What car would you consider???
08-04-11, 10:29 PM
#33
Interesting question, I foresee my next car purchase being something similar to this (looking for powerful sedan as my car vs. SUV/van for the wife, around $35-40k budget, used), so I've pondered this quite a bit.
My dream would be a CTS-V wagon. Since it's relatively new, I don't think you could get one for much less than $50-55k, so a bit out of budget.
This thread caught my eye because you mentioned E55. For $35-40k, you'd be buying the W211 generation of the E-Class AMG. I owned a 2003 E55 AMG prior to my current IS350. I bought it at 60k miles, for around $25k. It was a beautiful, amazing performer for an unbelievable price. I shortly found out that was for a reason.
The E55 sold new for around $90-100k. Only 60k miles later, they're down to $25-30k. That's because they're built to last through the warranty period, then fall apart. Only a few thousand miles after I bought it, everything went wrong. Suspension components (bushings, tie rods) failed to the tune of $2,000. Those types of parts aren't really easy to predict failure, and usually do at some point, so I wasn't that upset. Then the idler pulley, intercooler pump, engine thermostat, keyless door handles, steering angle sensor, and AUTOMATIC CLUTCH all failed. All of these parts failed at 60k miles - only 10k out of the warranty period. I only paid to repair the parts that were necessary (pump, thermostat, pulley) and it came to close to $5,000. The other parts all repaired would have added another $5,000. These were not wear and tear parts; they were failures of parts that were poorly designed and chosen by MB.
Furthermore, the entire W211 E-Class (not just the AMGs) were affected by a recall for the fuel sending units (there's one under each rear passenger seat) and the fuel pump, all because they used a faulty gasket which failed easily and let gasoline flow out and into the cabin, causing a fire hazard. Despite the recall being performed, people had this issue recur enough times until MB bought back their cars. This issue also happened to me, even though the recall had already been performed, and I had to fight with MB corporate to get them to cover it. The repair would have been $2,500.
This $100k E55 required almost $14,500 in repairs at only 60k miles. And I was all over the MB forums about these issues, and found that all owners were experiencing them, not just me.
After all this, I had to dump the car before it sucked any more money out of me. I never got to enjoy the car - it seemed like every single morning I came out to the car there was a new malfunction light. This is just taken to be commonplace among German luxury cars - this wasn't just a Mercedes thing, BMW and Audi suffer from similar reliability issues.
I won't be buying another German car ever again after this experience. That's exactly why I went to Lexus and will likely be staying, if they offer some sportier models outside the IS (a GS-F, for example).
My dream would be a CTS-V wagon. Since it's relatively new, I don't think you could get one for much less than $50-55k, so a bit out of budget.
This thread caught my eye because you mentioned E55. For $35-40k, you'd be buying the W211 generation of the E-Class AMG. I owned a 2003 E55 AMG prior to my current IS350. I bought it at 60k miles, for around $25k. It was a beautiful, amazing performer for an unbelievable price. I shortly found out that was for a reason.
The E55 sold new for around $90-100k. Only 60k miles later, they're down to $25-30k. That's because they're built to last through the warranty period, then fall apart. Only a few thousand miles after I bought it, everything went wrong. Suspension components (bushings, tie rods) failed to the tune of $2,000. Those types of parts aren't really easy to predict failure, and usually do at some point, so I wasn't that upset. Then the idler pulley, intercooler pump, engine thermostat, keyless door handles, steering angle sensor, and AUTOMATIC CLUTCH all failed. All of these parts failed at 60k miles - only 10k out of the warranty period. I only paid to repair the parts that were necessary (pump, thermostat, pulley) and it came to close to $5,000. The other parts all repaired would have added another $5,000. These were not wear and tear parts; they were failures of parts that were poorly designed and chosen by MB.
Furthermore, the entire W211 E-Class (not just the AMGs) were affected by a recall for the fuel sending units (there's one under each rear passenger seat) and the fuel pump, all because they used a faulty gasket which failed easily and let gasoline flow out and into the cabin, causing a fire hazard. Despite the recall being performed, people had this issue recur enough times until MB bought back their cars. This issue also happened to me, even though the recall had already been performed, and I had to fight with MB corporate to get them to cover it. The repair would have been $2,500.
