Sorry, but I'm not insinuating anything. I'm simply making general statements about cars. May you enjoy whichever car you decide on. In my opinion, I don't think you can go wrong with the cars you're considering. I simply like the driving dynamics of a German automobile over that of the Japanese automobiles I've driven. That's all I'm saying. My impression was, you like the driving dynamics of German cars as well. No?

All cars have maintenance costs. Whether they are appreciable or not is probably in the relm of subjectivity, although costs can be compared. In a very general way, I'm suggesting the cost of maintainence between a 1998-2000 C-Class and that of a Camry are similar: based on what my experienced mechanic has told me and the cost of parts I've looked up or purchased; plus 15 years of Toyota ownership. In any event, true cost of ownership statistices are easy to find.
I've enjoyed every Toyota I've owned. In the early 80's I owned a Corona Wagon- Awsome car, best build Toyota I ever owned. In 1986 I owned a Camry-Great car and second best built Toyota I've ever owned. In 1994 I owned a Corolla. In 2001 I purchased a Rav 4. All these cars were good value and in my opinion, somewhat boring to drive. (All FWD too, except the Corona)
I'm not trying to sell you on anything. I'm simply giving accounts of my experience.

Good luck.

 

Come to a japanese forum if you want to ever see/ hear about problems with cars! I own a few toyotas, and damn do they have problems! You must realise, a lot of people only come here because they have problems!...not to say how great their car is!

My mercedes C36 is just a pleasure to drive, handles like no other jap car ive ever owned or driven, and damn does it oooze class!

Im 22, and i actually feel like a different person driving my mercedes than driving my toyota hilux or supra. I looked at Various BMW's prior to purchasing the C36, but none compare! They all look the same! a lowered with wheels 318i looks like an M3 to me??!!

Anyway, thumbs up to the merc's, i do all my work myself, but cry when i get parts bills. Other than that, my only expense is fuel, polish and tyres....as with the all-motor torque they wear out quick

 

I have no doubt that you can find evidence of auto failures for any brand or model on the internet.

You do realize that one of the Toyota models you mentioned is thirty years old? Besides... I'm not sure what Toyota badged automobiles have to do with the thread. I didn't say I was shopping for one.

 

[sm=closed.gif]

 

Where were you after post #3?

 

OK. So, I guess it's not closed.

When is your anticipated purchase date?
The Infiniti G35 has my vote. (And I have nothing but praise for my MBZ)

 

Hey wait a second only Mods and Admin can close topics so that means u can't.

 

I have some events coming up that will delay the purchase. I've got a growing family (so the next purchase will probably be a crowd mover). Plus, we're just getting settled in a new town. So, my guess is that the sport sedan will be a year off, maybe a little more.

The G35 is a great choice. I had the chance to drive one aggressively not long ago. I probably graded it down for being a coupe. Infiniti just doesn't quite have the reputation that some of the other premium marques have.

 

More opinion on the Japanese versus German sedan comparisions.

Back in about 1995 I bought my wife a new Honda Accord. We bought a fairly high end one, I think it was
$18k back then. It was probably what they call an EX. It had everything but leather and the V6.

It was a pleasant cat to drive. It did everything just above adequately. It looked nice, etc, etc.

We only kept it about 2 years as we replaced it with an Isuzu Trooper when we acquired a boat.

A few years later I purchased a lightly used 1995 BMW 318i Sedan. On paper (and in the metal) the
Accord had everything the BMW had. However, you cannot compare the two. The BMW, even in 4 banger form,
was a blast to drive and pleasureable to own. I became a huge BMW fan and just recently sold my
second BMW and bought the C230.

The BMW was an enthusiasts driving machine. The similarly equipped Honda Accord EX was appliance
like. It thrilled me like my Frigidaire refrigerator does.

-Eric

 

Why are you all comparing apples and oranges? The BMW 3-series is not in the same market niche as a Honda Accord... not even a fully loaded Accord.