Mercedes: Luxury sedan or Luxury SUV, lexus lx470, rolls royce phantom


Question
Thanks for the reply.
Phantom will probably be too elite to stay in cheap motels along freeways due to theft. Yes, theft is another term just added to the requirements list. Also, Phantom is too expensive. I won't be able to bear broken windows and interior of such a fine car.

I understand that S class has some of those issues too but I just may be able to take care of those for a s class, but not for a phantom.

The new problems that I have been reported about are the reliability issues with the mercedes s class. Especially, in the electrical systems. What do you say on that?


bye
Saira


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Followup To
Question -
Hi

I plan to buy a second car for a very specific task. The task will be coast to coast traveling on freeways. I plan to do that by road at least once a year. The distance covered will be around 4,000 to 5,000 miles and back, of course with some sleep at motels on the route. We are a family of five but usually I travel alone. There could be times for all of us going together.

I am unable to calculate as to which car will be the right choice. Should it be a

1- Luxury Sedan (used Mercedes S class; model 1990s)
or
2- Luxury SUV (used Lexus LX470,model 2000s)

3- or any other you may recommend.

The prime importance for me is comfort and reliability so that I get to my destination relatively fresh. I want a car I can drive 08 hours at a stretch continuously for 4-5 days and back. Cargo capacity is a second consideration.





thanks for your time. I hope to see your reply soon.


bye
Saira.
Answer -
My personal choice would be a 2006 Rolls Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase.

http://www.automobilemag.com/2006_new_cars/0503_rolls_royce_phantom_extended_whe

www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

An SUV or VAN will wear you out during a long road trip, and get the same MPG as a 2006 Rolls Royce Phantom.

A lower cost vehicle, with great comfort, reliability, durability, that is nice for long trips would be the 2006 Cadillac DTS.
Check JD Powers report on them.

2006 Cadillac DTS
http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/model/gallery.jsp?model=dts

Answer
You might look at these other sources:
www.consumerreports.org
www.jdpower.com/
www.kbb.com/
www.edmunds.com/

All I can offer is personal opinion.

In my opinion the current production Cadillac DTS is lower maintenance, higher quality, better durability, greater luxury, and lower initial cost.
http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/model/gallery.jsp?model=dts  

In my opinion the S-Class from 1987 through current production have quality, durability, and maintenance issues.
If you still choose to buy a new S-Class, and keep it for five years, you should budget a minimum of $3,000.00 per year beyond car payments to keep it on the road, if it is a used high mileage vehicle you need to budget a minimum of $7,000.00 USD per year.


Another alternative is good used CLASS B MOTORHOMES (Van Campers), they are seriously undervalued (cheap) at the moment, and quite comfortable.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=CLASS+B+MOTORHOMES&btnG=Search

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=Van+Campers&btnG=Search