Gilda

I recently drove my wife's car, a customized 300C into a gully and totaled it. We decided a larger, heavier car than my Mini Cooper would be safer for me, and her father is going to get us a nice mid-level luxury sedan of our choice, so long as it's not a Mercedes (don't ask; he has issues with that particular make). We've included the one SUV I liked in the mix.

We've narrowed the options down to:

Acura RL
Lexus LS 430
Audi A6
Jaguar S
Infiniti FX45

Assuming that price is no object, which would be the best soccer mom/college professor type vehicle, while still being stylish and a pleasant drive? What would you get?

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lt1s10

I like the Infiniti FX45. It's roomy inside, fairly good sized vehicle, good visibility and easy to park. But if I was buying I'd probably just go for the FX35. Power isn't that much different between the motors. Those were the only differences I noticed. And the cost difference could be diverted towards aftermarket accessories, extended warranty, etc.

shakran

RL. That car is holy-shit nice, and it's got the Honda reliability behind it

Psycho Dad

If this link works... You can compare up to 5 models on one page. I don't know enough about any of the models you are interested in and it has been (knock on wood) a good while since I car shopped. Hope the link helps more than my poll choice would

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denim

Agreed, but I'm not familiar with the others. I happen to drive an Acura, so I'm kinda biased. MPG and cost of required grade of gas should, IMHO, also be a consideration. On-going costs, and all that. I haven't looked at that WRT the RL, since it's FAR out of my price range.

Salomon

You are in a fantastic segment of the car market.

I recently bought a new car (Infiniti G35x), and test drove 2 cars on your list before the purchase- the Acura and the Audi.

They let me take the Acura home overnight to test, which I HIGHLY recommend before making your final decision. Technically, they are renting you the car overnight, so you will need to leave them insurance information and some form of identification. No cost, though. Then, you are free to get friend/family opinions, take them for a ride, and you will definitely have a better idea if you like the car or not than you would if you drove around for 5 minutes with a salesman yammering into your ear.

The Acura is a fabulous car. It's like driving around in a big, plush, leather armchair. Extremely comfortable. Very roomy interior, front and back. Has a huge navigation screen with very attractive graphics, and simple to use, as well. Has every gadget and gizmo available on the car market, from retractable window shades to all-wheel drive, to front/rear seat warmers. OnStar roadside assistance feature. It is considered to be the state of the art, technically speaking, if thats your thing. Strong, quiet V6 engine. (The Audi A6 comes with either a V6 or a V8 engine). Appearances are subjective, of course. I think the car has a sporty, luxurious look to it...maybe a notch below that of the Audi. The car comes one way: with all options available, at just under $50k.

The Audi has, in my experience, the best looking/feeling interior on the market. The layout is sharp, modern and absolutely beautiful. The materials have a luxurious and expensive feel somewhat missing in the Acura. Exterior looks more stylish and sophisticated than the Acura. I drove the V6 version, and found it a bit sluggish. This is a big, heavy car that needs V8 power, which you can get for $10k more. Super comfortable. All wheel drive. It's the more elegant car of the 2, and it will most likely cost more when spec'd out to your liking.

I haven't driven the Lexus, but it has a superb reputation as a luxury car. A little less sporty than the others, more upright and conservative in spirit.

Good luck in your decision, and try try try to get an overnight test drive in whatever your choice of car.

DEI37

I'd go with a BMW 5-series. But, that's not in your list, so I'd probably go with the Jag. I would personally not go with the A6. New body, new problems...I work at an Audi dealer, and this new car isn't as bad as the last car...but time may change that.

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dman2

As far as I'm concerned if it's a free car, it's a good car. I would have to say that the Lexus is the best choice. Most reliable and most likely the most cost efficient for fuel and repairs.

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laconic1

While the Audi is certainly a beautiful car their reliability is not exactly stellar. Seems like I get a ton of calls for suspension and electrical problems on these.

Sweetpea

the JAG honey, the JAG!!!!! all the way At least, that's my vote... don't i get one?

it's incredibly sexy and has such a polished style...



Sweetpea

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MSD

I voted for the Lexus. Second choice is the FX45 (I'd go for the 35 since it's smaller and sportier, but it's up to you.) The Lexus has decent fuel economy for an engine that size, lots of safety features, Toyota reliability (which is just as good as Honda reliability,) and feels great to drive. It has plenty of extras that make it a pleasure to drive and fun to play with at red lights.

The Audi will be plagued with VW's electrical issues, the Jag is heavy, underpowered, and less refined than the Lexus, and as nice as the Acura is, I can't come up with a rationale for recommending a front-wheel-drive car to someone who lives in California (it's a personal preference, but I live in New England and my car is RWD.)

Gilda

Mr. Self Destruct: We're no longer in California, but why would that make a difference? I'm not arguing with you, I just genuinely don't know enough about cars to understand what difference all wheel drive in the RL makes vs. rear wheel drive, or why where I live would make a difference.

Would it make a difference that I was commuting from the valley floor up into the mountains, about a 5000 foot climb, and encountered heavy snow each winter? We'll be in a mid-Atlantic state this coming year, does that make a difference?

I know I could just ask Grace or my FIL, but it makes me feel dumb that I don't understand this stuff.

Grace also likes the rear wheel drive and the V8 in the Lexus better than the Acura's V6 and all wheel drive. She said that even though the Acura's engine produces more horsepower, the Lexus's V8 makes a lot more low end torque which is a better measure of useful power.

But then I look at the various web sites, and the acceleration figures for both cars seem very similar.

I like the look or the Acura better; The Lexus, which is obviously a suberb car, looks more like a middle-aged man car than a young woman car. I know that's a silly reason to pick a car, though.

Of course you get a vote! The sexiness is one of the big appeals of the Jag for me.

All the help is appreciated.

Gilda

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Gilda

We decided on the Acura RL. They didn't have one in the color combination I liked (white pearl/beige interior), so they had to locate one out of town, and they're ringing it in for us. It should be here Wednesday, with a day for dealer installed options.

Between it and the Lexus, I liked how the Acura looked a little better, and Grace liked the safety features a lot better, and after driving both, I just liked the feel of the Acura a little better.

Plus, comperably equipped, the Acura was about 10 grand less. My father in law is paying, so price isn't much of an issue, but we didn't want to go overboard.

Anyway, this is what it should look like:



Gilda

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I'm against ending blackness. I believe that everyone has a right to be black, it's a choice, and I support that.

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bobby

AUDI A6 IS CLAS OF THE FIELD....OTHERS ARE SWELL,BUT IT DEPENDS ON YOU?

..........PEOPLE BUY CARS FOR THE STRANGEST REASIONS...!!! XOOXXOO

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tec-9-7

Congrats on the Acura! I had just wrote a response recommending it or the Lexus! I think you made a wise choice and you will probably get much happy motoring from the RL!