What Car is Right For Me? Help Me Choose!

pat · January 2004

No problem - Terry will help you. I see you stopped by the Impala discussion as well!

anthonyhicklen · January 2004

I need to find a "Mid Size" sedan for my Mom that has a Split Bench Front Seat. A full size car is just to big for her. She has a 1998 Buick Century, but the 2004 Model looks almost identical. Any suggestions where I can find some sort of list of manufactures that offer this as an "option"

badgerfan · January 2004

Ford Taurus has optional split bench with a flip fold console. When closed the center can be used for a seat but I wouldn't put anyone there for any extended period of time, as all three front passengers would be very uncomfortable. With this option, you get a column mounted shifter. The "backrest" portion of the center area folds down, whether or not the seat cushion part is flipped open or not, and makes for a nice wide comfy right arm rest.

I have this in my Taurus and find the flip fold feature to be very useful. When it is opened up, since you do not have a floor shifter, there is more room in the console to place the cup holders further forward, making them easier to reach than floor mounted shifter versions.

She will find Taurus to be a bit stiffer ride than her old Century but no excessively so, with tighter handling than her Century. The car is built like a brick, solid and without gimmicks. Some will say it is rental car bland, but I could care less, it is a well built good looking car and a screaming bargain, whether you buy a base model or loaded up.

subtone · February 2004

Mazda3 ?
Subaru Impreza Wrx ?
Acura TSX

Ive been researching new autos for the last 3 months have a tough time deciding between these 3 great cars.
Im 37 years old no kids
Love the TSX looks & feel, has everything I need (its and Acura)
The Subaru is solid and fun to drive (very meaty looking)
The Mazda 3 is also fun and economical (value)

jmseattle · February 2004

You'll be sorry if you buy VW. Their dealer system is the worst I have ever experiened. I have to go in once for them to diagnose a problem, then go back a week or 10 days later when they get parts.

Can't get oil changes at Jiffy Lube or Oil Express. They don't have my filter there!

I have more electrical problems on my 7 year old car then I ever had on a 12 year old Toyota or GM or Mitsubishi.

DON'T BUY VW. You will live to regret it.

ghulet · February 2004

...afraid it's about time to help mom replace her '88 Mercedes 300E (finally!! 16 years old, 350k miles). She wants to spend around $20k, which isn't going to buy much of a used Mercedes (and none with a warranty). The following are priorities, in no particular order:

back seat legroom & trunk space
front or all-wheel drive for rural IN snow
crash safety
probably 6 cyl. (w/= or + power than 300E)
highway comfort (smooth ride, great seats)
relative luxury (no Nav, but sunroof & leather)
decent operating costs

Some possibilities:

used Volvo S80 (00 or newer)
used Buick LeSabre
new Accord or Camry, but $20k won't get V6

Any other suggestions? Am I missing something? You can e-mail if you want (see profile).

trip5soul · February 2004

I am going from a silverado 1500 ext. cab to a sedan but which one i have no idea! My wife and I recently took in her mother and her two younger brothers so with my daughter and the two other little in laws the ext. can just wont fit everyone so i am going to a sedan. Now I need one with a good size back seat one that an adult could sit in and be comfortable without having to share half another persons seat. I tried going to the compare at the left but it would only let me take 2004 and 2005, and my budget calls for more 2002 prices i have heard a few things about the chrysler concorde '02 , can anyone tell me if that a mistake waiting to happen and is $11,000 to much for one still under warranty with around 50k miles on it. and any other possible options would be greatly appreciated.
Steve

porknbeans · February 2004

In that price range and guessing that your mom is probably in the 50-60 year old bracket, I would suggest a Buick Century or LeSabre. You may also want to check out the Ford Crown Vic/Mercury Grand Marquis or the Lincoln Town Car. It isn't that I'm pushing the "American Iron" button here, I just think that you can get a lot of car for the money with the kind of ride that she may enjoy (based on the fact my parents are in the same age bracket). Having just come down to Chicago this last weekend I know that there are plenty of these vehicles around on the lots. Good luck.

porknbeans · February 2004

If you need a people hauler, sedan on a budget then I would again suggest the same as I did for ghulet. You may also want to check out a used minivan. I suggest this to expand your possibilities. I don't have any personal experience with Chrysler cars, but I did own a Dodge Durango and I have a hard time recommending Chrysler products to anyone.

JPham · February 2004

$20k can get you a nice '98-'99 E320 or even better: '00-'01 Acura RL.

pat · March 2004

Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2004 Survey is posted and ready for your input!

huntzinger · March 2004

Okay guys, I'm looking for advice.

