Used luxury sedan - BMW/MB/Lexus

gilbert_and_sullivan

Reliability you simply won't beat Lexus, plus they have by far the best customer service by a country mile, i don't judge customer service by the quality of their free newspapers/carpets/coffee/receptionists legs, i judge it by how the maker stands by their product should it go wrong and you simply won't beat Lexus or Toyota for that.

Fair to say that maintenance of your car should be a prime consideration, IMO you would be hard pushed to find an indy to service your Lexus properly much cheaper than the main dealer.

When it comes to the other two then the main dealer wouldn't and has never seen me for servicing, there are some very fine specialist independent workshops catering for the two German makes and you would do well to make use of them.

As you want auto that rules out the Diesel Lexus (fortunately), but if fancied almost Diesel economy with high power you are in budget for either a GS450h or if you would like a luxury 4x4 then an RX400h, both hybrids, both very fast, the GS450 in particular offering Porsche standards of refined and quiet acceleration right up to Autobahn speeds.

If you want Lexus but don't want Hybrid then your obvious choice is an IS250, good car indeed.

MB C class W204 would make a lovely car too, not so sure i'd buy into BMW and their numerous problems but each to their own, i certainly wouldn't buy into either unless i had a very good make specialist indy to look after them within reasonable distance.

What a very nice car choice to have, best of luck finding your ideal car.

Hint...i suspect if you bought one and Mr Newbian realises just how fast a GS450h is you might find it suddenly becomes more useful/environmentally friendly/better imaged for his needs...;)

newbian

gilbert_and_sullivan wrote: »

As you want auto that rules out the Diesel Lexus (fortunately), but if fancied almost Diesel economy with high power you are in budget for either a GS450h or if you would like a luxury 4x4 then an RX400h, both hybrids, both very fast, the GS450 in particular offering Porsche standards of refined and quiet acceleration right up to Autobahn speeds.

Quite a ringing endorsement of the GS450h! The dealer we are going to visit this weekend has quite a few in stock in our range but was immediately put off by the fact that it's a hybrid. Of course from a running cost standard and long term environmental perspective hybrid does appeal, but performance was my main concern. Will give it a closer look cheers!

gilbert_and_sullivan

newbian wrote: »

Quite a ringing endorsement of the GS450h! The dealer we are going to visit this weekend has quite a few in stock in our range but was immediately put off by the fact that it's a hybrid. Of course from a running cost standard and long term environmental perspective hybrid does appeal, but performance was my main concern. Will give it a closer look cheers!

One drawback i should have mentioned, check the boot, the batteries are in a section at the front half of the boot so its quite small.

Alas now you've mentioned the environmental aspect be prepared for the few Clarkson disciples here to rain half baked virtual blows down as their demigod would.

Thing is the GS450 isn't like normal Prius hybrids, the electric motor and petrol engine combine to give something like 450hp when called on to shift, thats AMG territory.

Enjoy yourself test driving, i would...:cool:

Prothet_of_Doom

V8 Audi A8 Quattro secondhand prices are amazingly low.

Left Field Idea, MG did a RWD V8 version of the Rover 75, which has I'm told is brilliant. You should get £10K change from your £15K.

newbian

Went out looking this weekend at the main dealerships for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus. Wasn't impressed with any of the available 3-series and the customer service was poor. Loved much about the C-class but it felt smaller on the interior than the 3-series. Mr and I are both very tall and sitting comfortably in the front any passengers in the rear would be fairly unhappy. Great for two of us but with plans for a family it's not the most practical choice.

Last stop was Lexus and surprisingly we ended up liking a2008 Lexus RX 400h the most! We weren't even looking for an SUV - running costs being the main issue - but being a hybrid that comes down a lot. Road tax comparable to the saloons we were looking at and the insurance quotes I got for the 400h are lower than for the C-Class. So we're going back to see it again before making up our minds.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Thats a very good choice, on our short list too when we replace the present Outlander.

Thankyou for coming back and updating the thread, an example to the many who ask a question then vanish without trace.

Weird_Nev

I think the Lexus would be a good choice. If it meets your needs, go for it!

Nothing wrong with hybrid technology, and toyota are a leader in the field. Ultimately, it's a tax dodge. It makes the car cheaper to own and run, so what's not to like?

bodgerx

I owned a 2008 3 Series and it is one of the most over rated cars of all time.

Hard ride, numb steering, long notchy throw on the box (not applicable to the OP, obviously).

I would go Japanese all the way. Not as exciting, granted.

Have you looked at the CT200H? Very low running costs and the interior is superb. Maybe a bit new though.

Can't go wrong with the GS though - unlikely to give much trouble.

jaydeeuk1

Wouldn't get a 3 series, they're for people with no imagination, however saying that the 530d is meant to be good.

The Lexus is a good shout, shame you can't quite push an LS 600h - now that is luxury. People saying its just a Toyota as if its a bad thing, if every car was as well built as a Lexus, you wouldn't ever need to buy a new car.

The RX is nice too, plenty of the hybrid ones in budget.

If you want something to enjoy, try the Jag XF in a v8 form.

Edit - just read your post about the RX, excellent choice!

motorguy

bodgerx wrote: »

I owned a 2008 3 Series and it is one of the most over rated cars of all time.

It depends on your expectations of it, and the model you've chosen. Also they tend to need to have a lot of extras on them before they feel 'special'.

Would never describe a common or garden 3 series as a "luxury sedan" though.