Any DU car nuts out there? Seeking advice on next purchase...
(The following could be read as very elitist, so if you're a liberal progressive that doesn't understand why some people enjoy up-market cars, please don't report this post. I'm a liberal progressive and cars are my only vice. I always have a nice car. Perhaps it was growing up in a family that had complete disrespect for their vehicles. Whatever it is, I am a fanatic.)
So, my lease is up on my 2012 Infiniti M. I turn her in in about four weeks and am weighing my options. I've test drove a few different new and used beasts, and have narrowed it down to the following choices:
1. Another Infiniti M (now called the "Q70"
.
2. A 2007-2009 Audi S8.
(I took buying my leased vehicle off the table as they want $10,000 more than market value. Crazy how that works. They will NOT negotiate. I've been there on previous Infiniti leases and I know the drill. They're nuts!)
Audi S8
The Audi S8 has a Lamborghini V10 engine with a 5.2L displacement which has been tuned for low-end torque to power this full-sized beast to 60 in 5 seconds. Naturally, as an Audi, it's all-wheel drive. The MSRP for these cars was well over six figures when new. Due to absurd depreciation (43% in the first year alone), these older models are now hovering around $30K-$40K on dealer lots.
Pros: Lambo V10! Jesus Christ, is that not enough? Looks extremely classy and timeless. Gorgeous interior. Audi engineering quality.
Cons: German cars seem to have electrical issues (might be a misconception). Lambo V10 sounds pricey to work on without a warranty.
Infiniti M56
The Infiniti M56 has a V8 engine with 5.6L displacement producing around 420HP and rockets this mid-sized luxury sedan to 60 in around 5 seconds as well. It's also all-wheel drive, which is very important to me. New, I think the vehicle is way over priced at $70K topped off so a lease would be mandatory for afforability. But used 2011-2012 models, at $25K-$35K, they are a bargain.
Pros: Japanese quality and reliability. Looks delicious driving down the road! Familiarity with this vehicle and its performance characteristics. Matches the older Audi in terms of features, comforts, and gizmos.
Cons: Marquee not as prestigious as anything German.
So my question, fellow liberal car nuts, is: what would you do? Both of these vehicles are in my price range. Both have extended warranties available that meet my criteria (e.g. nothing goes without coverage) and are affordable.
Thoughts?
= new reply since forum marked as read
I'd pick the Audi from the two above. It looks more badass to me. The Infiniti just looks too dull to me.
I should say I don't know much about high end cars at all and not much more about low end cars. If I had the time, money and skill I'd love to restore a 68 Firebird and I'd be happy with that.
So if you're interested in a non-car guy's opinion on looks alone, there ya are. I imagine either way you'll feel pretty damn sporty zooming around in one of those. I know a car guy at work who loooooooooves audis for whatever that's worth 
The Infinity is a good looking car, but the lines are just a bit quirky for me and I'd probably tire of it sooner than later. I'd go with the Audi.
One: do not buy that S8 without a warranty. Period. But the ps is try and buy a maintenance warranty as well. I bet the oil change (dealership only too) is at least $350. Minimum.
Then brakes. Consider the mileage and consider the brake wear. Brakes are probably 1k each. Read the service history too.
Two. Stop messin about and get a 2010 M5 or 550i 
The Q50 looks great and is an exceptional value in that size class. You really need to pay attention to how the adaptive steering and throttle response are configured for you. If you leave it tuned for "comfort", you'll feel like you're driving dad's old Buick.
As for Mercedes... the E-class is mundane, the S-class looks like grandpa on the inside (it looks like it needs bench seats and a transmission stalk coming from the wheel with a faux wood knob on the end).
The M's have been great. The others here have assumed it's a re-badged Maxima, which is not true at all. There's nothing the two cars share. I like how I can easily defeat all the nanny options with real buttons. The M56 can deliver some impressive burnouts with AWD and traction control shut off. The sport model includes some extra goodies and paddle shifters. 
I keep sticking up for Infiniti because I like them, obviously. But I do feel like it's time for a change having owned three M's in a row.
At least that's what it looks like you wrote. Maybe I misunderstood. Same with the brake work.
As for a mechanic that can work on the V10, this is true and obviously I'd make every effort to have a VW or Audi tech work on it rather than some local yokel.
The only items the warranty doesn't cover (I just re-read) are obvious wear items (pads, rotors, wiper blades, upholstery), non-OEM equipment, oddball stuff like the hydropneumatic suspension as seen in Peugeots (I've asked for clarification on whether or not the OEM adaptive suspension is covered, but I believe it would be as it is not stated as an exclusionary item), and, amusingly enough, they even state that the GPS Navigation DVD *disc* is not covered (the drive is, but not the disc). When I read that, I LOL'ed -- at least they are thorough!
Nobody pays $300 for nav discs anymore.
There are some impressive videos on YouTube...
In a Lamborghini Gallardo 560. 
Although I know nothing much of cars (my vices tend in other directions) so my opinion is pretty-much meaningless...
Had a used 2004 M series wagon my first time in the UK...cuz the roads were so much smaller it took me a long time to get adjusted, but loved it. Ex had a used 3 series convert able that I loved to tool around in when he was on business. All and all I am pleased with my purchase and got the extended warranty.
First one since the late 90's. That was a lifted 4runner. This one, an x5. Kinda the same.
We even took it out one night, top down, to see the Christmas lights (no snow on the streets)
in Lincoln, NE before we moved. Sleigh ride in a BMW anyone?
could you take me on your test drive? I know nothing about cars.....but I can tell you how the passenger seat works.