My mother-in-law needs a new set of wheels.

Basic parameters are:

1) Must be an "American Made" product.
2) 4 door sedan
3) Budget is probably <$25K
4) No "Snowbirding"

She's in her 70's, doesn't have good night vision, and is living in Florida, so no need for 4WD, etc.

The reason for #1 is family politics, pure and simple.

The reasons for #2 is that she will want to be able to occasionally transport her grandkids, and while I agree that a Dodge minivan is a theoretical possibility, its probably a very long shot.

For #3 (budget), my Father-in-Law was in a nursing home, but is in the hospital, so their total household savings is under quite a drain, and won't get any better. If there's a choice in the 25-30K range, its not completely out of question, but the benefits must be huge to justify it. This means that stuff like leather interior are a non-starter.

And #4 means that there's no need to load up the trunk 1x/year to drive cross-country. Her luggage needs are close to zero, and a "long distance drive" is ~1 hour drive up to my wife's sister's house.

Thanks...I'm very interested to see what the suggestions are!

-hh

porknbeans · March 2004

My opinion is that there are 2 very easy choices and then several others to consider. The first would be the Buick Century. In my part of the country, new ones are going in the $18k range and what seasoned citizen wouldn't rather have a Buick? The second would be the Ford Taurus. New ones around here are going for $14-15k and one year old models are $9-10k. I think that both are wonderfully average cars that your mother-in-law would like and they are well below the financial requirement (something you may want to weigh very heavily if the hospital payments don't have any signs of improving). You might also want to consider a Chevy Malibu, Dodge Stratus or Olds Alero. Good luck and let us know what you choose.

ral2167 · March 2004

i'd go with a buick-- i think the century is being replaced by some new buick for 2005, so they're probably discounting century's left and right-- regals maybe, too.

if you can fool her into thinking the Avalon is a Chevy, that might be an option too.

huntzinger · March 2004

Well, the latest from my wife is:

1) She wants another Chevy

2) Something smaller than the Lumina.

I believe that this probably means something like the Malibu, which is available in a 4 door.

Its been awhile since I've had a Malibu as a rental car, and I don't really recall being "offended" by it (such as by a Neon or Cavalier)...any feedback comments on the car, and any twins it might have?

Thanks,

-hh

bulletproof · March 2004

Hi I'm looking to get a new car and these are my choices:

2001 Lexus LS430
2004 Chrysler Crossfire
2003 Lexus GS430
2003 BMW 3-Series
2003 Mercedes-Benz E320

Which one would you pick and why? If you don't see one on the list please give me a suggestion too.. I am a big guy and the cars I have sat into are 2004 Mini Cooper, 2004 Toyota Prius, in the Mini my legs were bent too much and I couldnt manuever my leg between the gas and the break without the steering wheel in the way.. In the Prius I couldn't even get into that.. My legs wouldnt go under the steering wheel.

nvbanker · March 2004

Personally, I'd get the LS430. There is no commonality to speak of in your option list, so I surmise it's price.

porknbeans · March 2004

My choice would be the 2003 Lexus GS430. A good mix of sport and luxury with bulletproof reliability.

savie · March 2004

my car just broke down so need replacement urgently. here's what i've got:

Escort98 83K, $3500, 1st owner
Escort97 53K, $3250, 2nd owner
Corrola96 89K, $3990, n/a

Camry LE 99 73K, $6500, private dealership
Camry LE 98 85K, $5950, private dealership

First of all, I'm a graduate student so reliability and affordability are my major concern. Already lost money on a lemon car. Not sure if Escort 98/97 is a good choice? If so, which one to go? how does the Corrola 96 compare? For compact cars, I don't feel like spending over $5000.

The Camry seems to be newer at somewhat acceptable price? So are they definitely better choices over the other three? If so,which one to go?

It's kind of urgent 'cause I really need to get a car for school commute ASAP.

Thanks a lot!

sparky56 · March 2004

All of those cars have enough miles that they could, if previously thrashed, leave you a pedestrian. The 96 Corolla was a sturdy car but the motors do sludge up if the oil isnt changed regularly. That and other issues should be something a private mechanic could spot if you took it in for a pre-purchase check up.

There are sites on here where the pros congregate. You might want to crosspost there. Real world trade in values is one.

pat · March 2004

You folks might be interested in

Top 10 Vehicles for Shorter Drivers
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/101512/article.html

Top 10 Vehicles for Taller Drivers
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/101513/article.html

pat · March 2004

You might also want to look up the individual discussions on those three cars. The Make/Model dropdown box on the left side will find them for you.

