RE: The best luxury cars to buy in 2020
Discussion
You are thinking within the UK though. We are a small squished in Island where getting from 1 end to the other is only a days driving with nice service stations with superchargers all the way (other than the Highlands!).
Only the red markers in Inverness and Aviemore are superchargers covering this entire area compared to down south and thats just in our small blob of a Island which has massive gaps. Driving a long distance to do something/pick something up is just part of living here, even the closest IKEA is 160 miles away!
My car works as a van when needed, offroad when required, long distance cruiser, trailer tower and just general hard days work when needed, this is fairly common in the north of Scotland. You dont want to think about having to either not have use of the vehicle or having to sit and wait if your lucky enough to live near a supercharger.
Rural living getting a call for a hand in doing things involving your car is very common, from fishing campervans out of muddy fields to giving someone a lift into town to pick up a part you rely on your car being available at all times.
Another example is the USA, people cover much larger distances through rural areas much more frequently. Again in packed in areas/citys I completely think that an electric car is great and they can rent for the odd longer trip but that doesnt suit everyone, by then taxing the crap out of people who NEED a petrol/diesel engine is just crazy.
Notice how the rural states in the middle have pickups as the top selling vehicle due to the rural living and vehicles having a much more important role in day to day life.
This isnt an anti electric car rant as they 100% are great for people in urban areas. However to think car companies wont keep making non hybrid/electric and calling it the last generation is crazy in my eyes. Those Bmw 7 series active hybrids are filling the copart yards at 10 years old due to battery failure being a 10k+ job on a car worth a similar number.
Only the red markers in Inverness and Aviemore are superchargers covering this entire area compared to down south and thats just in our small blob of a Island which has massive gaps. Driving a long distance to do something/pick something up is just part of living here, even the closest IKEA is 160 miles away!
My car works as a van when needed, offroad when required, long distance cruiser, trailer tower and just general hard days work when needed, this is fairly common in the north of Scotland. You dont want to think about having to either not have use of the vehicle or having to sit and wait if your lucky enough to live near a supercharger.
Rural living getting a call for a hand in doing things involving your car is very common, from fishing campervans out of muddy fields to giving someone a lift into town to pick up a part you rely on your car being available at all times.
Another example is the USA, people cover much larger distances through rural areas much more frequently. Again in packed in areas/citys I completely think that an electric car is great and they can rent for the odd longer trip but that doesnt suit everyone, by then taxing the crap out of people who NEED a petrol/diesel engine is just crazy.
Notice how the rural states in the middle have pickups as the top selling vehicle due to the rural living and vehicles having a much more important role in day to day life.
This isnt an anti electric car rant as they 100% are great for people in urban areas. However to think car companies wont keep making non hybrid/electric and calling it the last generation is crazy in my eyes. Those Bmw 7 series active hybrids are filling the copart yards at 10 years old due to battery failure being a 10k+ job on a car worth a similar number.
stickleback123 said:
eein said:
.... I am very tempted by the most recent, now just out of production and last ever series V12 BMW M760Li. They will drop to 30/35k after 3-4 years even with 20k miles. I reckon they'll depreciate little after that, maybe even hold long term given its the last of an era. Once I sell my current car I'll probably just sit on the cash until these ones drop enough.
I disagree, I think this "last generation" of internal combustion barge will depreciate even more savagely than previous generations because the coming wave of electric cars from proper car companies will make them look like slightly foolish, extremely overcomplicated, fragile dinosaurs. I hope so because I really want one of those xDrive 760s and I want to pay two and tuppence for it.If you drive a Tesla Model S the powertrain makes even the most ultra refined and powerful V12 barge feel like a dog rough steam driven clanking anachronism, although the rest of it is very poor compared to an F segment 'luxury' car from a company that actually knows how to build cars. So few components, so much less complexity, and such low running costs for an electric powertrain that'll make any V12 twin turbo look hopeless.
