Anyone Also Enjoy Having a Nice Sedan in Addition to Their Land Cruiser....?

[eurocarfanatic]

I put almost 150,000 miles on my 2015 Audi A6 Prestige. The car was solid as a rock too and a blast to drive. It's had a total of 1 major issues over the years that I owned it, outside of general maintenance, brakes, tires etc. The incident was covered by the CPO warranty and related to the steering column. They're expensive to maintain, but I maintain my vehicles to a T inside and out and always change the oil at 5,000. Bulletproof. Been driving them for 20 years and am driving a '23 now and my nephew is driving that 2015.

The Audi supercharged 3.0-liter 90-degree V6 (which is inexplicably marketed as “3.0T” is super solid, and arguably one of the best engines they’ve ever done. It responds quite well to a tune, as does the special transaxle version of the ZF 8HP that it’s attached to. Unfortunately, the later 3.0 supercharged V6–as in the Q7 I used to own—has an electronically clutched supercharger, whose clutch you either have to replace or delete after a while. But it’s still solid.

I hear the newer Audi 3.0T and 2.9TT engines aren’t nearly as reliable, which is legitimately one of the things that kept me out of a newer Q7.

 

[eurocarfanatic]

Couldn’t disagree more. I’ve owned a lot of cars in my life (about 40 or so), from many brands. Between my wife and I, I’m on my 4th BMW. They have been rock solid reliable. I’ve put nearly 200k miles on every one. I drive the hell out of them and not a single issue (unless you count a rock I took in a radiator once). Consumer reports has consistently rated them #1 or #2 in reliability over the last few years as well. My mom has a BMW, it’s 10 years old and she hasn’t had a single issue out of hers.

Perhaps your experience was some time ago? I know they had a reputation years ago for being problematic. I don’t think thats the case any longer. BMW also performs all maintenance for free for the first 4 years. Beyond that the maintenance is a bit more than a typical Toyota or Honda. They don’t need much in my experience.

Audi’s on the other hand, in the shop a lot. I have friends that have had nothing but issues out of them.

As a fan and multiple-time owner,
I think BMW is having a quality era with the new B and S engines, as in your M3 Competition. Their I6 engines have nearly always been solid, and often the V12s. But now even the I4 and V8 are pretty decent. I’m sure they’ll find a way to f*ck it up, though.

Nice M3, also. Is that Isle of Man Green?

 

[eurocarfanatic]

I would be thinking a Crown Signia. However, the depreciation is an unknown at this juncture. But, exceptional reliability. And, all-wheel drive.

I doubt the Crown Signia will depreciate much in the next few years. Toyota and Lexus hybrids seldom do, and the bonus is that the Crown Signia is especially production-constrained; they’re not making enough of them to sate demand and used ones sell for nearly as much as new.

 

[RUN-8]

Maybe I need to reevaluate my position on German cars.

Admittedly past experience was back in 2005 through 2006, and at that time BMW’s were pretty questionable a lot of the time at least all the 5 series cars were and so were the 7 series (absolute nightmares for owners and service departments).

M-B’s of that era were absolute dog shit.

Audi’s weren’t all that common in my area but the few we saw get traded in were nothing special.

Jaguars and Land Rover products were truly terrible at that time.

 

[BMFS33]

The Audi supercharged 3.0-liter 90-degree V6 (which is inexplicably marketed as “3.0T” is super solid, and arguably one of the best engines they’ve ever done. It responds quite well to a tune, as does the special transaxle version of the ZF 8HP that it’s attached to. Unfortunately, the later 3.0 supercharged V6–as in the Q7 I used to own—has an electronically clutched supercharger, whose clutch you either have to replace or delete after a while. But it’s still solid.

I hear the newer Audi 3.0T and 2.9TT engines aren’t nearly as reliable, which is legitimately one of the things that kept me out of a newer Q7.

100%. That entire '15 build is solid. I hated to get rid of that car but I really wanted the LC. Sold it and traded in my F-150 and went from a 3 car house to a two car house without my "weekender" truck.

 

[PA-Cruiser 200]

I really enjoy my LC and will keep it around for many years.

However, there are times when I miss jumping in a nice medium sized luxury sedan for a road trip or to simply run to the office / errands.

