By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Gotta disagree with you Tom, but you're making the rules...
If only S-Class/7-Series level vehicles count, then I agree with you. However, if you allow E-Class/5-Series level vehicles, then the 300 HP RL surely qualifies. BTW, if it's driven very conservatively most of the time, why is a V8 a requirement (other than for bragging rights, of course)?
Regardless, it would be my choice. Why spend $65K – $100K when a $48K car does everything you want? Even the wealthy can appreciate great value.
Bob
It's true, I would never spend this much on a car, but I was asked to help find a car with the above parameters. I was thinking other possibilities include the MB CL, 6 series, LS430, Infinit Q, XJ, A8, Maserati, and perhaps the new STS. Am I missing anything? Oh, it can be a coupe as long as it seats 4 fairly comfortably (no 911-which I suggested. ;-( )
There are a lot less people that can spend $100K than the $48K of the RL, bob, even though it's a very nice car. Heck, I don't even want to spend $48K if I don't have to though. Even though I'm not wealthy, I appreciate the value of my Subie!
tom
Got it changed., but I couldn't figure out how to take the fuse cover off to put it into FWD- $EAT so it's maily FWD. I see on the fuse cover where it says OPEN but I can't get it
My other question is I may have bent the rim- any suggestions for cheap replacements or does any one know pricing on the OB standard rims??
HTH,
DaveM
I just spent the last 6 hours at a Lexus event. I got to test drive a Jag XJ8 roadster, Lexus SC430 (as well as as all the other Lexus models), Caddy's new Corvette-based roadster (SLR?), BMW 330i, 545i & 745i, MB S430, Range Rover and a bunch of other "premium" models.
While I haven't driven the new RL yet, based on what I've seen and read, and my knowledge of Acura, I'd most likely take the new RL over them all if I were in that market. Even if I didn't buy one, I certainly consider that vehicle. I think your friend would be shortchanging himself if weren't at least on the list to look at.
Bob
MSRP = $96,100
Gas Guzzler = $3,000
Destination = $614
Total Price = $99,714
Why? It'd probably out-perform anything else considered luxury in the CC parking lot that meets your restrictions: luxury car, no M, AMG, etc., comfortable seating for 4. And it's small sales numbers might imbue it with a slight aura of collectibility, maintaining resale value. Plus, you'd likely always be bumped to the head of the service queue at the VW dealer, and everyone knows that CC parking lot bragging rights belong to the guy who paid the highest gas guzzler tax.
No, I didn't make the rules. I'm just presenting them. The Acura doesn't have the name value.
When you mean the Jag XJ8 roadster, do you mean the XK8? Did you drive the sedan? The sedan is newer, lots of aluminum to make it lighter, and seems pretty nice. I haven't driven one yet.
Jon, for the same reason above (I didn't make the rules), no matter how expensive and nice of a VW it is (and it is nice, and very expensive!), it just won't cut it to people that don't understand a car is more than the name on the decklid.
Anyway, I'd love to hear more opinons (or arguments!) so I can make an educated suggestion.
thanks
tom
I'd choose the E500 or S500 4-matic.
300C AWD
STS AWD
A8L
-mike
If your "client" has $100K to spend, then they're likely acquainted with the Robb Report (unless your client's just won the lotto). Why not select from the Robb Report 2004 Car of the Year?
http://www.robbreport.com/Articles/Wheels/2004-Articles/Special-T- hemes/Car-of-the-Year-2004/Index.asp
Roadster, whichever that one is. In any case it was unimpressive. Same with the Lexus SC 430 roadster.
Bob
But you are making editorial decisions as to what "qualifies" as a high value nameplate. Did this person whom you are representing say, "no Acuras," or is that you injecting your personal opinion?
Bob
Either the MB S500 4-matic or Audi A8L.
Why? AWD and loads of snob appeal.
Bob
I see this as pretty much 99% a rich housewive's car for the burbs. Don't know of anyone other than that demographic that owns or drives one.
-mike
-Brian
With that many gears, I'd probably just leave it in the full-auto mode, and let it do its thing.