This $100k E55 required almost $14,500 in repairs at only 60k miles. And I was all over the MB forums about these issues, and found that all owners were experiencing them, not just me.
After all this, I had to dump the car before it sucked any more money out of me. I never got to enjoy the car - it seemed like every single morning I came out to the car there was a new malfunction light. This is just taken to be commonplace among German luxury cars - this wasn't just a Mercedes thing, BMW and Audi suffer from similar reliability issues.
I won't be buying another German car ever again after this experience. That's exactly why I went to Lexus and will likely be staying, if they offer some sportier models outside the IS (a GS-F, for example).
I don't see your experience reflect the car being poor quality though, that E55 model is pretty high performance, almost 500 hp, over 500 torque, those parts failing at 60k miles is totally acceptable to me, idler pulley, intercooler pump, engine thermostat, keyless door handles, steering angle sensor, and AUTOMATIC CLUTCH are all wear and tear parts. Parts on a 500 hp heavy car wears out faster on a 300 hp lighter weight car you know. Also high performance cars tend to get driven hard. Only the fuel sending units is not a wear and tear parts.
That's how it is, the more fun you have in a car, the higher the operating cost, nothing is free. When Lexus make a 500 hp GS-F some day, it will be the same thing, maybe those parts on a Lexus will last to 80k miles, but still, things wear out.
08-04-11, 10:42 PM
#34
lol wow, thank you everyone for your replies. a lot of great ideas, awesome. first of all, i want to focus more on the non-suv that we are considering. we already have a few suv choices in mind and since it's going to be hauling kid(s) and luggage, can't say we really care that much about the car 
good idea on cls, somehow ever crossed my mine. maserati i am very afraid of all the repairs. i heard they break like that.
996, indeed that's a good choice. i need to see if my wife can remotely accept the idea of 2 door...
good feedback on the M. i will check again to see what it is like 
for sure 2is is very small. every time i work on customers' ISes i look at the rear seats and i wonder how useful can they actually be...
you really busting my bubble of finding something nice and fun man
yes, the w221 is very nice indeed, and quality seems pretty ok so far. i really wish i can dig into s63 but obviously it's still quite some distance
not very easy to find m5 6mt, so yeah indeed i thought about smg. but yes, i also know how bad it is
no wagon please, unless it's rs6 avant
forgot about the s6 and s8, i should take a look. one thing i don't know is how bad i might have to sell out for all the repairs
75k miles is a lot (too much by my book) for a 07, that's why i said "reasonable" in my first reply. i usually expect around 10-12k miles per yr as a reference. i don't know the answer, but i am not sure if i feel comfortable on that kind of mileage on a 07 s class
no worry, please do continue to post, i read everything. i can see gas price going up, but every time i consider a car i factor in the potential gas i will be paying in 2-3 years to come. of course i am not made out of money, but i can probably afford 5 bucks a gallon for now. m5 and e55 both are enemies of gas. you get 10mpg easy
thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it! indeed that's what i was wonder. funny on mb board you see everyone selling e55 and say it's rock solid, but i just couldn't stop thinking the price. they are cheap for a reason. if i buy one, for sure i need one with the chrysler warranty so i can replace everything that's broken. i also heard the first yr 03 was a total pain and to avoid at all cost.
one funny fact is if look at same year e55 and m5, m5 is consistently 5-8k more.
not ferrari, but i am ok with this 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mflDXdjqKz4
like i said, you and allen, what am i going to do without you two!
good idea on cls, somehow ever crossed my mine. maserati i am very afraid of all the repairs. i heard they break like that.
996, indeed that's a good choice. i need to see if my wife can remotely accept the idea of 2 door...
I am wayyy cheaper then you!
My opinion of the 2nd gen M45 from my memories are:
Very spacious, great for a family man, the cabin feel almost as big as a LS460L.
Interior quality and material is lower then GS, but acceptable to me.
The 340 hp rating is optimistic, it feels slower and more sluggish then the 300 hp GS430.
What I don't like the most from Infiniti vehicles are they generally have lower refinement, they feel rougher then Lexus in every details. And they don't age well at all, they are lower quality so they don't last. If you plan to keep it for a long time, don't consider a Nissan product.
The 2IS is way too small for even my personal use, I don't even want it as a one day loaner car. (IS owners please don't hate me )
My opinion of the 2nd gen M45 from my memories are:
Very spacious, great for a family man, the cabin feel almost as big as a LS460L.
