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Comments
TM
If the two were any closer, I think there would be phone calls from Acura's lawyers.
Here's the Consumer Report scores for all luxury manufactures (I personally am not a big fan of CR but just to make the arguments fair I'll use their scores as well):
IS: 84
ES: 91
GS: 75
LS: 99
Lexus sedans average: 87.25
3-series: 79
5-series: 78
7-series: 70
BMW sedans average: 75.67
C-class: 73
E-class: 89
S-class: 86
MB sedans average: 82.67
A4: 77
A6: 83
A8: 77
Audi sedans average: 79
G: 92
M: 97
Infiniti sedans average: 94.5
TSX: 77
TL: 90
RL: 76
Acura sedans average: 81
I think I'll just the the numbers speak for themselves.
This is just for sedans, if I have time I'll try to do one for SUVs as well.
So you're saying that you agree with CR that the Acura TL is a better car than the BMW 3 series?
Like Houdini said: fair and balance.
And to answer your question, if one is looking for a daily commuter car that's roomy, comfortable, good value, and has a lot of gadgets then the TL is definitely a better car than the 3-series. It's all about what do the buyers want. No everyone is looking for an "ultimate driving machine", because if that's the case then BMW will just dominate the world.
No?
Speaking of Honda, has anyone actually driven the new Accord V6 with variable cylinder whatever? I am curious about whether or not it is seamless and if it idles like a normal V6 since supposedly it idles on only 3 cylinders.
Anyone here with first hand experience?
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
'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...)
Well, the CR reliability ratings and what they actually think of the car (the score) are two totally different sets of figures. They've always really liked like the E class, and have given it consistently very high scores, but then they don't recommend it because of reliability issues. Taking the score of just the GS, which is the car we're talking about here rather than some kind of manufacturer average, it doesn't do well there either. It scores near the bottom of its class, in addition to being less reliable than an Audi A6 or BMW 5 series.
I can't think of any way that Lexus could possibly bungle the 3rd gen GS worse than they have.
Instead of trying to keep the focus on the GS and constantly beating the dead horse I posted something different. I guess by saying that the GS is less reliable than the rest and scored lower so it couldn't be any worse is like saying the 7-series couldn't be any worse either.
Funny, isn't it?
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
The 460 and 460L are very good cars. The only problem is I've been driving an LS for more than 10 years, and I'm getting a little bored with the formula.
source WSJ
BMW does well, but I guess MB must be more middle-of-the-pack. I'm surprised Audi does well....their reputation seems to be for poor resale.
Well, its a brand average. Big Audis like the A8 at least traditionally haven't held value very well, I'm not sure about the '04+. Cars like the S4 though hold value very well. Its the same with Acura, its the little cars that hold it up. The RL drops value like a Jag.
Yet this "donkey cart" according to the article:
"Not only is it £20,000 cheaper it’s [ Audi A8L 4.2 V8 TDI ]also better designed from superior materials, just as fast and around 10mpg more efficient.
Read the bold print! Also, this is not even the top of the line A8L - that is the W12 - the "Uber Donkey Cart" by whom the LS600hL got spanked by as well in previous comparisions.
The point of the comparison is that since Lexus claims what a "green, uber-hybrid, savior of mankind" this LS600hL is to the world, it is actually a hypocrite in terms of its so-called "Green" creditentials. It fails miserably against one of the best diesel powerplants around - the 4.2 V8 TDI. Toyota marketing for gullible Americans at its best!
Marketing yes, they need to equal that of their global strategy. The A6 is one the best in this class period! Last time I checked Audi was a very rich company flush with not only cash and profit, but substantial growth on all levels including the US. Those of you living in some fantasy past regarding Audi need to not underestimate Audi's determination and intelligence. They have been around for over 100 years so they know what they are doing. Lexus isn't any better than Audi in marketing and globally they are actually inferior to Audi simple as that. I do not know where you live, but in my area, Audi is growing 22 plus percent monthly.
Audi has been arrogant regarding the US market for a very long time, but that culture is changing slowly, but surely. Their focus is evident! Their brand of marketing is unique. Very European. They do not brag how prestigous they are or how above everyone else they think they are like certain premium carmakers. They are not that type of luxury brand and never will be. Audi is about substance. They need to learn to brag about themselves a bit more - Americans love that. They want to be told its prestigous rather than basing it off merit. In my area, Audi has substantial cache and prestige. So, again back to marketing.
Like I mentioned above, in my region of the country, Audi sales are averaging 22% increases per month so far with many models impossible to get right now.
Luxury cars also handle well.
