dculberson wrote: Hmm, I think he's near the Suntrust. I'm honestly not that great at paying attention to stuff like that, so have trouble remembering. I'll have to drop you a PM the next time I'm headed down there.
Cool, buy you a beer!
dculberson wrote: Hmm, I think he's near the Suntrust. I'm honestly not that great at paying attention to stuff like that, so have trouble remembering. I'll have to drop you a PM the next time I'm headed down there.
Cool, buy you a beer!
Just an update,
Went test driving yesterday 2009 528, 2007 M35, 2009 A6 Looked at a TL but it was a bit cramped so a no go on that one.
The verdict.
The Audi A6 = disappointing. 3.2 with the S trim. Had the William Shatner Syndrome going on. (Peddle to the floor) Oh...I guess.....you want to........accelerate. Very weird. Also steering felt over assisted (or way to vertical king pin angles) at all speeds. Tight chassis, felt very rigid but the suspension felt very loose.
It was like they just grabbed parts from the parts bin and threw them together without verification of it working. So no.
The BMW 528 = Goodness Drove well like a BMW, Tight chassis and suspension, linear torque with flat, freight train like acceleration. Very nice, the bad was the wheels. What is up with the Chrome BMW wheels? Save the NBA allstar wheels for the 6, 7 and the X5 & 6. On a 5 it makes the whole car look cheap. So good marks, as expected.
The Infiniti M35 = Surprisingly close to greatness. It felt more sprightly that the 528 and more nimble on it's feet. The steering wasn't as heavy but gave good feedback for such a big car. The engine also was a little more communicative in the noise department, which I liked, when the throttle was pinned. Undetectable at cruise at 80. A little more noise on the highway than the 528, but that could have been tires. The seats were comfy and that isn't a back seat it is a sofa! Downside is the fuel economy wasn't up to par with the 5.
So my search for a luxury sedan is down to a the Infiniti M and the BMW 5 series. In this class these cars are true standouts to a 6'4", Engineer, looking for a grown up car.
Lincoln LS?
Actually the new contender is a Jag XJ8
Figure for the money, why go Jag Light when you can have full Monty for about the same money.
2004 and newer aren't that expensive either. Cheaper than both the BMW and the Infiniti.
Aluminum chassis, V8 and 28 MPG on the highway.
Sounds good to me.
I don't want the R due to long term durability, costs, and legal fees associated with me owning that type of car.
The big question is
XJ8, XJ8L, or Vanden Plas
Better to buy one of each. That way you will have something to drive while the service department explores the limits of your credit card. My Brother loved his. For a little while.
In reply to ls1fiero:
The XJ8 has that many problems? I thought there were major quality improvements on the 2005 and up models
Just to give an update to those who care:
The purely impress the bosses has been thrown out. I just need a presentable vehicle. So the budget is $17K max prefer below $14K and in that I have found the following
M3 (SMG) results of test drive are positive as expected
Mustang GT (5 speed) You always think this car has more grunt, but fast enough for the street
Jag XJ8 (2004+ ) WOW rigid chassis and respectable power. REALLY comfy
BMW 5 Series (2005+) once again a B is a B.
Jetta TDI (Manual 2005+) I fit but will the little power from the diesel make me happy?
Honda Ridgeline (getting a little up on mileage in these) Honda's trucklet but poor fuel efficinecy. Why does this thing drink gas faster than a Mustang GT?
Grand Cherokee Diesel (Merc 3.0l) I have always found the Grand Cherokee to be comfortable. The Merc Diesel just adds a cherry to the top
Ford F150 King Ranch. (a little high on mileage on these too.) If you haven't sat in this truck, you don't know what thick soft leather is. Are you listening Jag/BMW/Audi/MB ? Plus I will be in the Southeast so towing is a plus too. Poor fuel efficiency
Accord manual (V6 or I4) Family car of the bunch
Newer Maxima (2004+) I love my 97 and the new ones aren't far from the original target, nothing some spring and shock wouldn't fix.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. (prefer the 2 door) not very professional but multitasks well and my wife likes the way I looked in my old one. poor fuel economy.
Vehicles eliminated All Audis, Infiniti M (price too high still), Acuras (too small), Subarus (this makes me sad, they either aren't built for someone my size, they look like I need a spiked hair cut and pimples to drive, or I can't afford an professional looking one.) Miata (GASP, IT'S NOT THE ANSWER!, it violates all the rules on this board and I might get banned, but in the end I need something bigger. Plus, I look like a monkey riding a foot ball in them.)
I fit in all of these and all are in the budget. (300 mile radius of Knoxville)
I have everything from the sublime benchmark to the off the wall choice, any advice now?
If an Accord is on the list in the running, why not a Ford Fusion? It can be had with three pedals for reasonable and doesn't look too gaudy..
In reply to 92dxman:
Flat roof line. No head space. The difference in me fitting and not is usually about 1/2 inch. The Honda has it the Ford doesn't, but the 6 does. Strange isn't it?
You'll need to log in to post.
