Old man cars-LS400/Audi A8/Bmw 740

1329 Views 127 Replies 36 Participants Last post by Jameson, Nov 3, 2008

Jameson

Discussion Starter · Sep 30, 2007

I have been up on the idea of buying a proper daily driver next year. Something really nice, that has already depreciated. I was thinking about $10k, late 90's, and preferably 4drs, RWD/AWD.

My first choice was an 95-98 Lexus Ls400. You get a lot for your money. $10k gets you a mint example with about 50-60k miles. Its an auto so the wife can drive it and its comfy and elegant for taking clients out in.

But It has competition, two other cars I love. So I looked at the BMW 740 and Audi A8 as well.

When I read feedback from people they raved about the Ls, the best car ever owned, so reliable, cheap to maintain, so well built, 150k+ and nothing needed but basic tune ups. Thats what I want. I will likely get an extended warranty though.

The BMW and Audi were the opposite. The cars were loved but people mentioned needing deep pockets for the frequent and pricey repairs. So I think that sealed the deal. I would prefer the fun factor and driver factor of the Germans if the Lexus wasnt so reliable.

So its big and its kind of old manish but I really like them. I am likely going to put some 18-19" forged wheels on it, some light tint and a stereo and call it a day. My wife was uber cool with it(maybe because she is being offered a new job with a nice salary increase lol) and mentioned going out to get one tmro lol. But I would like to get this in the next 6 months or less.

Anyone driven one, or have any experience with them?
Here are some example pics:

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Palmer

· #2 · Sep 30, 2007

My father owned one the first gen ones ( a 1994...my favorite) and 2 of the second generation. I think he had a 95, and a 96.

To say he loved them would be an understatement. He now drives a 2006 MB E500 4 matic, and always compares it to the lex.

Guess what one loses?

The benz.

Almost a perfect car, if you are not into driving.

1st gen:

As for the driving, in my younger days I dialed one up to 150 on the highway at night. It felt like I was going 85.

We sold that one to my neighbor, who drove it to 350k with *only* suspension and brake work until it got totaled by some jerk running a red light.

Classic Japanese styling too. So clean.

Dang, now I want one.

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Legit

· #3 · Sep 30, 2007

Audi FTW

dan-the-kid

· #4 · Sep 30, 2007

You're married now so you need an old mans car?

Lex-i are nice and comfie to ride in.

jk88

· #5 · Sep 30, 2007

lexus, because all the ones pictured are SPGs.

Palmer

· #6 · Sep 30, 2007

Yes, this is what you need:

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dan-the-kid

· #7 · Sep 30, 2007

Wheres the **cream**turbo**filling**?

aero1116

· #8 · Sep 30, 2007 (Edited)

Lexus and make it VIP style. 8)

Then you need to dress Yakuza style.

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Palmer

· #9 · Sep 30, 2007

dan-the-kid said:
Wheres the **cream**turbo**filling**?

Right here:
http://www.lextreme.com/st.html

dan-the-kid

· #10 · Sep 30, 2007

wowzers!

Can Jameson has?

chriscam84

· #11 · Sep 30, 2007

My problem with the LS400 is that its just too "plain". Yeah, its nice to drive (or ride in, my only experience), but kind of boring to drive. For me, I see no soul in the car. Now the Audi, and Bimmer have enough personality to give them soul. Now why haven't you considered a newer 9-5? Its a very solid vehicle if you want to add some sport to your luxury box.

Jameson

Discussion Starter · #12 · Sep 30, 2007

Palmer said:
My father owned one the first gen ones ( a 1994...my favorite) and 2 of the second generation. I think he had a 95, and a 96.

To say he loved them would be an understatement. He now drives a 2006 MB E500 4 matic, and always compares it to the lex.

Guess what one loses?

The benz.

Almost a perfect car, if you are not into driving.

1st gen:

As for the driving, in my younger days I dialed one up to 150 on the highway at night. It felt like I was going 85.

We sold that one to my neighbor, who drove it to 350k with *only* suspension and brake work until it got totaled by some jerk running a red light.

Classic Japanese styling too. So clean.

Dang, now I want one.

