I just don't like AWD's so I am still thinking.
Yeah I only like AWD on SUVs/pickups. RWD feels the most "natural" to me especially in a sedan or coupe.
1000 per year depreciation
That's the main reason why I like Lexus - super reliable and holds their value arguably more than any other brand. If I were to get a Lexus though I'd go for an LS too and for older models I absolutely love the SC430. I like the Toyota Landcruiser over the Lexus LX570 though. My real estate agent has one - I think of it as a Japanese Escalade. I hate the way they made the grills and contours on the new LX's. The people who drive the Landcruisers around here are like the quiet old money types.
If you can find an LS with low miles for $35k I'd definitely buy it. You won't regret it and as you know the resale value is great. I'd take a used Mercedes S550 over the LS though and you can find a used one for the same price. That's the ultimate Aryan machine, especially the S-class coupe.
I'm a German (1st) and American (2nd, specifically Cadilac) car type. I've own various Mercedes, BMW, and Audi and each one has their pro's and con's. Overall, Mercedes is head and shoulders above BMW and Audi though in my opinion. I've had several MB over the years but the only BMW I had was a 328i which with body kit and rims made it look like an M3 and the Audi all-road was the only Audi. I bought the 3 for my gf since her pos dodge stratus crapped out. We always had problems with the 3 though especially the window motors for some reason. It seemed like every 2-3 weeks I replacing some sort of sensor or motor or whatever. She loved that car and I hated it. Idk what all the hype was about like everyone and their mother was buying 3's at that time. That was also the only manual trans car I had. The Audi All Road was an awesome car. It's like no other wagon. Twin turbo V6 (some models have an aluminum V8 from the A8), two tone interior and exterior, air ride suspension... man I loved that car. Imo Audi makes the nicest interior way nicer than MB or BMW. But they're not very reliable and their resale value is terrible. I test drove the X5 and the technology is awesome in it - better than MB. But I didn't even mess with the Q7 when the salesman recommended I try that one.. just hated the way it looks, but interior is beautiful they got that nailed down.
American cars are POS in all honesty - they break down, the interiors are ugly but at least getting better, terrible resale value, etc. etc. My Escalade is fairly reliable but the Deville I had crapped out before it even hit 100k. The northstar engines they use to use had real bad overheating and head gasket problems. But man, no other car is as smooth as a Caddy. It feels like you're in a lazy boy recliner just chillin'. That's the only reason why I bought Caddys. I haven't owned any other American car. Although, I think the Lincoln Aviator is what I'm going to go with. I haven't found any other large SUVs that I really liked more than my Escalade till I drove the Aviator.
My dream car is the Mercedes G63 AMG... $300k for a new one though = (