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Comments
M
You would not have a romantic idea of Rolls Royce quality if:
1. the transmission was made by GM
2. the radio was made by GM Delco
3. the car had oversteer like an American car from
1965
4. the windows went down and refused to go back up
5. the dash lights went out and refused to come
back on
For 2000 Rolls and Bentley sedans have an electronic stability program? They're going to need it.
Merc,
I don't knock things like ESC or Xenon headlamps, but the reason I call them gimmicks is because most everyone does fine without them. My car has a cheap (compared to the systems on the cars we've been talking about) traction control system that uses the rear drum brakes and throttle to control wheel spin on a slippery surface. It may be crude compared to the systems found on Benzes, but it gets the job done nevertheless.
Skid control? It's a great feature I suggested should be put on the next generation Fleetwood Brougham, but all I need to do is just drive slower in bad weather to accommodate for sharp turns and the like. With a little investment, I could easily have a Xenon HID headlamp system installed on my vehicle. Will I need it? Probably not... I don't usually drive during the night at high speeds thinking I'm Bob Bondurant.
Like I said, not everybody needs (or wants) these perks. Granted, they are beneficial, but who really thinks about them?
"Frank,"
Assuming that post was directed towards me (and I apologize if that assumption is wrong), all I have to say is this:
"the transmission was made by GM"
Don't get me started on GM transmissions... I curse the 4L60-E in my Cadillac.
"the radio was made by GM Delco"
After reprogramming the equalizer settings (something most people don't know how or CARE to do), that AC Delco stereo makes this country bumpkin think he's in Carnegie Hall whenever he pops in a cassette of Claude Debussy or Johnny Mathis.
"the car had oversteer like an American car from 1965"
For your information, I happen to like that "pinky finger" steering. I'm so used to it by now that I have no complaints about it. It's strictly a matter of PREFERENCE, and there is no such thing as a "superior" amount of steering effort, whether it's highly assisted or taut.
"the windows went down and refused to go back up"
I never had that problem happen to me.
"the dash lights went out and refused to come back on"
Never had that happen to me.
M
You have to realize something, Merc. You're talking to someone whose first car was his dad's 1990 Lincoln Town Car. I thought that a trip computer which told me the gas mileage and estimated distance to empty, high beams that automatically dimmed whenever a car passed in the opposite lane, automatic headlamps, an electrochromatic rearview mirror, dual air bags, a rear air suspension that kept the tail from dragging and the car from pitching and rolling all over the place, and ABS were all the technology one could ask for.
The latest tech features aren't what bring me and my checkbook into a showroom. I buy cars for their ride, not their technology or handling "qualities" (though I certainly appreciate a little technological extra here and there).
Okay, seriously... This will be my last post. I already get the feeling I angered some of the participants (not to mention the moderator) with these discussions.
M
M
M
M
I LOVE the way it looks, I test drove it - GREAT!!
But, how reliable is it?
Please guys, share your opinion! I'll greatly appriciate it!
I chose the Jag over the MB 430 and BMW 740 and am glad I did. It is a wonderful, comfortable car to own and drive. Very understated elegance with great performance.
Previous car was a BMW 7 series which had a lot of early life failures. This Jag is perfect. Not one problem.
The only mechanical problems I have had are minor: the button light for the passenger front heated seat did not light up when on (but the seat did heat) and the car pulled to the right a bit. The dealership service department said the XJ8's tend to need to be watched for front end alignments. Both issues have been addressed.
I sure am happy with my purchase. The vehicle gets a lot of well deserved attention.
My only real complaint, is I wish it would automatically wash, wax and dry itself. Actually, it is even fun to take it to the car wash
Let face it no luxury car is perfect Jag are much better that they use to be. I think so and J.D. Powers does too but they still have some lay out problems. By an large though the Jag is something special. Liked the rest. LOVE the JAGUARS.
-Kappaman
M
I'd like to see that too,also with the LS 430. By the way, I looked on MB's Germany web site, and they have the new S600 for sale over there, but is was not a 6.0 V12, but a 5.8 V12. Do you know if they will import it as 6 or a 5.8?
M
Also, Edmunds I love ya, but stop bashing the Jags so much. I've own the 740il, S-class,and a couple of Lexus. They all have strengths and weaknesses. Owning them is different than reading and forming opinions. Let ask owner. Any other owners of the various brands out there.
M
My Mercedes-Benz Enthusiasts Site
If anyone is interested please check out my site. Thank You for your patience.
I hope you enjoy this.
Is there an option to convert to digital say Nokia) and still have the voice activated features, etc?
Thanks.
the 2001 LS430 phone can do both digital and analog.
