S-Class, A8, 7-Series...which one to pick?
Discussion
Looking to add a comfortable limo to the fleet, mostly for long-distance commute as I may need to do the DXB-AUH run a couple of times every week from next year on. Since I hate depreciation in cars, I'm looking for something 5-8 years old which may already come with 100,000km on the clock. So it's got to be reliable and solid for another 50,000km or so over the next 2-3 years.
Initially thought of an S-Class and drove a 2006 S500 - really liked the cooled seats and distronic (adaptive cruise control) options since both will be very relaxing for the commute. Great seats, very safe - fits the bill. Decent ones seem to go for 90-120k depending on condition and mileage.
Then I drove a 2007 Audi S8 (yes, the V10!). I was underwhelmed in terms of performance and handling since I always thought that was the S8's strong point. Not as comfortable as the S500 either and no adaptive cruise control, no cooled seats, etc. The seller is asking 79k negotiable but although I like the styling of the car and it has a nice interior etc. it somehow didn't grow on me.
Other thoughts - similar year BMW 7 series (not a fan of the design though), VW Phaeton if I can find one for sale, or as 'wild card' something like Volvo S80 or similar.
Any recommendations?
Initially thought of an S-Class and drove a 2006 S500 - really liked the cooled seats and distronic (adaptive cruise control) options since both will be very relaxing for the commute. Great seats, very safe - fits the bill. Decent ones seem to go for 90-120k depending on condition and mileage.
Then I drove a 2007 Audi S8 (yes, the V10!). I was underwhelmed in terms of performance and handling since I always thought that was the S8's strong point. Not as comfortable as the S500 either and no adaptive cruise control, no cooled seats, etc. The seller is asking 79k negotiable but although I like the styling of the car and it has a nice interior etc. it somehow didn't grow on me.
Other thoughts - similar year BMW 7 series (not a fan of the design though), VW Phaeton if I can find one for sale, or as 'wild card' something like Volvo S80 or similar.
Any recommendations?
If I was going for something smaller in the premium range I'd say BMW but I prefer the Merc's when being dynamic isn't as importnat as comfort, ride and luxury. Just personal preference but my cousin worked for Mercedes and had a fantastic E class Avant Guard with all the toys and it was perfect at the comfy cruiser thing. I've not driven an S class but imagine it would be a similar story.
My brother has a 7 series and I really don't like it. It's not that great to drive and horrible to look at. I've not had it on a long run and I'm sure it will be very comfortable but it wouldn't be the barge I'd choose.
My brother has a 7 series and I really don't like it. It's not that great to drive and horrible to look at. I've not had it on a long run and I'm sure it will be very comfortable but it wouldn't be the barge I'd choose.
Love that Alpina in the link above! The S8 are nice too.
I was at the Jap import market in Al Aweer the other day. One of the garages had six E55 AMG's, all in mint condition. They were aged 2004-07 and were very well specced. Priced at approx 60-70k. They also had a CLS AMG and several big engined 5 series. They may have had some 7 series and S-class also. Could be worthy a look!
I was at the Jap import market in Al Aweer the other day. One of the garages had six E55 AMG's, all in mint condition. They were aged 2004-07 and were very well specced. Priced at approx 60-70k. They also had a CLS AMG and several big engined 5 series. They may have had some 7 series and S-class also. Could be worthy a look!
Having just started to do this a couple of times a week, (ie every day as someone changed their minds 
) a big comfy barge is definitely the way to go. Having done the trip car pooling in a poverty spec Lancer, I'd go for power, (to get out of the way of idiots) and comfort, (its about an hour each way) every time.
The Lumina SS is great, but I'm liking the idea of cooled seats..
What I would factor in is the range of whatever you are buying at cruising speed, (i.e how may trips you can do without refuelling). On the one hand £50 a week on fuel is a damm sight less than I'd be paying in the UK for a similar commute, but on the other, I am finding the queues for fuel a real pain in the arse. Since I'm filling up at least 3 times a week at the moment, and it can easily take 15-20 minutes just to get to a pump, it becomes frustrating.
) a big comfy barge is definitely the way to go. Having done the trip car pooling in a poverty spec Lancer, I'd go for power, (to get out of the way of idiots) and comfort, (its about an hour each way) every time.The Lumina SS is great, but I'm liking the idea of cooled seats..
