23rd Sep 2015, 12:26

A new Jaguar is not a big aimless floating car. It is a luxury car loaded with amenities. Any age with a license can own one. Maybe even gifted for finishing college and entering a private practice.

Let's focus on the present as well as the past. You can buy any number of fine luxury vehicles, including present day sedans. If you look in Consumer Reports as an example, see what category a Volt is listed under. It's not a full size luxury sedan. If your current offering is limited, buy a foreign model. I do not see where you are going with your comments.

Personally I found brand new Buicks highly comfortable in the 70s. And why shouldn't they have been? A brand new car with ice cold air, new power steering, new power brakes, brand new window seals, very quiet, brand new smooth engine with no miles on the engine and drivetrain. New body with no rattles. I drove and owned cars from this period. Not comparing a model I have sitting outside that is even older than this.

But again, fast forward to the present. You can buy plenty of large sedans or a luxury crossover. Since you are in this segment and review, maybe buy one. You will have all the elements, ride and road feel you ever want. Try a new Audi Q5; it's a blast to drive as a natural. Fast, comfortable, terrific handling. It's a luxury vehicle. Or buy the Jag sedan. Your family and children will not want to get out of it on trips.

23rd Sep 2015, 14:13

I am over 50 and infatuated with late model, sophisticated, computerized, high end sports cars, with every conceivable option. Luxury segment, mid to large wheel based vehicles. And older classics, restified with high tech drivetrains and suspensions with air. Best of the current technology combined with design and styling from the past. If you don't like the ride, change it. It might cost as much if not more than the purchase price. But if you have a car that is all yours, never to sell, go for it. You would be shocked how great a car can be. Pro touring classics are an example.

23rd Sep 2015, 15:18

Here's the thing though: The interior dimensions of many medium sized to even semi-compact cars are actually larger than many of the full sized cars in the past. So it's not like just because you buy such a car you are in turn "skimping". In fact what's ironic to me is that as someone who happens to live in a semi-affluent area, you'd be surprised what many of the wealthy folks around me drive. They're driving actual "normal" cars. But on the other hand it's often those whom aren't actually wealthy who want to "look" wealthy driving the big expensive luxury yachts on wheels. I find myself having a lot more respect for those who have the money, yet don't waste it on a car and instead invest it.

23rd Sep 2015, 21:36

The ride is very important. A little short wheel travel wheelbase with limited shock travel isn't going to duplicate the comfort. And again people want larger vehicles for a number of reasons with very active families. There are upper middle class people, many with businesses etc that buy these cars. I buy what I really like to enjoy.

If none of these people mean anything to you personally, that is fine. I do have a few mentors that are personal great friends that I like. Not for their wealth, homes or cars, but they love fine automobiles. Having a passion for luxury vehicles may be a personal achievement or reward. After years of study and working hard, it's fun to play. If you pay your homes off early and have zero debt, why drive a cramped little buggy every day. What's the point of it all. I educated all my kids with sizable tuitions and they are doing fine. We bought some very nice examples of transportation. In turn, some live in highly expensive regions, and even with dual high incomes it goes out. My best friend lives in Ct., and after very high taxes and expenses, he is living middle class at best. Enormous house payments with a Cape Cod small home. I'd move and have a lot more income to invest, do well and own my home and brand new cars outright Some need location for their ego. I simply love great cars.

I learned long ago that most people don't look at you, they look at the car. My admiration is the styling, performance and handling. Cars are not like toasters to me. I want to open the garage, put the top down and enjoy. It doesn't get any better.

24th Sep 2015, 03:41

Let's not get into the whole "new compact cars have larger interior space than the fullsize cars of yesterday" comment again. It's simply not true. Years back I had a '93 Sedan DeVille with ample interior space (more than my current Town Car, because the Caddy was front drive). Now compare it to Cadillac's current flagship, the XTS, which I've driven. The space in the XTS doesn't come close.

24th Sep 2015, 11:43

And space is extremely important. We are a large family and do a lot together. It's nice to ride together with plenty of room. We have a weekend beach home, go to dinner together etc. All this seems lost on this review. My children are 6 foot, and even my wife is tall 5'10. What's the demographic of those that buy new luxury cars? My opinion is they want a very roomy, nice, well appointed vehicle. And a large trunk or storage space if an SUV. People want something nicer, not an average, small or even subcompact. The long wheelbase is significant. Personally I don't want to ride in a really small, quiet electric car, also listening to the gas slosh back and forth in the tank in the back. Where does a family of 4 or 4 sit in such a vehicle? I guess we could buy a few and follow each other. If you look under luxury cars, is it listed? Not seeing the comparison unless it's gizmos. It is not a roomy, comfortable late model that you can change the suspension mode for great handling.

I think this conversation and full size reality definition has been very well covered. Time to wrap it up soon.

24th Sep 2015, 16:00

Yup... sorry but the commentary about interior dimensions is correct. But nevertheless I am quite sure that no matter what is mentioned here, there will be those who absolutely will never be convinced that nuttin' other than their big slabs of cars on floaty springs could possibly not be the best thing since sliced bread. I grew up in middle America where that general attitude existed, so I'm not surprised.