I've been snooping around looking for late model Certified / low mile mid-sized sedans to add to the stall for this reason. In particular Audi A6 55 S-Line or BMW 540i M-Sport.
The 2024 / 2025 Certified models from Audi / BMW dealers with fewer than 10k miles are really a lot of bang for your buck. $70k cars you can buy for $45kish...which is generally $25k less than MSRP with 4 + years left of factory warranty
and the major hit of depreciation out of them.

Interested if anyone has also thought about this....

I bought a '24 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness for my daughter, but am using it as a commuter until she gets her licenses this summer. I LOVE IT!! Its in that geyser blue color and I have to say... The fit and finish is better than my '25 LC. Sad to say, but its a true statement. The Subi is our go to for zipping around town. And for $35K out-the-door, can't beat it. ;-)

 

[Esquire]

Always interesting replies. I appreciate the responses.

It sounds like, for the most part, a lot of us really enjoy our LC's but also like having a car as well in the stable.

I agree with many, I could never be without an SUV of some sort as they are handy for hauling, towing, snow/mud, etc. and in the LC's case, a quasi unique and great driver.

Like a coupe have mentioned, the problem becomes garage space. I have 3 vehicles now and only a 3 car garage. And I'm the only driver and no kids.

I have a 2016 Porsche 911 Black Edition which is purely for enjoyment / tracking / PCA events. I will always have a 911 around.

I kept my '22 4Runner Limited when I bought my LC since I had fewer than 10k miles on it. That I will likely take to another location.

So, herein lies the question of which car to add. I'm really leaning towards the Audi A6 55 S-Line or BMW 540 M-Sport (2024/2025).

I bought a '24 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness for my daughter, but am using it as a commuter until she gets her licenses this summer. I LOVE IT!! Its in that geyser blue color and I have to say... The fit and finish is better than my '25 LC. Sad to say, but its a true statement. The Subi is our go to for zipping around town. And for $35K out-the-door, can't beat it. ;-)

Subaru has come a long way over the years. Their recent updates have produced some pretty sharp sleds. They are perfect for being quasi rugged and yet nimble enough to jump in quickly and run around town.

Subarus aren't just for short-haired cat loving flannel-wearing ladies from Colorado or Maine anymore....

 

[BMFS33]

Always interesting replies. I appreciate the responses.

It sounds like, for the most part, a lot of us really enjoy our LC's but also like having a car as well in the stable.

I agree with many, I could never be without an SUV of some sort as they are handy for hauling, towing, snow/mud, etc. and in the LC's case, a quasi unique and great driver.

Like a coupe have mentioned, the problem becomes garage space. I have 3 vehicles now and only a 3 car garage. And I'm the only driver and no kids.

I have a 2016 Porsche 911 Black Edition which is purely for enjoyment / tracking / PCA events. I will always have a 911 around.

I kept my '22 4Runner Limited when I bought my LC since I had fewer than 10k miles on it. That I will likely take to another location.

So, herein lies the question of which car to add. I'm really leaning towards the Audi A6 55 S-Line or BMW 540 M-Sport (2024/2025).

Subaru has come a long way over the years. Their recent updates have produced some pretty sharp sleds. They are perfect for being quasi rugged and yet nimble enough to jump in quickly and run around town.

Subarus aren't just for short-haired cat loving flannel-wearing ladies from Colorado or Maine anymore....

Audi all day every day! I had a 535 drive that I traded my ‘03 A6 in for (still had an ‘04 A4 in the garage) and I had that car. Great on the highway for long trips but hardly the ultimate driving machine. Those M cars are different level than an A6 s-line. Apples to Apples would be a S6 and don’t get me started on that vehicle! Dream car for me but that cash went to the LC because like you mentioned, I always need a truck or a capable SUV to get where I need to go outdoors.

Good luck with your choice!

 

[Altitude]

A Porsche 911 was a lifetime aspiration for me. I was able to acquire one 5 years ago and it sits in my third garage spot. It is a 2016 991.1 4S. Right now it has about 42,000 miles. It had 28,000 when I bought it.

I love it, though to be honest I don’t drive it as much as I thought I would. If I’m to and from the office I almost always take the Land Cruiser because it’s quieter for calls. My wife doesn’t love getting into and out of the 911, nor the sound level at speed, nor the low position on the road next to huge trucks. So I don’t really take it out when she’s with me. We take the LC or occasionally her GLC300 which is a beautiful if slightly dispassionate vehicle.

