So 3 days after getting the XKR, it looks like I'm replacing my wife's car as well. It's an '08 BMW 750LI that's given us 78k really disappointing miles since new. Transmission is acting up again after we just dumped $3k into brakes and struts. Just don't feel like dumping any more into it, so I'm giving it to my nephew if he's willing to shoulder the cost of getting it back in tune. Glad to be getting rid of it, but we haven't really been in the market for a long time.

It was fun looking for a toy and deciding on the XKR, but not sure where to start on the "practical" car. Had considered a Cadillac CTS VSport before, but wife doesn't like it. Also looked at a Tesla Model S and Panamera (drives nice but kinda ugly). The Tesla is probably the frontrunner right now, but with all the electrics planned in the coming years, I feel like I might be sort of a late early adopter getting a Model S now after theyve been out almost 4 years. All I know is I really don't want another BMW right now.

Any strong recommendations? We historically tend to keep cars until we feel we've gotten most of their useful life, so whatever we get we will probably have for several years.

 

If you want something that runs forever with little maintenance, go with the Toyota/Lexus brands. My 1999 Lexus just keeps going and going.

 

I suppose it depends on how much room you need. The XE has been awesome and I'd recommend them as a lovely car to drive (my missus has the 25T but I drove the S on a track and it would be my pick) but if you need something bigger you could try an XJ (also drove the XJR on the track, what an incredible machine that is though to tell you the truth my favorite on the day out of an f type R, XJR, and XE S was the XE).

Personally I'm very interested in the iPace, it looks very interesting.

Sorry can only think of Jags at the moment. I've gone off Tesla because the front end (which used to be nice) now looks like something from Hello Kitty.

 

My experience with my 2007 Lexus LS460 (bought new) was just the opposite. Anything that could go wrong did. I'll never buy another Toyota product. Don't believe the "relentlessly pursuit of perfection" propaganda.

Simon, if you love the engine in your XKR, I suggest you have your wife test drive an XJ with the 5.0L Supercharged engine (470HP) or the even more powerful XJ SuperSport. Comfortable, quiet, gorgeous inside and out, lots of fun to drive, and reliable (except for the water pump - not a big deal). I've been very pleased with mine after 2 years. Nowhere near as fast or loaded with tech as a Tesla, but the Tesla doesn't come close to the interior design and materials of the XJ.

Stuart

 

I am currently researching mid-sized sedans and am quite impressed with the Genesis G80.

A new, redesigned version (2018) is coming by April 2017. You can pick up a loaded G80 for about $48,000 to $52,000.

The G80 has everything you could ask for in a premium mid-sized sedan.

https://www.genesis.com/us/en/genesis-g80.html

...

 

Is Sedan what she has in mind? SUV an option? I assume since you're considering Tesla, road trips aren't your thing? 2 door? 4 door?

I like the Mercedes S-Class for a full size sedan. I also like the CTS

 

Are they still making the Equus? THat's a pretty nice ride as well.

 

No, the Equus is now the Genesis G90. Pure ultimate luxury with a 5.0 L engine.

https://www.genesis.com/us/en/genesis-g90.html

..

 

F-Pace!

 

Although Lexus is a reliable brand, and certainly worthy of consideration for that reason, I dumped my IS350 after only 1.5 years. Someone here best described it as a "soulless" driving experience, and I 100% agree.

I've driven both the Audi Q5 and Q7, don't discount them as they are a wonderful when behind the wheel. Good lookers as well!

The F-Pace keeps you Jaguar loyal, but it is new, and may still have teething problems.

Accura MDX (I think) still ranks number one on consumer reports for what that is worth.

In all, the Audi, F-Pace , Accura, or other similar small to mid sized crossover capture most women attention thanks to the elevated view while in traffic.

BOL
Vince

 

I didn't realize that Tesla had changed the front end. I just looked it up and took a look... Oh my. That's just not good. Not good at all.

 

yeah, just needs some whiskers to make it completely ridiculous.

 

Well, I should clarify that I've decided never to buy anything brand new from the dealer again and plan to do the same thing I did with the XKR, i.e. try to hit the sweet spot where I can get max depreciation, low miles, more or less current body style, and certified / extendable warranty. This sweet spot seems to be about 3 years for most cars.

So the Teslas I'm looking at from their CPO site have the older front fascia, which I actually don't like too much because the black oval where a grill would normally be seems superfluous - kind of like a fake vent. But the Model S does seem like a nice complement to an old school relatively low tech Jag.

My wife's had two Lexuses (Lexi?) previously and they were great supremely reliable cars that kept their value well but they just didn't have any emotional impact whatsoever. But I guess a good daily driver is doing its job well if you never even think about it. Beats a BMW that impacts you emotionally mainly by pissing you off.

Haven't looked at a Genesis closely but I do think they're one of the better looking sedans I've seen.

It's a bit overwhelming looking at mainstream sedans/suvs because all the amenities and tech are big factors, whereas with the sports car, I mainly just went for what I liked lookswise.

 

Given your last post, if you are wanting a sedan, give very serious consideration to either a Jaguar XFR or XJR. They are comfortable, reliable and fun to drive. And, I do believe have most if not allof the latest bells and whistles other than self parking. Enjoy the hunt and keep us posted.

 

The 2017 Panamera is a very nice looking car.

 

I don't care for the AMC Pacer look . To much of a bubble and must have been the same designer of the 928 rear.

 

If you are not a cylinder snob, the new Volvo S90 is a beautiful car. Obviously, any Jaguar model... The new Lincoln Continental is also a stunner.

 

+1
Doesn't look much different than the previous design. When I first saw the one that sits in the parking lot where I work, my thought was "what were they thinking?" as it struck me as one ugly car, so bloated. That company should stick to what they do best, 2-seaters.

 

Looks like someone in 5th grade drew a 911 with four doors... Inside is quite nice in keeping with Porsche ethos.

 

[QUOTE=Simon Tan;1580070]

My wife's had two Lexuses (Lexi?)

Sorry but you made me laugh, don't know if you guys across the pond appreciate Alan Partridge but;