Interior quality and material is lower then GS, but acceptable to me.
The 340 hp rating is optimistic, it feels slower and more sluggish then the 300 hp GS430.
What I don't like the most from Infiniti vehicles are they generally have lower refinement, they feel rougher then Lexus in every details. And they don't age well at all, they are lower quality so they don't last. If you plan to keep it for a long time, don't consider a Nissan product.
The 2IS is way too small for even my personal use, I don't even want it as a one day loaner car. (IS owners please don't hate me
)for sure 2is is very small. every time i work on customers' ISes i look at the rear seats and i wonder how useful can they actually be...
A good value no frills choice would be a late model Acura RL, they are very nice cars but not popular at all so they depreciate quickly.
Really though, the GS350 you got is the best choice in that segment, so if you stay in this segment, everything else is a down grade in refinement.
The only way to get a cooler car is go to the more exotic Euro side, but then they get more expensive in repairs for a used car.
Really though, the GS350 you got is the best choice in that segment, so if you stay in this segment, everything else is a down grade in refinement.
The only way to get a cooler car is go to the more exotic Euro side, but then they get more expensive in repairs for a used car.
I always liked the W221 S550, I think the early cars are under $40k now and they suppose to be much more reliable then the last generation.
The E60 M5s are way under $40k, that is cool if you can keep driving a stick, you know how much I hate the SMG.
How about a E55 wagon?! That can double as family duty too!
The E60 M5s are way under $40k, that is cool if you can keep driving a stick, you know how much I hate the SMG.
How about a E55 wagon?! That can double as family duty too!
not very easy to find m5 6mt, so yeah indeed i thought about smg. but yes, i also know how bad it is
no wagon please, unless it's rs6 avant
With the US economy in deep ***** and the american dollar in the same situation gasoline prices are gonna keep climbing. $5/gal is inevitable, $6-7 more than likely in the near future. Buy a Prius (plug-in available soon) or take that money and invest in something that'll give it some protection.
But if you really need a guzzler, just wait until gas costs $6/gal and pick one up for a steal!! Then park it in the garage and catch the bus. LOL, if this happens, I might be sitting in the bus next to you and I have a hybrid.
But if you really need a guzzler, just wait until gas costs $6/gal and pick one up for a steal!! Then park it in the garage and catch the bus. LOL, if this happens, I might be sitting in the bus next to you and I have a hybrid.
Interesting question, I foresee my next car purchase being something similar to this (looking for powerful sedan as my car vs. SUV/van for the wife, around $35-40k budget, used), so I've pondered this quite a bit.
My dream would be a CTS-V wagon. Since it's relatively new, I don't think you could get one for much less than $50-55k, so a bit out of budget.
This thread caught my eye because you mentioned E55. For $35-40k, you'd be buying the W211 generation of the E-Class AMG. I owned a 2003 E55 AMG prior to my current IS350. I bought it at 60k miles, for around $25k. It was a beautiful, amazing performer for an unbelievable price. I shortly found out that was for a reason.
The E55 sold new for around $90-100k. Only 60k miles later, they're down to $25-30k. That's because they're built to last through the warranty period, then fall apart. Only a few thousand miles after I bought it, everything went wrong. Suspension components (bushings, tie rods) failed to the tune of $2,000. Those types of parts aren't really easy to predict failure, and usually do at some point, so I wasn't that upset. Then the idler pulley, intercooler pump, engine thermostat, keyless door handles, steering angle sensor, and AUTOMATIC CLUTCH all failed. All of these parts failed at 60k miles - only 10k out of the warranty period. I only paid to repair the parts that were necessary (pump, thermostat, pulley) and it came to close to $5,000. The other parts all repaired would have added another $5,000. These were not wear and tear parts; they were failures of parts that were poorly designed and chosen by MB.
Furthermore, the entire W211 E-Class (not just the AMGs) were affected by a recall for the fuel sending units (there's one under each rear passenger seat) and the fuel pump, all because they used a faulty gasket which failed easily and let gasoline flow out and into the cabin, causing a fire hazard. Despite the recall being performed, people had this issue recur enough times until MB bought back their cars. This issue also happened to me, even though the recall had already been performed, and I had to fight with MB corporate to get them to cover it. The repair would have been $2,500.
