What car to get - AGAIN

[nmikmik]

I know it's a tall order....

Trying to figure out what car to get.
Budget under 8k
Requirements - softest possible smooth ride, clean to immaculate in and out, good to excelent reliability, less than 200k on odometer.
Wishes - somewhat modern looking, reasonable (try to define that) gas mileage.

I am a new Realtor i.e. have not made any money yet, but spending them already - what a deal
My back is shot, so I need a soft ride, plus for the clients is better than what I drive now.
Choices I am considering:
98 - 2000 Lexus LS400 or SC400
98 - 2000 Lexus GS400
98-2000 BMW 740 IL
96-97 Jaguar Vanden Plas

I realize these cars are hard to find especially in good shape regardless of miles.
Which car out the list would you suggest or anything else comes to mind?

[speediva]

Originally Posted by nmikmik

I know it's a tall order....

Trying to figure out what car to get.
Budget under 8k
Requirements - softest possible smooth ride, clean to immaculate in and out, good to excelent reliability, less than 200k on odometer.
Wishes - somewhat modern looking, reasonable (try to define that) gas mileage.

I am a new Realtor i.e. have not made any money yet, but spending them already - what a deal
My back is shot, so I need a soft ride, plus for the clients is better than what I drive now.
Choices I am considering:
98 - 2000 Lexus LS400 or SC400
98 - 2000 Lexus GS400
98-2000 BMW 740 IL
96-97 Jaguar Vanden Plas

I realize these cars are hard to find especially in good shape regardless of miles.
Which car out the list would you suggest or anything else comes to mind?

I'd stay FAR away from the BMW and Jag unless you like expensive maintenance.

The Lexus maintenance will be more expensive than regular Toyota, but they should share at least *some* parts with their Toyota brethren.

Have you considered Infiniti (Nissan's luxury line) or Acura (Honda's luxury line)?

Also, if you're willing to travel - even buy a plane ticket one way or drive a ways - you'd be amazed at some of the things you can find out there that are exactly what you needed. I recently drove a little over an hour one-way to first look at my Honda, and subsequently made the drive home and back again to actually buy the car.

Finally, once you find a car, don't forget to ask the owner (assuming private party sale) to have the car looked over by YOUR choice of mechanic/shop. In my area, Firestone will do a "maintenance/safety check" for under $30!

[nmikmik]

Hey thanks for your post speediva!

I've never had a BMEr but heard that they are a pain to maintain and I DO need a reliable vehicle, especially if I trade my Lincoln and Volvo for one car.
I have considered the Infinity before but ride was not as smooth as Lexus's and the only Accura that comes close to the ride quality is the RL that has had it's share of transmission problems, plus they are just as had to find as the GS400.
I usually "shop" for a car in about 200 mile radius, but if I can find something really cheap and sweet - sure I'll go further.
Unfortunately, again only from my personal experience, sellers becoming shifty eyed more and more and you can't rely on what they say or what pictures they send you. Going 500 miles just to find a car that is "NOT as described" - is not for me.