- #8959 of 10007
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Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [tamparl]
by uglybear
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Dec 29, 2006 (5:01 pm)
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Replying to: tamparl (Dec 26, 2006 12:43 pm)
I recently tested RL, A6 3.2 and 530xi. Problem with RL is that it is really not worth its original MSRP of $49K or so. For $50K one may have very nicely equipped Audi A6 with features not available in RL. Here is my list of issues in RL (as $50K car - it is fine as $40K car).
1. Engine. Although it claims 300hp, you drive torque, not horsepower. And RL torque is not that high and peaks at 5000rpm. This means car does not feel quick unless you really step on it.
2. 5 speed transmission. Everyon ein 50K+ segment offers 6sp or more.
3. Only 8 way driver seat. Even *basic* BMW seat adjusts 10 ways and contour seats do it 20 ways.
4. Only 4-way adjustment for passenger seat. Is this a joke?
5. Acura says, everything is included. But is not not! RL simply does not have options every luxury car has. Where are rain sensing wipers? Heated rear seats? Parking sensors or rear camera? Night vision? High-grade leather? iPod integration? Heated steering wheel? Headlight washers? Multi stage front heated seats? Ventilated seats?
It feels like Acura decided to cut costs all over the place. It does not make me feel good spending 50K.
Audi is better is that sense, although in places I see too much sharing between Volkswagen and Audi. Even look is getting closer. Luxury car should not be reminding about lower end segment of the same company.
However, I like Audi interior, features and performance. I would take Audi if it did not have that light servotronic steering. I have test-driven A6 three times and still hate that variable assist. I am read-blooded male so I don't need that steering that thinks I am a newborn baby or 70 yo little lady.
As much as I hate spending 10K extra, and not being a fan of Chris Bangle, I will probably buy 530xi.
I never considered Infiniti or Lexus as I don't M look or Lexus isolation. I do like look of Infiniti FX though (and we do own one).
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- #8960 of 10007
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Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [uglybear]
by lexusguy
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Dec 29, 2006 (6:01 pm)
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Replying to: uglybear (Dec 29, 2006 5:01 pm)
I agree with you on the RL. Its actually not even 300hp anymore, its down to 290 after the change to the new SAE spec. The Lexus 3.5L just stomps all over it, smoother, more fuel efficient, more power, more torque. Acura needs to start turbocharging across their entire line if they don't want to come in last place in every acceleration test.
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- #8961 of 10007
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Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [uglybear]
by lansdownemike
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Dec 29, 2006 (6:27 pm)
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Replying to: uglybear (Dec 29, 2006 5:01 pm)
Any reason you're not looking at the new Volvo S80? I'm comparing the S80 V8 AWD against the Audi A6 V6 and V8 and the Infiniti M V6 and V8. On paper the Volvo compares very well against both. Inside, it feels as good and has a comparable if slightly different set of special features. I'm driving the V8 tomorrow (drove the V6 last week) and will make a decision then, but it's worth a look, especially now that they're appearing in dealer showrooms.
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- #8962 of 10007
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Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [lansdownemike]
by uglybear
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Dec 29, 2006 (7:33 pm)
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Replying to: lansdownemike (Dec 29, 2006 6:27 pm)
S80 is an interesting car with excellent features, like Blind Spot Information System. It is also well priced and nicely equipped cost less than, say, A6 4.2 Quattro. However, I am not looking for V8 car and AWD is only available with V8. V8 with AWD will yield probably 15-16 MPG at best (it is Ford engine, as far as I know). 530xi does 21-22 in real world. It is a personal choice, and while I am not Prius fanatic, I don't think V8 is really that necessary for daily driving either. S80 is not a sports car anyway.
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- #8963 of 10007
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Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [uglybear]
by lexusguy
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Dec 29, 2006 (10:20 pm)
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Replying to: uglybear (Dec 29, 2006 7:33 pm)
V8 with AWD will yield probably 15-16 MPG at best (it is Ford engine, as far as I know). 530xi does 21-22 in real world.
Actually, the V8 in the Volvo is built by Yamaha. Ford only has two V8s that they build in-house, and they are both truck engines. The Lincoln LS engine was derived from Jaguar's AJ-V8. The S80 V8 is rated 17\25, which is similar to some of the less efficient V6s in the class, like the RL and M.
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- #8964 of 10007
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Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [uglybear]
by houdini1
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Dec 30, 2006 (12:34 pm)
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Replying to: uglybear (Dec 29, 2006 5:01 pm)
The RL actually sells for around $41K. It is a pretty good car at that price. IMO. I agree with you on some of the short comings but the RL has a great steering feel and drives pretty good. If you haven't actually driven one you should.
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- #8965 of 10007
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Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [houdini1]
by uglybear
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Dec 30, 2006 (2:54 pm)
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Replying to: houdini1 (Dec 30, 2006 12:34 pm)
Totally agree - it is excellent offering at $41K. I did test drive it.
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- #8966 of 10007
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Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [uglybear]
by lexusguy
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Dec 30, 2006 (3:08 pm)
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Replying to: uglybear (Dec 30, 2006 2:54 pm)
Totally agree - it is excellent offering at $41K. I did test drive it.
I'm not sure thats true. I'd rather have an '06 Infiniti M for the same money.
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- #8967 of 10007
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2007 M35X
by jmc07
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Dec 30, 2006 (8:04 pm)
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Bought a Black on Black 2007 M35X in late September. I am extremely pleased with the car. Everything works. It is very comfortable. It roars. It certainly is not a laid back lux. I have a hard time not hitting it every time I am in it.
I give it an enthusiatic thumbs up.
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- #8968 of 10007
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Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [houdini1]
by psychh
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Dec 30, 2006 (9:54 pm)
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Replying to: houdini1 (Dec 30, 2006 12:34 pm)
I have had an RL for about 9 months, and I love the car more each day. Dealer has been outstanding and I have not had a single regret...I think we got a remarkable car that we would have clearly chosen over the usual competition even if it had not been a good $6,000 less. I don't know if snow driving is a consideration, but the SH-AWD is wonderful. I just recently had my first chance to drive the RL on snow, and it was simply terrific. (Note I do have snows on it - and they are expensive as only Pirelli makes a snow in the RL's unusual tire size, but given the bargain we got on the car I splurged!) Only downside I have seen with the RL is that it is strictly a 4 person car and trunk size is not great. But the technology has been flawless, we enjoy the style and the class of the interior, and I find the drive to be tight, fun, and powerful.
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