new car

[gregmoeck]

its time for a new car. mercedes or lexus, or acura... which would be more reliable in the future? You always here stories about high cost of maintanance w/ BMW's, are mercedes the same?

[gmh1013]

I owned a 1989 325i that was high mileage and really didn't take to much money a money to keep it going.
The auto trans started to slip and thats when I sold it...but I know guys that own a BMW thats a money pit....same with a M-B
I would say Lexus and Acura would be your 2 best everyday driving cars....Im old so I would go with an Lexus.

[Mike B]

I would vote Mercedes. My mother has had 3 of them over the years, and only one was somewhat high maintenance.
Don't forget with any high end car, once it's out of warrenty both labor and parts will be expensive for said car.
But with your provided choices, I'd go with MB.

[buz-lh]

If you have a good independent mechanic for when the warranty runs out MB's are not that expensive to maintain. If you use the dealer for service you will pay through the nose.

[ducatidoc]

Even though I have a '97 740i that I intend to drive until it crumbles to dust (currently has 151k on the clock), I would still go for a nice S-class Benz, assuming $$ are not an issue. I have always viewed M-B as just a tad more classy than B-M, although there are lots of opponents to that viewpoint, and it gets down to "you like Fords, I like Chevys" after a while. Both of the German marques are still more prestigious than the Japs, but the Japs will definitely surround you with a better level of plush creature-comforts. Plus the Japs at least know how to build a water pump.

[Ed Rooney]

The Acura and Lexus will be easier to maintain, by far. They all want you to do the scheduled maintenance, but you could probably buy the Lexus and change the oil and it will go 200,000 miles. With MB/BMW/Audi, if you miss some maintenance, bad things will start happening.

Here's my general philosophy on cars:

American - More likely to need maintenance, but maintenance is cheaper.

Japanese - Less Likely to need maintenance, but maintenance is more expensive.

European - More likely to need maintenance, maintenance is very expensive.

I own a BMW, but realistically, I'm probably more of a Toyota SUV type. I think mechanics break things more often than they fix them. I want to buy a car and drive it 150-200K miles without too much interference from the service dept.

[Mosco]

I will go against the grain and suggest Acura. For the price of a used MB, you can get a new Acura. The 2010 TL SH-AWD is just a marvelous piece of machinery that will retain value better than almost any other brand out there.

[B Square]

Check out the Infiniti M's. You'll be glad you did
Boyd

[Ed Rooney]

Originally Posted by Mosco

I will go against the grain and suggest Acura. For the price of a used MB, you can get a new Acura. The 2010 TL SH-AWD is just a marvelous piece of machinery that will retain value better than almost any other brand out there.

I'll second that. I drove the TL and it was very nice. Acura is making great vehicles. I compared the MDX to the BMW X5, and liked everything about the MDX better.

[dina]

I vote lexus or acura. I have an acura and love it!!! which model????

[2th Dr]

Lexus or Acura. I've been a Lexus man for over 17 years, with no complaints. I recently traded in my 2001 IS300 for a 2010 IS250. The 2001 had 164,000 miles on it and was still running flawlessly, with no squeaks, rattles, leaks, etc. Perfect! I think MB is a nice car, but over-priced. BMW? Nope, no me. I bought a new Z4 a few years back and had nothing but problems with it.
DSC03070.jpg

DSC03058.jpg

[gregmoeck]

TL looks ok to me. I think I will have to go with Acura, Lexus would be nice but I need something a little more sporty, i'm not all grey yet :)

[2th Dr]

Sporty? You need to check out Lexus! They have several sporty cars. The IS like the one I just got, or the SC 430, if you REALLY want a sports car. Even the GS is a sporty sedan.

[cosimo]

Originally Posted by buz-lh

If you have a good independent mechanic for when the warranty runs out MB's are not that expensive to maintain. If you use the dealer for service you will pay through the nose.

DITTO!!!! and watch those tire costs. I have a sl and the tires run about 350.00 a piece, on this model you cant rotate them either.

[sakuraba]

My Japanese cars have never let down. Drop dead reliable, and always cheap to maintain.

My 1999 Merc has been a $700 car. I spend $700 everytime I take it to the shop, which lately has been every three months. Engine support $700 each (you will need 3). Rear window lifter $650 (the window refused to go back up!). Auto dim side mirror $350 each. Cylinder head gasket $700 (the gasket set was cheap, but labor evened things out).

My 1984 Porsche costs me $250 to change its oil (once a year with how I use it). Every 5 years I have a major service which costs $800. Not bad.

My project 914 has been a money pit.

Buy Japanese, and have more money for what counts - Rolexes!

[S/SOnly]

Originally Posted by gregmoeck

its time for a new car. mercedes or lexus, or acura... which would be more reliable in the future? You always here stories about high cost of maintanance w/ BMW's, are mercedes the same?

You want absolute spot on reliability, go with a Lexus or Acura. Best car I ever owned was an Acura. I'm also a big proponent of BMW's, as that what I have driven for the last 10 years. I still feel however that none of my BMW's would be as reliable as that Acura.

Either way, good luck and have fun shopping.

[diversified]

Originally Posted by 2th DR

Lexus or Acura. I've been a Lexus man for over 17 years, with no complaints. I recently traded in my 2001 IS300 for a 2010 IS250. The 2001 had 164,000 miles on it and was still running flawlessly, with no squeaks, rattles, leaks, etc. Perfect! I think MB is a nice car, but over-priced. BMW? Nope, no me. I bought a new Z4 a few years back and had nothing but problems with it.
Attachment 125746

Attachment 125747

Those are 2 fine looking cars Mark. Looks like they get a pretty good bit of pampering.

