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Luxury Lounge

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Comments

  • tx_buzzardtx_buzzard Member Posts: 130
    Hey Tag, next time I post something that may aggravate the perspective of others; may I employ your services? While reading your post I was thinking yeah, that’s right, perfect, wow good point, exactly. I couldn’t even counter; your response was simply spot-on… IMHO of course! :shades:
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    And it looks like I've missed too much.

    I've only made it to page 588 in the comments, and there was a whole life lessons love fest. :blush:

    Argentina was a blast... and a breeze. I didn't do a bit of driving, because the drivers there are insane to say the least, and we had a tour guide take us (me, wife, younger son) around Buenos Aires for most of the vacation. We also went to the beautiful Andes mountains in Bariloche. We were booked to stay in Bariloche for four days, but quickly realized we would go crazy, because the hotel was so remote. The travel agent was called immediately and we got out of there after less than two days :D But it was strikingly beautiful, and I got the best shots of the trip from standing atop one of the mountains.

    Cars: Interestingly, Audi is by far the most popular luxury brand in Buenos Aires, with the A3 three-door leading the pack. There were also probably more A6s than A4s, though I wasn't counting. Mercedes was probably in second with the A- and C-Classes, and BMW, a relatively distant third. I did not see a single Lexus.

    Many, many French cars. Also many VWs. But mostly French cars. It was crazy. Peugeot 206s and 407s, Citroën C3s and C4s, everywhere.

    Overall, a very positive experience. In keeping with their automotive choices, the city of Buenos Aires is quite European. It feels like Paris at times, with large sidewalk cafés and classic French architecture. Have any of you been?

    I actually got back on Sunday morning at 5AM (after an eleven-hour, first-class flight ;) ), but I was so intimidated by all the comments that I only just got around to posting.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,327
    Agreed Pat, I've had my say. Thank you for your patience.:)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Did you say Paramus?

    That's where I grew up... not the loveliest place, it.

    Please elaborate--where are you? I was born in NY, but I spent my first few years in Plainfield, NJ and moved to Paramus a bit later on.

    Then, when the time was ripe for college, I moved as far away from my parents as possible (within a convenient flight time).

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Hola Jibl

    Those are gome great photos of some great cars....Now don`t forget you also have a great one, and with a diesel, which others here have never had.....I bet the owners of the Ferraris were impressed with your car also, as they really have to be careful of how many miles they can put on them...I`m told by ownere here that a thousand miles a year is about all they do....That really isn`t much driving , and to be stung with a repair bill that would bring tears to your eye, well I guess you get the point.....I would much prefer to be in your shoes, foot loose and fancy free, enjoying your new car, with the blanket in the trunk......Our fellow poster TagMan is also in the same boat, and I think from posts past his Ferrari was a one shot deal also.....You guys enjoy your new car, and my heart is with you both Tony
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 4,686
    Don't forget to give us your thoughts on Zaino. Have you ordered? Which products? I may try Z-AIO and Z-CS when my current supply thins out (probably by end of summer).

    LG: No, my opinion isn't wrong :shades: . But I do think with those pictures it is changing...! If the earlier center stack wasn't so bloody busy... Of course, they both pale in comparison to my aforementioned 300M with it's almost, very nearly but not quite even close to looking like real wood plood! Liked my "indiglo" lighting, though.

    '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...)

  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Welcome back! ;)

    The new Range Rover is rumored to be making its debut in about two years, and it will probably retain its gorgeous looks, but with a new all-aluminum frame.

    I read about this a number of months ago, and IIRC, the body itself may be aluminum, like the Jag XJ. It does make a significant difference. To put it in perspective, the huge Jag XJ weighs in at only a couple hundred pounds more than a 3-Series BMW! With it's standard V8 delivering a similar 300+ hp and 300+ lbs of torque. As a result, the big cat delivers about 16 mpg city and 25 mpg hwy under the new rating system. This is slightly superior to the LS460, for example, which is known for decent fuel economy, and gets 16/24. The hybrid LS600hL gets 20/22, actually worse on the highway, but only slightly better overall average. Compare it to a Mercedes, and the Jag's lightweight shines even more.

    This really shows the merits of loosing weight, and the Jaguar represents one of the best current examples. The aluminum RR would benefit tremendously. Now, I believe the question still remains whether or not the new owners of Land Rover, Tata Motors in India, will continue with the development project underway for the aluminum RR. I hope they do. Have you heard anything definitive on this yet?