Generation after next will have the luxury long journey licked but not till then.
howardhughes said:
eein said:
I doubt the people who stuck the Bently badges on their 300Cs are the type of people who would feel stupid (or admit to it).
I had the misfortune of driving through Bradford a few years ago and spotted countless 300c's with Bentley badges on them. Say no more..Any Cab / Chauffeur / Limo hire firm can get you in one that'll come complete with the full house badge upgrade, enormous chrome alloys and the interior will invariably feature hideous pink neon lighting and have a distinct whiff of hen-night vomit.
galtezza said:
stickleback123 said:
eein said:
.... I am very tempted by the most recent, now just out of production and last ever series V12 BMW M760Li. They will drop to 30/35k after 3-4 years even with 20k miles. I reckon they'll depreciate little after that, maybe even hold long term given its the last of an era. Once I sell my current car I'll probably just sit on the cash until these ones drop enough.
I disagree, I think this "last generation" of internal combustion barge will depreciate even more savagely than previous generations because the coming wave of electric cars from proper car companies will make them look like slightly foolish, extremely overcomplicated, fragile dinosaurs. I hope so because I really want one of those xDrive 760s and I want to pay two and tuppence for it.If you drive a Tesla Model S the powertrain makes even the most ultra refined and powerful V12 barge feel like a dog rough steam driven clanking anachronism, although the rest of it is very poor compared to an F segment 'luxury' car from a company that actually knows how to build cars. So few components, so much less complexity, and such low running costs for an electric powertrain that'll make any V12 twin turbo look hopeless.
Generation after next will have the luxury long journey licked but not till then.
And regardless of if and when they do, the last of the V12s (760 and others out there), there'll always be a stong niche demand for them. Look at any historical 'last of' car - they are always bettered within a few years by the new wave, yet people still want them.
My aiming point remains £30k for a 'last of' M760Li. Dropped enough in price to 'normal' car money (ie less than a new base spec 3 series), yet still low enough mileage and new enough I can smell the leather (as was the case in my current one). They may then drop a bit more before stabalising or rising, but then they'll be too hard to find a good low mileage for sale. Look in the classified now - how many 760's of any generation are for sale at any given time? Took me a year to find one that was just right.
eein said:
galtezza said:
stickleback123 said:
eein said:
.... I am very tempted by the most recent, now just out of production and last ever series V12 BMW M760Li. They will drop to 30/35k after 3-4 years even with 20k miles. I reckon they'll depreciate little after that, maybe even hold long term given its the last of an era. Once I sell my current car I'll probably just sit on the cash until these ones drop enough.
I disagree, I think this "last generation" of internal combustion barge will depreciate even more savagely than previous generations because the coming wave of electric cars from proper car companies will make them look like slightly foolish, extremely overcomplicated, fragile dinosaurs. I hope so because I really want one of those xDrive 760s and I want to pay two and tuppence for it.If you drive a Tesla Model S the powertrain makes even the most ultra refined and powerful V12 barge feel like a dog rough steam driven clanking anachronism, although the rest of it is very poor compared to an F segment 'luxury' car from a company that actually knows how to build cars. So few components, so much less complexity, and such low running costs for an electric powertrain that'll make any V12 twin turbo look hopeless.
Generation after next will have the luxury long journey licked but not till then.
And regardless of if and when they do, the last of the V12s (760 and others out there), there'll always be a stong niche demand for them. Look at any historical 'last of' car - they are always bettered within a few years by the new wave, yet people still want them.
My aiming point remains £30k for a 'last of' M760Li. Dropped enough in price to 'normal' car money (ie less than a new base spec 3 series), yet still low enough mileage and new enough I can smell the leather (as was the case in my current one). They may then drop a bit more before stabalising or rising, but then they'll be too hard to find a good low mileage for sale. Look in the classified now - how many 760's of any generation are for sale at any given time? Took me a year to find one that was just right.
