BMW.



Its 2x the car the Lexus is, but then again, has 2x the problems the Lexus does.

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

I'm on my second Lexus LS. My first was a 2002 LS430 and my newest one is a 2004 LS430. Yes, I'm very much a car guy and yes, the LS is less engaging than the BMW. But the LS doesn't break and the BMW does - expensively at that. For me, I drive 140 miles a day and what I need wanted was a large sedan, rear wheel drive, dead reliable, and V8 - the LS is perfect and it's such a great highway cruiser that it recharges my batteries rather than expends them when driving (I have many other cars for that job).

I often get silly looks when I say this to people, but the LS is awfully similar to my w126 when my w126 was the ultimate sedan back in the late '80s. They're both large sedans; they're both rear wheel drive; they're both dead reliable; they're both V8s; they're both fast for sedans; they're both excellent highway cruisers. As a testament to the w126, when I drive that car to work once/twice a week, it's about 90% as good as my LS and it's 25 years old. Amazing craftsmanship; I don't expect my Lexus to be that good in 25 years, but I won't own it then so who cares!

B/w the 740 and the LS, the LS is a winner by a longshot; it's why I've owned two of them. It's the most reliable RWD sedan on the market, and although it's not as engaging as the German cars, it never breaks which means I always get to work and back without incident. The LS is perfect for the job I ask of it.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

That's exactly why my 75 year old mom drives buicks.

i had my 740il for about 3 1/2 years,when i got it it was lacking it's 100k maintenance,so after all that was taken care of the only thing i ever replaced was a broken fog light.and 2 tail light bulbs.those cars do need some maintenance but if taken care of are pretty reliable.

The seven series is a grandpa BMW. I'd look for a five or three series with a stick.

Lexus? not on my radar.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I used to like the 3-series, but I can't stand the current styling. IMHO, the looks have gone downhill with every generation of both the 3 and 5 series.

I know the LS and the big Caddy's are very popular at the Villages in FL. 9 times out of 10 they are white with a beige interior, and have some sort of Lady Lakes Golfing related license plate frame.

If your over 70 I would highly recomend the LS.


Personaly I'd buy the BMW or an XJR of similer vintage. The Jag will make the BMW feel more reliable.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Funny you said that...I did buy an xj8 a few months back because I couldn't find a good enough BMW in the time required. It didn't rub me the right way, so I got rid of it. Now I am looking for the BMW again.

I was thinking about a 5 with a stick, but I like the larger cars. If I find one locally for a good price, I won't say it's out of the picture...I do prefer larger cars though.

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My Primary Driver - '85 300CD - 4-speed conversion, 2.47 rear, lowered, euro headlights, rebuilding (not restoring so much)

Wife's - '08 Saab Sportcombi Aero

Riding a '03 Yamaha Warrior

I know some 70 year olds who would be insulted; better change that to at least 85.

You can get 540I's and M5's pretty reasonable now.

What about an M5? a 400hp V8 and a 6spd is pretty damn hard to beat!

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I would love one!!! In the land of old people (FL), they are hard to come by.

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My Primary Driver - '85 300CD - 4-speed conversion, 2.47 rear, lowered, euro headlights, rebuilding (not restoring so much)

Wife's - '08 Saab Sportcombi Aero

Riding a '03 Yamaha Warrior

Shipping these days isn't that expensive, I can't imagin they are to hard to find in the Palm Beach area.

My friend was looking at them, I have seen some VERY nice 02-03 M5's in the mid to low 20 range. Even some clean higher mileage cars in the high teens.

M5's are nice because most of them were adult owned. I'd never buy a used M3, way to many kids get those as presents and beat the crap out of them.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

There's only 1 I could find out there now that looks promising. If I end up going down south looking this week, it's on the list.

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My Primary Driver - '85 300CD - 4-speed conversion, 2.47 rear, lowered, euro headlights, rebuilding (not restoring so much)

Wife's - '08 Saab Sportcombi Aero

Riding a '03 Yamaha Warrior

that about sums it up there

The LS is a great car for those who would drive Cadillacs but won't because a Cadillac is no longer a Cadillac. Those who tout its substantial "cache" must be discussing its commodious glove compartment. I'll take the BMW, please. I've driven all but the most recent iteration of the Seven, and while they've porked up a bit since my favorite E32 version, they possess a fine combination of balanced handling, speed, and supple ride. It's not a cheap date, but it does put out.