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  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Yes, I know, but the local Lexus people usually are pretty well informed. We'll just have to wait and see.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Yes, buying them things usually works. Mine is addicted to anything with gold or diamonds, plus expensive purses and sun glasses in the $400./$500. range. :(

    Looks like some very good advice on the '04, thanks.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    ... Now I'm dealing with one for an illegal left turn. What annoys me about this one is that Mapquest directions told me to do it.

    I'm wondering, do nav systems take into account all of the road and traffic regulations? ...


    Yes, they do (as long as you have an updated disc.)
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    Try the Ferrari Carano Chardonnay (I think you were looking for a white...)
    link title
    Also their Fume Blanc reserve (if you can find it) is superb.

    There- not just a great wine but a wine in keeping with the forum!
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    Driving in Austin this morning I came up behind a Mercedes E320 with 'BLUETEC' on the back right right side of the trunk (where it would previously have said CDI). I would post a picture but my phone camera had very poor resolution.

    I wasn't aware that Bluetec was available yet or has MB just switched the old CDI stuff out?
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    I will keep you in suspense no longer. I finished my investigation. The Hess station 4 miles from my house has 2 pumps of ULSD diesel. The ULSD sticker appears on both pumps.

    The 2 diesel pumps are intermingled with the gas pumps. They sell it for about a dime more than premium gas.

    The only real downside is it is a mom-pop setup and you have to go into the store and pre-pay.

    However, my wife and I eat out quite often in a community (15 mile away) where there is a more modern Shell station which has the ULSD fuel and does take credit card swipes for all fuel. I anticipate doing most of my fueling over there.

    The only question now is which 3 Series diesel will be introduced here and when? So far one guy "in the know", a while back says a 330d and the other who happens to be a California BMW dealer recently said it will be the 335d. I sure hope it is the latter. There is consensus that it will be in September, 2008.
    In that case, I will ask for a month to month lease extension and have that wonderful new diesel hopefully by October 2008.

    Some simple math indicates I will probably save about $800 per year in fuel over my current vehicle. I get around 21 mpg in the 545i. Times Online was getting 41 combined in a recent review of a 335d and you know they weren't purposely going slow! :)

    I'm quite fortunate my lease ends next summer.
    I Couldn't ask for better timing! :)
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    FWIW, always buy diesel from a station that turns over a lot of diesel. If diesel sits too long in the tank water can get into it which is not a positive thing for your diesel engine.
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    Thank you for the info, David. I'll try to taste some of those Frrari-Carano and Jordan (Lexus) whites as soon as possible. (In my search for the best but affordable bioethanol for rare luxury cars as me :shades: , it does not matter if the crude comes from America, Europe, Asia, or whatever: by the way, an Englishman has recently told me that some very good and expensive white wine is made now in Kent, England.)

    Regards,
    Jose
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Thanks for that. Probably better then to get the fuel from the modern Shell station which is in a busy area and will be more likely to be on top of potential problems.

    Also, since it will be a 2 year lease, I will let the Manheim auctioneer worry about the water.

    I shouldn't have it long enough for it to be a problem. :)
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    bristol - This is how I understand the situation...

    BlueTec previously became available in 45 states before the '08 50-state rollout, which should happen very soon.

    The GL, ML, and R, however, are not yet BlueTec anywhere at this time, but the word is that they should be available (as 50-state) either later in the '08 model year, or as '09's. Until that happens they are still CDI.

    And, as we've already seen, Mercedes seems to retain the right to change its mind as to how it will proceed... kind of like hpowders! ;) sorry, MR. H - couldn't resist. :)

    TagMan
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    an Englishman has recently told me that some very good and expensive white wine is made now in Kent, England

    Don't believe everything those Englishmen say..... :)

    About the only wine England was known for when I was over there was similar to what S.Texas is known for, sweet and cloying whites with an unfortunate tendency to try to insert non-grape fruit flavours in. Think elderberry and gooseberry in the UK and peach in Tejas.
    I will say that now Texas wine is actually much better than the reputation deserves (Becker Vinyards 2004 Claret) and perhaps the English have finally learnt a thing or 2. Certainly England has the climate potential and soil to produce good wine...
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Great undercover detective work. ;)

    Your investigation will allow you to consider leasing a diesel vehicle!... which you have been hoping for.

    Now... to be very realistic about all this, let me say that it is clear that many of us here have been patiently waiting for diesels to make their debut. The time line is approaching, and within approximately a year from now, we will be test driving various models with diesel powerplants.

    I expect we will compare them to their gas counterparts, and comparing the estimated fuel economy, price, and performance.

    It is not necessarily a slam dunk that all the models will be more desireable as a diesel, but certainly I would think that many will.

