Any DU car nuts out there? Seeking advice on next purchase... [View all]

[ReverendDeuce]

(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&quot .
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?