I take the 911 out 2 or 3 times a month for pleasure drives in the warm months and use it to run errands.

It’s essentially a trophy.

 

[Esquire]

A Porsche 911 was a lifetime aspiration for me. I was able to acquire one 5 years ago and it sits in my third garage spot. It is a 2016 991.1 4S. Right now it has about 42,000 miles. It had 28,000 when I bought it.

I love it, though to be honest I don’t drive it as much as I thought I would. If I’m to and from the office I almost always take the Land Cruiser because it’s quieter for calls. My wife doesn’t love getting into and out of the 911, nor the sound level at speed, nor the low position on the road next to huge trucks. So I don’t really take it out when she’s with me. We take the LC or occasionally her GLC300 which is a beautiful if slightly dispassionate vehicle.

I take the 911 out 2 or 3 times a month for pleasure drives in the warm months and use it to run errands.

It’s essentially a trophy.

Great to see another Porsche 911 guy. I literally think Land Cruisers and Porsche 911 owners go hand-in-hand. Both great and unique vehicles.

I also have a 2016 991.1 Black Edition.

You are absolutely right , I've had a 911 in my stall for nearly 25 years now. I've never considered them to be anything but a great toy. I am a PCA member and I do track events from time-to-time. It definitely sits significantly more than driven. I purchased it in 2019 with 4k miles, and it currently has 12k miles on it.

They are great fun and a joy to own. Great group of owners in PCA and great events. I go to Birmingham every year for Porsche Driving School.

I never drive it to work or for work events/meetings. My last 911 was Guards Red and I'll never, ever buy that color again. Only black/gray here on out.

So, I agree, the 911 is not considered a vehicle for transportation....just a vehicle for fun and to spend too much money on...but it's worth every penny.

 

[Altitude]

Great to see another Porsche 911 guy. I literally think Land Cruisers and Porsche 911 owners go hand-in-hand. Both great and unique vehicles.

I also have a 2016 991.1 Black Edition.

You are absolutely right , I've had a 911 in my stall for nearly 25 years now. I've never considered them to be anything but a great toy. I am a PCA member and I do track events from time-to-time. It definitely sits significantly more than driven. I purchased it in 2019 with 4k miles, and it currently has 12k miles on it.

They are great fun and a joy to own. Great group of owners in PCA and great events. I go to Birmingham every year for Porsche Driving School.

I never drive it to work or for work events/meetings. My last 911 was Guards Red and I'll never, ever buy that color again. Only black/gray here on out.

So, I agree, the 911 is not considered a vehicle for transportation....just a vehicle for fun and to spend too much money on...but it's worth every penny.

Nothing quite like them, and they are way less fussy about maintenance than people think.

Mine is Dark Blue Metallic. I wasn’t looking for blue but glad I found it. Interesting color with just a bit of purple in the flake. You only see it in certain light.

 

[Esquire]

Nothing quite like them, and they are way less fussy about maintenance than people think.

Mine is Dark Blue Metallic. I wasn’t looking for blue but glad I found it. Interesting color with just a bit of purple in the flake. You only see it in certain light.

Blue is sharp. I would definitely pick up that color as well.

You know, my 911's have been arguably the most reliable vehicles I have owned. I've never had an issue with any of them.

 

[cozye]

As a fan and multiple-time owner,
I think BMW is having a quality era with the new B and S engines, as in your M3 Competition. Their I6 engines have nearly always been solid, and often the V12s. But now even the I4 and V8 are pretty decent. I’m sure they’ll find a way to f*ck it up, though.

Nice M3, also. Is that Isle of Man Green?

Thank you. Yes, it is Isle of Man Green.

I just sold my wife’s old (2016) 328 with about 150k miles on it. Not a single issue. Drove on a 1200 mile road trip just before I sold it to keep the miles of our new cars. A couple years ago I sold my 340 (B58 engine), it had 178k miles on it. Not a single issue. I put 2 sets of brakes on that car, 4 sets of tires, and nothing else. Neither car used a drop of oil and ran like brand new. Mom has a 440 thats 10 years old, not a single issue. I guess I’m lucky that I didn’t work for a BMW dealer years ago.

