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Buying Luxury used cars

411 messages,  Last post on Jul 13, 2009 at 10:22 AM

You are in the Classic Cars Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright

What is this discussion about? Classic Cars, Coupe, Convertible, Truck, Sedan, Wagon


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#359 of 411
Re: Here is a nice example [andre1969] by fezo
May 19, 2009 (3:55 pm)
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Replying to: andre1969 (May 19, 2009 3:30 pm)

The good thing about pictures from Andre's mechanic's lot is that he doesn't have to identify that as such. One look and you know.
 
Vapor lock! That brings back a lovely memory of learning what it was and how to fix it on the side of the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut in my mom's 56 Buick. Luckily a guy pulled right up behind us, explained the whole thing and had us back on the road.
#360 of 411
Re: Here is a nice example [andre1969] by fintail
May 19, 2009 (3:57 pm)
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Replying to: andre1969 (May 19, 2009 3:30 pm)

2 grand is probably harmless if it runs and drives, and that rust isn't structural. There's not a lot of upside with an unrestored 108 sedan, but there aren't many classier drivers/beaters in existence.
 
"Needs dialing in" sounds like code for "the FI is messed up and I can't figure it out"...but maybe all it needs is a tune up and timing work.
 
I had no second thoughts about putting electronic ignition in my fintail. It was still my daily driver at the time, and it's not some Pebble Beach-bound concours competitor, it's just a well kept old car. Driveability can trump originality, especially where few people will ever see it. The car started getting balky in damp weather, and that combined with the constant chore of maintaining the points made the decision easy for me. It's been pretty much problem free since.
 
I think when it comes to repair costs,your old NYer is a wiser choice. Although, there's no reason why couldn't have them both...
#361 of 411
Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque by hpmctorque
May 19, 2009 (7:05 pm)
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My delayed response to my question, and to shifty's and fintail's answers(all posted below) is, how I wish BMW and Mercedes would offer decontented versions of the 3 and 5 Series, and C and E Classes, respectively. Just imagine how appealing such cars would be if they weren't so high maintenance. I wouldn't miss that leading edge electronic stuff, but I'd be ecstatic about owning a reliable example of these cars that's not a money pit after the warranty expires. I'll bet there are others who feel the same as me. Maybe these are available in other markets.
    
"Given their premium pricing, why can't Audi, BMW and Mercedes match the Japanese luxury brands on reliability and durability, other than engines? I suppose the cynical answer would be with another question, such as 'why can't the Japanese make a car that feels as good to drive as a BMW?' There's got to be a better answer, however."
      
Replies to this message:
Mr_Shiftright (May 18, 2009 2:25 pm)
fintail (May 18, 2009 2:37 pm)
Mr_Shiftright (May 18, 2009 3:00 pm)
  
#326 of 360 Re: Why? [hpmctorque] (Mr_Shiftright) HOST May 18, 2009 (2:25 pm)
 
"Too complex/ over-engineered?"
      
  
#327 of 360 Re: Why? [Mr_Shiftright] (fintail)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (May 18, 2009 2:25 pm)
 
"Germans seem to have a 'innovation for the sake of innovation' mindset when it comes to automotive electrics - which means results are mixed at best. Germans are engine builders, not electronic gadgetry builders, it seems."
#362 of 411
Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [hpmctorque] by fintail
May 19, 2009 (7:27 pm)
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Replying to: hpmctorque (May 19, 2009 7:05 pm)

Decontented Euro-style options would be very cool - manual transmission cloth interior cars with manual climate control etc. But I am certain the marketing types would reject the idea, as they are very image conscious, and their Japanese competitors don't offer such cars. They might see a lowline car as damaging image.
 
MB and BMW both started out in NA with more spartan models and the cars were a lot less complex until the mid 90s. Since then, everything we get is loaded by Euro standards.
#363 of 411
Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [fintail] by lemmer
May 20, 2009 (5:41 am)
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Replying to: fintail (May 19, 2009 7:27 pm)

The other thing is decontenting wouldn't fix a lot of the issues I am seeing on used BMWs. They have weak cooling systems, suspensions that don't last to 100K (shocks are the one thing, but the whole front suspension), radio displays that crap out, etc.
 
On the other hand, I've decided that I'd rather have BMW vinyl than leather. It looks just as good and holds up far better.
 
As for me personally, I have just about given up on finding a decent sub $10K BMW. I am leaning towards an '03 G35, but part of me just wants to give up and buy a Lexus. I wonder if an ES300 with a great set of tires really feels significantly worse than a BMW in my daily drive to work.
#364 of 411
Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [lemmer] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
May 20, 2009 (5:45 am)
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Replying to: lemmer (May 20, 2009 5:41 am)

the Lexus is a fine car but a mush-bucket to drive IMO. Bilstein shocks, excellent tires, some sway bar bushings, and better exhaust note might make a better faux BMW out of it however. That sounds like $1500 bucks or so.
#365 of 411
Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [Mr_Shiftright] by lemmer
May 20, 2009 (6:29 am)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (May 20, 2009 5:45 am)

Have you ever driven a G35? They aren't mushy, but they just can't seem to get the "driving experience" details down like BMW does.
#366 of 411
Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [lemmer] by texases
May 20, 2009 (6:37 am)
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Replying to: lemmer (May 20, 2009 5:41 am)

While you'll enjoy the smooth ride and good interior of an ES, it'll never be near a BMW in handling. (I wish, I've looked into it for mine). But I'm commuting in Dallas, so it's a better fit for me. It's a Camry that's been improved in every way, but with no emphasis put on performance. The FWD character will always be there. I've put Avid H4s tires on mine, it's fine, but far from a performance sedan. Tire Rack lists no performance shocks for mine, nor for a 2003 ES. So I think you'd be better off with a G35, plenty of performance parts for it.
#367 of 411
Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [lemmer] by fintail
May 20, 2009 (6:46 am)
Reply

Replying to: lemmer (May 20, 2009 5:41 am)

For MB, a lot of problems seem to come from gadgetry. The lowline cars are still used as taxis in Europe, that tells me in more basic form they are durable. But when the beta-version "tech" is slathered on the cars we get, the problems can arise.
 
Regarding the Lexus, maybe a GS would be easier to tune for driving enjoyment?
#368 of 411
Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [fintail] by lemmer
May 20, 2009 (8:08 am)
Reply

Replying to: fintail (May 20, 2009 6:46 am)

You are right about the GS. I think it is definitely a better choice for performance.

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