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  • sysweisyswei Member Posts: 1,804
    As far as my "vote" I own 2 Japanese vehicles now, but when I replace them my best guess would be 1 German, 1 Japanese.

    So I abstain.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    I have not driven the MDX but it definitely would be at or near the top of my list. Good luck and keep us informed.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    You want long term dependability then you could not have gotten a better car than a BMW 3 series.

    Actually you could get a better more dependable car based on the link you provided. BMW was handily beaten by Lexus, Buick, Cadillac, Honda, Lincoln and Mercury. BMW managed a tie with Toyota for 7th place.

    As far as the 3 series only, it came in 4th in the premium entry vehicle segment. Soundly beaten by the Infinity I-35, Cadillac CTS and the Lexus IS.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    As good as the previous generation MDX has been... The latest MDX is even better.

    The main compromise is the fake wood and use off too much plastic... But for what you give up, you get an incredible SUV for the money... one of the very best, IMO.

    TagMan
  • jcobyjcoby Member Posts: 140
    You can raise the Japanese total to 6.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Done.
    TM
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Now granted, this is data from only one forum and one expert's opinion, but it is something to consider.

    What me worry?

    Definitely something to consider Designman but nothing to be worried about until such obserations begin to spread beyond this one forum/expert opinion.

    BMW has been making turbos for their diesels these past few decades and their record has been pretty damned good. So good that I would buy a 335d or even keep my 335i for a multidecade marathon.

    I change oil on my twin turbo every 5K miles. A turbo requires two times the amount of oil changes than a non-turbo.

    Surprisingly BMW's 15K oil change maintenance policy is applicable to both non-turbos and turbos alikes. This proves that BMW is very confident about their twin turbos or that they are risking their future by being careless. And the later likelihood I find very doubtful since BMW is controlled by the Quandt family who wants to keep their prosperous auto firm for future generations.

    I have less at stake than BMW does if it so happens that their twin turbos are lemons. And just like BMW, I am not worried. :shades:
  • jcobyjcoby Member Posts: 140
    The 2006 GS 300 used 11.6" ventilated front brakes. You currently can get detailed specs for any Lexus back to 2002 using the CPO model library:

    link title

    It's surprising that the VGRS and braking of the 2006 GS 430 have made such a negative impression. The reviews that I have seen for the 2006 GS 430 seemed to be noticeably more favorable overall (in regards to steering/handling/braking and the overall ride/handling balance) than the reviews for the 2006 GS 300/GS 300 AWD. I have noticed different magazine review comments about the 430's steering and grabby brakes, but the various testers still seemed to like the 430 better than the 300 overall (or at least that is the impression that I have received after looking through different reviews from C&D, Edmunds, M&T, R&T, etc.).
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Yes Houdini and this proves my point that reliability is not a big issue at BMW otherwise they would be ranked far lower.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Well, if I can hold out for a year or so without buying anything, I will definitely give the 335d a hard look.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,621
    sign me up for European.

    I've had excellent luck with Japanese vehicles, but Audi & BMW have won me over. Or will, when I buy my next one.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    OK... One more Euro vote.
    TM
  • designmandesignman Member Posts: 2,129
    That's the spirit!
  • rockshocka1rockshocka1 Member Posts: 310
    Japanese owner goin' Euro soon. No complaints, but no adrenaline rush either.

    vote=Euro
  • wolfer2wolfer2 Member Posts: 10
    Put me down for Euro. Took delivery of my first BMW a month ago (2008 535xi). My first car was German too (1962 VW Beetle). All Americans in between. Only took me 30 years to come back around. My wife drives a Honda but she doesn't get to vote.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    One very good thing that has come out of this poll is that we are getting some new members to chime in. Hopefully all these new guys will stick around.

    That said, where are all the Japanese lurkers at? :mad:

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Currently the vote for overall vehicle preference is as follows...

    European = 14 ..... Japanese = 6

    I have no intentions of putting any spin on these votes.

