BMW v Lexus v Audi - big engine barges - most reliable?
Discussion
I'm looking at buying one of these for circa £8-10k:
BMW 5 series (E39 straight six or V8)
BMW 7 series (2000 year, V8 or V12)
Audi A8 / S8
Lexus GS or LS 4.3
XJR
Now I guess the Lexus is the most reliable. However am I being paranoid over the Germans? I do not want a large repair bill! Please advise for known issues...
Thanks!
BMW 5 series (E39 straight six or V8)
BMW 7 series (2000 year, V8 or V12)
Audi A8 / S8
Lexus GS or LS 4.3
XJR
Now I guess the Lexus is the most reliable. However am I being paranoid over the Germans? I do not want a large repair bill! Please advise for known issues...
Thanks!
Edited by k-ink on Thursday 2nd September 18:05
I had more or less this choice last year, but in the £2-3k bracket. I bought a Lexus. Still have it. Replaced brakes, put new tyres on, had oil changed. It hasn't missed a beat.
For your budget, I'd have a nice LS430 and waft in total comfort and anonymity, whilst listening to some tunes on the Levinson stereo. What's not to like?
For your budget, I'd have a nice LS430 and waft in total comfort and anonymity, whilst listening to some tunes on the Levinson stereo. What's not to like?
Lexus, easily.
However, that doesn't mean the others are unreliable. Do your research on them, check for common issues, buy sensibly etc. Get a warranty (that's worth it's salt anyway) and put aside some cash for a rainy day.
It also doesn't mean that any Lexus will be faultless, just less chance you'll get one that does have faults - if you get my meaning. The only issue I'm aware of (and the issue isn't even that common) is suspension, check it doesn't sag etc. and that it's level.
Whichever you buy, have a grand or two ready for anything that may be at fault that a warranty doesn't cover. If you never have to jump into the pot then you're quids in! If you can't afford a couple of grand if something does go wrong, ask yourself if you can really afford it.
My uncle has a GS430 and nothing has ever gone wrong with it in the years that he's had it (and still has it).
However, that doesn't mean the others are unreliable. Do your research on them, check for common issues, buy sensibly etc. Get a warranty (that's worth it's salt anyway) and put aside some cash for a rainy day.
It also doesn't mean that any Lexus will be faultless, just less chance you'll get one that does have faults - if you get my meaning. The only issue I'm aware of (and the issue isn't even that common) is suspension, check it doesn't sag etc. and that it's level.
Whichever you buy, have a grand or two ready for anything that may be at fault that a warranty doesn't cover. If you never have to jump into the pot then you're quids in! If you can't afford a couple of grand if something does go wrong, ask yourself if you can really afford it.
My uncle has a GS430 and nothing has ever gone wrong with it in the years that he's had it (and still has it).
the germans were built as high-margin cash cows. The lexus is built to a standard in order to win market share for a fledgling brand.
Once lexus is viewed as an equal, then quality can fall to match the established brands, and profits can be made, but not before.
You get more car and less brand with a lexus.
Once lexus is viewed as an equal, then quality can fall to match the established brands, and profits can be made, but not before.
You get more car and less brand with a lexus.
130R said:
If a Lexus were to breakdown at least it would wake the driver up
Which misses the point of these cars, especially cars like the Lexus, Mercs etc.In the whole scheme of things the rest of the cars mentioned are hardly "exciting" in the grand scheme of things. But that's not what these cars are about. They are about the pleasure of driving rather than the fun of driving.
Plenty of fun in my 740i sport! Too much fun that's why I want to sell it (and the wife wanting a car that I can put the baby seat in the middle...grr)
Never had my foot to the floor as there's buckets of power in the old girl (1999).
You want it? I'd do a good deal for a fellow PH'er.
Never had my foot to the floor as there's buckets of power in the old girl (1999).
You want it? I'd do a good deal for a fellow PH'er.
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