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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 983 of 1626

#9819 of 16251 Re: ELLPS Perceived Quality Rating - Poll [habitat1] by circlew

May 01, 2007 (9:01 am)

Replying to: habitat1 (May 01, 2007 5:59 am)
I can't believe you asked a card carrying UAW member that question??
 
It was a reality test!
 
1. 2003 Lincoln LS
2. 1988 Lincoln MVII LSC
3. BMW 330 XI
HUGE GAP
4. 1994 Chevy Suburban
5. 1997 Pontiac GP GTP
6. 1977 Pontiac GP
7. 1968 Dodge Dart GT
8. 1966 Pontiac LeMans
 
I rated the 330 lower than Lincoln because of the wiring harness repair at 5K miles. Other than that, and the RFT debauchery, the car has been great at 18K miles and the difference in driving dynamics of the German vs. the US brands is quite unbelievable until you feel it in the butt! But, alas, I lease to prevent financial ruin after 50K. That remains part of my quality perception.
 
We will NOT visit the financial collapse of depreciation expense at the end of their life cycles with my US fare!
 
Regards,
OW

#9820 of 16251 Re: ELLPS Perceived Quality Rating - Poll [circlew] by goodegg

May 01, 2007 (5:27 pm)

Replying to: circlew (May 01, 2007 9:01 am)
We will NOT visit the financial collapse of depreciation expense at the end of their life cycles with my US fare!
 
I assume you meant accumulated depreciation since the early years of an American cars' life carry most of the expense.
  
But if they cost less initially then......

#9821 of 16251 Re: Edwards [blueguydotcom] by oldcem

May 01, 2007 (7:13 pm)

Replying to: blueguydotcom (Apr 29, 2007 11:45 pm)
The $4K was to replace the tranny with a new one. When the tranny failed, it actually fractured the transmission housing. I agree with you - $4K to put a tranny in a 2 year old Vibe is ludicrous. That's why we went searching for a good used gearbox.
 
Regards:
OldCEM

#9822 of 16251 Re: Edwards [edwardsf] by oldcem

May 01, 2007 (7:23 pm)

Replying to: edwardsf (Apr 30, 2007 1:43 pm)
They may be getting worse, because they're getting so complex. The Oldsmobiles I used to buy, with the Turbo 400s and 350s, seemed to be bulletproof. In contrast, my 05 Chrysler pucked its automatic at 35K miles.
 
REgards:
OldCEM

#9823 of 16251 Re: ELLPS Perceived Quality Rating - Poll [circlew] by rockylee

May 01, 2007 (9:55 pm)

Replying to: circlew (May 01, 2007 5:30 am)
Rocky, why is Lexus so low on your list?
 
It wasn't really that low on my list. In fact if I was wealthy enough I'd have my order in on a LX 570
 
I think Lexus, automobiles are nice but they don't give you the value of the other's a head of it. As in value that is a personal issue as I'm going off of personal and experiences of family members that have owned these products. If I was rich as some of you and could afford a S-Class Benz, then maybe a LS460 might seem like the value buy. I'm not saying the LS, is a rip off because it's out of my reach but I think their are others like the STS that give you most of the LS/ BMW 5 series for $20K less. I also yes am a tad biased and like GM products better. Most all of us have a biased opinion based on experience, other factors.
 
-Rocky

#9824 of 16251 Re: ELLPS Perceived Quality Rating - Poll [habitat1] by rockylee

May 01, 2007 (10:03 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (May 01, 2007 5:59 am)
I can't believe you asked a card carrying UAW member that question??
 
I am not a card carrying UAW member habitat. I'm a Security Police Officer for the Dept. of Energy. I thought you knew that as you've visited my car space page once or twice in the past.
 
In any event, how about rather than rating perceptions (or in the case of Rocky, dilusions
 
I guess it's been a while since you have picked on me.
 