Bob
I need to buy a car for my mother (with her money, not mine), and she wants an S500, but it's going to be replaced next year and my dad hates MBs. Since they're not too computer savvy I don't want anthing too difficult for them to use (like i-drive or COMMAND) and while she drives pretty conservatively most of the time, she can have a lead foot now and then (must be where I got mine). She also doesn't really know anything about cars, hence the name on the trunk is everything. If you put a 'Lexus' badge on a camry she might not notice!
I know her tastes, as well as her SoCal CC friends- so I know an Acura simply will not do. Unfortunately, snob appeal is very important in this situation. AWD is not terribly high on the need list for her as it rarely get's too slippery down there.
I'm trying to come up with alternatives and was wondering about everyone here's opinions as you all have lots of experience driving other cars I haven't had a chance to.
Jon, good idea with the Robb report. But do they really know anything about cars? It does give some perspective though.
Mike- actually, I'm looking for a rich housewive's car! I don't think she wants a convertible, but I'll ask.
Finally, it's a car I get to drive around when I visit, so if I could sneak in something fun it would be good! (but I have to stay objective and responsible here)
Anyway, please, more opinions and why you would buy it if you had a disposable income (or maybe you do have one and we don't know it! ;-) )
I realize this is somewhat of a frivolous exercise but it can be fun to spend other people's money!
Thanks again
Sorry to give you such a hard time Bob ;-)
tom
A8L
New STS
or CTS V
-Mike
Judging by what you have just said, what about the latest new RWD Cadillac STS, with the Northstar engine? Caddys probably still have name value with many older folks.
FWIW, one of the real surprises in today's Lexus event, was that new Cadillac sports car. It's based on the Corvette chassis, but with the Northstar engine. Frankly I blown away by it! It's got gobs of power, handles beautifully, and has a retractable hard top too, like the MB SL/SLK models.
Bob
Craig
-mike
Signin and proceed to a multimedia area. A central tent with an audio/video presentation, numerous specialty beverages (non alcoholic), a Benjamin Moore paint display, and a relax area were all inside. I, however, was not there to lounge around inside, so I immediately headed out to the track.
3 tracks: performance (coupes), offroad (suv), and traction (sedans/4matic). All vehicles had automatics - 5sp or 7sp with manual modes. All had ESP modes ON and we were instructed to not turn this off. Evidently, yesterday someone in an SL500 (stickers for $100k) hit some cones (and probably something else) because of this. The speed limit on the track was 'do not hit any cones'. If you did, you were escorted off the premises. Also, apparently people spend too much time futzing with the mirrors and the radios, so they had to remind people to get in, adjust your seat, fasten your seat belt, and proceed. With the lines building and the chilly temps, it was good advice for those actually shopping these! ;-)
I headed over to the sedan track first and tried out the E320 CDI. Feels heavy, steering is 'soft', turbo lag is certainly there. But, wow, boy does that thing go when it's 'on'. 300+ torque, IIRC. Little soft and lean in the corners, but decent driveability and comfortable. Not sure how CDI would fit in at a Country Club, but this vehicle could also suffice for someone looking to spend >$50k could be quite happy with the lower fuel bill here.
Next I drove the C320 and the E500. I like the roominess of the E series, but the C feels much more nimble with it's smaller size. 4matic and the ESP make it easy to keep the car inside the cones. They had water on a slippery portion of the track and sand at the ABS testing area, as well as a corner. Slalom areas on all tracks were not very tight, was easy to almost go in fairly straight most of the time.
Seeing the lines for the coupes expand beyond the tents they had setup, I decided to head over and begin my frigid wait. 20 minutes in the SL500 line, even with 2 of them on the track. 60+ on the acceleration portion of the track and then full hard on the brakes (they even said to test the ABS out - just get full on the brakes at the brake point on the course). Wow, how does that tranny know I'm ready to accelerate out of the turn? Couldn't even feel it shift. The engine note is more noticeable in the coupes.
Tried the CLK320 as well. Much more 'tame' than the SL500. Some road noise from the convertible top (of course, it was up and the heat was on). Both of these coupes really aren't my thing, very long doors and a low sporty seating position. Nice seating though, and decent performance in the lower models. Would have loved to try a MT on one of these, just seems more suited for a coupe. But that 7sp AT sure makes things easy.
