Larger Luxury Sedans

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
Originally Posted By: andyd
I would get either a Town Car or a Grand Marquise. Less gadgetry to replace.

As eminently trustworthy and endearing as those cars are, they ride and drive like ox carts compared to the other cars listed here.


Anyone claiming that has never ridden in a Town Car. It really is that simple.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted By: shDK
You simply cannot compare the crysler 300 to any of those other cars mentioned. It is a terrible car to drive. Might be fast with the right engine but without even the slightest shadow of dynamics and the inside build quality is a joke.


Never driven one, have you. (That's not a question.)

 

[TrevorS]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Many people in your market look at the 300 series from Chrysler. Major renovations, well reviewed, SRT8 model easily outperforms most larger sedans at the price point. At about 50k for a 180 mph capable sedan it is quite the bargain.

I love that Tesla, but it is completely innovative and thus unproven in my world for reliability. Then there's the question of service and warranty support long term. New Audis are extremely nice inside, only been in one that was noisy (TT model). Newer Jags by Tata are also unknown as to reliability, but seem very well designed and are excellent dynamically. I simply cannot recommend a used BMW but I'm sure there are nice ones out there.

Lots of good choices, it's a great time to be shopping.


I'm reading it needs the 8 speed transmission. Otherwise it seems an option to consider.

 

[TrevorS]

Originally Posted By: hypervish
Have you thought about a CPO Lexus LS?


Last generation doesn't have the driving engagement I'm after.

The new Lexus look like they do but I find their exterior styling awful.

 

[Falcon_LS]

If you're going new, the Dodge Charger/Chrysler 300C is definitely worth considering. If it's within the budget, I would say the Cadillac CTS-V is also worth considering.

 

[hattaresguy]

Check out the A8 and the S550 as well.

BMW's are fun to drive but generally they are a bit cheaper as of late. Also the new S class is coming out so some smoking deals on the W221 are going to be around.

If your commute is all highway I'd recommend looking for a long wheel base model. Nothing cruises like a LWB car on the open road.

I'd also strongly suggest that regardless of the brand you buy a CPO with a good extended warranty.

 

[shDK]

Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
Originally Posted By: shDK
You simply cannot compare the crysler 300 to any of those other cars mentioned. It is a terrible car to drive. Might be fast with the right engine but without even the slightest shadow of dynamics and the inside build quality is a joke.


Never driven one, have you. (That's not a question.)


Yes i have driven and serviced several of them at work. As a mechanic at a MB/crysler serviceshop. (Thats not an answer)

 

[TrevorS]

The more i think about it, there are definitely many advantages of an electric car.

I was reading that some felt the Tesla is as revolutionary as the Model T and the more I understand, the more I agree. This can only get more affordable as time goes on and is inherently reliable from a drivetrain point of view so overall reliabity will probably not be an issue at all soon. Charging technology can only get better and they already have superchargers. The battery positioning creates a low center of gravity. Many states use clean or renewable energy so you are actually not necessarily using electricity that causes CO2.

The car is mechanically clean. No engine parts to maintain or replace.

I may pay more now than in the future but I get tax credits and better parking in EV spots and potentially free electricity.

 

[Spazdog]

Infiniti is bringing the Q back. 2014 Q50.

Many years ago, the Lexus LS sent the Germans scurrying back to their drawing boards. Trying to reverse engineer what Toyota had done. The Infiniti Q was then, the Japanese BMW 7-er to Lexus' Mercedes S-Class.

Hopefully, Nissan has not softened the driver dynamics out of the upcoming Q50.

If they do it right, Renault/Nissan can pool their resources and come up with a proper large French luxury car ride (ask anyone who ever owned a Peugeot 505 about the ride quality of their car...they scoff at Mercedes Benz) and some Nissan Z/GT-R handling.

Just a suggestion.

 

[shDK]

Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Infiniti is bringing the Q back. 2014 Q50.

Many years ago, the Lexus LS sent the Germans scurrying back to their drawing boards. Trying to reverse engineer what Toyota had done. The Infiniti Q was then, the Japanese BMW 7-er to Lexus' Mercedes S-Class.

Hopefully, Nissan has not softened the driver dynamics out of the upcoming Q50.

If they do it right, Renault/Nissan can pool their resources and come up with a proper large French luxury car ride (ask anyone who ever owned a Peugeot 505 about the ride quality of their car...they scoff at Mercedes Benz) and some Nissan Z/GT-R handling.

Just a suggestion.



Yeah. Or the big Citroëns with hydro/pneumatic suspension. They are so i credible comfortable. I can.t remember if it is bentley or rolls who used there system too.

 

[yesthatsteve]

Originally Posted By: Falcon_LS
If you're going new, the Dodge Charger/Chrysler 300C is definitely worth considering. If it's within the budget, I would say the Cadillac CTS-V is also worth considering.

CTS-v was one I'd noticed missing, as well.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: yesthatsteve
CTS-v was one I'd noticed missing, as well.

Not sure I'd call the CTS-V "larger" though, which is what the OP is looking for.

 

[Spazdog]

How unfortunate that no one has suggested a full-size Cadillac or Lincoln.

The times have changed.

No MKS. No XTS.

The MKS just looks weird to me. I'm sure the AWD model compares well with some Audis and to the best of my knowledge, the Acura RLX AWD/AWS has not made it here yet so bonus for the Lincoln. I just can't get past that weird styling.

I also don't see why anyone would pick the XTS over the current LaCrosse. You can get a loaded out AWD LaCrosse for a couple thousand or so less than the FWD standard XTS.