    TM
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    While reading your post I was thinking yeah, that’s right, perfect, wow good point, exactly. I couldn’t even counter; your response was simply spot-on… IMHO of course!

    I appreciate that Dave. Thank you. :)

    TM
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Our fellow poster TagMan is also in the same boat, and I think from posts past his Ferrari was a one shot deal also.....You guys enjoy your new car, and my heart is with you both

    Tony,
    Always the gentleman... thank you. I will enjoy it. I, too, hope Jose enjoys his new car as well.

    BTW, you are right about the Ferrari. It was a one shot deal, and I have no genuine expectations of ever repeating it.

    TM
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Don't forget to give us your thoughts on Zaino. Have you ordered? Which products?

    I sent an email to the company with some questions, and I recently received an email from Sal Zaino himself!! What a nice guy!! He took the time to give me personal guidelines and recommendations as to which products I should use on the Jet Black 1-Series. That's awesome customer service!

    I have only returned to work today after my vacation, and I am a little (actually a lot) behind the eight ball. I hope to place the order within only a few more days. I do promise I will keep you posted as to which products I order, how well they apply, and the results they achieve. Also, when I finally get a camera, I'll snap some pics and post them for you. :)

    TM
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Actually, I think the Big Cat may be underrated, which almost never happens. It was rated at 19/27 for an XJ8 when I looked at it (for the wife).

    I have also seen reports from owners and four-seasons tests saying they got 25-30MPG on the high and average in the low 20s overall. That's really impressive.

    The A8 should be lighter. I can't imagine how heavy it would be if it wasn't aluminum. At least it's lighter than the 7 Series.

    And the XJ reminds me of what a beautiful car that is. An XJR would certainly be an interesting choice!

    I haven't heard anything about the Landies, no.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Thank you!

    It's settled. Red M3 sedan, M-DKG.

    Now the only question is... when?

    Since I get some free money this year (elder two children are graduating from law school and college, respectively), I might want to save up. My wife and I just spend, spend, spend... now it's time to be a bit more thrifty.

    So probably next year. The DKG isn't coming out for a bit anyway.

    One thing that irked me:

    I would not be upset to own one.

    ???

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Really?

    The BMW V6?

    Hmm.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Are you sure? I didn't think the SD850 was still available. I have the SD870.

    Anyway. NYC was probably fun.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    Tony, you shouldn't worry for me… :D I am not such a Ferrari envious man… at least I felt not envy of those Modenas. In fact, apart from not being useful for daily driving, as you and TM said, I did not like their interiors :shades: . They were too much exaggerated for my taste. I'd rather admire a well tuned elegance (classic or modern) within cars. Or the race functional cockpit if it should be the case.

    This does not mean (by no means ;):) ) that a car interior should be minimalist for me to like it. Minimal or plenty of gadgets like the plane cockpit, it must have sort of a sober rationalism. Oh, I know that Ferraris do not usually have fireworks in their interior, but the seats and other details in them are showing too much to me ('cantan demasiado' [they are singing too much], we would say in Spanish).

    As for my car, after having put 2,000 miles in the odometer, the more I drove her, the more I liked it. Pitifully I could not use even two-thirds of the engine power on the road since things are getting very tough with speeding tickets and loosed driving points over here (Mr. H and Dewey, are you hearing me?).

    I usually drive my 335d through the M tranny, and I find it delicious. And it is even more economic than letting the car free in the aut. or sport mode. In any case, the gear changing is soft and quick, as some of you had told me.

    On the other hand, I am only getting 32.7 miles•gallon at best (cruising at 80 miles•hour) and 19.7 in town&commuting. The 530d was more economic but not so funny. Getting into and out of the 335d is also more body twisting, but there always is some pain in loving. (Edit: that double meaning was not intended—or was it though unconsciously? :blush: )

    Friends travelling in the back seats for 3 hours have told me they were comfortable all the way.

    Regards,
    Jose
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Uh...

    I don't think Lexus had made it to Argentina yet...
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    If you are sure about that, then it leaves me wondering, "Why not?"

    TM
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    According to the Lexus website, Lexus is in Brazil but not Argentina.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    I have no Ferarri envy myself. None whatsoever. Completely useless car for Toronto traffic and road laws. Nor do I have much time to do much lesisure driving since I am the designated soccer dad during weekends. Most Ferarris in Toronto seem to be owned by professional athletes who seem to like having women waving their hands at them while they stop at a red light. Such unbridled exhibitionism is not one of my strong attributes especially since I already get the undivided attention of a somewhat jealous wife and all patrol cops (female and male) :cry:

    Oh and by the way Canada for the first time ever will get to enjoy jamon iberico de bellota. For more riveting details here's a link:

    link title
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    FYI...

