Permit an off topic thread: Most Comfortable Car?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Berkeley, California
2005 E55, Renntech Pulley, ECU
Permit an off topic thread: Most Comfortable Car?
Hey all,
I have been shopping for a friend who is looking for a new/used car. Looking to spend around $50k used, no more. Unlike us, who appreciate 500 lb.ft. of torque, his ONLY concern is comfort. NOTHING else. Obviously it needs to have adequate power to drive above the speed limit, but no need for a performance car. His sole desired features are: absolute interior silence, both from the engine, wind noise, and road noise over bumps, etc. Smoothness over uneven/potholed roads. He'll accept a soft suspension and sacrifice in handling if it gives him the feeling that he's floating (with some degree of control, let's not get crazy).
What do you all suggest? Do you think a two year old S550 is the ticket, or is that more performance and less comfort than some other car? I have no experience as I'm a performance guy above all else, but tastes differ. He wants something whisper quiet at freeway speeds and supremely smooth over railroad tracks and the like.
Any consensus on what he ought to be looking at? If there's something in the $30's that'd be great, but $50k is the absolute ceiling.
Thanks gang,
Skeeter
I have been shopping for a friend who is looking for a new/used car. Looking to spend around $50k used, no more. Unlike us, who appreciate 500 lb.ft. of torque, his ONLY concern is comfort. NOTHING else. Obviously it needs to have adequate power to drive above the speed limit, but no need for a performance car. His sole desired features are: absolute interior silence, both from the engine, wind noise, and road noise over bumps, etc. Smoothness over uneven/potholed roads. He'll accept a soft suspension and sacrifice in handling if it gives him the feeling that he's floating (with some degree of control, let's not get crazy).
What do you all suggest? Do you think a two year old S550 is the ticket, or is that more performance and less comfort than some other car? I have no experience as I'm a performance guy above all else, but tastes differ. He wants something whisper quiet at freeway speeds and supremely smooth over railroad tracks and the like.
Any consensus on what he ought to be looking at? If there's something in the $30's that'd be great, but $50k is the absolute ceiling.
Thanks gang,
Skeeter
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From: Irvine, CA
2008 E550, 2012 GL450, 2014 GLK350, 2015 S550, 2020 GLC350e
Try a used E550 non-sport (if they ever even made that). I know in MY 08 which is my car, they had a non-sport version of the E550. Set to "Comfort Mode" the luxury version just floated.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Orange County, CA
E350
I would agree and say that the high-end Lexus LS series is what your friend probably wants. Inside the LS430, LS460, LS600h you literally can hear the outside world, and the ride in the LS-series is like you're riding in a cloud (in comfort mode). And all of these vehicles have more than adequate power to sprint up to freeway speeds.
To your friend, this may be exactly the thing he's looking for in a vehicle. For me, I like to feel the road a bit more, and do not like the ultra-sensitive steering of Lexus vehicles (seems to over-steer a bit). Also, I have found myself falling asleep at the wheel on more than a few occasions when driving an LS-series Lexus (which definitely says something about its comfort... and its numbness and isolation from the road and outside world).
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From: San Antonio, Tx
2008 S550 designo
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E320CDI
Really a shame, I got 300k miles on mine and it was still running when I got rid of it, best car I'd ever had
Member
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Posts: 174
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From: San Antonio, Tx
2008 S550 designo
Air suspension alone kept me away from one (before I bought my CDI I was looking for a replacement to my old Audi V8, but I didn't want air suspenders, they all fail no matter who makes the system, air springs are also what kept me from getting the sublime Jag XJ8). Not to mention concern over the miles and miles of fibre optic cables that seem to go broke on it. I was really looking hard at a used one at an Audi dealer, but when they told me Audi wouldn't CPO the car (well within years/miles for the program) I got cold feet on them altogether.
Really a shame, I got 300k miles on mine and it was still running when I got rid of it, best car I'd ever had
Really a shame, I got 300k miles on mine and it was still running when I got rid of it, best car I'd ever had
As for fiber optics, you'll have to steer clear of ALL luxury makes (and several non-luxury) to stay away from those. All of my cars going back to 2001 have had fiber optics - never an issue. Does Audi have a special formulation for them that causes problems other makes do not, such as the old Mercedes wiring harnesses from the 80's?
The dealer not wanting to CPO a car - it must not have met some other criteria. There are plenty of CPO A8's out there.
And I hate to burst your bubble on the XJ8. My mother has a 2005 XJ8L and it's been nothing but headaches. While a beautiful car to look at, the quality is just not there. The seats are wearing poorly, the headliner adhesive is failing from all corners, it's in the shop almost monthly with some kind of part failure the extended warranty doesn't cover. All this with 56,000 miles. It rides and drives fantastic, however. It's never left her stranded and she still somewhat likes it.
Thanks for your insight. I was concerned you knew of a fatal design flaw that cursed the cars. I'm happy to hear your concerns are the same for pretty much all German cars on the road.
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2009 E350 Sport
I love the A8 and its terrible resale value as a great used car value play in the big but cool car market. I also like the fact that they are relatively rare and light for their size (aluminum)
What I don't like is the real / perceived unreliablity on some of their engine designs (2.7t/1.8t) where VW really cheaps out on gaskets, timing belts and simple things. I've also heard bad things on fuel injectors and coil packs. I don't know much about the 4.2v8 or the trannies. I think the Audi reputation on electronic gremlins is roughly on par with that of BMW
Also I think all A8 are AWD. Not sure you want to lug that around
Last edited by werewolf34; Aug 11, 2010 at 10:12 PM.
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From: Tampa, Florida
06 SL65 / 97 993tt /11 Suburban/ 2012 GTR (AMG è la mia Famiglia la Bestia è la mia protezione)
I have to admit that my Cadillac Deville is probably the most comfortable driving car I've been in... It's got over 100k miles on it and still running strong. It's old school but it's ride is smooooooth.
+1 on a S550... That is a good choice too.
+1 on a S550... That is a good choice too.
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
Just curious, what kind of mileage (that you yourself put on) with those cars. How many miles with each car?
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E320CDI
Jag owners were having issues during the winter months where water in the system would freeze and wreak all sorts of havoc. A8 owners were having issues with cracks in the springs. Hell, it does not take long to search this forum and find people with air suspension issues as well. It is just not a viable choice for a reliable steed.
)That's a real shame, but it doesn't burst my bubble. I had my concerns with the car and thus why I did not buy one. I do still pine for them.....
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From: Manassas, VA
10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
I recently test drove (twice) an 07 BMW Alpina B7 and was VERY IMPRESSED with the ride, how quiet it was under all driving conditions, superior fit and finish compared to my Benz's, and supercharged power (500hp). I liked it so much there is one in my future.
Senior Member
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2009 E350 Sport
I think you need more cars...lol
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Manassas, VA
10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
The list doesn't include my 3 Shelbys, 2 turbo Porsche's, 3 Corvettes, 3 Mustang Mach 1's, 1 boat and 1 airplane and a lot more. You're right I need to slow down and actually begin to enjoy owning one of my cars! 
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From: California
i535
He can try to rent limo with a chauffer. $50,000 can be sufficient for couple years. No one car in 50grands range won’t fit his requirements. So far only Royce was absolutely quiet and smooth.