Not looked at the later 7 series interior but I do know all the other BMW interiors I’ve looked at are woeful in comparison to the merc (personal choice obviously) as I like things a little old fashioned I guess and w222 hits the spot for me in grey is just gorgeous to my eyes.
Edited by galtezza on Friday 23 October 09:04
stickleback123 said:
12+ hour days are certainly the exception rather than the norm. For years we've heard that until EVs are a total and complete drop in replacement for internal combustion cars in every single way then they're crap, usually citing fringe minority usage cases, but what the future actually looks like is a blend of EV, PHEV, and mild hybrid diesel/petrol powertrains and you pick the right tool for the job.
A car with S-Class, A8, or 7 series luxury and sophistication but a Tesla-esque powertrain and 350-400 mile range would be an absolutely stunning thing to own, particularly when the charging network is sorted out so your 12 hour / 800 mile trip requires nothing more onerous than an hour stop for a slash and something to eat halfway through your day. This is already (just) possible in a Model S.
In any case if 5% of my annual journeys need 12+ hour days with no time for recharging then renting a car for those so I can own a car far more suitable for the other 95% of the time is a decent enough deal. You'll save more than enough to rent a diesel/petrol S-Class for those few trips vs fuelling a V12 model.
Spot on.A car with S-Class, A8, or 7 series luxury and sophistication but a Tesla-esque powertrain and 350-400 mile range would be an absolutely stunning thing to own, particularly when the charging network is sorted out so your 12 hour / 800 mile trip requires nothing more onerous than an hour stop for a slash and something to eat halfway through your day. This is already (just) possible in a Model S.
In any case if 5% of my annual journeys need 12+ hour days with no time for recharging then renting a car for those so I can own a car far more suitable for the other 95% of the time is a decent enough deal. You'll save more than enough to rent a diesel/petrol S-Class for those few trips vs fuelling a V12 model.
galtezza said:
It’s a good call, one I might move onto myself as I’ve never scratched the V12 itch in a sports car, wouldn’t own a Ferrari, Aston was disappointing (may do a murcialago) so maybe the luxury side is the way to go, it’d be hard not to go S65 w222 after our current S63 though as it’s so damn good, the power is very seductive which I don’t think the 7er can match?
Not looked at the later 7 series interior but I do know all the other BMW interiors I’ve looked at are woeful in comparison to the merc (personal choice obviously) as I like things a little old fashioned I guess and w222 hits the spot for me in cream, just gorgeous to my eyes.
The G11 760Li Xdrive has slightly less power (610PS vs 630PS) than an S65 but has AWD so is 0.8 seconds quicker to 62MPH in ideal conditions and no doubt considerably more usable in the rain and far less inclined to get a bit sideways. Might not be as "exciting" though.Not looked at the later 7 series interior but I do know all the other BMW interiors I’ve looked at are woeful in comparison to the merc (personal choice obviously) as I like things a little old fashioned I guess and w222 hits the spot for me in cream, just gorgeous to my eyes.
stickleback123 said:
A car with S-Class, A8, or 7 series luxury and sophistication but a Tesla-esque powertrain and 350-400 mile range would be an absolutely stunning thing to own, particularly when the charging network is sorted out so your 12 hour / 800 mile trip requires nothing more onerous than an hour stop for a slash and something to eat halfway through your day. This is already (just) possible in a Model S.
In any case if 5% of my annual journeys need 12+ hour days with no time for recharging then renting a car for those so I can own a car far more suitable for the other 95% of the time is a decent enough deal. You'll save more than enough to rent a diesel/petrol S-Class for those few trips vs fuelling a V12 model.
Triumph Man said:
2 GKC said:
Is an e38 really fiendishly complex?
