S4 vs. SC430
08-09-2004, 04:42 AM
#21
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Not knowing you it's hard to say... but from your post, I'd say the Lexus.
None of the real differences seem to matter much to you. If the lexus appeals to you I'm sure you will be happy with it so enjoy!
08-09-2004, 04:56 AM
#22
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You should be fine with either car so long as you
maintain it.
I've owned both Lexus and Infiniti. They hold up reasonably well, but post-warranty repairs are still VERY expensive.
Best thing to do is to buy your parts online, find a reputable shop, and have the work done there.
And as far as strange reliability issues, the Lexus lost a rear main seal at 30,000 miles and the Infiniti had $12,000 worth of computer parts (voice control ecu's etc) thrown at it in the first 8 months of ownership. Glad I had a warranty.
My S4, so far (4K miles), has only required one taillamp bulb at a cost of $1.69.
I've owned both Lexus and Infiniti. They hold up reasonably well, but post-warranty repairs are still VERY expensive.
Best thing to do is to buy your parts online, find a reputable shop, and have the work done there.
And as far as strange reliability issues, the Lexus lost a rear main seal at 30,000 miles and the Infiniti had $12,000 worth of computer parts (voice control ecu's etc) thrown at it in the first 8 months of ownership. Glad I had a warranty.
My S4, so far (4K miles), has only required one taillamp bulb at a cost of $1.69.
08-09-2004, 06:58 AM
#25
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Not so fast...
While Lexus is generally more reliable than Audi, and might be a tad cheaper to maintain after warranty, we're still talking about convertibles here. Those roofs have lots of moving parts, and something tells me that the weight of the hardtop will cause more duress on the components on the SC430. Honestly I think reliability and maintenence costs will be neck and neck. I just think that you'll get more use out of the S4 cab, and that it will age far more gracefully than the SC430 and its avant-garde styling. If I were to buy a convertible (which I am not inclined to do) and I planned to keep it for a long time, I'd get one with timeless styling, like a Porsche. Given your options, I'd have to go with the Audi.
08-09-2004, 09:23 AM
#28
Haven't driven the S4 Cabriolet, but the cowl-shake on the SC430 is quite pronounced.
Frankly, I was amazed by how much body flex there was in just gently crusing the SC430 around. It felt about as solid as a Mustang convertible - now this was my neighbor's car with like 11k miles on it, but he had just purchased it and had Lexus do a lot of work on the suspension before that; so I have to believe that it was working per factory specs. Not trying to hate, just surprised me for a vehicle of that price range. Good luck with your choice - I think that the two cars you are considering between are "heart" and not "head" choices. Introducing logic will only make your brain hurt.
08-09-2004, 09:44 AM
#29
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May I ask if you are willing to consider other options?
If you keep it for 10-15, MB's age very gracefully. My wife has a500clk and it is far sperior to the SC which she was considering.
08-09-2004, 09:51 AM
#30
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Checked Out MB CLK500...
The CLK500 dropped out of the running due to both RWD in Chicago and average reliability going against it. But I sure enjoyed the ride and the nice interior on the car. If they had the Lexus reliability, or, AWD, then the car would still be on the list.
Good thought though. Thx.
Good thought though. Thx.