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Luxury Performance Sedans

9978 messages,  Last post on Nov 02, 2009 at 1:30 PM

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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

#9710 of 9978 Re: help! [cdnpinhead] A4 [markcincinnati] [lexusguy] [markcincinnati] [lexusguy] by markcincinnati Jan 25, 2009 (8:37 am)
Replying to: lexusguy (Jan 24, 2009 10:14 am) Here is an observation: the A4 3.2 appears to be able to be priced against the 328xi -- and if you HAVE to have 6 cylinders, the A4 3.2 apparently shows well against the 328xi (assuming both are comparably loaded up with options.)   Of course the issue that can be legitmately brought up is that it is quite easy to pump up the A4 2.0T's price above $50K -- but due to the way low down torque of the turbo motor, the A4 is still performance competitive with the 328xi (in fact it is able to out perform the 328xi.) So, what does the 3.2 compete with? It is only able to pull well from idle due to a shorter final drive ratio (than the 2.0T -- which of course further decreases its economy.)   You can easily equip a 335xi for under $50K, too and in that instance neither the 2.0T or the 3.2 are able to keep up if straight line acceleration means anything to you. Then there is the upcoming 3.0T S4 which if priced closer to the 335xi would make a persuasive argument.   But the S4, no doubt, will be a wonderful and superior performer but at thousands more than the 335xi.   I remember the old days where there were two or three models in the lines of each of the German maker's cars that were brought to the US. There was a 2.8A6 and up the ladder a 2.7TA6 and a 4.2A6 (and there was even an S6 avant) -- BMW had its comparable 5 series models and things seem so clear.   The S4 is no M3, that is saved for the RS4, but then what purpose in the lineup does the 3.2 actually serve. I just config'd a 2009 A6 and once again there are two versions of the 6 the 3.2 and the 3.0T and then there's the apparently redundant (but way more $$$$) 4.2. I don't get it -- why bother with a lineup that doesn't progress in performance as you take the next dollar step up?   At least BMW's approach makes sense.   Oh, to heck with it, the 2.0T A4 is a great car, better than the 328xi in terms of performance, size, features and lux. But the poor 3.2 seems so out of touch. Replies to this message: lexusguy (Feb 04, 2009 2:02 pm)
#9711 of 9978 press request by kirstie_h HOST Feb 04, 2009 (11:52 am)
A reporter is looking to talk with consumers who have considered purchasing a luxury car in the past, but would not do so currently because of the economy, or consumers who have traded-in their luxury vehicle. Please send your email address and phone number to ctalatiedmunds.com by Friday, February 6, 2008.
#9712 of 9978 Re: help! [cdnpinhead] A4 [markcincinnati] [lexusguy] [markcincinnati] [lexusguy] [markcincinnati] by lexusguy Feb 04, 2009 (2:02 pm)
Replying to: markcincinnati (Jan 25, 2009 8:37 am) I just config'd a 2009 A6 and once again there are two versions of the 6 the 3.2 and the 3.0T and then there's the apparently redundant (but way more $$$$) 4.2. I don't get it -- why bother with a lineup that doesn't progress in performance as you take the next dollar step up?   I configed an '09 A6... what happened to all the options? It seems like you have your choice of Premium/Premium Plus/Prestige and that's basically it. Where's the sport suspension option and everything else?
#9713 of 9978 Re: help! [cdnpinhead] A4 [markcincinnati] by blckislandguy Feb 15, 2009 (12:02 pm)
Replying to: markcincinnati (Jan 23, 2009 11:00 am) Mark, thanks for the nice comparo between your new A4 and the earlier A6. Not much to add other than I occasionally look at the A6 as an alternative to the E Class or a 5 Series. So for what it is worth, here is an interesting design issue. A frend of mine has an older A6 with the 3.0 V6. Nothing fancy nor exotic. Certainly not the twin turbo 2.7 engine. Just something to go to Trader Joe's in with a little more elan than a silver Camry. She likes the look of the A6 and the all weather ability of the quattro here in New England.   Last week she had the normal 100,000 mile service done. The car was running well and she just wanted to keep to the factory maintenance schedule. Everything went smoothly except that on an A6 the entire front bumper and front end have to come off to get access to the water pump and the front end idler assemblies and timing chain. A minor oil leak from the one of the four (!) cams necessitated a new cam seal. Naturally, the crank seal was also done. What did this "normal" service cost? $2000!. The mechanics all said to us that they had seen frequent timing component failure as early as 105,000 miles. Does Audi pay for the 100,000 mile service on a CPO vehicle? If Audi wouldn't pay this service under the CPO plan, why buy a CPO Audi?   That Audi would install a four cam engine with a fragile timing set-up as their standard duty A6 sedan engine is, frankly, nuts. Apparently the design of the MB and BMW timing components and far fewer camshafts, is much better and allow for up to 300,000 miles of service before the valves hit the head.   As a side note, the well regarded indy mechanic who did the work commented that the aftermarket cam and crank seals that he originally ordered from the local imported auto parts store, were far inferior to the OEM dealer seals he eventually used. He commented also that Audi calls for mechanics to set the service interval light to come on at different intervals depending on the type of lube oil (synthetic or dino) installed. I am surprised. In my experience, other manufacturers don't make that distinction. Replies to this message: lexusguy (Feb 15, 2009 4:51 pm)