Well I think your very dilusional thinking your 95' Maxima, was/is a better car than your 04' TL 6-speed. Somebody bumped their head today.
 
-Rocky

#9825 of 16251 Re: ELLPS Perceived Quality Rating - Poll [leadfoot6] by circlew

May 02, 2007 (3:42 am)

Replying to: goodegg (May 01, 2007 5:27 pm)
LF, yes, accumulated depreciation.
 
Regards,
OW

#9826 of 16251 Re: ELLPS Perceived Quality Rating - Poll [rockylee] by circlew

May 02, 2007 (3:47 am)

Replying to: rockylee (May 01, 2007 9:55 pm)
Rocky,
 
I understand your value proposition but we were talking strictly perceived quality.
 
Regards,
OW

#9827 of 16251 Re: ELLPS Perceived Quality Rating - Poll [habitat1] by xrunner2

May 02, 2007 (6:48 am)

Replying to: habitat1 (May 01, 2007 5:59 am)
1. Nissan (1995 Maxima SE)
2. Honda (2002 S2000) / Porsche (2005 911S) (tie)
4. Toyota (1983 Supra)
5. Acura (2004 TL 6-speed)
 
Perhaps Habitat needs to keep 04 TL to same amount of miles as his Max to see how it stacks up.
 
Don't think that current Maxima is considered entry level lux perf, but I will add my 2 cents on it along with current gens Acuras.
 
Have a 97 Maxima SE with 181K miles on it and it has been mostly bullit proof. Recently had 2 oxygen sensors replaced on it. Other than normal maintainence (tires, batt, etc) it has been an outstanding car. Probably the best ever in my life. Also have a 2004 TL (80+K Miles) and it has had absolutely zero problems. Don't know if we will keep till 180K miles to see how it stacks up to Maxima.
 
Have some other vehicles including an 07 TL. Guess that is a comment on selecting from current crop of cars in this class. Did not consider 07 G35 or any other RWD because FWD for winter driving very important to us.
 
Years ago, we did consider and test drive 01 Max SE and later the redesigned 04 Max SE. We test drove those without sales persons on back roads and both wife and I concluded that our 97 Max handled better than the 01 or 04. Granted the 04 had a lot of HP, but it was too much HP for the chasis. One word to describe the 04 Max - ponderous. In both cases we opted for Acura TL - 01 and 04. The 01 TL had zero problems at trade-in with 70K miles.
 
Think that 95-99 gen of Maximas had higher quality, fit and finish, than later and current gens. Believe they were built in Japan and had higher levels of materials including the paint. When at Nissan dealer for oil changes over the years, would notice a lesser quality of paint finish and cheaper looking interiors on Maxs compared to the old 97.

#9828 of 16251 Re: ELLPS Perceived Quality Rating - Poll [xrunner2] by habitat1

May 02, 2007 (7:20 am)

Replying to: xrunner2 (May 02, 2007 6:48 am)
Your perception that the generation 4 Maxima (1995-1999) was higher quality than later generations is absolutely true. They were the last to be built in Japan. In the case of my 1995 w/ 155k miles, with a good wash and wax, it's finish looks better than just about any 2-3 year old American product. And, unfortunately, probably better than my US-built TL will look at 5-6 years, if I keep it that long.
 
Rocky, I would put my 1995 Maxima SE 5-speed as a relatively better car, for it's era and the price, than my 2004 TL 6-speed. No doubt the TL has a lot more gizmos, do-dads, updated interior etc. But when it comes to long term reliability and structural build quality, I think the 4th Generation Maxima, especially the 1995-1997 model years, were exceptional. Far superior to their competiton of that era - US built Camrys and Accords - and better than the TL of that day. I would even say, FWD notwithstanding - that they were competitive with the 189 hp 328i in performance. Unfortunately, Nissan screwed up the current Maxima so horribly that it bears no resemblence to the "4 door sports car" of 1995.

Messages Page 983 of 1626

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