    I started the poll Friday morning just for fun, and the results are for each poster to interpret their own way.

    We did, however, get some interesting posts that seemed to be justifications for voting a particular way, and we saw that many posters own both European and Japanese cars, in varying ratios.

    I enjoyed the poll and some of the posts, and see little reason to continue much more with it, as the results would probably stay in the same general ratio... which has been approximately a 2 to 1 overall preference for European vehicles as opposed to Japanese vehicles.

    Thanks to everyone for participating, and I think we might have even welcomed some new members to the board in the process.

    :)

    TagMan
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Lots of posts about the 3-series, and I've enjoyed them a lot.

    But, after some serious consideration... I am going to be a bit more patient and wait for the new diesels to hit the market before I jump into a 335i.

    I've already got the Carrera S, which IMO, is a truly terrific vehicle that offers very significant driving capabilities... and I must say that my new GTI is one of the most highly spirited "willing-to-dance" vehicles I have driven in a long time. Unlike the Porsche's serious reserve of power and handling, the GTI offers a level of "fast and fancy" that has to be experienced to be appreciated.

    So... I'm holding out for a diesel! It's really what you all know I've been waiting for. And it MUST be in a vehicle that I otherwise would still want to own.

    From the sounds of things, I'm going to have to be patient, because I don't think we're going to see any reasonable selection of diesels until late next year and into the following year.

    There is a wildcard here, though... the wife. She may still be on the pursuit for something of her own, and I may be helpless to steer her in the "right" direction... which means keeping her from buying a piece of junk (or a Lexus... just kidding! LOL.) I've brought her to the Mercedes dealership and to the Porsche dealership and to the BMW dealership so far. I still need to bring her to the Audi dealership, but it's right next to the Lexus dealership, and that could be risky! ;)

    At this point, I have no idea what car, if any at all, she might be thinking about. Anyway, it's a wildcard that I'll just have to live with until it gets played, if ever.

    Until then, I'll just keep waiting for a fantastic diesel vehicle to come along real soon!

    TagMan
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Oh the tangled web we weave.....wife put the kabosh on ya' huh? ;)

    Yeah, enough of the poll. It has already been established that we Japanese car fans have the most exclusive club! :shades:

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Yes.

    and

    Yes.

    :)

    TagMan
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Lol!

    A very wise man once told me that always having to be right does not make you a winner. Being able to admit you are wrong from time to time is the mark of a confident man! :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • jcobyjcoby Member Posts: 140
    It was definitely an interesting and fun exercise. While we all knew that European cars are the preferred choice for the majority of posters in the Luxury Lounge, it is nice know the general ratio of this preference.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Fun driving European cars may become extinct thanks to European politicians.

    Cigarette-style car labelling wanted in showrooms
    EU chiefs are bidding to take the vroom out of car adverts, with a proposal to require companies to include warnings similar to those found on packets of cigarettes with their products.

    A report written by Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies, to be debated by Parliament in October, says a fifth of car adverts should consist of a kind of health warning for the earth, highlighting cars’ fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.


    The EU wants health warnings liek this on cars

    It would also be illegal for ads to boast about cars going faster than the national speed limit.

    Some vehicles exempt
    The report takes this speed limit concept a step further and proposes a ban on cars that can do more than 101 mph (25 per cent more than the average upper speed limit) altogether.

    Only emergency, military and police vehicles would be exempt from the law, which would be introduced in four years’ time.

    Davies noted that the power of new cars increased by 28 per cent between 1994 and 2004, making them heavier and thus increasing the amount of CO2 output.

    This increase is completely unnecessary, the MEP said, as no country has raised its speed limit to allow cars to use this additional power.

    link title
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    Did looked at the IS 250 lease numbers, it was at least 200/mth higher than the 328i. Also, your daughter is 9 so you probably don't remember how much space a rear facing infant/toddler carseat requires. It would probably fit in the back of the IS, but the front passenger seat/back rest would have to be all the way forward next to the dash making it useless for people of any size.

