Potential Buyer Has Some Questions

[Hulk311]

1). Are all windows in the Equus dual-pane or just certain ones? In my Buick Verano only the windshield and front two windows are dual-pane.

2). Are the power sunshades only on the Ultimate package or on the Signature package as well?

3). Do the power sunshades block any heat or are they just for privacy?

4). How quiet is this car on the highway with regards to the tire noise? My Verano scored a 8/10 on tire noise while the Lexus LS got a 10/10 and the Equus a 9/10. But I'd like to hear from people who own this car just how good or bad the tire noise is.

5). How is the Lexicon Logic 7 sound system? How does it compare to an aftermarket sound system?

 

[scahartman]

I'm a brand new ower of a 2013 Signature. Here are my replys to your questions.

1. All are dual pane.
2. The Signature only has a rear sunshade.
3. Not totally sure. I've never really used it yet.
4. The vehicle is really quite with all the windows up. Very nice.
5. Awesome, I've always had aftermarket systems in my cars until the Equus. The Lexicon system rocks. The dealer kept turning on the surround sound option but I prefer the pure audio sounds without it.

 

[Mark_888]

5). How is the Lexicon Logic 7 sound system? How does it compare to an aftermarket sound system?

The Lexicon is similar to a Home Theatre 7.1 surround system. It sounds best with DVD-A recorded in discrete 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound, but there is a "relatively" small amount of this type of material available. It will also take any stereo signal and synthesize surround sound by creating the rear channel signals (with appropriate rear channel delay). Or surround sound can be turned off, and it will play stereo (on all speakers).

The speakers are pretty good, but somewhat lacking in base compared to very high end audio systems (but this judgment may depend on how old you are).

Depends on what you mean by "aftermarket." A high-end custom system costing $20K will blow the Lexicon away (there is a thread of someone who did this for a competition). But there are not really any reasonably priced after-market options without redesigning the dash. The days of DIN and Double-DIN are long gone. The auto manufacturers want you to upgrade with them, usually requiring high priced "packages" or sometimes just a higher end model.

 

[Hulk311]

Thank you for the replies gentlemen.

My only concern is the air suspension which only lasts 4-8 years and costs $1,500 to $2,000 (per wheel) to replace.

Are most of you leasing this vehicle or do you plan on selling it after 3 or 5 years? I keep my cars for a long time, or hand them down to family members, and the idea of paying $8,000 (not covered by the warranty) to replace air suspension on a car that is going to be worth maybe $20-$30k in 8 years or so really bothers me.

What is everyone's game plan with the air suspension? I'm wondering if I should just lease a car from the big three (BMW, Lexus, Mercedes) instead. I really do like the Equus though after sitting in one at one of the MI dealers.

 

[Mark_888]

Thank you for the replies gentlemen.

My only concern is the air suspension which only lasts 4-8 years and costs $1,500 to $2,000 (per wheel) to replace.

Are most of you leasing this vehicle or do you plan on selling it after 3 or 5 years? I keep my cars for a long time, or hand them down to family members, and the idea of paying $8,000 (not covered by the warranty) to replace air suspension on a car that is going to be worth maybe $20-$30k in 8 years or so really bothers me.

What is everyone's game plan with the air suspension? I'm wondering if I should just lease a car from the big three (BMW, Lexus, Mercedes) instead. I really do like the Equus though after sitting in one at one of the MI dealers.

If you leased a BMW, Lexus, or Mercedes, where you planning on buying the car when lease ends? If not, why would you keep the Equus longer than the others?

Personally, if I was concerned about long term maintenance costs past the warranty, I would go with Lexus.