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I spotted a NEW (insert make/model) today!

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  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    That's probably a big part of it. Buick isn't completely reinvented yet - and I think the MSRP is inflated in typical GM style, compared to attainable transaction prices. That has to turn off more than a few,

    I've seen Regal CXL down not much over 20K in screamer ads, not terrible for that.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Regal is a bargain if your alternative is a TSX or something like that.

    It would have made more sense with the Pontiac name, though I get that they kept Buick for China. This is just a bad side effect of that decision.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    Yeah. It's maybe half a size too small for a Camcord competitor, but it's still some bang for the buck. Unfortunately, the base DI unit can be kind of coarse, and isn't a screamer - but it gets decent mileage from my experience (had one as a rental).

    With no Pontiac, tough decision as to where it should live. Maybe should have been a Malibu.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,972
    Just imagine if the regal was born a Pontiac. It would have some form of huge plastic body cladding, orange and red interior lighting and who knows what the front end would look like.

    To your point there aren't many cars it competes with. It is a tweener in terms of size (not quite midsize, but not compact either). The only direct competitor really is the TSX and I guess you could throw in the Volvo S60.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, slightly smaller, lighter, and sportier than the Camry/Malibu etc.

    The previous Mazda6s and Legacy GT could be put in the same class, but the new ones bloated up and got bigger.

    Who else? Maybe the Kizashi if VW and GM had not starved them of a decent engine.

    Fact is, these are better suited for Europe, where the narrow bodies are preferred over the fat cats we get here, most of which are full-sizers now.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    In Germany, it more or less is the Malibu equivalent. Maybe just not a good idea to bring it here, where local custom dictates something wider and blander for the mass market.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    And then they sell it next to the Lucerne, because we all go car shopping with our grandparents, right?
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,378
    yeah, the GT3 was white. The Cayanne was silver/gray. Heading south on 295 (so south of you and heading souther)

    and heck, for the money they cahrge to make it into a "race car", it better be able to put up with some hard use!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    And then barely market it, delay the performance model, don't offer it at half the spec of Europe, and fail to bring in the wagon.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    In Detroit rush hour traffic, blowing by in the left lane (did catch up with him ~3 times).

    Not new, but also saw a very secure undershirt wearing guy, smoking with the window down, driving an older Thunderbird that was brilliant pink.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    edited March 2012
    Yup, that's the one.

    Here it is in action last October


    And here it was in 2010:
    image

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,869
    Life isn't fair, huh? :surprise:

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  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    ...black Chrysler 200 at Napfle and Verree and silver BMW X3 at Faunce and Verree in NE Philly.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Not every day you see one of these.

    Thank goodness.

    Slipped up and didn't get my own pic.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,869
    That reminds me.... saw the wienermobile on I-75, once...

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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Textbook GM - snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,972
    Saw two Equus today within minutes of each other. That makes for a total of 3 since they came out.

    Also saw a brand new Porsche Cayenne. I looked it up, they redesigned last year but this was the first "new" body style I've seen.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    edited March 2012
    Must have been some Hyundai dealers out for a demo run or something :shades: ...60K+ seems steep for a mountain of KDM style with how the big boys depreciate, but I guess there's a butt for every seat.

    I wish I could say I have only seen one new Cayenne - in my area with too much idle money milling around, they seem to sell well. No uglier than the old one, anyway.
  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    From the "Comparisons and Conclusions" section of Edmund's Equus wrap-up: http://www.insideline.com/hyundai/equus/2011/2011-hyundai-equus-long-term-test-w- rap-up.html:

    Most significant of all comparison points between these vehicles was resale value. Based on a private-party sale, Edmunds' TMV® Calculator showed that the Equus depreciated just 17 percent from its original MSRP. Under similar conditions the 528i and M56 depreciated 22 percent and 26 percent, respectively. Hyundai products have not traditionally fared well in the resale realm. So this is a big step in the right direction.

    Personally, I wouldn't buy one. If I had $60K to spend on a car I wouldn't; I'd much rather spend $30-35K and have lots of change left over. I'm simply not in the target demographics. But for what it is - luxury at a value price - the Equus is not a bad deal.
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,378
    my opinion in general is that you hit the law of diminishing returns pretty quickly. you get to a certain point, and the huge increase in $$ gets very little real value back.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    edited March 2012
    How many of these exist to determine real world resale value? I'd love to know the details of that sale, but I bet they don't exist. I am a little skeptical. Of course, it doesn't really compete with the much smaller 5er and M anyway. Cars compete in more than price. This thing is trying to compete with the LS especially, then the Germans and probably Jag too.

    Locally there's a ~25K mile 08 S63 P3 special order nearly full option load car (original MSRP 145K) that I could pick up, add an extended warranty, and still come out the same as a deluxe Equus. That's how I would do it anyway, same money, similar lux, nicer to look at and better to drive. Alas, I can't blow 65K on a car either way :shades:

    Oh yeah, saw a new small Prius today. If I wanted to go that route, I think I'd choose that one.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Isn't the S63 a SWB model?

    I think a driver would buy the AMG, while the Equus would be more chauffer driven.

    To me the Genesis is more appealing vs its big brother. For mid 30s you can get 333hp, 29mpg highway, 8 speed automatic, and the real leather dash package.

    So basically a nice, big RWD car for the price of a base C class, with a powertrain that will be under warranty in the year 2022.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    3 wheeler, last night.

    This morning I saw a ZDX and a Camry.

    Of those 3 I'd take the Can Am! :shades:
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    edited March 2012
    Only SWB W221 in NA have been the diesel and the hybrid. A regular S550 which is something more comparable - not tuned, would be a bit cheaper yet for the same model year, could get one still under factory warranty for the same money. Just can't see how the pseudo LS Equus has appeal, unless you are a rabid Korean expat.