    About these lists

    The lists are compiled from overall reliability data covering 1998-2007 models with above-average or much-below-average reliability. CR Good Bets and Bad Bets include only the models for which we have sufficient data for at least three model years. Models that were brand-new in 2006 or 2007 do not appear. Problems with the engine major, engine cooling, transmission major, and drive system were weighted more heavily than other problems.

    BEST OF THE BEST

    These are models that have performed well in CR road tests over the years, and have proved to have several or more years of better-than-average reliability. Listed alphabetically.

    Acura Integra
    Acura MDX
    Acura RL
    Acura RSX
    Acura TL
    Acura TSX
    BMW M3
    Buick LaCrosse
    Honda Accord
    Honda Civic
    Honda Civic Hybrid
    Honda CR-V
    Honda Element
    Honda Odyssey
    Honda Pilot
    Honda S2000
    Infiniti FX
    Infiniti G20
    Infiniti G35
    Infiniti I30, I35
    Infiniti QX4
    Lexus ES
    Lexus GS (RWD)
    Lexus GX
    Lexus IS
    Lexus LS
    Lexus RX
    Lexus SC
    Lincoln Continental
    Lincoln Town Car
    Mazda Millenia
    Mazda MX-5 Miata
    Mazda Protegé
    Mazda3
    Mitsubishi Endeavor
    Mitsubishi Outlander
    Nissan Altima
    Nissan Maxima
    Nissan Murano
    Pontiac Vibe
    Porsche 911 (except '03)
    Scion tC
    Scion xB
    Subaru Baja
    Subaru Forester
    Subaru Impreza
    Subaru Legacy
    Subaru Outback
    Toyota 4Runner
    Toyota Avalon
    Toyota Camry (except '07 V6)
    Toyota Camry Solara
    Toyota Celica
    Toyota Corolla
    Toyota Echo
    Toyota Highlander
    Toyota Land Cruiser
    Toyota Matrix
    Toyota Prius
    Toyota RAV4
    Toyota Sequoia
    Toyota Sienna
    Toyota Tundra (except '07 V8 4WD)
    Volvo S60

    WORST OF THE WORST

    These vehicles showed multiple Used Car Verdicts that were much worse than average, according to our survey respondents. They consistently had more problems than other models overall.

    Buick Rendezvous (AWD)
    Buick Terraza
    Chevrolet Astro
    Chevrolet Blazer
    Chevrolet Colorado (4WD)
    Chevrolet S-10 Pickup (4WD)
    Chevrolet Uplander
    Chevrolet Venture
    Chrysler Town & Country (AWD)
    Dodge Grand Caravan (AWD)
    GMC Canyon (4WD)
    GMC Jimmy
    GMC S-15 Sonoma (4WD)
    GMC Safari
    Jeep Grand Cherokee
    Kia Sedona
    Land Rover Discovery, LR3
    Lincoln Aviator
    Mercedes-Benz SL
    Nissan Armada (4WD)
    Nissan Titan (4WD)
    Oldsmobile Bravada
    Oldsmobile Silhouette
    Pontiac Aztek
    Pontiac G6
    Pontiac Montana, Trans Sport, Montana SV6
    Saturn Relay
    Volkswagen Cabriolet
    Volkswagen Jetta Sedan (turbo)
    Volkswagen Jetta Sedan (V6)
    Volkswagen Touareg


    Comments? Surprises?

    Personally, I am disappointed, although not that surprised, to see so many VW models in the "worst" category. I am very glad to see the Porsche 911 in the "Best of the Best" category, as well as the Acura MDX. Almost all of the best are Japanese! The majority of the worst are domestics, and General Motors particularly.

    TM
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    I am the designated soccer dad during weekends.

    I understand. My daughter was a 400 m runner when she was teenager. I used to drive in turn to escort her and other team mates to the meetings. The best part of it was that after a number of boring sessions, we the junior-athlete parents would carry on drinks and food to be shared at nice stadium parties.

    Of course, jamón ibérico, de bellota, or pata negra was a necessary part of the parties. I am glad that you can try it in Canada. I believe it is imported also in the USA now. I lively recommend it to everyone!

