- #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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- #8969 of 10007
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Re: Need advise on what to buy please!
by danny318
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Jan 02, 2007 (6:49 am)
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Replying to: psychh (Dec 30, 2006 9:54 pm)
Thanks very much to all who have provided advise and insight. This past weekend I tested the Volvo S80 (AWD), Lexus GS350 (AWD), Caddy STS V8 (AWD), and the Mercedes ML320. The SUV was not really where I was looking, but the AWD combined with their new diesel had me interested. I still plan on checking out the Audi A6, Acura RL and the Infinity M class before making my choice.
The Volvo was a blast to drive and was very comfortable, the Lexus not as powerful, but just beautiful inside and out, the Caddy turned me off (rude salesperson, thumping noise on the front left, not thrilled with the styling either). The Merc was impressive...their new diesel was quiet and really jumped when you asked it to. Considering the mileage I'm faced with (35-40K per year) I'm leaning toward the diesel as I think it'll have a longer life span.
I'll be back with final decision by next week (for anyone who cares), and thank you all again for your time and thoughts.
Happy New Year
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- #8970 of 10007
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Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [danny318]
by allagaroo
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Jan 02, 2007 (7:37 am)
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Replying to: danny318 (Jan 02, 2007 6:49 am)
You must have driven the S80 8 cylinder, right? The 303hp lexus is quick. Was the Volvo technology on a par with the Lexus? I don't like the idea that the Volvo AWD is based on front wheel drive and has FWD emphasis. Haven't driven it and I am interested in your comments after you drive the M. I've ruled out the RL. Right now I'm between the GS and the M35X.
Jerry
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- #8971 of 10007
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Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [danny318]
by lexusguy
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Jan 02, 2007 (7:52 am)
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Replying to: danny318 (Jan 02, 2007 6:49 am)
Considering the mileage I'm faced with (35-40K per year) I'm leaning toward the diesel as I think it'll have a longer life span.
Considering its a 'Bama Mercedes, you're probably going to run into electrical problems and other issues LONG before any engine problems show up. If you like the ML, drive the X5. It's just a better car in every way. The FX35 is also worth looking at. Nissan VQs last forever.
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- #8972 of 10007
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Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [allagaroo]
by lexusguy
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Jan 02, 2007 (8:06 am)
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Replying to: allagaroo (Jan 02, 2007 7:37 am)
You must have driven the S80 8 cylinder, right? The 303hp lexus is quick. Was the Volvo technology on a par with the Lexus? I don't like the idea that the Volvo AWD is based on front wheel drive and has FWD emphasis.
Perhaps the S80's torque advantage makes it "feel" stronger off the line, but the GS350 is the faster car, at least to 60mph. With most AWD cars, you really can't tell where the torque is in normal driving conditions. The Volvo's system despite being almost entirely FWD still eliminates any torque steer, which is a big problem with their T5 FWD cars.
The only AWD cars in the class that are willing to oversteer like a RWD car are the M35x and the 530xi, although I haven't driven a GS AWD with VDIM turned off. Even then, it wouldn't be as fun or have the control of the M or 5.
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- #8973 of 10007
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Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [lexusguy]
by lansdownemike
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Jan 02, 2007 (8:58 am)
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Replying to: lexusguy (Jan 02, 2007 8:06 am)
I'm sure you're right that it's the S80's torque. The V8 AWD really pulls in low rpms, and strangely enough, that's where I usually need it since I don't do track days. You're right about the lack of torque steer. In a 20 minute drive I felt none. Also, for me, the lack of RWD oversteer is just fine. After driving AWD and 4WD vehicles for 25 years, I really prefer the precision of going where I'm pointing without any "funny business," and it seems that the Volvo delivers that. (My X5 does that extremely well for an SUV.)
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