Quote:
I have and looking at the options for the lexus and the pricing it seems like a more expensive option. If you go to the Jag site and compare XF to other cars in the price range you get much more in terms of features and warrenty and complimentary servicing. Another option that my mom is pushing for is a Prius. While I dont agree with the looks, I do like the price and gas milage. However I cant see myself wanting to drive around upstate NY in one! even with "good" snow tires. I read on some prius forms that it is not generally a major problem, but i dont know.....
No matter the warranty or perks, being stranded is unacceptable. I've seen people miss work because their car wouldn't start and had to be towed in. They might get free warranty work and a loaner, but they still missed the 9AM meeting because waiting for the tow truck, going to the dealer, filling out forms, getting the loaner car, etc. etc. took them a good two to three hours.
If the car goes down at night, you might get it towed to a closed dealership, drop the keys, have a friend/cab come pick you up, then have a friend/cab take you back to the dealer the next day to fill out the forms, get the loaner, etc. It's a pain and a few former co-workers ended up burning vacation time just to deal with your car. If you get two weeks vacation each year, do you want to spend three or four of those 14 days having a car towed and standing around a dealership? And if you're in business, do you want to roll up to an important meeting in something plastered with a giant "Luxury Motors Courtesy Vehicle" sign on the back window and an 800 number and a URL in large type across the sides? Not a good impression.
It's gotten worse with the cars that have loads of electronic gizmos. Those have a way of heading south and draining the battery or causing a short that keeps the car from starting. It used to be that you had a good idea when a major repair was on the way. If the engine isn't running right, the brakes pull to the left, the shifting goes soggy, etc. you know it and have a chance to take it in before you get stuck somewhere. The new electrical stuff fails unpredictably and leaves you stranded. That's why I want as few electrical systems as possible and why so many of the low-end Japanese cars are excellent. Few electrical gizmos and the mechanical bits are bulletproof.
Anyhow, reliability is sexy. Plain looks are fine if it starts every time and runs over 100k miles with only scheduled maintenance.
If you want to stand out from the crowd, buy an old car. I've got a few down here and they absolutely get noticed. I've ridden in some expensive luxury cars, and they tend not to be noticed. Only antiques, exotics and the truly unusual get eyeballs. You don't have to spend a lot, either. My '85 Nighthawk got a small crowd when I took it to a bike night. People walked past some very nice new hardware to ask about it. I paid $700 for it.
