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Luxury Performance Sedans

10007 messages,  Last post on Dec 01, 2009 at 7:40 AM

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What is this discussion about? Lexus GS 430, Acura RL, BMW 5 Series, Volvo S80, Audi A6, Infiniti M35, Infiniti M45, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS, Sedan

#9223 of 10007 Used vehicle choice, MB 320 CDI vs BMW 530 vs Audi A6 3.2 Quattro by briantucson Apr 02, 2007 (5:53 pm)
All,   I've been reading Edmunds boards for awhile, but have never posted a question.   I'll very soon be in the market for a vehicle, but my pockets aren't deep enough for either of these three vehicles new. However, an '05 320 CDI or '05 530, or '06 A6 does fall within my budget, and I'm looking for suggestions.   About myself, professionally employed (engineer), mid 40's, who buys and holds vehicles (I expect to keep this purchase for at least 10 years, and have no interest in a lease). Wife, no kids, but want a rear seat large for the occasionally visiting aging parents and passengers.   Driving habits. Let's see, I gave up performing the stupid stunts I do see on the roadway, but I do enjoy fine machinery. Zero to 60 in 4.0 doesn't interest me (much), but having a somewhat thrilling commute does (not all pleasure is found experiencing g-forces). Most miles are commuting in town, with the occasional highway runs.   Any long-term owners care to chime in about what to expect during a prolonged stay with these vehicles? I'm aware that all three will be expensive to maintain in the long run, but I'm willing and able to do so as long as I enjoy the ride.   I'm deliberately leaving out my own preferences and prejudices, as I'd like to hear what you have to say. Replies to this message: james27 (Apr 02, 2007 7:36 pm) kivi (Apr 02, 2007 8:03 pm) uglybear (Apr 02, 2007 8:18 pm) habitat1 (Apr 03, 2007 3:30 am) pat (Apr 03, 2007 4:56 am) lexusguy (Apr 03, 2007 5:24 am) aflc (Apr 03, 2007 10:24 am) markcincinnati (Apr 04, 2007 4:15 am) rayainsw (Apr 04, 2007 5:48 am) dewey (Apr 04, 2007 1:05 pm) james27 (Apr 04, 2007 2:19 pm) and 1 more...
#9224 of 10007 Re: Used vehicle choice, MB 320 CDI vs BMW 530 vs Audi A6 3.2 Quattro [briantucson] by james27 Apr 02, 2007 (7:36 pm)
Replying to: briantucson (Apr 02, 2007 5:53 pm) Pretty much any of these cars are a major investment after the warranty runs out. I'd be very leary about keeping any of those cars for 10 more years. Part of the problem is limited quantity, expensive parts, not inexpensive labor for someone that is more than a corner hack. Each of these cars requires a lot of training and equipment to both diagnose and repair other than some of the simple things. Personally, the days of keeping a car for a long time without significant expenses are maybe limited to the less expensive, less well endowed vehicles without all sorts of electronics and safety systems. Some of them are just too much for the corner shop to handle, and quite expensive to keep going.
#9225 of 10007 Re: Used vehicle choice, MB 320 CDI vs BMW 530 vs Audi A6 3.2 Quattro [briantucson] by kivi Apr 02, 2007 (8:03 pm)
Replying to: briantucson (Apr 02, 2007 5:53 pm) No way would I plan on keeping these new high tech cars for 10years or more. Perfect example of why not is my father-in-laws Mercedes S430 which is now 2 years out of warranty. It has been a great car until the out of warranty repair bills started rolling in. In the last 4 months it has cost over $10,000 to replace the auto-leveling airmatic suspension system on the car. Two weeks ago the NAV/radio/CD control system died. The part alone is almost $7,000 (Canadian). Our new M35x is due to arrive in two weeks, and in 4 years and 2 weeks we will be returning it to infiniti. It will be time for a new car. Replies to this message: uglybear (Apr 02, 2007 8:18 pm)
#9226 of 10007 Re: Used vehicle choice, MB 320 CDI vs BMW 530 vs Audi A6 3.2 Quattro [kivi] by uglybear Apr 02, 2007 (8:18 pm)
Replying to: kivi (Apr 02, 2007 8:03 pm) Don't compare MB to Infiniti or Lexus. MB is at the bottom of the quality list while Ininiti and Lexus are at the top. 8 years old Lexus on average has LESS problems than NEW Mercedes. So if you are planning to keep the car for 10 years, buy Lexus.
#9227 of 10007 Re: Used vehicle choice, MB 320 CDI vs BMW 530 vs Audi A6 3.2 Quattro [briantucson] by habitat1 Apr 03, 2007 (3:30 am)
Replying to: briantucson (Apr 02, 2007 5:53 pm) As others have said, the maintenance and repairs for the cars you have listed could make a 10 year hold an expensive proposition.   That said, I'd consider an Acura RL over the Audi A6. I own a 2004 TL 6-speed and it's quicker and more fun to drive than the RL, but not as luxurious. The RL has been a very tough sell for Acura, so good deals should be available.   I enjoy driving BMW's much more than Mercedes, but the E320CDI is a solid car, IMO. My marketing director put 80,000 miles on a E300 Turbodiesel before trading it on a E320 CDI in 2005. The new car is quicker, gets even better mileage and still drives like new at 40,000 miles.   I'd consider an extended warranty for any of the cars you are considering. Like you, I prefer to keep my cars for a long time. Still have a 1995 Maxima w/ 155k miles stationed at our second home. But after taking my 18 month old 911S in for a malfunctioning passenger power seat, and hearing that the cost out of warranty to replace a simple switch would have been $1,000, I will either give it up at 4 years or get an extended warranty. Too many electronic gadgets in these cars that will break long before the basic mechanicals give out. Replies to this message: pat (Apr 03, 2007 4:56 am)

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