A GS 300 is $50,000+. An Acura TL is $32,000. My brother has zero issues with drivetrain on his 05 TL, and no dash fading. He has no idea what anybody means by harmonic vibration with his car - he doesn't notice anything. The seat bottom side bolsters are a bit hard but I'd think they'll soften up over the years of getting in and out of the car. But they aren't cheap.
I'd love a GS but would take a 06 TL in a heartbeat.
You could get a Passat 3.6 for under 40K. This would be loaded with all the extra “stuff” and is rated at 28mpg for the highway (was it just highway or average that needed to be 28mpg?). You would even have the option of AWD if so desired.
It’s only available in automatic so that may influence your decision; although it still achieves 0-60 in 5.9 and 1/4 mile in 14.3 @ 101.
A new fully loaded to the gills '06 Lincoln LS can be had for under $36k, according to carsdirect. At $11k off sticker, I'd say that's a heck of a deal. I'm not sure you can get any other luxo vehicle with a V8 and NAV for that kind of money.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
The recent Ford Motor Company announcements about 14 plant closings and of 30,00 layoffs, included the fact that the Lincoln LS will definitely be discontinued. It has been a poor seller.
The recent Ford Motor Company announcements about 14 plant closings and of 30,00 layoffs, included the fact that the Lincoln LS will definitely be discontinued. It has been a poor seller.
Yes, I know. Doesn't change the deal, though.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
oops. sorry. Its been so long since I saw post #1 that I forgot the mileage requirement.
It does meet all the other requirements, though. And, depending on what you compare it to, and given the fact you get so much for such a good price, the cost savings could buy ALOT of gas.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
the trade-in value already stinks on the car, and has been horrible way before the announcement ... $10k off sticker helps that more than discontinuing it.
None of that makes it any less of a nice car for the $$.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Who cares about trade-in value if you plan to keep the car for 5+ years. And I would bet you a martini the Lucerne will prove as reliable as the Avalon. Its as good a boat as the Avalon.
You wrote "Who cares about trade-in value if you plan to keep the car for 5+ years."
If you had written 10+ years I would agree. For anything much less, trade-in value is a significant factor in most owners' financial decision making. We can't ignore a major factor in GM's and Ford's lower resale values. They dump incredible numbers of vehicles into low-profit fleet sales to keep factories humming. Those vehicles come into the used car market in great numbers, thus diluting retail new car buyers' values unless they get huge rebates such as those offered last summer.
For the sake of the domestic brand industry, I hope that you are correct in your bet about Lucerne's long term reliability.
personally, i've found Saab interiors to be pretty pitiful when compared to the competition in its price class. But I realize my opinion in this matter is not widely shared.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
As someone stated in a later post go out 10 years and you may be correct. I purchased a 1999 Intrepid ES new for $23000. It is in very good condition with low (67,000 miles). It is worth about $5000. I would guess that an equivalent 1999 Honda Accord would be worth twice what my Intrepid is. $5000 is a lot of difference even at seven years.
This may not win much points with the political correctness crowd (or the mileage experts) but I have a candidate. It is nimble, handles extremely well, the brakes are world renowned, and comes from a first class manufacturer. The vehicle is a fantastic all weather vehicle with AWD and a low range, is good both on and off road, has a neat stick shift, a 248 HP V6, four doors, 0-60 in under 10 seconds, and is just fun to drive. As a bonus, the dealers are so low volume that they give fantastic customer service. All for roughly 43K new and just under 40K when a year old. Unlike most of the cars mentioned above, you'd be happy driving it for 10 years and 120K miles.
I'm sure he's referring to the Porsche Cayenne V6, which a couple of reviews I read thought it no bargain at $40k+ when compared to competition at that price point. But drive it yourself and decide...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
While speed/quickness isn't everything, that was one of the points of the less than favorable review of the Cayenne V6. See Infiniti FX for comparison...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
OK, which dimension did you wish to compare? Porsche customer service vs. Infiniti? (Sorry guys, Infiniti hasn't exactly built a Lexus-like reputation for dealership customer service, facilities or strength.) Resale? Brakes? Tasteful styling? Service intervals? Handling? Halo effect of more expensive siblings (the Cayenne has versions that sticker at over 100K)? Dealership parts and service availability? (In New England, believe it or not, there are far more Porsche stores than Infiniti stores.)