    Regarding reliability of my BMW, as long as it does not leave me stranded on a cold day then I would be happy; I have personally seen two prev gen 3 series dead in the water in the past year, one in a left turning lane and the other on a flatbed tow truck. My brother-in law's friend 330i refused to start sometime in the second year of service...
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Regarding reliability of my BMW, as long as it does not leave me stranded on a cold day then I would be happy; I have personally seen two prev gen 3 series dead in the water in the past year, one in a left turning lane and the other on a flatbed tow truck. My brother-in law's friend 330i refused to start sometime in the second year of service...

    I hope your BMW fulfills your expectations. All masochists deserve to be happy too. :P
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Cigarette-style car labelling wanted in showrooms
    EU chiefs are bidding to take the vroom out of car adverts, with a proposal to require companies to include warnings similar to those found on packets of cigarettes with their products.

    A report written by Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies, to be debated by Parliament in October, says a fifth of car adverts should consist of a kind of health warning for the earth, highlighting cars’ fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.


    The German Green party has been trying to restrict the autobahn for awhile. I don't think its going to happen.
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    BMW has been making turbos for their diesels these past few decades and their record has been pretty damned good.

    That's a big evidence, I believe. I did not buy my 530d until I was not convinced of the reliability of the turbo diesels. Last Friday I changed the engine oil for the third time in 57,000 miles. As I had read the news on fuel leaking in the oil in other Forum here in Edmunds, I asked my local mechanic about it. He stared at me in surprise. :confuse:

    Jose
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    I just want to emphasize the point that BMW has received numerous awards for their engines.

    I do not know the data, as I don't have the time to check it now, but it wouldn't surprise me if they've won more engine awards than any other company in world history.

    If someone here has the time, knowledge, or desire to get the data, that would be fine.

    But, regardless, the bottom line is that BMW engines are supremely recognized on a global scale as some of the very best engines.

    TagMan
  • drfilldrfill Member Posts: 2,484
    Give him 5 days off, and we get a Cookie Monster back.... :sick:

    DrFill
  • topspin628topspin628 Member Posts: 373
    So I am smitten with the 550i and if I go with it over the 535 then I will have to go with a winter tire and wheel package. I did have very good success with my 330i sport in the white stuff with good winter tires. Do you know if the clearance with the aero package is similar to the 01 3 series sport I had in 01?
    I am a bit concerned that if it was too low than I wouldn't be able to get through a few inches of snow. (if you don't know, then no one would:).
    Do you think the 550 would handle the bad weather in a similar way as the 330i did?
    (It was like a little tank).
    I am still trying to decide between the 550, 535i and 535xi. I found that the 550 felt heavier but in a good way, like it was a more substantial car. The 535i was light and more toss able but it didn't feel as "buttoned up" if that makes sense. It felt very much like my old 3. The 550 felt like a more civilized M car to me and I really liked the engine note. And the aero kit that gives it a special flair.
    The "sensible" choice would be the xi. No tire change needed and very good handling in the wet but to me it drove very similar to my wife's X5. Not that that's bad at all but it felt a bit "heavy". I also may want the goodies that are only available on the non xi cars: sport auto trans (I hear it's great, any feedback?), ARS, and sport suspension.
    Oh, and do you know anything about an "anthracite head liner". I see it referenced in some bimmer sites but I can't find it in the brochure.
    Thanks!
  • designmandesignman Member Posts: 2,129
    That was a missile Uggla hit off Wagner. They're sweat brokers. Then two unlikely closers seal the deal easily... go figure.
  • designmandesignman Member Posts: 2,129
    Topspin, I don't think Shipo has ever posted in this thread. You can usually get him in the 5-series and 3-series threads though. His response on AWD is predictable. He likes the RWD with winter tire setup, but he'll probably elaborate to your satifaction.
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    I did not buy my 530d until I was not convinced of the reliability of the turbo diesels.

