Mid/Large sports sedan

[N_Jay]

It looks like we are replacing our CRV with a new (to us) vehicle, and it will be a (Used 2007-2008) mid/large luxury/sports sedan.

Well, actually, it seems I am replacing my 2002 CRV with a well maintained but high mileage 2003 Pilot (Go figger), while my wife replaces her 2003 well maintained but high mileage 2003 Pilot with a sports sedan.

The reason it has to be mid to large is we still take 800 to 900 mile trips and our youngest is now pushing 6 foot.

So with the desire for some form of 4WD and a touch of luxury the short list is:
Acura RL
MB E350
Lexus GS350
Infinity M35X
Audi A-6

Since most here are familiar with Honda reliability, I am hoping not to end up with too much more trouble than our Hondas have provided.

Anyone have any recommendations?

[dustino8]

If you've got the Audi A6 on your list, you should probably include VW Passat and Infinity G37 also. I'd probably add the TL too. Does RWD, FWD, AWD matter?

I foresee a lot of fun test drives ahead for you.

[sblvro]

I like the GS350, reliable, fast, nice interior and will keep you out of the service area.

[N_Jay]

I was thinking that the Passat was A-4 not A-6 sized?

The TL and G37 seem a little small in the rear seat.

We drove an Avalon, and it is about the right size, but did not have 4WD/AWD and was a little boring.

We have not driven the GS350 yet. It seems that if my wife does not mind a little less power, a low mileage 2006 GS300 is a real bargain.

[dustino8]

Originally Posted by N_Jay

I was thinking that the Passat was A-4 not A-6 sized?

The TL and G37 seem a little small in the rear seat.

We drove an Avalon, and it is about the right size, but did not have 4WD/AWD and was a little boring.

We have not driven the GS350 yet. It seems that if my wife does not mind a little less power, a low mileage 2006 GS300 is a real bargain.

Jetta is A4 sized, Passat is A6 sized. If the TL and G37 seem small in the rear, I'm sure an A6 will too. I'm guessing you're gonna end up with a Lexus, especially if you want something at the top of reliability.

[N_Jay]

Originally Posted by dustino8

Jetta is A4 sized, Passat is A6 sized. If the TL and G37 seem small in the rear, I'm sure an A6 will too. I'm guessing you're gonna end up with a Lexus, especially if you want something at the top of reliability.

We did not sit in the back of the TL, put the Accord is a bit smaller than we wanted.

Looking at the MB E350 it may also be just on the edge.


Anyone have any experience with the M35x. It drove well, but I don't think Infinity/Nissan has quite caught up with Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus in overall quality and low maintenance.

[jl_ss]

Originally Posted by N_Jay

We did not sit in the back of the TL, put the Accord is a bit smaller than we wanted.

Looking at the MB E350 it may also be just on the edge.


Anyone have any experience with the M35x. It drove well, but I don't think Infinity/Nissan has quite caught up with Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus in overall quality and low maintenance.

The M35X gets an overall CR reliability rating of "better than average", while the RL only gets an "average" rating. The GS300 AWD gets a "much worse than average" rating.

[jcantanixon]

I think you're on the right track. I'm guessing that if you have a kid pushing 6 feet, the parents are at least that tall also and that kind of length in the front and backseat for 11+ hours eliminates the smaller mid-sized (TL, G37, E-Class, A6) sedans. The M is bigger than all of those, as well as the GS..and the interior feels very roomy and high-end. I agree that Nissan/Infiniti hasn't caught up to Honda or Toyota in reliability, but the 3.5L is the same engine that Nissan uses in just about everything and the 5 speed auto in the M is outdated but sturdy. If you can avoid the first year (2006), the overall reliability should be acceptable.

Disclaimer: This post contains my opinion and is mostly just an attempt to up my post count.

[N_Jay]

Originally Posted by jl_ss

The M35X gets an overall CR reliability rating of "better than average", while the RL only gets an "average" rating. The GS300 AWD gets a "much worse than average" rating.

Interesting, A Lexus that gets a "much worse than average" rating.
Anyone wonder if that is really a "much worse than expected" rating?

The only reference I found specifically addressed the underwhelming power. Even that was said to be due to the cars it was competing with. Hmmmm?

[jl_ss]

Originally Posted by N_Jay

Interesting, A Lexus that gets a "much worse than average" rating.
Anyone wonder if that is really a "much worse than expected" rating?

The only reference I found specifically addressed the underwhelming power. Even that was said to be due to the cars it was competing with. Hmmmm?

Here's the whole GS table. From the looks of it I would guess that there is not much difference in reliability between the ratings of much better and much worse than average in that category of vehicle. Premature brake wear seems to be the biggest issue:

[N_Jay]

Originally Posted by jl_ss

Here's the whole GS table. From the looks of it I would guess that there is not much difference in reliability between the ratings of much better and much worse than average in that category of vehicle. Premature brake wear seems to be the biggest issue:

Can you post the M35x table?

[jl_ss]

Originally Posted by N_Jay

Can you post the M35x table?

Here U go:

[dustino8]

Odd that the AWD GS is rated below average when the driveline is rated the same as the RWD version, which overall is rated as average or above average depending on the year.

[jl_ss]

Originally Posted by dustino8

Odd that the AWD GS is rated below average when the driveline is rated the same as the RWD version, which overall is rated as average or above average depending on the year.

The AWD version appears to have slightly more engine major/minor issues than the RWD version.

[TheHiker]

The G37 will definitely be a little smaller in the backseat compared to some of your other choices.

May I suggest the new Taurus SHO? AWD, sporty, and roomy. Ford's quality has also come a long way. May be worth at least a look.

I do like the Acura RL as well, not sure how much of a sales success it has been but I think it would be a pretty nice choice.