What strikes me is the newer the better in terms of longer term reliability. Generally speaking, Camrys (and Toyotas overall) are thought to be quite reliable but do continue your research around the Town Hall.

savie · March 2004

thank you sparky56 and pat for your input. i'll keep looking around then.

setzer · April 2004

My Aunt wants to buy in August. Here is what she wants:

1. A car in the 22k-30k
2. A car with good reviews
and of course, good looking.

Here is my list so far:

1. Toyota Camry Solara (she really likes these)
2. Honda Accord coupe (like's the Solaras so probably would like this too)
3. Acura TSX (She loves Acuras)
4. 2004 Nissan Altima
5. Nissan Maxima
6. Toyota Avalon

She is 50, and doesn't consider herself old (she isn't). So that would mean no Buicks, no Camrys, etc. Even though old people drive the Avalon, my mom really wants her to look at one. Whatever. Also, it has to be a 2004 model, because in August she will be able to save a lot of money because it is the end of the MY. I think 1, 2, 3, and 5 are the best for her. But please help and add other possible vehicles. THANKS!

complex1 · April 2004

Please help choose the subject. It would be nice if you could give some comments about relative reliability, performance etc. these used cars. Cons and pros for different specific years and models are especially welcomed. The price range probably captures 1994-1998 year models. The car must have manual transmission. The first criteria are reliability, fun to drive and enough leg room for 6'4" height

pat · April 2004

Setzer, that's a pretty good list so far ... why not discuss them with her and get some more input from her. If you make your list too long, that might just make it harder. That's my two cents, anyway.

pat · April 2004

Complex1, have you checked out our individual discussions on those three cars? That would be a great place to start. You can use the Make/Model search on the left side of the page to easily find all the discussions on each vehicle.

280hp · April 2004

of your list, im biased towards the maxima.

heres some suggestions from left field :

Subaru Impreza WRX STi - antidote for mid life crisis or old age
Cadillac CTS - pimpmobile
BMW 3 - for the badge conscious.

All 3 r very distinctive, and brings something special to the table. They're all not Buicks or Camrys and are most importantly, arerarely associated with old people.

complex1 · April 2004

Yes, I have checked as well as a lot of reviews. However, I haven't found discussions of reliability of specific models/years for these used cars. Much often it was comparison of new models on a market. So, I am asking advice in choosing model (Altima,Accord or Camry) of used 1994-1998 years cars under $5000, with my strongest preferences (i am grad student) as reliability, low maintance cost, and fun handling.

Or might be you could suggest some another model make that suits me?

280hp · April 2004

Corolla
Civic

Both are reliable, low maintenance. And for the price, fun handling.

boomsama · April 2004

well I reallllly need some help on deciding for a next car, probably sometime next year. I'm thinking of the RL and GS because of Japanese reliability + fit and finish (RL looks good as well). The A6, well I like it, except i've heard a lot that its reliability isnt so good...

Anyway...I'm thinking 1.RL, 2.A6 and 3.GS
Down here in Australia, the RL gets sold as the Honda Legend, so would that change a lot? (i.e. making the car not as good as they say the Acura is?) I've had 3 camrys so the GS might seem like an obvious upgrade.

Which do you guys think might be the better choice?

Thanks

markcincinnati · April 2004

. . .if you have beaten me up before on this issue, I ask that you not beat me up again, I know the drill, I respect your opinion and, I actually do agree with some of it.

The question you may have to ask yourself is to weigh reliability and drivability/performance.

I want my Audis to be more reliable. I wish they were. Frankly they have not been bad as far as I'm concerned in this regard.

Audis therefore, may be less reliable -- I care not, here and now, to debate this -- there's plenty of cyber ink devoted to this subject already.

And, I have not driven either of the 2005 cars you are considering.

I have, however, owned nearly 30 Audis, 2 VW's, 1 BMW and a handful of Chrysler products from the 1970's era.

Nothing, so far, (and I do test drive others and even rent others just to make certain I am mostly sane) comes close to the driving experience I have had with my German cars.

So, while I may consider the Acura, the Chrysler 300C and the Cadillac STS, the performance issues will, for me, outweigh reliability issues every time.

It seems, and I can sense the backlash comin' already, that high performance and high reliability remain simultaneously elusive goals.

That's my OPINION and I'm stickin' to it.