    Double negative :blush:. Back to school: I meant to say I did not buy my 530d until I was convinced of the reliability of the turbo diesels.

    On the other hand, I have a general question to lay here. The Spanish Traffic Authority currently is running a campaign in the media blaming the luxury cars, because of their high speed, for the accidents happening on the roads :mad:. I am not a slow driver, yet I found myself more times being overtaken by small cars or even vans running at their highest possible speed than by luxury cars. How is this in North America? Are the luxury cars seen as the gunners of the road? What sort of cars take more risks on the roads?

    Jose
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,621
    Thanks for a pleasant and civil diversion. It's useful to provide a forum in which people can state opinions without all the personal baggage.

    One person who's posted here as much or more than any other was absent. Go figure.

    Anyway, it was interesting. Thanks.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Lol, Jose.

    I would hate to have to post a message in any language other than English....let alone worry about the correct grammar involved!! Your English is excellent.

    These silly things crop up here from time to time but usually common sense prevails and the attempts are beaten back. IMO luxury car owners are rather careful law abiding citizens and they take good care of their cars. Also the newer luxury cars are very safe and mechanically sound so I would say that older cars would be more at risk of accidents.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • atlas7atlas7 Member Posts: 126
    Hold on...You didn't include AMERICAN Cars!!!:)
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Thanks for a pleasant and civil diversion. It's useful to provide a forum in which people can state opinions without all the personal baggage.

    One person who's posted here as much or more than any other was absent. Go figure.

    Anyway, it was interesting. Thanks.

    Hold on...You didn't include AMERICAN Cars!!!


    I'm glad you appreciated it.

    BTW, if I had included American/Domestic vehicles, I doubt that there would be any single regular poster on this forum that would have voted for American cars as their number one preference, not to say that some of us don't have some appreciation for certain Cadillacs, Buicks, Corvettes, etc... but when it comes down to the bottom line... the Japanese and European cars are what 99% of the discussions on this forum are all about.

    I probably could have called the Japanese group "Asian", since Korean cars could have been included in the group, but once again, I hightly doubt that someone on this forum would have chosen Hyundai/Kia as their number one preference.

    The surprising result for me was that the European preference was so much larger than the Japanese. I honestly thought it would have been a little closer than it was. But when reading some of the explanations by posters that own both Japanese and European vehicles, and they shared why they voted European instead of Japanese, it reminded me of some of the passionate posts that used to be on the HELM forum... debating the virtues of both European and Japanese vehicles.

    I, too, share your sentiment about it being a pleasant and civil experience. EVERYONE showed a lot of class!

    TagMan
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,621
    I was sucked in several years ago during a series of business trips to Germany. I took side trips (on my own time & expense) to Switzerland in the rentals and learned to appreciate what was offered every day in Europe that wasn't available at any price in the U.S.

    Audi diesel? Forgetaboutit.

    Then I did a series of trips to the UK with lower-tier diesel vehicles & became even more discontented with what was available here in North America.

    Turns out California drives much of what we can buy here in NA.

    Oh boy.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Some of you may recall that about 10 days ago I took my out of warranty LX in to have the paint looked at. I had some fading on the hood and roof. Lexus provided us with a GS 300 as a loaner.

    My hope was that they would offer to buff the paint a little and make it look better. Well, to my surprise they decided to repaint practically the entire vehicle, free of charge, at an estimated cost to them of just over $6300.

    They said it would probably take about 3 weeks! The color is sort of a smoky gray. I think it is called Topaz. Apparently they have had some trouble with oxidation with this particular color so I don't know if they would do this on other colors.

    In the meantime the GS 300 is growing on my wife and I like it also. We will hang on to the LX and possibly get rid of the Acura RL and replace it with another Lexus.