    Regards,
    Jose
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    BMW M3?

    Why buy a Lexus when I can buy a BMW M3 instead. Ofcourse my main reason for buying a M3 would be strictly for reliability reasons. Nothing else. ;)
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    jamón ibérico, de bellota, or pata negra

    Not a daily nutrient type of food (the Ferrari of all Porks) but definitely worth trying during special occasions
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    It's against my religion to eat pork, but heck its against the law to speed too.

    How you drive is a personal choice. But, no matter what you believe or choose regarding driving, if you get caught speeding, you will be penalized.

    Religion is also a personal choice. If you choose a religion that prevents you from eating that wonderful pork, you can always reconsider your religious choice. Regardless, unlike being caught for speeding, if you eat that wonderful pork, God will indeed forgive you! ;)

    Enjoy it!

    TM
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Hopefully you're right.

    There are forgiveable sins and unforgiveable sins. Two unforgiveable sins that come to my mind are the following:

    Thinking that Lexus has boring dashboards or coveting your neighbor's house or wife.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Thinking that Lexus has boring dashboards

    Unforgiveable sins INDEED!!

    :P
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    The company I work for is the only importer of jamon navidul in Texas, I don't know how much that means to anyone but we are pretty proud of it!

    link title
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Why buy a Lexus when I can buy a BMW M3 instead. Of course my main reason for buying a M3 would be strictly for reliability reasons. Nothing else.

    That's a terrific idea. Of course, it will be a very long time until we know their results on the current M3 with its mighty twin-turbo V8.

    But, as CR typically resorts to when they have a lack of actual new factual data... something to this effect, IIRC... based upon previous model reliability, we anticipate this new model should be reliable as well.

    (Sometimes, nothing could be further from the truth!)

    TM
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    That's cool.

    With that, I'll take one of these...

    image

    and one of these...

    image

    and one of these...

    image

    and a few of these gift baskets for some friends...

    image

    Oh, gosh... Sorry bristol... I seem to have gotten carried away. I haven't had lunch yet, and it all looks so damned good! ;)

    TM
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    The A8 should be lighter. I can't imagine how heavy it would be if it wasn't aluminum. At least it's lighter than the 7 Series.

    The all steel Phaeton weighed 5200lbs. so that should give you some idea. The Audi ASF structure is less weight efficient than the Jag's system, unfortunately.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    I have no Ferarri envy myself. None whatsoever. Completely useless car for Toronto traffic and road laws.

    Agree. If its 360 Modena vs. Maserati Gran Turismo, I'll take the Maser, thanks. It's better looking inside and out, and usable on Pennsylvania's "roads".
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    M3 with its mighty twin-turbo V8.

    What? The V8 on the new M3 is naturally aspirated.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Personally, I am disappointed, although not that surprised, to see so many VW models in the "worst" category.

    I just expect that from VW. Audi has really impressed me with how far they've come in the last couple of years. The A6 went from being a total loser 10 years ago to one of the most reliable cars in the class, matched only by the M35/45. VW though doesn't seem to have made any real traction at all. Honda and Toyota are still doing well over all, but greatly increased complexity in their cars seems to have hurt them recently.
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    Agree. If its 360 Modena vs. Maserati Gran Turismo, I'll take the Maser, thanks. It's better looking inside and out, and usable…

    I fully agree too.

    Regards,
    Jose
  • tmjddstmjdds Member Posts: 22
    I am so done with this company. I have too many stories to list here. Problems with a 2004 745Li and a 2007 530i. I just finished speaking with coporate in NJ and no help. My letter was to the CEO of N.A. and still nothing. After driving a Lexus, I feel like I downgraded by going to BMW. I like how they drive (when they run) but the company cannot support it's product with it's current management...stay away! : :lemon:
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    The V8 on the new M3 is naturally aspirated.

    Yes it most definately is! Goodness... I have gotten so used to saying "twin-turbo" for the past few months, that I did so without even thinking about it. My bad... no, my double bad... heck, my "twin bad"!! ;)
    Thanks for the good catch Lou. :)

    TM
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Jim, in 7 years, you have made 18 posts. Could you elaborate a little on your last post? Sounds absolutely horrible, yet many other BMW owners on this thread have never expressed problems to the extent you have indicated. I don't want to chalk it up to a rare lemon... I am interested in how you describe the poor product support and management.

    I realize that focusing on the problems of BMW isn't generally my cup of tea, but I think in all fairness it could be valuable to learn of your experience. Can you please tell us what happened?

