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I've only made it to page 588 in the comments, and there was a whole life lessons love fest.
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 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
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
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
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
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...)
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
I appreciate that Dave. Thank you.
TM
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
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
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
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
The BMW V6?
Hmm.
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
Anyway. NYC was probably fun.
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
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? )
Friends travelling in the back seats for 3 hours have told me they were comfortable all the way.
Regards,
Jose
I don't think Lexus had made it to Argentina yet...
TM
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
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
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
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.
Not a daily nutrient type of food (the Ferrari of all Porks) but definitely worth trying during special occasions
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
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.
Unforgiveable sins INDEED!!
:P
link title
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
With that, I'll take one of these...
and one of these...
and one of these...
and a few of these gift baskets for some friends...
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
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.
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".
What? The V8 on the new M3 is naturally aspirated.
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.
I fully agree too.
Regards,
Jose
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Regards,
Jose
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.
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.
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?
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.
This is a real shame. What does this really say?
TM