By the way, I've owned an S-class,740il and presently own the Jaguar Vanden Plas and XK8. I am very satisfied with my customer service at Jaguar and was also with Mercedes. BMW sucked to. Hopefully you treat customers better in Ft. Myers,but for me no more Lexus.
has so much more info on the LS 430 than the US
Lexus site. Better pictures, more info on the Nav
system (split screen ability, etc) and other info
on systems and options (air filtration, smart key
and how it works, etc.) If any of you are
interested and/or unaware, here is a link to it:
http://www.lexus-europe.com/english/lang/ls430/default.htm
Also, anyone notice the Jag has copied the BMW in the front end and MB in the rear taillight design?
Shame on you JAG.
Well kudos for JAg for using a MB transmission that's supposed to be marginally better than theirs.
and BMW using GM transmission in their current BMW 3 series and 5 series cars.
regarding the resemblance in design between the MB s-class and the LEXUS ls430, i think it is a trend of the industry to have a piece headlights.
the toyota supra had that since '93.
regarding the imitation of the cars, i think major german and japanese auto manufacturers copy each other. and then the other european or asian manufacturers copy each other.
I don't think it's a western vs. eastern culture thing because eastern culture because both cultures have taught each other a thing or two.
Happy motoring
By the way did you see the new protype for the Q45. The pulled a Lexus. It look just like the new S-class Benz.
kappaman, despite how the car may look in pictures, I can assure you it really doesn't share much style-wise with the new S-class Benz. I saw the 2002 Q45 at the New York auto show and while I haven't decided if I like it or not I can definitely say it doesn't copy the Benz (see the new Lexus LS430 for that). With 340 hp the new Q45 is returning to the roots of the first generation Q45 and away from the Buick-like path of the current Q45 (in my opinion - I'm sure there are those who love the current Q).
Thanks.
-rdo
rdollie@mediaone.net
The 340hp will increase sale for Infiniti in believe
to buy a luxurious reliable sedan. I have narrowed my two options down to either the Q45 or the Jag XJ8. Does anyone have had experiences with either of these cars? I have heard many things about both cars. The Q45 is considered to be a more reliable car then the Jag, though the style of the Jag seems slicker. I have also hear that the Jag requires more maintance then does the Q. So, I would to like know whether it is worth it to put out the extra bucks for the Jag? I have also considered the lexus ls 400 and the BMW 540, but my personal preferences have narrowed it down to the 2 sedan mentioned above. Any input is greatly
appreciated thanks.
I am a very satisfied owner of a 2000 Jag XJ8L. The car's style, ride and class are head turners. I have about 3500 miles on it now and have loved owning it.
But these we not really the same cars as to power, handling and overall performance so you have to expect a higher stress rate on the Q. The 94 Q was detuned, soften, and bugs corrected still it out performed most until 96.
Just some info for those who might be looking at an older model.
First they took a used Vanden Plas. Wrecked the car. Then complained about it. I don't think the review was a good one. How many other used cars that they wrecked are being reviewed.
There was a good review on the XK8/R though, which I also own. It was pretty accurate from what I have experienced. They cited the good and bad features of the car. Look at JD Powers list.
For anyone who is debating getting a Jaguar XJ, the 98 and up is really where you what to start. I've driven the 98s and they are better cars that the 95-97. New engine,interior styling, electronics, etc..
>>I agree that I will not solicit or promote any products or services within the Town Hall site, and I will not use information supplied within the Town Hall to solicit or promote any products or services via email or any other method.<<
And should you wonder why car salesmen ethics are often called into question, look in the mirror.
(hint, hint)
M
M
btw, is your real name budfox or are you as big a fan of the movie wall street as I am? :>
- Rob
Now on those choices. If you're satisfied with BMWs then get the 740i Sport, the 2001 models are on sale now, plus you can now get the Sport package on the 740iL if you need the room in back. Your dealer is correct, the 2002 will be all-new. BMW is notorious for giving their cars a face-lift for the last model year and they stick behind their cars until the very end. Hence the 2001 7-Series' facelift. Another plus to BMW doing this is that when the 2002 is shown (about next year this time) you might be able to tell from the pictures of the new car whether or not you like it, and the 2001's will still be around for you to get one if you like.
The A8 is one of my favorite cars, but like the 740i it has aged, although it's not as old as the 7-Series. Quattro and all Aluminum construction make it the "different" one here. I personally am excited about the S8, but your wife may not want this "sports" model. The long-wheelbase A8L is probably the one to go with here.
I don't like Lexus' cars so I'll just say that the LS430 promises to be a great car if oh-so derivative of a Mercedes. Loaded with features too, like the S-Class.
Lastly, ahh the S430. Very good, but not enough power for me. Probably enough for you and your wife, but I would (if possible) make the stretch to the S500 if I were buying an S. The S-Class is to me the best looking of the bunch with all the features you'll ever need in a car.
Take a lot test drives, your favorite will emerge I'll bet on it. Good luck.
M