I needed to get warm. The car rides were nice since the heaters were on and the seats were nice and toasty. So, I headed over to the 'no-lines, no-waiting' SUV area. Unfortunately, you don't drive these, the MB people do. Probably why there is no line. But, you do get to experience the awd systems in the G500 and the M350 and M500. The M has independent suspension. I went in the M350: it handles the first obstacle, a 28 degree incline/decline. Automatic braking is engaged on the decent, making the automatic tranny behave more like a manual would off-road. Next up was a side slope. Felt like we were almost 40 degrees tilted. Finally, the articulation section. That's the area where they get 2 wheels off the ground on opposite sides of the vehicle. They also stress how the frame doesn't twist in this situation - doors are still able to be opened. While sitting idle with 2 wheels in the air, the 2 wheels spun slightly. The computer already knows you're in a traction situation, so it's ready to begin once you go on the pedal. Immediately power moves to the wheels with traction and the vehicle comes down the slope.
Had to go for a ride in the G500. Solid axles here. Nothing really here except the M felt a bit nervous on the articulation section. The G really took it much better and seemed more at home.
Warmed up, I headed back over to the sedan track. Snuck in a few rides in the C320 4matic again and then the S500 4matic. The S500 is incredible. Not a sports car, though you can very slightly hear the roar when you get on it. Very quiet and comfortable though. Handled the course well, even for being bigger and heavier. Steering is tuned nicely, much 'quicker' than the E-CDI. If I had $100k laying around and had to spend it on a car, this certainly would be on my list, especially if the 7sp AT in RWD peforms as well as I'd expect it to in 'auto' mode.
2.5 hours total, after going into the central tent for a cup of coffee to warm up. Then a quick survey and a bag of ritzy goodies. 3 tennis balls, a coupon for $1500 off a new MB, and some other sponsor stuff. A little jar of a paint in fancy pink color from the paint sponsor. Pretty sure I'll never use that jar of paint...
-Brian
Have you thought of the McLaren F1?...
when you come into $$$ in the bank
paisan teasing(s) aside, it'll be a perfectly balanced car F-R and side-to-side.
-Dave
Mike- A8L or STS/CTS-V
Bob- S500 or A8L (after some arm twisting ;-) )
Brian- S500
Craig- LS 430
Jon- Phaeton or Robb Report ;-)
Dave- Maclaren F1 (uh, $100,000, not $1,000,000) ;-) How about another vote, Dave?
Interesting, no BMWs, no Jags, no Maserati
Pretty balanced voting.
Thanks for your input all. I'm not sure I have an easy conclusion to come to though. I'm getting the sense that it probably doesn't matter much at this level of play- they're all nice cars!
Bob, Brian, thanks for the write ups, they've been helpful. You both seem to think the S500 is a nice piece of work. Also, Cadillac has really come that far, huh? How do you get invited to one of these drive events? Are you going to use the MB coupon? ;-)
Thanks again guys
tom
tom
-Brian
-mike
~c
In all honesty, I think you mom would be better off with a Lexus LS430 (again, given the ground rules), but I'm of the impression anything from Japan doesn't have the image you desire.
As to how I get invited to these events? Who knows? I must be on some sort of Internet car list of some sort. I get invited to a 1/2 dozen or so each year. So does juice and several others here.
Bob
Mike- S500, A8L or STS/CTS-V
Bob- S500 or A8L (after some arm twisting ;-) )
Brian- S500
Craig- LS 430
Jon- Phaeton or Robb Report ;-)
Dave- Maclaren F1 ????
Chuck- XJR
Colin-M5 (Too fast for my mom!) and I thought it wasn't due out until next year?
MB S500 still leads the pack.
Finally, a BMW and one Jag
Maybe Jon and Dave could vote again?
Anyone else have a good idea?
Brian- oh well. Thanks anyway! How was the S500 compared to the LS 430 w/sport suspension (does it really do much?)
Bob- you might be right- I think it makes the most sense. It's the 'value leader' of the bunch. Not much fun to drive for me though!