I'm a life-long New Englander (originally Fairfield County although some don't consider that NE!, currently south of Boston) so I believe it .
Yes to all. You can compare an FX and a Cayenne in any manner you choose. And only you can decide the winner. For me, the FX has style, the Cayenne does not. Halo effect does not affect me. I was treated quite well by the Infiniti dealer when shopping the G35. As very, very rarely is a car an investment, I don't put resale (no one can predict the future) high on my considerations list. I buy the car I want (heck, I bought a Chrylser 300M, no resale value, but I very much enjoyed my 5.5 years of ownership). I have no interest in buying an SUV, but if I did, the FX would most certainly be on my list. Maybe the Cayenne too, but I'm "frugal," and from reviews (only, haven't driven one) and inspecting both at the NEIAS, I don't see the value in the V6 Cayenne. But, that's just me which is why I say do your own DD, compare/contrast. My "right" could be your "wrong." Of course, you'd be wrong... :P
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
You wrote "Who cares about trade-in value if you plan to keep the car for 5+ years."
If you had written 10+ years I would agree. For anything much less, trade-in value is a significant factor in most owners' financial decision making. We can't ignore a major factor in GM's and Ford's lower resale values. They dump incredible numbers of vehicles into low-profit fleet sales to keep factories humming. Those vehicles come into the used car market in great numbers, thus diluting retail new car buyers' values unless they get huge rebates such as those offered last summer.
For the sake of the domestic brand industry, I hope that you are correct in your bet about Lucerne's long term reliability.
Get real, trade in values stink no matter what you drive. In my mind if you buy a vehicle based on its trade in value that's a BIG mistake. The buying public needs to wake up and stop falling for the hype of the newest , latest, bestest (is that a word) vehicle. If there is a concern about $$ out lay on a vehicle, it's best to buy a cheaper vehicle to begin with and run the wheels off it.
But isn’t depreciation usually calculated from MSRP. I mean the published depreciation figures from magazines and CR.
So for example a Lincoln LS would show a large depreciation from MSRP but if it was calculated from the actual sale price it may be inline with the imports (Japanese). You just have to wait for the domestic “blue light” special.
If there is a concern about $$ out lay on a vehicle, it's best to buy a cheaper vehicle to begin with and run the wheels off it.
There's always a concern about the price of a car. But many many people have the money. You start a business, work your tail off to get it going, it flourishes, you expand a bit, save money, and watch your sales and bank accounts grow (even after taxes). I'd say take a little off the table and enjoy life. Buy a few things to keep you happy while taking the business to the next level. A new car is definitely in the picture (why are we all on this board poking around about vehicles anyway?) $40,000 is a lot for a vehicle - yes - but if you have it to spend.....you don't want the cheapest.
Avalon (more comfort) or Infiniti M35 (more sport). I've seen a lot of stuff mentioned in this thread. I don't think I saw the M35 mentioned and I think you ought to at least test that one out.
Agreed, a Cayenne is neither car nor Porsche. Now the Cayman, that's a different matter, but also lots more than $40K.
My vote's for a BMW 325i. Mine's on order with sport package, sat radio, 6 spd manual and xenon headlights for around $33.5K. It replaces a 2004 Acura TL 6 spd, which is well built but just never drove right. One ride on a country road with the 3 series SP and I was sold. You can really toss it around. BMW isn't the fastest, doesn't have the best numbers. They just connect you to the machine and the driving experience like no other sedan. The BMW is fun. The Acura never really was, although it has a fine, powerful engine.
For a lot less money, look at the VW GTi. The new model is a delight to drive, if you're willing to gamble on the reliability.
I really like this car, and it seems like the best value out of all the cars talked about here. It is huge, and it can return 26 MPG with a V-8(29 with a V-6). Forget all the GM predjudices made up by the media, Buick offers the best value for the money, hands down.
"$40,000 is a lot for a vehicle - yes - but if you have it to spend.....you don't want the cheapest."
The perfect quote as to why NOT to buy a V6 Cayenne. Why would you want to spend the MAX of your budget on the MINIMUM of a line?
If I were in the market for this kind of vehicle and this was the "front runner" offered me, I would much rather buy a
Toureg V8 which has almost identical outside measurements...
