imageWIS
Stylish Dinosaur
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2004
- Messages
- 19,716
- Reaction score
- 106
I think I am leaning towards Lexus. Especially if it's recommended by AF and AP, who have a high standard for finer things in life.
I absolutely loved my E38 (short wheelbase version), it's fun to drive, responsive, precise, rounding corners like nobody's business, great connection to the road and feedback to driver, and nimble even for its size. It had all the creature comfort gadgets.
But it's a high-maintenance vehicle. Just off top of my head, I'd replaced both catalyptic converters, O2 sensor, radiator, fuel pump, thermostat, instrument panel, coolant reservior, and motion sensor. Fortunately they're all covered by warranty, but it's still a hassle. And the nav was extremely slow at times causing me to miss exits but the dealer wouldn't replace it. I can't imagine owning it without warranty. May be I picked a lemon. Strangely, it had been relatively trouble-free in the past year or so.
I've heard / read nothing but good things about the new 3. The new 5 on the other hand isn't the most reliable of cars...or so I've heard. I really think you can't go wrong with a 335i. But, I would seriously suggest you also go look at Audi, and test drive every car, where you want to test drive them, not just where the moronic salesperson tells you to go.
The whole: "make a left here, turn right there" bullshit doesn't let you feel the car. You need to actually take it out on the highway, on the twisting roads, without some moron telling you where to go, to actually see if you like the way the car handles, how it feels.
Jon.