    As houdini and I have previously mentioned, the vehicle itself has to be desireable, not just the engine.

    So, once we've got the desired vehicle, then I guess we will finally get to know first-hand whether these reports of diesel euphoria are for real. While I certainly hope and expect so, I want to be clear that it is not a foregone conclusion for me.

    I will test the diesels carefully and drive them very hard. My bet is that I will buy one of them. But which one I can not say. Maybe the 335d, like hpowders, maybe the GLK BlueTec, or perhaps there will be additional selections that will be very compelling.

    The excitement is certainly building... especially in Florida, where hpowders has discovered that they are already selling ULSD diesel, particularly important at two personally convenient locations not far from his home! ;)

    TagMan
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Actually there are already spy pictures of the compact Lexus SUV while testing floating around the internet. It could be here sooner than you could imagine.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Interesting, watching the US OPEN, sponsored by Lexus, a Lexus talking head mentioned the winner of the match will receive a Lexus IS-F," the car has 400 HP.

    The IS-F will have OVER 400HP is what he meant. How much over is to anybody's guess. Lexus has been very light lipped about the actual figure. After experiencing the IS-F on the the dyno about couple weeks ago I'll bet that the IS-F will have at least 425HP.
  • drfilldrfill Member Posts: 2,484
    (Federer), or any winner of any match?

    It can run on plutonium. Without a stick, it doesn't mean much. :(

    DrFill
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Hah, I just left a message for you over in Auto News saying it's time for you to come back over here! Good to see you!
  • sysweisyswei Member Posts: 1,804
    from Automotive News (I'm not a paid subscriber so can't download the full story):

    INGOLSTADT, Germany — Audi of America plans to launch its first diesel and hybrid vehicles this year. Both powerplants will be on the full-sized Q7 SUV.
    The SUV is likely to be the first of several hybrid models. Audi has not disclosed which other vehicles will get the parallel hybrid system, which can run on either a traditional gasoline engine or electric motor — or on both at the same time.
    Audi has been working on a hybrid engine with Volkswagen and Porsche. But Audi will be the first of the partners to launch a vehicle with the electric and gasoline engine. Porsche said a hybrid Cayenne SUV will be sold in the United States at the end of the decade.
    At an Audi technical day last weekend, experts said the hybrid system is modular and can easily be adapted to ...


    I wonder if they really mean "this year"??
  • jcobyjcoby Member Posts: 140
    Welcome back! I thought you were coming back in October and have been more or less counting down the days. How was your vacation?
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Thanks! I didn't want to disappoint.

    I'm sure within several years all fuel stations will have the ULSD.

    The reviews I have seen regarding the 335d have been very positive.

    Of course, I will not blindly order one without driving it first. I have never driven a diesel before. Who knows?
    But, over 40 mpg combined sounds very, very nice. :)
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Agree the IS-F should have come with a MT. However, it is still a very good C63 competitor...

    4-door vs. 4-door and auto vs. auto.

    Tagman, hope you still haven't forget about our little bet ;)
  • jcobyjcoby Member Posts: 140
    Lexusguy and I had the same site in mind! Here is the link to the full review:

    link title

    They noticed an improvement in the overall performance of the 2004 over the 2001-2003 models (steering/handling/acceleration); IMO, this plus the additional feature content would make the 2004 well worth the price premium over a 2003 LS in the preowned car market.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Bet?... Oh yes, 3 out of 5 reviews between the new C-Class AMG and the IS-F. The reviewers can configure them any way they want to... no restrictions... just run the heck out of 'em both!!

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

    You've been sorely missed!

    Are you here for the duration, or do you need to leave us again?

    TagMan
  • designmandesignman Member Posts: 2,129
    If you want to get a few guaranteed posts out of him talk about the Mets. Start by asking him if the sight of Billy Wagner coming in from the bullpen makes him sweat.

    ;)
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Hi H

    I phoned over to the plant today to find out about the smell of the bio diesel....I was told it did smell differently in it`s pure form, but no one there had personally smelled it as the plant won`t be up and running for a few more weeks....My understanding is that the bio will be mixed with diesel, so unless they have taken the smell out of diesel I would imagine it would smell as we are accustomed to...Maybe not though so there is some hope Tony
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Hey Tony! How are you? :)

    One guy says ULSD smells like Vodka. I myself consider Vodka virtually odorless, so I'll bet my Grey Goose, he wasn't saying very much.

    I will drive whatever diesel 3 Series BMW comes out with. Probably not before next September.

    I don't want to lease a 335d without driving one first, which is what could develop since my 545i lease is up July 31st and the 335d won't be available for at least another 6 weeks after. I won't order a vehicle just because the reviews have been good.