For the following reasons on STANDARD EQUIP, and only catergories where there is a difference (I.E. STD vs OPT, STD VS N/A.....no OPT VS OPT)..
_____________Cayenne Base_______Toureg V8_______NOD GOES TO ________________$42K_______________$44K____________Porsche Engine__________V6 247HP/249TQ_____V8 310HP/302TQ__VW EPA_____________15/20______________14/18___________Porsche Cargo Vol_______19.10ft3___________31.00ft3________VW Payload_________1731lbs____________1250lbs_________Porsche Turning Dia_____38.40______________38.10___________Toss-Up Tires___________235/65R17__________255/55R18_______VW Brake Assist____N/A________________STD_____________VW Subwoofer_______STD________________OPT_____________Porsche Day Run LTS_____N/A________________STD_____________VW Airdam__________OPT________________STD_____________VW Rear Spoiler____STD________________N/A_____________Porsche Drv/Pas Climate_OPT________________STD_____________VW Str. Wheel Cont_OPT________________STD_____________VW Telescopic______N/A________________STD_____________VW Wood Trim_______OPT________________STD_____________VW 1st Aid Kit_____STD________________N/A_____________Porsche Heated Seats____OPT________________STD_____________VW PWR Lumbar______OPT________________STD_____________VW Memory SEAT_____OPT________________STD_____________VW Cargo Net_______STD________________OPT_____________Porsche Power Moonroof__OPT________________STD_____________VW Basic WARR______48/50K_____________48/50K__________Toss-Up PowerTrain______48/50K_____________60/60K__________VW Rust____________120/UNL____________144/UNL_________VW
IMHO, the VW is a better buy than the Porsche.......as I said, I'd much rather buy something in the middle or higher in a model line, than to blow my entire budget on the bottom rung of a model.
pusteracing, nice chart although with at least one inconsistency, e.g., the cargo volume should be identical between the two and there not be a 33% difference.
By your reasoning ("I'd much rather buy something in the middle or higher of a model line, than....on the bottom rung of a model") I guess then that you don't agree with the location/location/location theory of real estate? I think that the V6 Cayenne is a good deal for the reasons I listed. Kind of like why I would rather pick up a small appartment on Park Avenue than a large five bedroom home on Staten Island. A home not on the water on Nantucket than a something on the water in, say, Fairhaven, Ma.
the location/location/location rule is to be used if you intend to make money with real estate
it has nothing to do with buying a car, unless the reason you are buying it is to retain its value
in which case you might as well just look at a chart of residual values and do the math - you don't need to even consdier how it drives, etc.
but this thread is about more than residual value
I think it's cool that we are comparing used and ew cars, all around a price point. I'd like to see the same approach, but broken down into "segments" - i.e. "best SUV that can go offraod but still drive decent onroad, for 20K"
"best luxo sedan, $30k"
there's a lot to be said for buying last year's best new thing, rather than next year's best new thing
My choice would be a 2005 Nissan Armada Se or Le. The v8 is maaaddddd powerful with 305hp and 390lb ft of torque at a low rpm and gets about 500 miles on a tank of gas highway :P . It may not be the most reliable and spacious nor fuel "efficient" it is a lotta bang for the (lotta) buck.
My other choice would be a 2006 lexus is350 with the 306 hp in a "V6" engine!! The car is fast, luxurious and reliable!
Can some1 buy me either of these $40k for the vehicles? In fact just give me the money so i can buy the exact car or a 1996 accord ex v6 and use the rest to pay off some bills...
Regarding hybrids, I think that if we see genuinely high gas prices in the US ($6-8/gal), and if the trucking lobby (which wants cheap, dirty fuel) could be placated, the direction would be towards low sulphur diesels.
If I had to choose between a fast, tossable BMW 320d (129 mph, 50 miles/imp gal) and a Prius with its rear drum brakes and tepid performance, I know which way I'd go.
Comments
I'd love a GS but would take a 06 TL in a heartbeat.
It’s only available in automatic so that may influence your decision; although it still achieves 0-60 in 5.9 and 1/4 mile in 14.3 @ 101.
This model is totally new so who knows how it will compare.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
does it meet the other "specs"?
The recent Ford Motor Company announcements about 14 plant closings and of 30,00 layoffs, included the fact that the Lincoln LS will definitely be discontinued. It has been a poor seller.