What I would factor in is the range of whatever you are buying at cruising speed, (i.e how may trips you can do without refuelling). On the one hand £50 a week on fuel is a damm sight less than I'd be paying in the UK for a similar commute, but on the other, I am finding the queues for fuel a real pain in the arse. Since I'm filling up at least 3 times a week at the moment, and it can easily take 15-20 minutes just to get to a pump, it becomes frustrating.
yorky500 said:
Never, ever fill up on the way back to DXB from AUH, always fill up On the way there.
I have the Camaro for the daily commute, gets me there and back twice before needing a refill 560kms
As a rule of thumb, I completely agree with you, but I've been caught out a couple of times as I've had to go from my office, (outside of the city) into the city for meetings and thats taken me just to the point I wasn't sure I'd make it back..I have the Camaro for the daily commute, gets me there and back twice before needing a refill 560kms
You are getting a lot more out of the Camaro than I get from the Lumina. Even with sensible driving, I rarely see 400 out of a tank. Hmmm..
Psychobert said:
yorky500 said:
Never, ever fill up on the way back to DXB from AUH, always fill up On the way there.
I have the Camaro for the daily commute, gets me there and back twice before needing a refill 560kms
As a rule of thumb, I completely agree with you, but I've been caught out a couple of times as I've had to go from my office, (outside of the city) into the city for meetings and thats taken me just to the point I wasn't sure I'd make it back..I have the Camaro for the daily commute, gets me there and back twice before needing a refill 560kms
You are getting a lot more out of the Camaro than I get from the Lumina. Even with sensible driving, I rarely see 400 out of a tank. Hmmm..
yorky500 said:
You serious, 400km is that all? I am no slouch in the AM sitting at 140 DXB side and 160-180 between cameras on AUH side. Coming home is a lot slower though.
Whatever you do don't get a Durango or a Vette then!!I dream of 400km to a tank in either.
I average about 340 to a tank (120aed) in the Vette and about 300 a tank in the Durango (150aed)
shirt said:
a friend is selling his 2005 s55amg with 110k full history for 70k.
have you driven a 7 series? in the right colour combo the cabin is a grat place to sit, the rear passeneger space is cavernous and the ride wuality is excellent. for that budget you could have a really nice 760li.
Thanks - I sent you a note about your friend's S55, sounds potentially interesting!have you driven a 7 series? in the right colour combo the cabin is a grat place to sit, the rear passeneger space is cavernous and the ride wuality is excellent. for that budget you could have a really nice 760li.
I have driven the 7-series and am not a big fan, feels very bulky and the design just isn't mine. About the Lexus - I am sure it is a good cruiser, very comfortable and quiet. Yet I find it a bit boring, and the LS460 is not necessarily a bargain either.
So it comes down to the S-Class or A8, I viewed another S8 yesterday and that car was in a much better condition, full options (except for cooled seats) and I am quite tempted. Might be one of the last opportunities to drive the V10 before we'll all plug our cars into socket over night...
On the other hand the CLS55 AMG suggested in one of the links looks very nice as well!
If anyone knows of a good S-Class or A8 for sale (or something close), feel free to post it here or email me directly.
Cheers,
Jan
K50 DEL said:
yorky500 said:
You serious, 400km is that all? I am no slouch in the AM sitting at 140 DXB side and 160-180 between cameras on AUH side. Coming home is a lot slower though.
Whatever you do don't get a Durango or a Vette then!!I dream of 400km to a tank in either.
I average about 340 to a tank (120aed) in the Vette and about 300 a tank in the Durango (150aed)
Del - kind of glad I didn't get a Durango now!
listen to you all whining on about fuel economy, you bunch of fannies!
i get 16mpg on average and for that i can't even break 140kph and use two tanks a week just commuting to jebel ali! who cares, a tank of petrol = 2.5 pints of beer and i know which i go through more of.
that said the queues for the pumps are getting bloody stupid. bring on ENOC gold class and stuff the proles.
PS - Jan, replied to you mail about the S55.
Re: the 7 series the sheer bulk of the thing is what i enjoyed. they do shrink around you after a but i rather like the fact that something that big can shift as well as it does. i once managed 200kph past the marina mall!
i get 16mpg on average and for that i can't even break 140kph and use two tanks a week just commuting to jebel ali! who cares, a tank of petrol = 2.5 pints of beer and i know which i go through more of.
that said the queues for the pumps are getting bloody stupid. bring on ENOC gold class and stuff the proles.
PS - Jan, replied to you mail about the S55.
Re: the 7 series the sheer bulk of the thing is what i enjoyed. they do shrink around you after a but i rather like the fact that something that big can shift as well as it does. i once managed 200kph past the marina mall!
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