 

[cozye]

Great to see another Porsche 911 guy. I literally think Land Cruisers and Porsche 911 owners go hand-in-hand. Both great and unique vehicles.

I also have a 2016 991.1 Black Edition.

You are absolutely right , I've had a 911 in my stall for nearly 25 years now. I've never considered them to be anything but a great toy. I am a PCA member and I do track events from time-to-time. It definitely sits significantly more than driven. I purchased it in 2019 with 4k miles, and it currently has 12k miles on it.

They are great fun and a joy to own. Great group of owners in PCA and great events. I go to Birmingham every year for Porsche Driving School.

I never drive it to work or for work events/meetings. My last 911 was Guards Red and I'll never, ever buy that color again. Only black/gray here on out.

So, I agree, the 911 is not considered a vehicle for transportation....just a vehicle for fun and to spend too much money on...but it's worth every penny.

What was wrong with the Red?

 

[RUN-8]

What was wrong with the Red?

Guards Red is a fantastic color to behold, less so to care for properly. Goes for any red paint that is non metallic.

If you even look at them wrong swirl marks appear somehow.

 

[Esquire]

Guards Red is a fantastic color to behold, less so to care for properly. Goes for any red paint that is non metallic.

If you even look at them wrong swirl marks appear somehow.

This is absolutely true. Guards Red is a timeless and very sharp color. No auto manufacturer does red better than Porsche. However, it does have to be meticulously maintained. Which, in my opinion, is some of the enjoyment of Guards Red.

My biggest issue with red on the 911 is the unwanted attention it brings in the Midwest. Despite Guards Red being a classic Porsche color, it represents too much flash and in your face in the Midwest, This is not well-received and can give off a DB vibe.

I purchased that Guards Red 911 from the original owner in Indianapolis. He owned a business and ultimately would never drive it into work or around town. He didn't like the attention the color brought. And when he decided to sell it, it was hard to sell. That's when I purchased it for a very fair price and quickly understood why he wanted to sell it and ultimately ended up with a dark / less flashy color. And that is exactly what I eventually did.

 

[Skidaddl]

I really enjoy my LC and will keep it around for many years.

However, there are times when I miss jumping in a nice medium sized luxury sedan for a road trip or to simply run to the office / errands.

I've been snooping around looking for late model Certified / low mile mid-sized sedans to add to the stall for this reason. In particular Audi A6 55 S-Line or BMW 540i M-Sport.
The 2024 / 2025 Certified models from Audi / BMW dealers with fewer than 10k miles are really a lot of bang for your buck. $70k cars you can buy for $45kish...which is generally $25k less than MSRP with 4 + years left of factory warranty
and the major hit of depreciation out of them.

Interested if anyone has also thought about this....

Not a sedan, but my wife drives an Audi Allroad, which while being a wagon, certainly gives me the car driving fix once in awhile. My second vehicle is my Tundra for work. That said, I like your thinking - we've owned a few BMW's, and they are sure nice to drive (while not being as nice to "own" as Toyotas).

 

[Skidaddl]

Back on the topic. In addition to the land cruiser, I have an M3 Competition. It’s a fantastic car.

View attachment 58515

That is one sexy car!

 

[Altitude]

A Porsche 911 was a lifetime aspiration for me. I was able to acquire one 5 years ago and it sits in my third garage spot. It is a 2016 991.1 4S. Right now it has about 42,000 miles. It had 28,000 when I bought it.

I love it, though to be honest I don’t drive it as much as I thought I would. If I’m to and from the office I almost always take the Land Cruiser because it’s quieter for calls. My wife doesn’t love getting into and out of the 911, nor the sound level at speed, nor the low position on the road next to huge trucks. So I don’t really take it out when she’s with me. We take the LC or occasionally her GLC300 which is a beautiful if slightly dispassionate vehicle.

I take the 911 out 2 or 3 times a month for pleasure drives in the warm months and use it to run errands.

It’s essentially a trophy.

Here it is, still wet from a shower. I thought the effect of the water on the paint was cool.

 

[Esquire]

Here it is, still wet from a shower. I thought the effect of the water on the paint was cool.

View attachment 58676

That Blue looks absolutely stunning. Looks black at night and blue during the day. Well done!