    TM
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Wow!

    Being a Lexus supporter naturally I am glad that your experience with Lexus has been good compares to BMW. However, what you have stated does go against the norm, especially saying that going to BMW is like a downgrade compares to driving a Lexus. Like Tag has suggested, more details would be great.

    I do agree that currently there is not another manufacture that can rival against Lexus in customer service.
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Come on jlbl-----Take a look at thos pictures again----Just a stunning looking car---particularly the black one----just a beautiful sculpture.....I guess we are in agreement on the usability , but I sure admire the car and all it stands for...If I were a collector as I imagine Blkhemi is, it would be sweet to go to a place like the picture showed and have a weekend touring around in scenic wonderful new places...The picture of the new car making friends with the Ferraria, was an interesting shot, sort of like you said `peeping` and I would think of looking at a naked woman....Better not let that new car get any ideas.....Again beautiful photos, and a beautiful location.....Spain is a beautiful country......Tony ps this is not to take anything away from your beautiful home TagMan
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,327
    From reading some of your back posts it appears that you have had issues with two BMWs. But it also looks like BMW bought back your first problem car that was leased. Sounds like they took care of that issue for you.

    Like others have said, please provide more info. Some of the posters here could very well provide you with some valuable info. Good luck and I hope you get things worked out.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    this is not to take anything away from your beautiful home TagMan

    HA! My goodness, you are just too darned kind for your own good. Actually, I have posted before just how remarkably beautiful some of Spain seems to be. Jose has posted some wonderful pics now and then. I absolutely love that last pic. I would love to spend some time there one day, but I know that is not very likely for me. Jose is a very blessed man. He has a loving wife who is his dearest companion, he has a wonderful family, a gorgeous car, he lives in a beautiful part of this planet, he has wonderful enthusiasm for life, and he is healthy enough to enjoy it all!! I salute him!

    TM
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Great data....my comment is GM has lots of work to do and VW does as well.

    That is why the asian brands have spanked the US in their own market...even for cars owned by Asians and built in the US.

    Regards,
    OW
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,327
    That is why the asian brands have spanked the US in their own market.

    Yes, and it looks like the Europeans got spanked by the Japanese as well. 56 Japanese cars on the good list and only 3 Europeans!! I would call that a spanking!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    even for cars owned by Asians and built in the US.

    And that's one of the most revealing parts of the puzzle... isn't it? There must be something to the Asian management, or some other component to the manufacturing process.

    The Germans, though, with the Alabama Mercedes plant for example, are left in the dust. I would honestly be a bit concerned with a vehicle that came out of that plant. I'm not saying I wouldn't buy it... but I do believe that there is something wrong there. I could be wrong, but that place spooks me.

    Also, I don't know if it makes an actual difference, but I am glad my Bimmer was built in Germany.

    On the other hand, VW? Why? What is so very wrong there?

    TM
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    :blush::blush::blush:

    ;)

    Regards,
    Jose
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Yes it most definately is! Goodness... I have gotten so used to saying "twin-turbo" for the past few months, that I did so without even thinking about it. My bad... no, my double bad... heck, my "twin bad"!!
    Thanks for the good catch Lou.


    Though it probably won't be long before the M3 is sporting twin turbos, but not on a V8.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419

    That is why the asian brands have spanked the US in their own market...even for cars owned by Asians and built in the US.


    The Japanese cars that are real stinkers though are all built in the US. Nissan in particular has had a lot of trouble with the Titan, Quest, Armada, and QX56. Infiniti would be able to easily pass Acura and Lexus overall if the QX wasn't destroying its average.
  • bmlexusbmlexus Member Posts: 755
    The new Range Rover is rumored to be making its debut in about two years

    finally got a reply

    I can't wait! That will be the first time ever that I could justify buying one for myself!

    Really then this new RR will be interesting

    Really?

    The BMW V6?

    Hmm.


    Yes the x6 v6 in silver.

    Is a bmw M steering available in a non M class?
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Agree. If its 360 Modena vs. Maserati Gran Turismo, I'll take the Maser

    Based on such a choice me too. But knowing you based on your past posts regarding your reliability/maintenace concerns I think you're better off with neither.

    IMO a Audi RS6/R8 sounds far more enticing than a Maser and more reliable too.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    The Japanese cars that are real stinkers though are all built in the US.

    This is a real shame. What does this really say?

    TM
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