It must be fun to go to these things. Ever get invited to a Porsche drive event? ;-)
tom
It is fun to go to these type of events. GM has one (auto in motion), BMW has one (Ultimate Drive), etc. You can usually find out about them at the manufacturers respective websites. Hopefully they have something in your area that you can start attending!
-Brian
I vote for a Jag XJ or Merc S class.
BTW, I think Dave was suggesting the F1 for paisan, not your mom.
DaveM
-Brian
How about taking your mom to test drive a few of these to find out which one SHE likes best?
From comments you made earlier I figure:
1) she would not care for iDrive, so no Bimmer
2) your dad doesn't like MB, so not that either
So that leaves Lexus, Jag, and Audi. Motor Trend recently rated the Audi A8L #1. The Jag 4th or tied for 5th. I think the Lxus was 2nd...but does it have the cachet she's looking for? So see which of these three she likes best.
If she's only keeping it a year, I'd say go for the Audi. Any repairs would be under warranty.
Jim
PS - Hearing the thoughts about no VW, will Subaru be accepted by the "tony" up-market crowd???
Jim- she's in the process of trying out a lot of these cars, although I told her to skip the Bimmer because I don't think she'll get i-drive (I don't think I get it!). I think the Jag may be a distinct possibility, but who knows? I told them the Audi was a nice car but they consider Audi a step below MB and BMW, maybe even Lexus.
Brian- thanks for the pics. The CLS looks nice. Those G-waggens are amazing!
tom
Audi A8l
Benz S500 4Matic (her husband can walk if he doesn't like it)
Lexus LS430 (really loaded up)
Cadillac STS
BMW M5 (a left over one)
I think based on her criteria I'd pick the A8l.
200 years from now the aluminum body will still not be rusted out. And MMI supposedly isn't as bad as iDrive.
-juice
-mike
Thanks for the help guys. Here's what I've decided to present:
1. LS 430- if it had an MB badge it'd be perfect
2. XJ Vanden Plas- all aluminum, really nice piece of work. English comfort, style, it's different, and if she really wants more power there's always the XJR.
3. STS- but I'm concerned because it's the first year
4. A8L- nice car, but I don't think she'll buy into the Audi name
5. S500- I just can't see plunking down $90k on a car that's going to be replaced next year.
6. 745iL- But I don't see her using i-drive, which means she won't be able to control a lot of stuff in the car, like the radio!
7. A Legacy GT ltd, an OB VDC, and an STi- just had to throw that in. ;-). But it's not a bad idea!
Thanks again guys. I think I got some good ideas. I'll tell you how it turns out!
tom
tom
1. LS 430- if it had an MB badge it'd be perfect
I still think this is the best option at any price. A very slick car.
2. XJ Vanden Plas- all aluminum, really nice piece of work. English comfort, style, it's different, and if she really wants more power there's always the XJR.
Even good Jags are still Jags, I would eliminate it completely. Not dependable cars, and expensive to maintain.
3. STS- but I'm concerned because it's the first year
Nice car, possible quality/resale concerns.
4. A8L- nice car, but I don't think she'll buy into the Audi name
See Jag comments.
5. S500- I just can't see plunking down $90k on a car that's going to be replaced next year.
Agree!
6. 745iL- But I don't see her using i-drive, which means she won't be able to control a lot of stuff in the car, like the radio!
Agree!
7. A Legacy GT ltd, an OB VDC, and an STi- just had to throw that in. ;-). But it's not a bad idea!
You are a cock-eyed optimist!
Craig
Am I missing something here???
Bob
HERESY!!! YES THEY DO!!!
How about a Lexus GS400 for Mom?
Dem Sox are keeping me up way too late!!
No new house so it's off to Arizona the 1st of Nov for the winter. Next spring we'll start construction of a new house fitting our criteria.
Still on the fence with new OB's. Kinda waiting for a 6-spd with the 6 cylinder.
MNSteve
-juice
Tom feels that Acura does not have enough of an upscale image to be consdered a contender here. Well, if that's the case, how did Subaru make the cut???
Bob
He inserted a winky emoticon to imply he was joking. It was an inside joke among Subaru buddies, that's all.
Even if he is serious, giving Subaru a free pass due to personal emotion, well, Acura would be envious of the way Subaru's customers feel.
-juice