    Worst case scenario: I lease the 335i for 2 years because the 335d is unavailable when I need it; then I drive a 335d sometime after the start of the 335i lease and if I like it, sign up for one after the 335i lease is over.

    Around the ULSD pump Tony, they call me

    MR. H
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Actually there are already spy pictures of the compact Lexus SUV while testing floating around the internet. It could be here sooner than you could imagine.

    Who knows. We've been seeing the LF-A testing for quite awhile, and that still wont be here until '09-'10. Supposedly the compact Lexus will be RAV4 based, which would allow them to get it to market faster than a from scratch new design.
  • sysweisyswei Member Posts: 1,804
    Automotive News corrected the article to say "late next year" rather than "this year". Some tidbits:



    Audi will deliver a hybrid Q7 beginning late next year. Tthe Q7 will have a 3.6-liter, 280-hp gasoline fuel-injected engine mated to the electric engine. The hybrid system will use about 23 percent less fuel -- getting about 23 mpg -- than a Q7 running only on gasoline...

    On the diesel side, Audi plans to bring in a turbodiesel Q7 with a 3.0-liter V-6 powerplant producing about 230 hp and about 400 pounds-feet of torque. It will be available for all 50 states at the end of 2008 in low volume. The diesel is expected to have a 600-mile range on one tank of fuel...

    The total additional weight of the hybrid system is about 309 pounds. The battery does not take up any of the seating space and is in the spare wheel well in the rear.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    saw this guy on the interstate a few weeks ago driving a 911. Everyone was passing him quite easily. How much you want to bet he recently received a speeding ticket?

    Either that or text messaging. I've seen my share of slow drivers who text message and holding up the traffic behind them.
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    LG, where do I find all these parts for about $1500? The only kit I know of is TOMS and they are about $4300; that is why I am still pondering... Btw, Teins coil over shocks are about $1500, these are wildly recommended over in Lexus Club.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    I received a speeding ticket last year on Sept 1st and coincidentally received another one this year on September 1st again. An immemorable anniversary. :sick:

    September 1st, 2008 I am going to cab it instead.

    I dont know if there are driving classes in Toronto that will result in lower insurance premiums but I can assure you that if I am found guilty for speeding I will do some very serious research in terms of finding such a course.
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    Your insurance company will be doing some reminding as well in the next 6 years that ticket staying on your driving record. That was what happened to me a decade ago; I paid $100 bucks for the ticket, but the insurance charged an extra 15% percent premium for every year the ticket was on my driving record. Get caught speeding is very very expensive.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    That's why I am going to fight this in court.

    My last year's ticket violation wasn't as bad as this year's and fortunately because my court date was so delayed they dropped the charges (I just went to court last Tuesday).

    I am crossing my fingers and hoping that this will happen this year or next .
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    I was so impressed when I read that the new CRV would only have an i4 engine because Honda is reputed for fuel efficeincy.

    Apparently Honda engineers do need to do some homework to catch up with the folks at Toyota.

    The RAV4's engine makes exactly 103 more horses than the CR-V. But adjusted for 2008 model-year EPA test methods (as each of the 2007 models has been for comparison purposes), the RAV4's V6 earns exactly the same EPA fuel-consumption estimates as the CR-V's inline-4, with a rating of 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway. Our real-world experience backs up these numbers, as the Honda's combined average computes to 20 mpg and compares to the Toyota's 19 mpg.

    It's a no brainer but if Honda wants to be known for fuel efficency then they should introduce not only a diesel version of an Accord but also a CRV.

    EDMUNDS
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    LG, where do I find all these parts for about $1500? The only kit I know of is TOMS and they are about $4300; that is why I am still pondering... Btw, Teins coil over shocks are about $1500, these are wildly recommended over in Lexus Club.

    L-tuned parts has just about every kit there is for the '01-'05 GS, including the Toms, Apexi, and Tein kits. The TRD Sportivo is the "official" suspension upgrade kit for the GS, and its also the least expensive full upgrade that I know of. Here's a link directly to it:

    TRD Sportivo kit
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Could be. How anyone could attempt multi-tasking when driving is something I will never understand.

    These are the folks who the cops should be fining. Not the folks driving fast on an interstate in an alert manner.

    Dang ... the light is changing! :surprise:

    Have to put the laptop down and take off. I'll finish this at the next red light. See ya. :shades:
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    It's a no brainer but if Honda wants to be known for fuel efficency then they should introduce not only a diesel version of an Accord but also a CRV.

    Honda already has a fantastic and popular diesel CR-V, but just not here on our continent yet. There is some talk of one coming here, and my friend who owns a Honda dealership is going to a big meeting later this month to discuss Honda's future vehicle plans.