As you were.

boomsama · April 2004

thanks for the opinion mark, i'm keeping my mind open so dont worry about me beating you up

anyway...is there any possibility the 2005 Audis might some how become more reliable?

thanks

lexusguy · April 2004

Audi had better do something about their quality issues before I would even think of buying one. The current A6 is one of the worst cars they've ever made, 3 recalls to fix the same ignition coil problem, faulty brake rotors, eletrical problems, bumpers that rip off, the list goes on. The A6 also ranks in at 6th place on the Pennsylvania lemon law site for most cases for '03, and way up there in NHTSA complaints. Also, Audi's have terrible residual, most likely do to their quality problems. Here in the states, a '00 Audi A6 goes for $20K, about 1\3 of its origial tag. I'd get the GS.

German cars, a fantastic driving experience, too and from the shop.

boomsama · April 2004

well...i would like an equal balance between reliability and driveablility/performance.

Does the GS look better in person? It might just give me what I need.

markcincinnati · April 2004

. . .on the reliability issue, I hope I get at least a pass on being a pro-am owner, what with almost 30 [Germans] of them (bewteen my wife and me) since 1977.

Perhaps lexusguy is right -- and I assume he has had at least 10 Audis personally to make such claims.

My 2003 Audi allroad 2.7T (with every possible option except auto trans) has 29K miles on it and, other than tires, has been 99% trouble and hassle free.

Full disclosure: the previous 2000 and 2001 A6 4.2's had brake rotor issues aplenty -- but all covered under Audi Advantage, so not too much of an issue for me.

My wife has had 3 Audi TT's -- 0 problems with them other than short tire life.

Conversely, my BMW (my only 1) a 1988 325ix was constantly in the shop for "maintenance" not that too many things broke. But, every trip to the dealer for routine stuff was always $300.

More full disclosure -- I have not ever owned any Japanese car. All my friends that do own them, however, generally speak highly of their reliability. None of my friends with such cars, Acuras included, speak highly of the cars "drivability and performance."

Reading here and knowing a few folks who own American, European and Japanese cars -- it appears that the European owners speak of their cars' performance and drivability, American owners speak of their cars' affordability and Japanese owners speak of their cars' reliability.

The folks I know have Acuras, Audis, BMWs, Cadillacs, Chevies, Chryslers, Hondas,Oldsmobiles Saabs, Toyotas, Volkwagens and Volvos. This cross section of car owners coupled with my own experience is hardly scientific -- but those BMW guys, for sure, wouldn't dream of buying a Lexus -- even though they claim to have test driven them.

To each his own.

If my current Audi represents the "trouble" these things are to own, I say "keep it up, Audi!"

However, please note, I also said I do want my cars to be ever more reliable -- as long as that is not at the expense the the "driving pleasure" -- far-fig-newton [sic] indeed!

lexusguy · April 2004

If I ever bought a car that had major mechanical problems before 30K miles I would be REALLY upset. Is 30K some kind of accomplishment? My '96 LS had 150 thousand miles on it when I traded, not one problem. When your Audi hits 150, let me know how spotless its maintanence record is. Why would I have to own 10 Audi's to state public facts? Those arent something I made up because I dont like Audi.

"More than 530,000 Audis & Volkswagens, years 2001-2003, have problems with their ignition coils. Many of these drivers could be entitled to a new car or full or partial refund under the Pennsylvania Lemon Law, New Jersey Lemon Law, or Federal Warranty Laws." Audi A6: 7,874 Pennsylvania lemon law claims for the '03 model year, when most of the A6 problems were supposed to be FIXED. The A6 is also listed as a "repeat offender" on CR's list of worst used cars.

I think the GS looks great in person, but its the kind of thing you have to see for yourself. You may also want to consider an '06 Infinti M35\45. Unless Lexus decides to dramatically change the driving experience of the GS, my guess is that the next M and the RL will be the more exciting to fling around some corners, though the '04 LS430 with the sport suspension and 18" wheels is A LOT more fun than the old car, so perhaps Lexus is getting away a bit from their "silent cloud" style. The IS will go toe-to-toe with a 325i, and out handle an A4.

markcincinnati · April 2004

. . .was and remains that strong opinions are often formed based on personal experiences. If one simply looks at recalls of cars -- from all parts of the planet -- over a period of years, I would suspect it would be possible to use these statistics to support a variety of conclusions.

It is fine and OK with me that some folks measure their likes and dislikes based on reliability -- or other characteristics.

My wife and I have had almost 30 Audi cars -- and, in the spirit of full disclosure -- I don't recall EVER keeping one of them beyond 50,000 miles.