    I agree the Genesis is a much better value, so much so that I have my doubts it is even being sold at a profit - just too much for the money.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    I picture the same person who would buy a ZDX as buying a Can Am ;)
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,107
    To me the Can Am combines the weaknesses of a motorcycle (exposed to the weather and no crash protection) with none of the benefits (carving down a canyon road). I'll pass.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Didn't realize that about the wheelbase lengths, I guess we learn something each day.

    I wonder if those Equus are bought up by the limo companies? I would not be surprised if half of them are for that type of fleet, and those customers want new, not used.

    so much so that I have my doubts it is even being sold at a profit


    Agreed. For mid 30s is doesn't raise any eyebrows, either. That's loaded mainstream sedan money.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    I believe there is a SWB S63 available elsewhere.

    For the Equus, how many are really being bought at all? I wouldn't doubt some are selling commercially, I wonder about the transaction price in those cases too...probably not 65K.

    Original Lexus LS was no doubt sold at a loss here to get things going, I think the Genesis is the same. Awaiting the Kia version.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    I think they just have kind of an awkward looking riding position. Expensive, too.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Not many ... 284 in Feb, 292 in Jan.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    Probably 90% sold to dealers or Korean embassies :shades:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The other 10% to wealthy Korean businessmen.

    Tell you what, though, it's pretty nice inside those things. I wouldn't mind being driven around in one of those bad boys. I think the ceiling is lined with suede...
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,869
    On the plus side: If you ride wearing khakis and topsiders, you'll fit right in.... :surprise:

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  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    That's pretty much the demographic. A sportbike for the Goldwing set, I guess. I think I have only seen two of them on the road.

    Saw two new freshly plated Mazdas today, a 3 and a 5 with the ridiculous side detailing. Both rentals.

    Not new, but also saw the SL65 AMG I saw the other day, sounded amazing.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    ridiculous side detailing

    Unfortunately that's the trend now, and not just for Asian brands.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    edited March 2012
    But look at that overdone upper detail:

    image

    Dopey, embarrassing - who do they think they are kidding, a diagonal swoopy line doesn't make a shoebox a race car. Reminds me of the accent painting on modern RVs. And that with the gormless smiling face...maybe if I was a 15 year old girl who lives in Japan...

    Sadly, the copycat sycophant ranks of car designers will probably spread this everywhere.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Funny thing is that's the last Mazda that used the old design language, since discontinued.

    The new B-class added "surface excitement" as well. The old model was clean and cute, now it's busy looking in profile.

    To be fair, I do think it lowers the tall wagon visually, at least.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    As long as you can still buy a new one, that's current enough for me. Nice to see they finally realized their mistake. I don't know if the B-class has that weird feathery detailing, and thankfully will also lack the dumb face. I see it as faux interest, making something boring look complex.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I guess (?) it's supposed to make you look lower down, so the car doesn't appear so tall and awkward (which it is).

    I liked the last one more - it was the only minivan you could get with a manual and factory Navi. We deemed it too small, and ended up with the Sienna. No regrets.

    Nagare was a bad phase for Mazda, fortunately a short one.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    That might be it, it's a distraction. Kind of like a bad crash - you can't help but look...look at the weird details, ignore the overall boredom.

    Not even the dorky anime generation embraced those faces. There's a fine line.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,378
    when I was looking at the CX-5, they had one parked right next to a CX-7. Much different looking "face" on the new model.

    The nagare style always reminded me of this (especially on the 3):

    :D

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Mazda tried too hard to create a family resemblance. I looked for a left over 2008 MX-5 rather than get a smiley face 2009.

    The CX5 will be successful. It's the most efficient in a segment that is hot, and MPG is big right now. Today they just announced it's an IIHS Top Safety Pick and I doubt that will hurt.

    I bet it outsells the CX7 2-to-1.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    Hah, that's a good one...maybe a Mazda stylist took inspiration here
  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    A Toyota dealer last night to see if they had any FR-S but they did not.

    On the other hand, they had 6 Prius C's and every single one of them had a "Sold" or "On Hold" tag.

    Only one of them had a ton of options checked and rang up at $24,625... Not a bad looking little car once you add the alloys.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's a bit spendy ... buyers would be wise to do a little math. You can get a nice Fit or Fiesta for high teens. You can buy a lot of gas for that difference.

    Fitzmall has 6-7 of them and they were $21-22k , which actually makes sense. You save about $6-800 per year per EPA's web site, so you'll actually make it up by the time you pay off your loan.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    Friend of mine who wants to replaced a miled up Accord test drove a Prius C yesterday. He liked it. At his local dealer (ATL suburbs) it was the same story, all but one was loaded and with ~24K stickers. Looks better than the dorky normal Prius and the big one, anyway.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Saw a pearl white one with the new gunmetal color option on the wheels - best looking color combo I've seen on the new one. Thumbs up.

    Also saw a plain silver one and it didn't look nearly as good.

    Another Camry, and 2 Prius Vs.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    I'm confused by their marketing campaign for that car. seems to me they are saying you have to be a dork to buy one. :confuse:

    I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with that sentiment, I just don't get why they'd want to market it that way.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited March 2012
    You can buy a lot of gas for that difference.

    IHS Global Insight says gas could hit $8 a gallon by the first of next year. Alarmist but the pundit isn't an idiot either. (USA Today).

    We may have to expand this discussion's title to "I spotted a NEW (insert make/model/bicycle/skateboard/city bus/ZipCar/golf car/electric scooter) today!"
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,107
    That's a big 'what if' scenario. Certainly possible, but there's a difference between than and what will happen. Same kinds of predictions were made the last time gas made a runup. Also possible - drop in demand and/or reduction in tensions cause a price drop.

    Who knows?
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