusions. That's a different topic, though.
 
The GF talked to everyone she knew who currently owned, or at some time owned an Audi in the past, about their ownership experience. While not scientific, and probably only numbered a dozen people, without fail, Audi ownership experiences were positive.
 
pletko....well smack me silly and call me foolish. I like sport seats (that are heated). I like trick DSG transmissions. I like big fat leather steering wheels in my hands while driving. In other words, I'm one of those fools you describe. I'm good with that.
 
Had this discussion with a friend while at a SuperBowl party last Sunday. He owns, among others, a BMW 6 series. Nice car. Not sure what the drivetrain is, but I think it's a V8 with a manumatic. I've ridden in it several times. I even drove it once (to take his inebriated butt home). It definitely is big and heavy, and you feel the mass and weight. It's not a particularly good handling machine, and it's not particularly quick. It's what I consider a poseur. That said, it's pretty and it costs a lot. Both of those traits fit my my friend's personality to a tee.
 
We had the GF's S4 at the party. As we got into discussions about cars, he found the S4 not "blingy" enough for his taste. That alone made the S4's status move a couple of rungs up the status ladder for us.
 
As we were talking, he asked me what I did not like about the TL. In all reality, I couldn't list one thing. There were some niggly things that maybe would bother me more than others (like a hint of torque steer on quick starts from stop). But, nothing that was a show stopper. Granted, the S4 and my 335 are faster and handle better. Plus, the suspension/ride/handling compromise in the Germans and 2nd to none.
 
But, the TL SH AWD will get you to 80% of what the Audi will do. There are some things that the TL does that no other car I've ever owned was able to do. Now, these are minor things, but noticeable nonetheless.
 
For example, I've never owned another car that had more comfortable sport seats than the TL. Nothing is perfect. But, for me, the TL's sport seats were about as close as you can get. They're bolstered perfectly and are comfortable while holding you in your seat.
 
The HVAC system heats up and cools down faster than in any other car I've ever owned, too. And, it holds the perfect temp (that I've set) better than any other car I've owned.
 
Ergonomically, at least for things like window switches, seat belt, steering wheel, etc., I could get in the TL, and with one smooth move reach and click the seat belt without reaching....all the while having my hand fall in the perfect location to the start button.
 
Up until the B&O system in the S4 (which is insanely good), the TL's stereo was the best I had ever heard in a car (that includes some high buck aftermarket installations).
 
Point of all this, even designs that are long in the tooth, like the TL, are still really good ELLPS these days. And, I certainly don't feel foolish for liking the options they come with.

#15621 of 16087 Re: b8 S4 vs G37x vs GS350 vs random [bunit23] by andys120

Feb 07, 2013 (8:15 am)

Replying to: bunit23 (Feb 06, 2013 4:19 pm)

I know AWD isn't necessary in Texas, but I think it will be fun.
 
I've had AWD, FWD and RWD and IMO most of the fun to be had with AWD is when driving in snow. For dry weather fun nothing beats a good RWD car.

#15622 of 16087 Re: Another ELLPS enters the ring.... [dino001] by flightnurse

Feb 07, 2013 (8:50 am)

Replying to: dino001 (Feb 06, 2013 3:20 pm)
Dino I think we are getting away from the original post that you stated, to something about not being able to find a base model on the lot. The price of $37,055 is really a base model with one thing added which is a aftermarket nav system, that integrates with the radio, just like the OEM nav system. It's a pretty slick system, so with the base price + shipping the car is $36,255, then add the nav system $800, this is how you get the $37,055 price. So it is possible to get a base C250, and the dealer I posted has many of them.

#15623 of 16087 Re: b8 S4 vs G37x vs GS350 vs random [bunit23] by flightnurse

Feb 07, 2013 (8:51 am)

Replying to: bunit23 (Feb 06, 2013 4:19 pm)
I know AWD isn't necessary in Texas, but I think it will be fun.
 
How will it be fun?

#15624 of 16087 Re: b8 S4 vs G37x vs GS350 vs random [andys120] by flightnurse

Feb 07, 2013 (8:56 am)

Replying to: andys120 (Feb 07, 2013 8:15 am)
I've had AWD, FWD and RWD and IMO most of the fun to be had with AWD is when driving in snow. For dry weather fun nothing beats a good RWD car.
 
Yeah, but it doesn't snow in San Antonio...

#15625 of 16087 Re: b8 S4 vs G37x vs GS350 vs random [graphicguy] by dino001

Feb 07, 2013 (9:21 am)

Replying to: graphicguy (Feb 07, 2013 7:59 am)
I'm an options fool, too. I don't buy those over the top stuff (like adaptive cruise control or lane departure thing) unless it is part of a discounted package. I am complete agnostic of wheels (never really understood why people care so much) and often would even prefer smaller rims, as they gove you more comfort, plus those really low profile tires look just stupid, IMHO. However, I want most items related to convenience, safety and sports suspension. I would not touch 3-series without their sports seat (their std. seats are terrible), I a fool for xenons and trully like the swiveling aspect of them. I'm a fool for a sunroof, fortunately it was standard on my wagon (and bigger, too). Parking sensors, keyless entry/start - yes please, especially that it was offered in one big package with two or three other things. Navigation - first I didn't want it, then they dropped the price by about $600 (they actually dropped the price of premium package, when it was combined with nav), so I took it. I like the screen, I like the routing, I despise the POI search (totally subpar in comparison to Garmin). Voice control came with it, doesn't work very well, especially in addresses (1 out of 5).
 
I don't need all the appearance stuff, but I appreciate them. I opted out of M-package, but there are times I look back and second guess it. I saw a M-pack 328 wagon same color and year on a picture and it looked even better than mine. Don't know if it was 2 grand better, but it was better.
 
Yeah, I'm a fool.

#15626 of 16087 Re: Another ELLPS enters the ring.... [flightnurse] by dino001

Feb 07, 2013 (9:38 am)

Replying to: flightnurse (Feb 07, 2013 8:50 am)
Dino I think we are getting away from the original post that you stated, to something about not being able to find a base model on the lot
 
I did not say that at all, or to be precise, don't have recollection of that being my intention. My original post was in reference to leather vs. MBTex. I believed you stated you can have a leather C250 for $37K, quoting some Phoenix dealer and I responded that it was impossible cause you can't have leather without crossing 40 grand. We must have misunderstood each other.

#15627 of 16087 Re: b8 S4 vs G37x vs GS350 vs random [flightnurse] by dino001

Feb 07, 2013 (9:37 am)

Replying to: flightnurse (Feb 07, 2013 8:51 am)
I had '03 WRX and later '08 STI. I live in Florida, similar to Tx. I loved them. The fun is on ramps, tight corners. The neutral feel in the middle of the turn and "forgiving" nature is unbeatable. The 03 WRX didn't have traction control, but I never needed it, even in big rain, even when tires got a bit worned out. It gave me plenty of warning and self correction just by easing on throttle. I have a RWD 328 now. I love it, too. It is different, but it is not as neutral, especially on corner entries. I love to hit the throttle half way through the turn, but it is classic "slow in/fast out" scheme. AWD gives you ability to come in too fast and still correct in the middle, keep the control and come out of the turn in decent terms.

Messages Page 1563 of 1609

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