I have also been known to say that keeping one of these cars without a warranty can be "breathtakingly expensive."

But, I assume an Acura, Infinity, Lexus or Cadillac is also expensive to "fix" without a warranty, too.

And, I do NOT think 30K virtually trouble free miles is a new world's record of any kind. However, I do want to be one non-bashing German car (especially Audi and VW) voice. Some folks rail on about the coil problems, or the turbo problems or whatever they have had or read about -- and I do not doubt the veracity of their messages (especially if they have owned many of the marquis that they are railing about).

I am certain that Lexus, or Acura or Infitiny or whatever your fave is, has many fine qualities. Speaking only as an "army of one" I am far more interested in the driving experience than the repair experience.

I suspect this would change, if the repair experience became so onerous that it smothered the rest of the attributes of a given car/brand.

In my experience, even the most acute lack of reliability that I have personally experienced with my German cars, is -- at most -- aggravating. The joy of driving them, however, always trumps the few problems I have experienced.

Maybe had I personally had a coil problem my ire would surface. As it stands, I can only give a strong positive recommendation to people who ask me about my Audis.

I also say, European cars generally and German cars more specifically and Audis more specifically still are not for everybody.

The two people I work with who own Acuras -- for example -- love them, but, as noted they love them because they essentially put gas in them and drive. One of these cars does have over 100,000 miles on it -- it seems in good shape, too.

I personally would not find the car satisfying drive -- it isn't even great to ride in. But that is because I value different attributes.

Thus far it would appear that nothing comes close to the Japanese when it comes to reliability and ditto for the Germans where it comes to the driving pleasure.

Now, the times they are a-changin' -- the Americans seem to be sneaking up on the fun to drive factor and the Europeans do, by some accounts, seem to be slipping in the "perceived quality factor" all the while the Japanes continue to build the "we are bullet proof" reputation.

I will be "in the market" in the next 12 months -- my interest, thus far, is in evaluating the new Acura RL, Chrylser 300C/AWD, Cadillac STS/AWD and Audi A6 and S4. The price range would appear to be $45K to 55K equipped as I would probably buy.

This is the first time I can remember in years, when I feel there are some "real interesting" choices for me -- given my "bias" for that German car feel (the Ultimate Driving Machine, as one German calls themselves). I particularly am keen to drive the new STS, for example.

I am certain no one's mind is changed -- but at the risk of ticking someone off, I have, previously felt that the Japanese cars were "perfect" in every way -- except in the "driving experience" category. I don't doubt, however, their reliability.

The 2005 Acura may be an epiphany. And the 2005 Audi may be a dud, for all I know.

I'll make my choice, however, not based on statistics. I say choose your cars like you choose your spouse -- hmmm, maybe I shoulda evaluated her statistically, instead.

Just kidding dear, if you're reading this. . .

lexusguy · April 2004

I can understand where you are coming from. While I've never owned any Audi's myself, I have owned used M-Bs and BMWs in my early days, which is I think where a lot of my bias against German cars comes from, especially my experience owning a used 7 series. If someone were interested in buying new, and selling in a few years, by all means. Nobody can match German (well, most Benzes and some BMW) residual, and coupled with M-B's free maintanence under warranty, leasing say a '04 CLK500 could be less expensive to own than even Lexus or Acura. However, I tend to keep my cars long after the warranty has run out, and this is where I tend to shy away from recommending a German vehicle to someone who wants something for say, the next 10 years.

The 300C and STS don't do much of anything for me, Chrysler for their unrefined engines, I dont want a big block pick up engine in my car, and unproven quality on their new models, which almost always means residual drops like a stone. Second hand Pacificas are CHEAP. As for the STS, I dont have a particular problem with the Northstar V8, but the styling looks like a supersized CTS, and from what I saw at the NY auto show, Cadillac still cant get interior materials quality or fit and finish even close to the level of Germany or Japan. I also smell $5,000 cash back incentives and terrible residual on that car as well. True they are getting better, but considering how bad their cars were just a few years ago, thats not saying all that much

boomsama · April 2004

It sounds like that theres been a LOT of recalls and problems with the current A6, so I don't know if there will be any changes with the level of reliability with the next model. Any info on the next model's possible reliability increase?

Also...it seems that many of the reliability complains were posted by owners in the US, since I live in australia, would the level of reliability possibly be better?

lexusguy · April 2004

Unfortunately its hard to tell with that kind of thing, regardless of the manufacturer, the model usually has to be on the market for at least two years or so before any kind of reliability index can be made, as they come from owner surveys, and people have to have a chance to actually buy the car

What I can tell you is that the outgoing generation A6 seems to be Audi's worst offender. Their other cars havent been particular stand outs as being plagued with issues, but at the same time, they arent rated particularly well either.