I was always under the impression they weren't that bad, and that together with the E46 and E39 were the last of the relatively easily "spannerable" BMW. Could be wrong though... For me it would be an E38 I just think the styling is timeless and the fact that they are still fairly basic (in relative terms) means that they can be easy and affordable to look after, would be the 2.8 straight six or the V12 though, not sure on the V8's, I think they have a few more issues, but happy to be corrected.
galtezza said:
eein said:
galtezza said:
stickleback123 said:
eein said:
.... I am very tempted by the most recent, now just out of production and last ever series V12 BMW M760Li. They will drop to 30/35k after 3-4 years even with 20k miles. I reckon they'll depreciate little after that, maybe even hold long term given its the last of an era. Once I sell my current car I'll probably just sit on the cash until these ones drop enough.
I disagree, I think this "last generation" of internal combustion barge will depreciate even more savagely than previous generations because the coming wave of electric cars from proper car companies will make them look like slightly foolish, extremely overcomplicated, fragile dinosaurs. I hope so because I really want one of those xDrive 760s and I want to pay two and tuppence for it.If you drive a Tesla Model S the powertrain makes even the most ultra refined and powerful V12 barge feel like a dog rough steam driven clanking anachronism, although the rest of it is very poor compared to an F segment 'luxury' car from a company that actually knows how to build cars. So few components, so much less complexity, and such low running costs for an electric powertrain that'll make any V12 twin turbo look hopeless.
Generation after next will have the luxury long journey licked but not till then.
And regardless of if and when they do, the last of the V12s (760 and others out there), there'll always be a stong niche demand for them. Look at any historical 'last of' car - they are always bettered within a few years by the new wave, yet people still want them.
My aiming point remains £30k for a 'last of' M760Li. Dropped enough in price to 'normal' car money (ie less than a new base spec 3 series), yet still low enough mileage and new enough I can smell the leather (as was the case in my current one). They may then drop a bit more before stabalising or rising, but then they'll be too hard to find a good low mileage for sale. Look in the classified now - how many 760's of any generation are for sale at any given time? Took me a year to find one that was just right.
Not looked at the later 7 series interior but I do know all the other BMW interiors I’ve looked at are woeful in comparison to the merc (personal choice obviously) as I like things a little old fashioned I guess and w222 hits the spot for me in grey is just gorgeous to my eyes.
Edited by galtezza on Friday 23 October 09:04
My 760 took a while to get the right interior. I hate the brown wood trim - take a look at this otherwise nice example on autotrader. Meh?
I eventually found what I wanted - black leather and piano black wood trim. Also non M-spec trim so I get the V12 badge on the sills (who wants an M on a non-M car?!).
stickleback123 said:
galtezza said:
It’s a good call, one I might move onto myself as I’ve never scratched the V12 itch in a sports car, wouldn’t own a Ferrari, Aston was disappointing (may do a murcialago) so maybe the luxury side is the way to go, it’d be hard not to go S65 w222 after our current S63 though as it’s so damn good, the power is very seductive which I don’t think the 7er can match?
Not looked at the later 7 series interior but I do know all the other BMW interiors I’ve looked at are woeful in comparison to the merc (personal choice obviously) as I like things a little old fashioned I guess and w222 hits the spot for me in cream, just gorgeous to my eyes.
The G11 760Li Xdrive has slightly less power (610PS vs 630PS) than an S65 but has AWD so is 0.8 seconds quicker to 62MPH in ideal conditions and no doubt considerably more usable in the rain and far less inclined to get a bit sideways. Might not be as "exciting" though.Not looked at the later 7 series interior but I do know all the other BMW interiors I’ve looked at are woeful in comparison to the merc (personal choice obviously) as I like things a little old fashioned I guess and w222 hits the spot for me in cream, just gorgeous to my eyes.
eein said:
I eventually found what I wanted - black leather and piano black wood trim. Also non M-spec trim so I get the V12 badge on the sills (who wants an M on a non-M car?!).
That sort of walnut trim, fake or otherwise, always looks a bit 60's Rover or 70's Jaaaaaaag smoker - looks out of place on a techno-laden wunder wagon from zos crazy knock-about laugh-a-minute chermans.My E61 525d touring had a slab of plastic wood of the camping-picnic-table variety, which looked about as genuine as Ali G's Rolex, and received lots of comments from people admiring the 'fake tree'!