Yes, I know. Doesn't change the deal, though.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
oops. sorry. Its been so long since I saw post #1 that I forgot the mileage requirement.
It does meet all the other requirements, though. And, depending on what you compare it to, and given the fact you get so much for such a good price, the cost savings could buy ALOT of gas.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
It surely will affect the LS' trade-in value a few years down the road if the line has been discontinued by the manufacturer.
None of that makes it any less of a nice car for the $$.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Are American cars really that bad
It’s too new for Consumer Reports.
If you had written 10+ years I would agree. For anything much less, trade-in value is a significant factor in most owners' financial decision making. We can't ignore a major factor in GM's and Ford's lower resale values. They dump incredible numbers of vehicles into low-profit fleet sales to keep factories humming. Those vehicles come into the used car market in great numbers, thus diluting retail new car buyers' values unless they get huge rebates such as those offered last summer.
For the sake of the domestic brand industry, I hope that you are correct in your bet about Lucerne's long term reliability.
For a family car I will take a Toyota Sienna Limited with Package 3.
You ought to read the Lucerne review in the March 2006 issue of Car & Driver magazine.
Toyota Avalon XLS or Limited.
ES330 (29 hwy)
Volvo S80 (I think it gets >28 HWY)
If I had had a $40k budget, I would have definitely looked at the BMW 530 in a 'previously owned' version.
I drove the 4 above and each has their good and bad points.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Yep, its made in Stuggart and has a gold crest.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
$43,000 for that kind of slow?
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Yes to all. You can compare an FX and a Cayenne in any manner you choose. And only you can decide the winner. For me, the FX has style, the Cayenne does not. Halo effect does not affect me. I was treated quite well by the Infiniti dealer when shopping the G35. As very, very rarely is a car an investment, I don't put resale (no one can predict the future) high on my considerations list. I buy the car I want (heck, I bought a Chrylser 300M, no resale value, but I very much enjoyed my 5.5 years of ownership). I have no interest in buying an SUV, but if I did, the FX would most certainly be on my list. Maybe the Cayenne too, but I'm "frugal," and from reviews (only, haven't driven one) and inspecting both at the NEIAS, I don't see the value in the V6 Cayenne. But, that's just me which is why I say do your own DD, compare/contrast. My "right" could be your "wrong." Of course, you'd be wrong... :P
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
If you had written 10+ years I would agree. For anything much less, trade-in value is a significant factor in most owners' financial decision making. We can't ignore a major factor in GM's and Ford's lower resale values. They dump incredible numbers of vehicles into low-profit fleet sales to keep factories humming. Those vehicles come into the used car market in great numbers, thus diluting retail new car buyers' values unless they get huge rebates such as those offered last summer.
For the sake of the domestic brand industry, I hope that you are correct in your bet about Lucerne's long term reliability.
Get real, trade in values stink no matter what you drive. In my mind if you buy a vehicle based on its trade in value that's a BIG mistake. The buying public needs to wake up and stop falling for the hype of the newest , latest, bestest (is that a word) vehicle. If there is a concern about $$ out lay on a vehicle, it's best to buy a cheaper vehicle to begin with and run the wheels off it.
So for example a Lincoln LS would show a large depreciation from MSRP but if it was calculated from the actual sale price it may be inline with the imports (Japanese). You just have to wait for the domestic “blue light” special.
I'd take a Jeep Wrangler AND a Mini Cooper S for the price of one behemoth from Stuttgart
There's always a concern about the price of a car. But many many people have the money. You start a business, work your tail off to get it going, it flourishes, you expand a bit, save money, and watch your sales and bank accounts grow (even after taxes). I'd say take a little off the table and enjoy life. Buy a few things to keep you happy while taking the business to the next level. A new car is definitely in the picture (why are we all on this board poking around about vehicles anyway?) $40,000 is a lot for a vehicle - yes - but if you have it to spend.....you don't want the cheapest.
My vote's for a BMW 325i. Mine's on order with sport package, sat radio, 6 spd manual and xenon headlights for around $33.5K. It replaces a 2004 Acura TL 6 spd, which is well built but just never drove right. One ride on a country road with the 3 series SP and I was sold. You can really toss it around. BMW isn't the fastest, doesn't have the best numbers. They just connect you to the machine and the driving experience like no other sedan. The BMW is fun. The Acura never really was, although it has a fine, powerful engine.