 

[NHHEMI]

Originally Posted By: shDK
You simply cannot compare the crysler 300 to any of those other cars mentioned. It is a terrible car to drive. Might be fast with the right engine but without even the slightest shadow of dynamics and the inside build quality is a joke.


I won't comment about comparing the 300 to some of the others but the rest of your comments on it are just ridiculous. The 300 is a great car.

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
Originally Posted By: d00df00d
Originally Posted By: andyd
I would get either a Town Car or a Grand Marquise. Less gadgetry to replace.

As eminently trustworthy and endearing as those cars are, they ride and drive like ox carts compared to the other cars listed here.


Anyone claiming that has never ridden in a Town Car. It really is that simple.

Except me, evidently. It's rarely safe to make assumptions about people you've never met.

Dynamically, the Town Car is competitive with modern luxury cars in exactly one respect: It soaks up bumps reasonably well. Unfortunately, it still jiggles over some bumps because of its live rear axle, and it still permits a lot of excess body motion. Modern luxury cars can match or beat the Town Car's ride compliance while handling WAY better.

Steering in the Town Car is overboosted, slow, vague, and numb. That, combined with the excess body motion and preposterously unsupportive seats, makes the car hard to place on the road. Even the softest modern luxury cars (thinking of Mercedes and Lexus here) do a better job here. This is important because luxury is about feeling at ease, and it's hard to feel at ease when you have no idea what the car is about to do next.

All Panther platform cars make very poor use of their huge footprints. They have HUGE trunks, but their interior dimensions are nothing special for a car of that size. Other luxury cars have much roomier and more usable interiors.

In terms of speed, the Town Car is nowhere on the map. Modern luxury cars can easily outrun it with fewer cylinders and better fuel economy.

Sorry, but the Panther Platform was outdated 20 years ago. It has a body-on-frame chassis with a live rear axle and an engine that wasn't particularly advanced in the early 90s. It's desirable because it's cheap, it's reliable, and it has character -- not because it actually stands up to modern cars in any measurable way.

 

[MCompact]

The B7 is about the only big sedan that I could ever imagine owning- I discovered that it even acquits itself rather well on the track:

If I was shopping domestic I'd go with the SRT8 Charger(the 300 styling does nothing for me)

 

[itguy08]

Originally Posted By: MCompact

If I was shopping domestic I'd go with the SRT8 Charger(the 300 styling does nothing for me)


Why? It gets abysmal fuel economy - you get to pay a gas guzzler tax on it. It's on par with a Mustang or Camaro ( and no gas guzzler on those ) at 0-60 and trails in handling.

Like I said, I'd really check out the SHO or MKS. 0-60 in the mid 5 seconds, AWD, proven powertrain, great interior and 26 MPG. They soak up the miles like crazy. You have to leave your brand snobbery at the door although if you are considering Crysler that should not be an issue.

Other than that the Infinits are solid choices. Reliable and sporty.

 

[MCompact]

Originally Posted By: itguy08

Why? It gets abysmal fuel economy - you get to pay a gas guzzler tax on it. It's on par with a Mustang or Camaro ( and no gas guzzler on those ) at 0-60 and trails in handling.

Like I said, I'd really check out the SHO or MKS. 0-60 in the mid 5 seconds, AWD, proven powertrain, great interior and 26 MPG. They soak up the miles like crazy. You have to leave your brand snobbery at the door although if you are considering Crysler[sic] that should not be an issue.

Other than that the Infinits are solid choices. Reliable and sporty.


Brand snobbery? No just what I like. I don't find the SHO or MKS to be entertaining in the slightest=the only AWD sedans I could seriously see myself owning are the RS4 and STi-but to each his own. And as I alluded to, big sedans aren't really my cup of tea.

 

[d00df00d]

I haven't driven a Taurus SHO, but I have driven the police variant. I definitely lean toward agreeing with itguy08 that it's the kind of car that can soak up miles really well. The engine, the steering, the handling, the braking -- none of it seemed best-in-class, but all of it seemed more than good enough for what the car is. The car's worst problem was torque steer.

I would never go as far as to put it in (remotely) the same league as the cars that the OP is considering, and I have a hard time imagining that anything on the same architecture would make up that much ground, but I'm sure it's worth a look.

 

[itguy08]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
I haven't driven a Taurus SHO, but I have driven the police variant. I definitely lean toward agreeing with itguy08 that it's the kind of car that can soak up miles really well. The engine, the steering, the handling, the braking -- none of it seemed best-in-class, but all of it seemed more than good enough for what the car is. The car's worst problem was torque steer.

I would never go as far as to put it in (remotely) the same league as the cars that the OP is considering, and I have a hard time imagining that anything on the same architecture would make up that much ground, but I'm sure it's worth a look.


I know if I were doing 120 miles a day to and from work I'd want something that soaks up the miles and can be fun and give good fuel economy. That's why I love my SHO. Like you said it may not be best in class but it's better than good enough. It wil go like stink in the straight, will do well in the twisties, and has been a drama free experience. I've got a 10 and from what I hear a lot of the complaints (brakes) have been addressed on the 13's.

My G35 handled better but it was a bit noisier and coarser and didnt soak up the miles like the SHO. We've done 10-12+ hours in the Taurus and I was perfectly fine.

I guess it boils down to what you want? Do you want a great cruiser that can be entertaining and reliable or a name that may be a nightmare as the miles and years pile up? I think that's up to the OP but I think most of these suggestions are good ones and worth a look.