Best "value" in a luxury car

[REWahoo]

Note: asking a bunch of LBYM types to recommend a luxury car is like asking a eunuch to name his favorite porn star.

 

[eytonxav]

I've owned several BMWs and they are still great drivers cars. Also, have had several Honda's for their reliability and currently own an Acura SUV. But I guess if I was out shopping now, I would give Mercedes and Lexus a good look.

Nevertheless, I would test as many as you can to see what appeals to you and who might offer the best deal/bang for the buck. Researching is half the fun.

 

[Midpack]

I liked this format, but I changed to fit my experience:

If you like driving: BMW
[-]If you like comfort but still feel the road: Audi[/-]
If you like the feeling of sofa sitting: Lexus [-]Mercedes[/-]
Environmentally friendly: Tesla Model S (though you'd have to own or rent an ICE/hybrid for long trips)
If you want poor reliability and a premium: Mercedes

All these have solid engineering and good comfort, and keep their value typically well resulting in reasonably decent cost per mile. Buy them recently new for best value.

We've owned BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes along with many 'lesser' marques. I am over luxury cars, but I don't begrudge anyone, I had to have the experiences to get over it.

 

[Car-Guy]

Note: asking a bunch of LBYM types to recommend a luxury car is like asking a eunuch to name his favorite porn star.

Well that would definitely be a different kind of "ride".

 

[gerntz]

I don't "get" the appeal of a big SUV if you don't have a specific repeated use like towing, large internal shipping volumes, etc. Such a big lug to maneuver & park all the time. Zero fun. Expensive to feed. And I'm 6-3 240. But clearly there are many votes for them.

 

[NanoSour]

Google "Why not to buy a Mercedes" and watch a couple Scotty Kilmer youtube videos. Great car for a CEO though. Unless money is no object, and you're a car enthusiast from way back, I'd steer clear of the Mercedes, BMW vehicles.

Before ER I had a 45 mile commute that often took 2 hours one way. I went with the Lexus 330ES and loved the comfort, quality and how quiet it was. Best car I've ever owned.

 

[W2R]

I am thinking the same thing, my next vehicle might be my last. I am going with a 2017/18, Ford F350, Crew Cab Lariat. 4x4 and Diesel. Heated seats with an auxiliary instant on heater.

Any upper end Honda or Toyota would be a nice car.

My 2009 Toyota Venza has all the bells and whistles, except for satellite navigation which I prefer not to have since it's impossible to get lost around here.

It has leather seats, heated even, although it never gets cold enough here to want to heat them so I haven't tried that function yet. I do love having climate control and many of its other features. It also has many luxury features that I will probably never use.

It had satellite radio which I hope to never have again; they pestered me mercilessly for over a year by both phone and mail to sign up for monthly payments just for car radio which I didn't want. And now it's got the stupid satellite radio button that leads to nothing but I hit it by mistake sometimes because it is for AM too, depending on how many times you hit it. To me, NOT having satellite radio would be a big plus in a new car.

My biggest complaint is that it is SUCH a "nanny car". I suppose they all are, these days. By "nanny car" I mean that it wants to make too many of the decisions for me. If I do something it thinks is wrong, like drive without my seatbelt on for more than a few feet on my own property, it raises Cain. None of these nanny features are a deal breaker and I should probably reform my thinking and get used to them like everybody else since this is the 21st Century, but I just find them to be terribly annoying and distressing because I want to be the driver and make the decisions. I miss the old mechanical cars without so many digital features.

I am conflicted as to what I might want for my next car. On the one hand, I'd like for it to be a bottom-of-the-line car, just to get away from the Nanny Car digital stuff as much as possible. On the other hand, I admit it - - I do love my keyless entry and push button ignition. So for now, I decided this is probably the best car for me.

 

[Jack_Pine]

I am thinking the same thing, my next vehicle might be my last. I am going with a 2017/18, Ford F350, Crew Cab Lariat. 4x4 and Diesel. Heated seats with an auxiliary instant on heater.

I have that in a 2012 version. The best road trip vehicle I have ever owned. I do tow things so there is a reason for it............ Love every thing about it except maybe parking in shopping lots..............Don't forget cooled/heated seats............

 

[dirt_dobber]

Note: asking a bunch of LBYM types to recommend a luxury car is like asking a eunuch to name his favorite porn star.

Hilarious

 

[HFWR]

The most luxurious car is the one I don't have to drive to w*rk...

 

[MichaelB]

The most luxurious car is the one I don't have to drive to w*rk...