    I am in the same dilemma as Tagman. I would like to gently steer my wife over to a late model LS 430 but I must be extremely careful or she will balk. I have my eye on a 2005 with the luxury package and only 19,000 miles priced at $38,000. Wish me luck!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • drfilldrfill Member Posts: 2,484
    Is that a main factor in your considering another Lexus?

    I would think that is as unusual as a disgruntled Lexus owner.

    DrFill
  • drfilldrfill Member Posts: 2,484
    I know our ranks are slim. Not to surprising, since the number of high-end Japanese cars available are just as slim. The LF-A, having seen it up close, will make one lovely addition to the fold.

    I wouldn't turn my nose up at a Cayman S or 911 Turbo, doh. :blush:

    BMW and Benz always do something to tick me off. :(

    DrFill
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    What about the other European marques? Do you like Bentley, for example? Or Ferrari? :)

    TagMan
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    The main factor is that you have to love the cars.

    I don't know if all Lexus dealers are this generous or not. I will say that this particular dealer has been very easy to deal with and I appreciate that very much. Certainly that is a factor in doing business there.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • drfilldrfill Member Posts: 2,484
    Lexus dealers seem to generate enough love. The cars, extreme respect and admiration.

    Love takes time. :blush:

    DrFill
  • drfilldrfill Member Posts: 2,484
    Exotics are a different animal.

    Ford has shown anybody can produce greatness, with enough of a cash cushion.

    Producing greatness, within a budget, takes true talent. ;)

    I still don't believe a greater car has been made, within reason, than the 1992 Lexus SC or 1993 Toyota Supra Turbo. Looks, dynamics, and a keep-the-gun-holstered price. :blush:

    If you dated Jesscia Biel and Halle Berry in the same year, that would be comparable.

    Then again, one might consider them "exotics". Who could blame you! :shades:

    How did my gun get out of it's holster?

    Pressing on.....

    DrFill
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    I still don't believe a greater car has been made, within reason, than the 1992 Lexus SC or 1993 Toyota Supra Turbo.

    Gosh, just my little 'ol 997-series Porsche 911 Carrera S seems to me to be "a greater car that has been made".

    The BMW 335i is a greater car, IMO.

    The new SL550 is a greater car, IMO.

    The Audi R8 may very well prove to be a greater car, IMO.

    Even the Honda S2000 is a greater car, IMO.

    Certainly, back to Porsche again, the Cayman S is a greater car.

    The Infiniti G37 coupe may even be a better car, IMO.

    Some might argue that the latest Corvette is a greater car.

    And... there are many others... even from Audi beyond the R8, but mentioning other Audis would get you mad, so I won't mention them. ;)

    Seriously, I know how much you have admired those two models, and I think they were really good in their time, but compared to some cars today, I believe the '93 Supra and '92 SC have passed any torch that they may have been holding.

    TagMan
  • drfilldrfill Member Posts: 2,484
    Most of those cars you selected are twice the price of my all-time favorites.

    Or are just average looking cars. Look like mere mortals, even! :blush:

    How dare you.....LOL! :mad:

    DrFill
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    I got to thinking about that 2005 LS 430 that is priced at $38,000. This particular car probably cost close to $60,000. when new. The dealer probably allowed him close to $30,000. when he traded it a couple of years later.

    Since the original owner only drove the car 19,000 miles it cost him $30,000. or almost $1.60 a mile in depreciation.

    We all gripe about $3.00 a gallon gasoline but if gasoline cost as much as depreciation, assuming about 21 mpg average in this case, gasoline would cost around $33.00 per gallon! Every time you bought a 20 gallon tank of gas it would be $660.!!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Every time you bought a 20 gallon tank of gas it would be $660.!!

    That's the scariest math I've ever heard!!! :surprise: I must have missed that class in school... good thing... or I'd be a nervous wreck.

    :D

    TagMan
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Most of those cars you selected are twice the price of my all-time favorites

    Your all-time favorites would probably be close to twice the price nowadays as well. :)

    TagMan
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