Thanks Palmer. Exactly the kind of info I was looking for. The first Gen's can be had for cheap, but low mileage is rare. I prefer the looks of the 95+ cars. if I can swing a 98 it has a bit extra grunt at 290hp.

The Lexus drowns out road feel and feedback, I know. But the Viggen gives plenty at this point. I am ok with what this car offers. The A8 would be nice, but it could be a nightmare to maintain.

For $10k, its really hard to argue with the virtues of the LS.

Jameson

Discussion Starter · #13 · Sep 30, 2007

chriscam84 said:
My problem with the LS400 is that its just too "plain". Yeah, its nice to drive (or ride in, my only experience), but kind of boring to drive. For me, I see no soul in the car. Now the Audi, and Bimmer have enough personality to give them soul. Now why haven't you considered a newer 9-5? Its a very solid vehicle if you want to add some sport to your luxury box.

Too similar to what I already have. I don't want to deal with FWD or Turbo's in my cheap DD. I also want a car with an exemplary reliability rating too. I also like the idea of a V8 with RWD that still gets 25-28mpg on the highway.

The Lexus is plain. But in black and gray with some deep lip 19's and 265's in the back it looks pretty damn good. Like I said, the German's are the drivers cars, but hearing people taking about 3-5k in repairs at a time is a deal breaker.

Jameson

Discussion Starter · #14 · Sep 30, 2007

dan-the-kid said:
You're married now so you need an old mans car?

Lex-i are nice and comfie to ride in.

Not so much the married part. More the move up job wise. The $600 beater thing is no longer needed, with being married brings dual incomes ftw. So with the new job title, I can't have the Vig in the same state so taking buyers out in beaters sends the wrong message.

Palmer

· #15 · Sep 30, 2007

Oh, and you don't need to worry about a stereo if you get one with the Nakamichi system.

It sounds amazing.

Jameson

Discussion Starter · #16 · Sep 30, 2007

Palmer said:
Oh, and you don't need to worry about a stereo if you get one with the Nakamichi system.

It sounds amazing.

Thats really good news. Don't even need to add a sub? That good?

Tire rack has an amazing selection of wheels. Great stuff like BBS LM's and multi piece SSR's and OZ's and Volks. They show fitments of upto 20"s and staggered deep lips. I am scared of 20's making it look a bit too, how do I put it.....ghetto looking. So I think 19's wont over power the car. I want a 9" rim in the back with some 265's. I am hoping to get some Eibachs or something to lower it a bit. I think that will update the car and make it a bit more aggressive.

Thanks again for the info, so far you are the best resource around here on the topic

GA

· #17 · Sep 30, 2007

Not to be contrarian, but $10k would buy an awfully nice 3-4 year old Crown Victoria. Or $5k, plus $5k in mods.

Or lease a new Dodge Charger. Warranty = cheap maintenance.

NickTurbo900

· #18 · Sep 30, 2007 (Edited)

What was your new job Jameson, I must have missed the update? Sounds like real estate or sales?
Are you back with your wife now in Jersey?

I like the Lexi ! Personally for Jap I really like the old Acura Legend too, not for your case but I think the coupe can be made to look very modern and aggressive!

A BMW 740 or 35 would be much less expensive to maintain than the 750. My vote even though you didn't name it ... e34, any motor but the 2.5L ! Best looking 'old man' car evah

2 cents.

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Jameson

Discussion Starter · #19 · Sep 30, 2007

gregabbott said:
Not to be contrarian, but $10k would buy an awfully nice 3-4 year old Crown Victoria. Or $5k, plus $5k in mods.

Or lease a new Dodge Charger. Warranty = cheap maintenance.

Crown Vic, no thanks. Do not want American, closest would be an STS. I have had nothing but bad Ford product experiences.

Only other car I am considering is the Q45. It matches the LS in many regards and depreciates a bit worse. My friend had a 94 and the engine made great noises as it revved to 7k. It has a similar reliability history to the LS, just avoid the tourings electronic suspension.

NickTurbo900

· #20 · Sep 30, 2007

or maybe this is more Jameson style, fits your criteria and budget too!

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