+1

 

[Big_Hitter]

if I had an infinite budget I'd prolly consider an audi - I went to look at them with my SIL when she was in town during Xmas

 

[Danmar]

If you like driving: BMW
If you like comfort but still feel the road: Audi
If you like the feeling of sofa sitting: Mercedes
Environmentally friendly: Tesla Model S

All these have solid engineering and good comfort, and keep their value typically well resulting in reasonably decent cost per mile. Buy them recently new for best value.
.

Agree with this assessment. I really like sporty driving so have BMW's. If you want a comfortable ride, go with Japanese or US models. If you wear a hat while driving, get a Cadilllac.

 

[check6]

Can't beat an old Lincoln Town car.

Now that is funny as I have threaten my wife for years that I am going to buy a Town Car. I found them very comfortable when being picked up at the airport by a limo company. I think they would make a great X-country car.

 

[check6]

Check out the Mercedes C Class lineup. Prices are reasonable, reasonably fuel efficient and fun to drive. We have a 2012 model and have not regretted it. Maintenance costs have not been bad.


Sent from my iPhone using Early Retirement Forum

+1 for the C Class. Most dealers are overstock with them and you could get a pretty good deal. I would get one off a 3 year lease. We have a '07 Class purchased in '10.

We like Mercedes so much we purchased a '12 M class coming off a 3 year lease. Never have had a maintenance issue with Mercedes.

 

[travelover]

Now that is funny as I have threaten my wife for years that I am going to buy a Town Car. I found them very comfortable when being picked up at the airport by a limo company. I think they would make a great X-country car.

Like driving your living room.

 

[Danmar]

Now that is funny as I have threaten my wife for years that I am going to buy a Town Car. I found them very comfortable when being picked up at the airport by a limo company. I think they would make a great X-country car.

I don't think they make them any more? Limo drivers are all complaining about it.

 

[Jack_Pine]

Town cars were great and even the Grand Marquee. Great riding cars and roomy as was the Cadillac DTS. All gone.

 

[travelover]

I don't think they make them any more? Limo drivers are all complaining about it.

Well he did say "best value" and you can't beat used for value.

 

[capjak]

Agree with this assessment. I really like sporty driving so have BMW's. If you want a comfortable ride, go with Japanese or US models. If you wear a hat while driving, get a Cadilllac.

I also drive BMW and BMW has advanced technology and love have color heads up display as well as all the other features you do not find on a lot of other sports sedans ( I have the 328 xi with M sport package) consumer reports recommends it and it has good reliability per consumer reports.....

 

[prudent_one]

My last two cars have been Buicks bought a year old. I think they are excellent value for the money (after the huge depreciation hit in year 1) and FWIW quite trouble-free. Comfortable (=relatively soft) ride, plentiful amenities.

But that's about as "luxury" as I will go. (In other words, that's all I'm going to spend. )

 

[Dancer373]

I have a 2012 Toyota Rav4 which I love. Big enough to carry big things and 4 grandkids. The leather seats are comfortable and are heated. The seats heat faster than the heater. Good gas milage and easy to get in and out of. Previously I had Camry but it ot to be too hard to get out of. Never any mechanical problemes.....

 

[braumeister]

Like driving your living room.

Waterbed on wheels.

 

[splitwdw]

Before anyone shoots me, I know there isn't much "value" in buying a luxury car. However, I've worked for almost 20 years and earned excellent money most of that time. I'm pretty much FIRE at this point (and if you add in DW's savings, we definitely are). So, having never owned a nice car (mostly used Hondas and Toyotas), I'd like to buy a "me" car - not a midlife crisis car. My commute is long and annoying, so a little luxury would be appreciated for the time I spend in the car and working.
Suggestions?

Get out there and take some test drives. Comfort is big when you have a long commute. There are lots of things that can add to the "comfort" end. I'm in Pennsylvania and drive a 2010 Ford F150 Platinum. I've got leather hot and cold seats which are great in my climate but like W2R said she's never used her heated seats. I'm not real tall and the power step is great for getting in and out. The F150 Platinum can transport 5 adults and still have the bed of the truck for transporting all our stuff. Rear view cameras are great for backing up or hooking up your trailer. You have better field of vision in a truck because you are higher up. Anyway, my luxury truck may not be your idea of luxury. It's a great riding truck but I only get 11 or 12 miles to the gallon. My 2014 corvette gets better gas mileage but only transport 2 people. Has a great ride but is terrible in snow.
It's not just long commute, it's your weather, the terrain, the parking, what you have to transport, your body type. So get out there and take some test drives.

 

[GravitySucks]

For a combination of performance, comfort, luxury, and load-carrying, my dream car would be a 2011 Cadillac CTS-V wagon.

Gets those groceries home before the ice cream can melt!