Basically if you want something thats pretty much gauranteed to be trouble free and can last 300K+ miles, Toyota, Honda, and to a somewhat lesser extent (though Infiniti's are rated very highly for reliability) Nissan is where you want to be. That said, if you're looking for some real driving excitement, Toyota may not be the best choice. Acura made a great start with the original Legend, but then lost their way in the 90s with the soft and pudgy RL, and the Vigor and early CL\TL. They seem to be regaining their performance roots though, the RSX Type-S, TSX (Accord Euro R) and the new TL have all gotten great reviews as far as fun factor is concerned, and hopefully the new RL will continue that. Infiniti is kind of all over the map, as they are still in the midst of a Renault fueled rescue. The G35 (Nissan Skyline) is a fantastic driving machine, easily a solid 3 series competitor. So if you want a decent mix of performance and reliability, a G35, TL, or RL could be what you are looking for.

boomsama · April 2004

hmm...maybe I'll have to wait for the next RL.

So the current GS isn't that much of an "exciting" driving experience? Might the next one be?

pg48477 · April 2004

GS300, give you no performance, on the other hand G430 is pretty powerful, and have nice straight line acceleration, but suspension is way too soft. The result is you have a lot of power but can't use it due to soft suspension.

lexusguy · April 2004

pg48477 is pretty much right on the money, at least about the outgoing car. The 3.0 inline is a great engine, but the GS is just too heavy for it, and its slow as a result. The GS430 is fast enough to keep up with a 540i and an E500 on the highway, but the platform dates back to '97, when Lexus wasnt particularly interested in driving excitement. That seems to be changing, and based on poor GS430 sales, combined with the new sport suspension and 18" wheels now available on the LS (things its never had before) my guess is that they may tighten up the new GS to make it more competitive. Its still a big question mark though, so your just gonna have to get behind the wheel of the new car when its released and try it out.

boomsama · April 2004

I heard that the A6 is much more like the A8, might that make it more reliable?

lexusguy · April 2004

Well, that would make it go from awful to merely poor. Europeans have slipped to 3rd place world wide behind US and Japanese nameplates, with an average of 20% of cars having major issues, versus 10% for Japan. If you buy a new Audi, anything that crops up should be covered under the warranty. I would definitely caution against a used out of warranty car with more than 60K miles though. If you plan to hold on to it for 3 or 4 years and trade it would be ok.. but I wouldnt expect to get much money back. Audi doesnt have Mercedes resale. You could buy a new say E500, drive it 3 years, and sell it for 80% of what you paid. For a three year old Audi, you'd be lucky to get 50%. Lexus and Acura will also return more than Audi.

boomsama · April 2004

So if not the A6...then which would be better out of the GS300 and the RL?

lexusguy · April 2004

Good question. The RL is kind of a wild card, but based on the TSX and TL, my guess is it will be a BMW style car, quick, agile, and fast. The GS will be more of an E class type car, superb long distance cruiser, quick and comfortable, but not something you'd necessarily want to fling into a corner at 90mph. The new Infinti M should be closer to the RL side of the spectrum, and its 4.5L V8, if they can get the gearing right this time, will be faster than both of them.

merc1 · April 2004

"Basically if you want something thats pretty much gauranteed to be trouble free and can last 300K+ miles, Toyota, Honda, and to a somewhat lesser extent (though Infiniti's are rated very highly for reliability) Nissan is where you want to be. "

I was pretty much in agreement with everything you'd said up to that point. Any car that lives past 150K miles will need all types of different things replaced (i.e. maintenance) to make it to 300K. Japanese cars are no different. The big difference is whether or not one lists these things under maintenance or as a problem when things fail due to age and the owner never thought about replacing it.

Japanese cars are no different and it will cost plenty to keep them for 300K miles and while the engine and trans will last on most Japanese and German (Audi transmissions excluded) the body and interior of most Japanese cars don't hold up. I can't tell you how many Legends and LS400s I've seen with cracked driver's seats and faded paint while the MBs of the day are in much better shape. There was a reason why MB used that industrial grade leather back in the day.

M

boomsama · April 2004

yeah, it seems that there are a lot more older european cars driving around than japanese cars.

Would the GS also be a surprise? Would Lexus try to make the car as fun to drive as a european car?

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