For a lot less money, look at the VW GTi. The new model is a delight to drive, if you're willing to gamble on the reliability.
That's still no match for the Koreans, but at least it's better than the old 3/36 plan.
LOL that is a jumbled Oxy moron if there ever was one!
Not my cup of Tea, but to each his own
MidCow
The perfect quote as to why NOT to buy a V6 Cayenne. Why would you want to spend the MAX of your budget on the MINIMUM of a line?
If I were in the market for this kind of vehicle and this was the "front runner" offered me, I would much rather buy a
Toureg V8 which has almost identical outside measurements...
For the following reasons on STANDARD EQUIP, and only catergories where there is a difference (I.E. STD vs OPT, STD VS N/A.....no OPT VS OPT)..
_____________Cayenne Base_______Toureg V8_______NOD GOES TO
________________$42K_______________$44K____________Porsche
Engine__________V6 247HP/249TQ_____V8 310HP/302TQ__VW
EPA_____________15/20______________14/18___________Porsche
Cargo Vol_______19.10ft3___________31.00ft3________VW
Payload_________1731lbs____________1250lbs_________Porsche
Turning Dia_____38.40______________38.10___________Toss-Up
Tires___________235/65R17__________255/55R18_______VW
Brake Assist____N/A________________STD_____________VW
Subwoofer_______STD________________OPT_____________Porsche
Day Run LTS_____N/A________________STD_____________VW
Airdam__________OPT________________STD_____________VW
Rear Spoiler____STD________________N/A_____________Porsche
Drv/Pas Climate_OPT________________STD_____________VW
Str. Wheel Cont_OPT________________STD_____________VW
Telescopic______N/A________________STD_____________VW
Wood Trim_______OPT________________STD_____________VW
1st Aid Kit_____STD________________N/A_____________Porsche
Heated Seats____OPT________________STD_____________VW
PWR Lumbar______OPT________________STD_____________VW
Memory SEAT_____OPT________________STD_____________VW
Cargo Net_______STD________________OPT_____________Porsche
Power Moonroof__OPT________________STD_____________VW
Basic WARR______48/50K_____________48/50K__________Toss-Up
PowerTrain______48/50K_____________60/60K__________VW
Rust____________120/UNL____________144/UNL_________VW
IMHO, the VW is a better buy than the Porsche.......as I said, I'd much rather buy something in the middle or higher in a model line, than to blow my entire budget on the bottom rung of a model.
Just my $0.02 about the whole Cayenne theory....
By your reasoning ("I'd much rather buy something in the middle or higher of a model line, than....on the bottom rung of a model") I guess then that you don't agree with the location/location/location theory of real estate? I think that the V6 Cayenne is a good deal for the reasons I listed. Kind of like why I would rather pick up a small appartment on Park Avenue than a large five bedroom home on Staten Island. A home not on the water on Nantucket than a something on the water in, say, Fairhaven, Ma.
it has nothing to do with buying a car, unless the reason you are buying it is to retain its value
in which case you might as well just look at a chart of residual values and do the math - you don't need to even consdier how it drives, etc.
but this thread is about more than residual value
I think it's cool that we are comparing used and ew cars, all around a price point. I'd like to see the same approach, but broken down into "segments" - i.e. "best SUV that can go offraod but still drive decent onroad, for 20K"
"best luxo sedan, $30k"
there's a lot to be said for buying last year's best new thing, rather than next year's best new thing
My other choice would be a 2006 lexus is350 with the 306 hp in a "V6" engine!! The car is fast, luxurious and reliable!
Can some1 buy me either of these $40k for the vehicles? In fact just give me the money so i can buy the exact car or a 1996 accord ex v6 and use the rest to pay off some bills...
Regarding hybrids, I think that if we see genuinely high gas prices in the US ($6-8/gal), and if the trucking lobby (which wants cheap, dirty fuel) could be placated, the direction would be towards low sulphur diesels.
If I had to choose between a fast, tossable BMW 320d (129 mph, 50 miles/imp gal) and a Prius with its rear drum brakes and tepid performance, I know which way I'd go.
OK, I'll bite. What makes the Prius so great?