Edited by Hairymonster on Friday 23 October 11:02
Hairymonster said:
eein said:
I eventually found what I wanted - black leather and piano black wood trim. Also non M-spec trim so I get the V12 badge on the sills (who wants an M on a non-M car?!).
That sort of walnut trim, fake or otherwise, always looks a bit 60's Rover or 70's Jaaaaaaag smoker - looks out of place on a techno-laden wunder wagon from zos crazy knock-about laugh-a-minute chermans.My E61 525d touring had a slab of plastic wood of the camping-picnic-table variety, which looked about as genuine as Ali G's Rolex, and received lots of comments from people admiring the 'fake tree'!
Edited by Hairymonster on Friday 23 October 11:02
Deranged Granny said:
Spot the change in site ownership.
This and "buying guides" are clearly the future...
Noticed this too. And the insane amount facebook posts of "interesting" cars for sale. Weirdly enough they seem to be posts about cars that have been on the market for a while. How about that.This and "buying guides" are clearly the future...
stickleback123 said:
eein said:
.... I am very tempted by the most recent, now just out of production and last ever series V12 BMW M760Li. They will drop to 30/35k after 3-4 years even with 20k miles. I reckon they'll depreciate little after that, maybe even hold long term given its the last of an era. Once I sell my current car I'll probably just sit on the cash until these ones drop enough.
I disagree, I think this "last generation" of internal combustion barge will depreciate even more savagely than previous generations because the coming wave of electric cars from proper car companies will make them look like slightly foolish, extremely overcomplicated, fragile dinosaurs. I hope so because I really want one of those xDrive 760s and I want to pay two and tuppence for it.If you drive a Tesla Model S the powertrain makes even the most ultra refined and powerful V12 barge feel like a dog rough steam driven clanking anachronism, although the rest of it is very poor compared to an F segment 'luxury' car from a company that actually knows how to build cars. So few components, so much less complexity, and such low running costs for an electric powertrain that'll make any V12 twin turbo look hopeless.
I can see myself being fairly satisfied with a cheap to run, safe electric car as a commuter/shopping box, and a interesting, characterful combustion engine car for weekend fun and to tinker about with.
eein said:
stickleback123 said:
galtezza said:
It’s a good call, one I might move onto myself as I’ve never scratched the V12 itch in a sports car, wouldn’t own a Ferrari, Aston was disappointing (may do a murcialago) so maybe the luxury side is the way to go, it’d be hard not to go S65 w222 after our current S63 though as it’s so damn good, the power is very seductive which I don’t think the 7er can match?
Not looked at the later 7 series interior but I do know all the other BMW interiors I’ve looked at are woeful in comparison to the merc (personal choice obviously) as I like things a little old fashioned I guess and w222 hits the spot for me in cream, just gorgeous to my eyes.
The G11 760Li Xdrive has slightly less power (610PS vs 630PS) than an S65 but has AWD so is 0.8 seconds quicker to 62MPH in ideal conditions and no doubt considerably more usable in the rain and far less inclined to get a bit sideways. Might not be as "exciting" though.Not looked at the later 7 series interior but I do know all the other BMW interiors I’ve looked at are woeful in comparison to the merc (personal choice obviously) as I like things a little old fashioned I guess and w222 hits the spot for me in cream, just gorgeous to my eyes.
The 4.0 is good in our roadster but i’m not sure it has the displacement to give the low down shove for a luxury Car imo.
The interior of that is nowhere near the sumptuous level or feel i’d want from a luxury car tbh, just look at the seats in comparison! the contours alone you can see the S is leagues ahead, the sweeping nature of the dash is far more welcoming. Sorry, but BMW have no idea on luxury interiors.
What i really want is the gen 3 bentley conti as thats the perfect interior for me but id have to sell the roadster as well as the s63 to have that right now as theyre still at 130k first world i know..
At least i know i dont want the BMW though, so thanks for that.
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