This is a controversial thread so WATCH OUT!!!

[tkd_M119]

Anyhow, weren't we talking about Lexus vs BMW vs MBZ?

I think that MBZ & BMW will be "classic" as time goes by. Their studios spend much more time shaping/styling their cars (say my friends in the industry).

I think that a Lexus will on average, be a cheaper car to keep. Lexus is also the most BORING of the three - by a long shot. I seriously doubt anyone will consider them a classic as time goes by.

Also - I don't like the new BMWs (except the Z4) and I don't like the newer MBZ either - look/feel cheap to me.

So I go with...

The new Audi A8

[WANT '71 280SEL]

My best friend's uncle bought a new Audi 8 and loves it. My friend drove it who never liked foreign cars till he drove my dad's car. Said it was just awesome. Do they cost as much as something like an E500?
David

[tkd_M119]

Don't know how much the new A8 cost but I'm sure it's a lot! I'd wait for a lease return - if this second gen A8 is like the first, they'll depcriciate like an old Q45!

[WANT '71 280SEL]

this thread certainly is controversial so it is a good thing I warned everyone before they even open this.

[blackmercedes]

Longston is gone, so I've taken up the stick. I've only got a single barrel compared to his double magnum...

[blackmercedes]

Originally posted by tkd_M119
Don't know how much the new A8 cost but I'm sure it's a lot! I'd wait for a lease return - if this second gen A8 is like the first, they'll depcriciate like an old Q45!

Yup. Man, do Audi's depreciate! A friend of mine picked up a cherry A4 1.8T for next to nothing. Dealers try to get top prices so the new car buyers don't think their cars will be worthless three years down the road, but don't let those prices be your guide.

How about BMW? I can get a 1997 740iL locally for about $35K. Can't buy a 1997 E320 for much less than that, and a 1997 S500 is still a $55-60K car here. I had a 1997 528i I'm glad I ditched, as I see them for $25K now. Cripes! Those were $60K plus cars new. That's a hit!

The best car for lack of depreciation is a Civic or Corolla. In the luxury category, MB still wins, hands down.

An old Q45 was worhtless the day they rolled onto the floor. I know the Infinity dealer, and in 1997 they had 1995 models unsold. Things sure have turned around there...

...though the Q is still a slow seller.

[blackmercedes]

Originally posted by SP0CK
Aren't Longston and yourself opposites?

Huh? Check Scott's history on dealing with the pups on the board. Scott and I might have our differences on some issues, but on many aspects of life, including respect for our friends and neighbours, we're on the same page. Besides, some of the folks on the board I have the most respect for are my complete opposites on most issues. It comes down to strength of belief and ability to understand the issues. I have shared many a pint with folks that would call mikemover "liberal."

[WANT '71 280SEL]

So why would people support MB over Lexus? I have numerous ones which I do not want to wirte all them out all though I have written some of them. They span everywhere from quality, safelty, to luxury. The place the Lexus accels is $$$$ and reliability. Not to say that an MB is not going to be unreliable, but just maybe a LITTLE less. An unreliable MB I think would still be more reliable than many other car manufacturers reliable cars. Besides, MB has a certain elegance, even the name Mercedes-Benz makes it sound cool.
I personally love and adore Mercedes-Benz and will hopefully always as long as they don't become too much like American cars. i.e. GM. NO ONE SAY ANYTHING ABOUT GM BECAUSE SOMEONE WILL GO ON ABOUT A TRUCK THEY HAD IN 1978 OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, THAT HAD 200,000 MILES AND IT LOOKED NEW. I am just saying that now to get it out of the way because I know someone is waiting to jump on that one.
What is better about an LS430 than an S500? Brakes? Performance? Luxury? Safety? I believe that ALL of those will be answered no. The S500 could beat an LS430 in all those areas. BUT, the LS 430 might run 25,000 more miles, and one less power window might break. With the Mercedes you may not get a polite person on the phone, which is sad but true, but I also don't think that everyone at Lexus is always perfect either.
David

[WANT '71 280SEL]

Where else does the Lexus accel over MB other than reliability? Nothing is perfect. But I guess it all depends on how much money you want to spend on it.

[The Godfather]

Is this a setup, where TXBill clowns me saying I'm gonna lock this, and then all hell breaks loose....

I'm cleaning this up. WANT '71 280SEL didn't mean any harm, and was only victim of a lack of knowledge on the matter at hand.

[Frank X. Morris]

Howdy All,
I voted for Mercedes because the star looks so good on the front of a Mog

[The Godfather]

Originally posted by TXBill
Everybody knows the Korean car companies are rapidly catching up to the rest of the world, and, dare I say, surpassing a few companies.

You dare gone, where no man had gone before! lol

So I ask you: What companies have been surpassed by the likes of Kia? (Ok, maybe LADA....)

[The Godfather]

I think that the strategic partners are linked w/ Chrysler. I remember my Dodge Caravan had the mistubishi engine in it.

I doubt Mercedes had anything to do w/ them before the merger.

[The Godfather]

Originally posted by TXBill
No, the buy-in with Hyundai was a seperate deal from the buyout of Chrysler. Do your research.

Shoot...well at long as I don't find Korean parts in my W124 I'm happy

I traded my LS400 in on a W140,500SEL. Bad move. I have had every problem that you will find in this forum.Wish i had my Lexus back.Not ever a problem. Not even 1 repair in 5 years.Just me 2 cents.