[2th Dr]

Originally Posted by diversified

Those are 2 fine looking cars Mark. Looks like they get a pretty good bit of pampering.

Thanks Jim! They do! My fiancee thinks I'm nuts! But now that she knows that black one's going to be hers when we get married, she's changing her tune. When we go anywhere in it, she's like "Be careful where you park MY car!" and "Look! The window has fingerprints on it!"

[Dr. Robert]

Lexus(I own one) is less costly to keep compared w/ the Germans.

[dina]

cant go wrong with acura!!! they are awesome! lexus is sporty too! the is320 is sweet

[Dr.Brian]

When I went looking for a new 4 door sedan this year, Mercedes was the stand out. Test drive them all. I'm not convinced that repairs on my Benz are really going to be much less than the Jap luxo brands.

[axxeman01]

BMW M5, accept no substitutes.

[bobp315]

Originally Posted by axxeman01

BMW M5, accept no substitutes.

x2 . I have a friend that has an E39 M5 with a 6-speed manual. He's only let me drive it once but that thing is a rocket.

[Boopie]

I guess it depends what kind of car, exactly, you are looking for.

My husband and I both drive Acuras. They are wonderful cars and I would highly recommend them. They are essentially maintenance- (and worry-) free. Styling is, however, somewhat on the bland side (especially the "flagship" RL sedan). If you want a luxury "crossover" SUV the Acura MDX is hard to beat (plus it has a 3rd row). I also think you get more for your money with an Acura than over a Lexus.

My husband and I have also owned Toyota, and my in-laws have had Lexus (Lexii??). Several colleagues and friends have a Lexus as well. Those are very classy, hassle-free cars. My in-laws had a 400SC Coupe when it first came out. The car was by far the best handling car I've ever driven. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it...they sold it several years later only because they were itching for a new car with new technology, not because there was anything wrong with it.

My in-laws have also owned several MBZs (many models) and BMWs (X5 and X3)over the years. I agree that the BMW in particular has been expensive to maintain (but a dream to drive). I had a 2000 C class and loved it, but it was a lease and I turned it back after 4 years. Surprisingly, the gas gauge broke (although it was fixed under warranty). My father in law has a 2001 MBZ CLK coupe. Although it looks good (and there are very few luxury coupes on the market now), is solid (the MBZ doors are very strong) and handles well (thank you, rear wheel drive), maintenance-wise it has left a lot to be desired. The BMWs handle well, but the SUVs in general are skimpy on cargo space, and they can get very expensive if you keep them for a long time (but certainly not in every case).

So, do you want a sedan? Coupe? SUV? If so, what size, small, medium, or large?

How long do you plan to keep your car? If you're going to lease if for 3 years, versus buy it and drive it for 30 years until parts fall off, then the answer may be different, too.

Finally, what are your needs...single guy? Couple? Kids? Is rear seat room or cargo space important to you?

For a sedan, I would vote Lexus (even the compact IS sedan is pretty cool for "youngsters"); SUV, Acura MDX; and for a coupe that looks cool, the MBZ CLK. If you are going to lease for a few years, and status and looks are important, I wouldn't rule out the BMW.

[Brit78]

Originally Posted by axxeman01

BMW M5, accept no substitutes.

Totally agree. Always been my all around favorite car. Next on my list

That being said, I haven't seen anyone mention Audi. I LOVE my S4. Been a great car for the last 5+ years.

[Starwalker]

I vote BMW - ultimate drivers car, and handles like it was a gift from god to mankind. Truly fantastic. I don't know what issues on reliability people have had, but personally I've never experienced any problems with my 5-series.

I've also owned a MB, the new ones are great...however, in the New E-Class, found the interior to have bit of a depressing vibe. Its a smooth ride, but not thrilling by any menas. The new 7 series is far better than the S-class IMO.

As for the Japanese cars, they might be more competitively priced...but i think they're completely soulless (expect for the Nissan Skyline GT-R, which slayed a 911 Porsche Turbo around the Nürburgring!!!)

The best Japanese car the I would buy would be a fully loaded Honda Accord or a Lexus LX 470-(only if i was still living in dubai).....anything beyond that and I would probably start looking at 1) BMW 2) MB 3) Range-Rover 4) Porsche. Buying Japanese for me IMO is buying a car for functionality not luxury.

[Starwalker]

Originally Posted by axxeman01

BMW M5, accept no substitutes.

x1,453,465,435,556,464,238,995.000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!

[multimedia]

+1 on BMW here as well.

But have you thought about checking out AUDI? The A6 with a good engine plus some extra goodies, is a really nice drive. And while you're at it you can also check out the S6 and the A/S8


Cheers,
Joe

[bodybump]

Ummm How about getting every single option on a 7 series and on a MB.... Genesis anyone??

[lavaman]

owed 3 Acuras, 3 BMWS.

BMW is best, in my opinion, only b/c acura is no longer acura, but is instead Honda Accord Plus. In other words, back when I owned Legends, they were, well, Legends. They were different. Now they are still using too much fake wood and not enough design to justify the pricetag. But they are still great cars.

BMW rocks, for all the reasons said above. Stay away from 7 series, get a 6 cyl 5 series, with manual tranny, or any 3 series.

Edmunds.com before any purchase. (go look at Audi....horrid ratings across the range, going back a decade plus). Ditto anything British that isnt an XJ8 or an S type Jag.

Best option? Perhaps a CPO MB (cert pre-owned) with low low mileage. GF bought a clk500 and their warranty is awesome. Acura and BMW's warranties (lawyer here :-) has some holes in it.