This $100k E55 required almost $14,500 in repairs at only 60k miles. And I was all over the MB forums about these issues, and found that all owners were experiencing them, not just me.
After all this, I had to dump the car before it sucked any more money out of me. I never got to enjoy the car - it seemed like every single morning I came out to the car there was a new malfunction light. This is just taken to be commonplace among German luxury cars - this wasn't just a Mercedes thing, BMW and Audi suffer from similar reliability issues.
I won't be buying another German car ever again after this experience. That's exactly why I went to Lexus and will likely be staying, if they offer some sportier models outside the IS (a GS-F, for example).
My dream would be a CTS-V wagon. Since it's relatively new, I don't think you could get one for much less than $50-55k, so a bit out of budget.
This thread caught my eye because you mentioned E55. For $35-40k, you'd be buying the W211 generation of the E-Class AMG. I owned a 2003 E55 AMG prior to my current IS350. I bought it at 60k miles, for around $25k. It was a beautiful, amazing performer for an unbelievable price. I shortly found out that was for a reason.
The E55 sold new for around $90-100k. Only 60k miles later, they're down to $25-30k. That's because they're built to last through the warranty period, then fall apart. Only a few thousand miles after I bought it, everything went wrong. Suspension components (bushings, tie rods) failed to the tune of $2,000. Those types of parts aren't really easy to predict failure, and usually do at some point, so I wasn't that upset. Then the idler pulley, intercooler pump, engine thermostat, keyless door handles, steering angle sensor, and AUTOMATIC CLUTCH all failed. All of these parts failed at 60k miles - only 10k out of the warranty period. I only paid to repair the parts that were necessary (pump, thermostat, pulley) and it came to close to $5,000. The other parts all repaired would have added another $5,000. These were not wear and tear parts; they were failures of parts that were poorly designed and chosen by MB.
Furthermore, the entire W211 E-Class (not just the AMGs) were affected by a recall for the fuel sending units (there's one under each rear passenger seat) and the fuel pump, all because they used a faulty gasket which failed easily and let gasoline flow out and into the cabin, causing a fire hazard. Despite the recall being performed, people had this issue recur enough times until MB bought back their cars. This issue also happened to me, even though the recall had already been performed, and I had to fight with MB corporate to get them to cover it. The repair would have been $2,500.
This $100k E55 required almost $14,500 in repairs at only 60k miles. And I was all over the MB forums about these issues, and found that all owners were experiencing them, not just me.
After all this, I had to dump the car before it sucked any more money out of me. I never got to enjoy the car - it seemed like every single morning I came out to the car there was a new malfunction light. This is just taken to be commonplace among German luxury cars - this wasn't just a Mercedes thing, BMW and Audi suffer from similar reliability issues.
I won't be buying another German car ever again after this experience. That's exactly why I went to Lexus and will likely be staying, if they offer some sportier models outside the IS (a GS-F, for example).
one funny fact is if look at same year e55 and m5, m5 is consistently 5-8k more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mflDXdjqKz4
like i said, you and allen, what am i going to do without you two!
08-04-11, 11:11 PM
#38
In the E60 series, I actually like the look of the last version of the 550i more then the M5, that body kit look so smooth and that factory stance is almost hellaflush
360 hp is a little low though, enough to be not boring I guess. Did the twin turbo V8 ever made it into the E60? I always wonder about that and too lazy to look up.
360 hp is a little low though, enough to be not boring I guess. Did the twin turbo V8 ever made it into the E60? I always wonder about that and too lazy to look up.
08-04-11, 11:22 PM
#39
Lexus Champion
In the E60 series, I actually like the look of the last version of the 550i more then the M5, that body kit look so smooth and that factory stance is almost hellaflush
360 hp is a little low though, enough to be not boring I guess. Did the twin turbo V8 ever made it into the E60? I always wonder about that and too lazy to look up.
360 hp is a little low though, enough to be not boring I guess. Did the twin turbo V8 ever made it into the E60? I always wonder about that and too lazy to look up.
08-04-11, 11:37 PM
#40
Driver School Candidate
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M5 is a great car but don't get one with SMG. Drove my buddy's M5 with SMG and it was such a pain especially on slow/daily drive type of situations. E92 M3 is great, why not just pick up a used one?