    He promised to let me know what he learned when he returns. I'll keep you posted! :)

    TagMan
  • drfilldrfill Member Posts: 2,484
    Sup, Tag! :)

    I'm working my way back, like Pedro Martinez. ;)

    I'll be watching. Let's keep it clean. Back to your corners, and come our fighting.

    Let's get it on! :shades:

    DrFill
  • drfilldrfill Member Posts: 2,484
    I wouldn't say all that, but selling a Rav4 vs CR-V is surprisingly easy. It would sell more if it had some mark-up, or incentives. I never sold one for less than $1k off (never saw a rebate on it)! :surprise:

    DrFill
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    I thought. while your fever was raging, you then came up with the Mr, but now that is has broken--just Hpowders or your given Howard. If I have to go back to the Mr H maybe you will go back to Honda--and that would give me concern :)No matter what you are a good guy and deserve the most fun car....Tony The g goose has quite an odor when it is coming out of your poores...
  • drfilldrfill Member Posts: 2,484
    Your onto me! :P

    After the playoffs last year, the All-Star game, and the 3 runs against the Phillies, to get swept, he is the only one really holding us back.

    I predict the Mets will lose the World Series in 6 to the Red Sox. I guess we may owe them one. :blush:

    And Wagner will give up a game to Ortiz with a 9th inning homer. :sick:

    DrFill
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Let's keep it clean. Back to your corners, and come out fighting. Let's get it on!

    Uh, oh... you sound like you've been in training... so THAT's where you've really been! :surprise:

    What's it gonna be ? Lots of jabs, and then the knockout? ;)

    Seriously, Doc... nice to have you back!
    (at least for now... :P )

    TagMan
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    A RAV V6 with 3 rows with the fuel efficiency of a i4.

    Sounds compelling to me and if I ever was in the market for such a type of vehicle all I can tell you is that I would get a RAV4 with 3 rows and a V6 over an X3 and all those upcoming multiple German versions of a RAV4. Personally I think the Acura RDX is a joke!

    Ofcourse the Germans are more exciting to drive than a RAV4 but if I want performance/handling I certainly wouldn't be buying this type of vehicle.

    Just my opinon ofcourse.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    BMW 3 Series = 0 Problems = 0 Maintenance Costs

    The above equation describes Motor Trend's and my own experiences with BMWs. And with 8 years of ownership ( 5 fully years without warranty) my 99 BMW 323i had minimal problems and maintenance costs.

    Naturally, we drove the beejeepers out of our Bimmer every chance we got-that sweet chassis/shifter/engine combo is just too compelling not to revel in. And after more than a year, doing so answered convincingly our biggest question about 3 Series ownership: How do they hold up? If our test car was any indication, the answer is "beautifully, thank you." Total problems that cropped up during our 330i's stay with us: zero. Total maintenance costs: zero (remember, BMW remains the only automaker to pay for routine maintenance under warranty; in our car's 20,000-mile tenure that consisted of a simple injection of fresh synthetic oil). Zero dollars seems an awfully small price to pay for upkeep on a sedan that so bountifully delivers such behind-the-wheel bliss.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    He promised to let me know what he learned when he returns. I'll keep you posted!

    Thanks! The one turbodiesel Honda I would consider is the TSX wagon that is sold in Europe as a Accord Touring.. I'd rather have that than a diesel CRV.

    Unfortunately such a vehicle will not exist here. :(
  • feverhartfeverhart Member Posts: 144
    "Ofcourse the Germans are more exciting to drive than a RAV4." You think so? My daughter had a '07 X5, but after driving my '07 RAV4 V6 AWD, did a trade for the RAV4. She liked the initial grunt and handling, although she preferred the brakes on the X5.
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    I'm not much of a Vodka enthusiast, Tony. Never liked it. More into fine rum like Cruzan Single Barrel Estate.

    I will not purchase an Accord, but curiosity will have me going to a local Honda dealer to see how closely Honda copied from the BMW 5. Here we go again!


    Somehow, accomplishing over 40 mpg combined in a 335d sounds a lot better to me than 24 mpg combined in a "thrifty" Accord.

    Honda should have brought out a diesel as part of its 2008 Accord lineup. Now that would have been a coup!

    Do you hear those bells droning sadly in the distance, Tony?
    They are sounding a death knell for the ill-fated, obsolete hybrid technology. :shades:
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    They are sounding a death knell for the ill-fated, obsolete hybrid technology

    Howard there is such a thing as reincarnation.

    Honda reincarnation means the death of a hybrid Accord and Insight and the rebirth of a high volume hybrid version of a CRX. Expect to see one of these around 2009.
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    I do believe Dewey that ULSD will absolutely bury the hybrids.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Well let's hope that the rest of the US population does their homework by investigating their neighborhood gas stations for ULSD.

    WHo knows for every seeker there maybe a Hess station at the other end. ;)
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