#9714 of 9978 Re: help! [cdnpinhead] A4 [markcincinnati] [blckislandguy] by lexusguy Feb 15, 2009 (4:51 pm)
Replying to: blckislandguy (Feb 15, 2009 12:02 pm) Does Audi pay for the 100,000 mile service on a CPO vehicle? If Audi wouldn't pay this service under the CPO plan, why buy a CPO Audi?   Audi doesn't pay for any scheduled maintenance for a CPO vehicle. They only cover warranty repairs. Anything considered a "wear" item will not be covered. This is the same across the board. If you expect BMW to pay for your services at 100K, you're dreaming. If an Audi is still under Audicare when its purchased, that will be in effect until the normal warranty is up.   The last gen C5 A6 was an expensive car to maintain. Sure it's a lot nicer to drive than a Camry, but that's the downside. An E or 5 of similar vintage is likely to be just as pricey to keep running.   If you use the top grade synthetic oil, you can go buy when the computer says its time to come in for a change. If you use the normal stuff, you have to come in every 10.
#9715 of 9978 Lux Comparision by sean35 Feb 16, 2009 (1:21 pm)
I LOVE the Mercedes E-class. Bought an '06 E350 and its the best. The Audi A6 is okay, but it should really be rear-wheel drive. I love the daytime running lights on the A6, that really looks cool. The BMW 535i is nice, but ridiculous insurance rates. I'm not a huge Acura RL fan, they're overpriced and really nothing special. I don't care for Volvos so the S80 is just whatever. I REALLY hate Cadillacs, so the STS just sucks. Lexus GS is a pretty nice car, and not a bad price, and same goes for the Infiniti. I would have to say the Mercedes is worth the money, though. Please respond, I'd love to hear everyone's opinions. Replies to this message: houdini1 (Feb 16, 2009 1:42 pm) sean35 (Feb 19, 2009 3:16 pm) houdini1 (Feb 19, 2009 3:33 pm) lexusguy (Feb 16, 2009 2:04 pm) sean35 (Feb 20, 2009 12:49 pm) lexusguy (Feb 20, 2009 2:07 pm)
#9716 of 9978 Re: Lux Comparision [sean35] by houdini1 Feb 16, 2009 (1:42 pm)
Replying to: sean35 (Feb 16, 2009 1:21 pm) Hi Sean. You look like a fairly new member so welcome aboard. The E is a nice car but of the ones you mentioned I would take the GS. I feel the GS, however is overpriced, but a nice car.   I own an 06 LS so that is my pick of the litter. You can buy a great 06 CPO LS for much less than a new GS. A no brainer in my book.   I have owned a couple of Mercedes and the two I owned were pretty good cars so I am sure you will enjoy your E Class. Replies to this message: sean35 (Feb 19, 2009 3:16 pm) houdini1 (Feb 19, 2009 3:33 pm)
#9717 of 9978 Re: Lux Comparision [sean35] by lexusguy Feb 16, 2009 (2:04 pm)
Replying to: sean35 (Feb 16, 2009 1:21 pm) The Audi A6 is okay, but it should really be rear-wheel drive.   Then it wouldn't be an Audi. Aside from class leading interiors, Quattro (the real torsen full-time system, not the Haldex slip-induced setup used in the VW platform mates) is what makes Audis what they are. The next generation A6 due in 2011 I believe should be superb. I'm a big fan of the Infiniti M, and I think the next one which will show about the same time as the A6 will also be brilliant.   I can't get past the styling of the 5 series, and I've never been a fan of the RL or the STS. The S80, like the last one, only makes sense as a used car. Residual values of big Volvos always crater, and they can be found at a year old for $30K. The quality of the GS when it was introduced was shockingly poor, though it seems to have gotten better for '08. When the M is so much more fun to drive, better looking, and much more comfortable though, I still see no reason to buy a GS.   I would be too nervous about M-B's lousy quality control from '00-'06 to buy anything from those years. The number of lemon law buyback SLs I've seen in particular from that period are just incredible. Aside from that, I just find the E to be a bit bland, though compared to the abomination that is the brand new E, the old one looks gorgeous. Replies to this message: sean35 (Feb 20, 2009 12:49 pm) lexusguy (Feb 20, 2009 2:07 pm)
#9718 of 9978 Re: Lux Comparision [houdini1] by sean35 Feb 19, 2009 (3:16 pm)
Replying to: houdini1 (Feb 16, 2009 1:42 pm) I have always loved the Lexus LS since it became the 430. It is amazing how much cheaper a certified pre owned car is than a brand new car. The E-class is half the price as an 06 or 07. How do you like your LS? They are just full of features. Lexus does make some pretty amazing cars. I had an RX330, and it was great, but was wrecked in an accident. We had a toyota avalon and now the mercedes. While I was recently at the Lexus dealer for my dad's Passat W8, I sat in an LS460L and it is an amazing car!   Nice to hear from you, you seem very intelligent, not someone who just adds stupid, thoughtless comments. Replies to this message: houdini1 (Feb 19, 2009 3:33 pm)
#9719 of 9978 Re: Lux Comparision [sean35] by houdini1 Feb 19, 2009 (3:33 pm)
Replying to: sean35 (Feb 19, 2009 3:16 pm) Sean, all dealers are DESPERATE to sell cars right now, so if you are in the market there are some great deals to be had.   A late model LS, IMO, is the best car and buy on the planet right now. I bought my '06 last Nov for $34,500., 29,000 miles and it has been fantastic. Best car I have owned and I have owned a lot of cars.   A Lexus Certified Used Car comes with basically a new car warranty (3 years or 100,000 miles) not just the power train but bumper to bumper so you don't risk anything there.   Cash is king right now (if you happen to have any ) so you can really get a good deal. Check one out and make a ridiculous offer and you might be surprised.

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