Audi S5 is another beautiful car
I had a modded E92 335, it was fun as hell although HPFP failure is a known issue..
good luck!!
Audi S5 is another beautiful car
I had a modded E92 335, it was fun as hell although HPFP failure is a known issue..
good luck!!
08-04-11, 11:38 PM
#41
M45 is ok, somehow it doesn't attract me though, I think is because Lexus is so much nicer.
Well you posted a whole thread asking for opinion, so I give you mine......lol. It is really very simple, Asians are sensible and reliable so low on repair cost, but there is only Lexus, Infiniti and Acura. Lexus is best by far and you already owned all the best ones, if you want any other Asians, they are all downgrade. Euros are all a lot of fun, but they all don't last very long so much higher repair cost.
so you would drive a wagon if it is a RS6 huh.....what a double standard
Well it is not here, so no V10 RS6 for you. I drove the 1st gen RS6 that was here, 03-04' I think, felt pretty crappy to me, didn't even feel like the claim 450 hp 
That rule apply to all cars, not just Euros alone. Well maybe the very 1st LS400 was a rare exception, that car was bulletproofed.
Maybe we can go car shopping with you to give you valueable advices
08-04-11, 11:42 PM
#43
M5 is a great car but don't get one with SMG. Drove my buddy's M5 with SMG and it was such a pain especially on slow/daily drive type of situations. E92 M3 is great, why not just pick up a used one?
Audi S5 is another beautiful car
I had a modded E92 335, it was fun as hell although HPFP failure is a known issue..
good luck!!
Audi S5 is another beautiful car
I had a modded E92 335, it was fun as hell although HPFP failure is a known issue..
good luck!!
I do like the S5, it looks so handsome and is a V8
08-04-11, 11:48 PM
#44
I just came up with one, if you don't want the used Euro's worry and none of the Japanese fit your needs, how about a new Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec?
I haven't driven the R-Spec but from my feeling I would want that more then an old M45. The R-Spec is 430 hp 5.0L V8 and is only $47k new, I would definitely check that out if I am in your position. $47k is so low for what it is!
Or an Equus, but that is $58k and I don't know if you want a Korean LS460.
The review on the R-Spec is not that hot, but they mainly complaining about it being not very hot, they didn't actually find anything wrong with it. I see it as a slightly lesser GS-F for almost half price and I feel it is an upgrade from your GS350, it is brand new with a warranty for $47k!
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/2...-drive-review/
I haven't driven the R-Spec but from my feeling I would want that more then an old M45. The R-Spec is 430 hp 5.0L V8 and is only $47k new, I would definitely check that out if I am in your position. $47k is so low for what it is!
Or an Equus, but that is $58k and I don't know if you want a Korean LS460.
The review on the R-Spec is not that hot, but they mainly complaining about it being not very hot, they didn't actually find anything wrong with it. I see it as a slightly lesser GS-F for almost half price and I feel it is an upgrade from your GS350, it is brand new with a warranty for $47k!
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/2...-drive-review/
Last edited by BNR34; 08-04-11 at 11:59 PM.
08-05-11, 12:01 AM
#45
i am already driving a e93 m3 now. it's one hell of a car, but usually i try not to get the same thing again. e92 is quicker by all means, but still virtually the same car by my book.
and yes, i guess we can all agree on the e60 m5 smg. you just can't drive the car right after a full dinner or you will throw up half the meal, lol
550i, very true, i should take a look. though some part of me just say if i look at that car, should just go ahead with m5 instead
s5 is nice looking car but i think they are asking way too much money for it?
and yes, i try to AVOID 2 seater!
good idea on genesis, i completely forgot about the car. i drove the 4.6 before and it wasn't bad. though at that time i think the car lack more soul than ls460
and yes, i guess we can all agree on the e60 m5 smg. you just can't drive the car right after a full dinner or you will throw up half the meal, lol
550i, very true, i should take a look. though some part of me just say if i look at that car, should just go ahead with m5 instead
s5 is nice looking car but i think they are asking way too much money for it?
and yes, i try to AVOID 2 seater!
good idea on genesis, i completely forgot about the car. i drove the 4.6 before and it wasn't bad. though at that time i think the car lack more soul than ls460