How Reliable Are The 3 German Makes?

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Aug 6, 2011 | 09:57 AM

#61

UDel

Lexus Fanatic

Joined: Feb 2005

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From: ------

Quote:

Originally Posted by toy4two

at the car show I was sitting in a Sonata and two of the guys were all smiles saying how they couldn't wait to dump their 5 series BMWs, they were sick of fixing them, I was amazed they would make the switch.

Porsche is the best German brand. I have a friend who has a 540 and BMW canceled his extended warranty because he kept taking it in, I didn't even think that was legal but they found a loophole. Another friend had a MB 500SL and the air suspension went out at one wheel, it would have cost him 10g's to fix, instead he lowered it and sold the POS.

So they were going from a BMW 5 series to a Sonata? I don't buy it. I would not be surprised if they were paid plants by Hyundai to say something like that in front of potential customers. Hyundai has in the past tried to say Sonata customers would be Mercedes customers. If you are downgrading from a 60K car to a 25K car it is not because of being sick of repair bills, it means you lost your job, got divorced, or lost a ton of money. If a German lux owner is just tired of repair bills they can go to Lexus, Acura, or Infiniti and still get much of the luxury/peformance and not the constant high repair bills, if they are going from a expensive BMW to a Hyundai family sedan there is more to the story. A Genesis would be a more fitting car for them, a Sonata does not offer them what a 5 series offered them.

Aug 6, 2011 | 10:07 AM

#62

GS3Tek

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From: so cal

Quote:

Originally Posted by 92 SC400

I think "reliable" is a little subjective too to a lot of people, it all depends on an individual's tolerance level. Some people think if their door makes a rattle the car is a POS. Then there are those that deal with replacing parts (even frequently) but accept that as part of vehicle ownership and as long as their car doesn't leave them stranded they don't mind.

Right there

Quote:

Originally Posted by UDel

So they were going from a BMW 5 series to a Sonata? I don't buy it.

I said the same thing too. Not ALL german car owners are that shallow or brand conscious. You'll get some or small amount who are tired of throwing away money.
My neighbor got lucky. BMW lemoned his 335i and he got a sonata.

Other neighbor was so happy to get rid of his old 740il that left him stranded on the freeway 3 times. He's an older gentleman so he was more sensible and also got a santa fe.

These people aren't your typical brand fanboys so they'll be happy to look elsewhere

Oops, sorry I cut off your quote.

I agree about people switching brand b/c of the money issue or just simply fed up with it.
But from a "performance", then yes, these people don't care about it.

Last edited by GS3Tek; Aug 6, 2011 at 10:11 AM.

Aug 6, 2011 | 06:43 PM

#63

LexusISme

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Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 34

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From: VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incredible

I used to own a BMW 530i, and it went to hell before I sold it. Seems like after a certain amount if miles, it starts to give a lot of problems; and I've heard that all 3 give electrical problems at some point in time (I think BMW gives the most and Audi the soonest).

The Audi is my least favorite if the big 3 Germans, but I do find the A8 rather appealing.

How reliable are A8s from 2004+?

I see an 04 A8 for $14.5k with 107k miles. Black on black with nav. Rear space is HUGE and I love it. Is it worth it for the cost?

From the 3 Germans, which do you find most reliable and worth the money to spend?

I don't think the 3 Germans are reliable in the long run. if i have to pick and this is my personal opinion: BMW > Merc >/= Audi .. as far as reliability goes..

too bad cuz all 3 of them make some really remarkable cars