Aston Martin DB9. BMW M5. Porsche 911 Turbo. Audi R8. Mercedes-Benz S550. Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. Bugatti Veyron. Jaguar XK. Maserati Quattroporte.
All of the cars mentioned above are unquestionably high-end luxury cars. But they are also truly excellent handlers and stand out in their classes for their performance.
A true luxury car does everything well... don't let the "luxury" part deceive you.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
Ah, I've known this was incorrect for quite some time. I have also kept the well-hidden secret that Audi has better resale than Mercedes. My particular car isn't going to sell for much, and to be honest, I don't buy my car for its resale value. I buy it if I want it, if I have an emotional attachment to it and/or can't stop thinking about it and building it online. That sounds obsessive... but you all know that you do it, too!
Again, back on resale. That's not terribly surprising, though I did not expect them to make the top ten, nor did I think VW would be #1.
I really want VW to step it up in the US market. Sooner than you think, Audi will surpass them in US sales. But how? Thoughts?
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
Diesel.
VW should be the anti-Prius company. They should focus all (or most) of their US efforts on introducing, marketing and selling brilliant diesel models here. That would give them what they need, I can guarantee it. It would be their own piece of the market, and their cars would be fun and exceedingly frugal. Why not?
The Tiguan and Jetta TDI models are going to kick things off for 2008.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
BTW, there will be a delay to part of VW's diesel release. At this point, the diesel Jetta has been moved back to the end of July, at the very earliest, but the rest should come late Spring.
As we have been saying here for some time now, and as JD Power's survey also indicated, the diesels are going to sell very well.
TagMan
Purves, with the new M3 sedan and coupe in the background, ended the presentation by revealing that the concept BMW CS will be built. And it will slate into the family tree just above the 7 Series.
Wow, 128i starting at $30K and 135i at $36K is a little steep IMO. I was thinking something like 128i at $28K and 135I at 34K. Given that the 335i coupe starts at $39K, BMW must have a lot of confidence with the 135i. Knowing BMW, there is little doubt that the $36K 135i is going to be a stripper so I wouldn't be surprised that most the 135i sold will be more than $40K and 128i around the $35K range. :sick:
Good thing is that the CS will make it to productions though. Definitely one of the best designs in recent year in the auto industry.
Source: 2007 LA Auto Show: 2008 BMW 1 Series
Luxury manufactures ranking:
Lexus - 1
Jaguar - 3
MB - 4
BMW - 12
Acura - 17
Audi - 18
Infiniti - 21
Source: JD Power
Credit to Lexus once again!!... VERY passionate and loyal owners, as even witnessed on this forum!
My biggest overall (non-luxury) surprise?..... the position of HONDA! :surprise:
My second biggest (non-luxury) surprise?..... Hummer. :confuse:
TagMan
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
That means that diesel has to reach $3.60 compared to gas at $3.00 for its inherent higher energy content to be nullified.
TM
The answer is yes. The 3.5 mill uses hydraulic engine mounts that completely isolate the engine from the cabin and from there it is located in subframe for further isolation.
As to whether or not you can tell, you can't. The engine-control and transmission software that is used in the Accord and Odyssey is calibrated in a way to provide seamless shifts from 6-4-3.
Little known fact. IBM partnered with Honda(VCM), Chrysler(MDS), and GM(AFM) to construct the computer modules for their respective automobiles.
I came away very impressed with my day-long test ride. The V-6 is very strong and astute throughout the typical Honda rev range. And the dynamics of the Accord has upped the ante once again. I thought the '08 Altima SE was sweet. That was until the '08 Accord EX-V6 hit the scene.
- Steering too light
- Hate the CVT
Otherwise, it's a pretty good midsizer and a formidable Camcord fighter.
'08 Accord is now high on my test drive list.
Really? At least the local Honda dealer around here is pretty mediocre. Same with Toyota, so I'm not really surprised at all. The dealers don't have to try (and they don't), because the cars basically sell themselves.
MSRP: $44,250
Residual Value After Five Years: 47 percent*
007 Lexus GS 450h
MSRP: $54,900
Residual Value After Five Years: 47 percent*
2007 Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG
MSRP: $107,500
Residual Value After Five Years: 47 percent*
2007 Acura MDX AWD
MSRP: $39,995
Residual Value After Five Years: 46 percent*
2007 BMW 650i Convertible
MSRP: $81,700
Residual Value After Five Years: 46 percent*
007 Infiniti M45
MSRP: $49,100
Residual Value After Five Years: 46 percent*
2007 Lexus IS 350
MSRP: $35,705
Residual Value After Five Years: 46 percent*
2007 Toyota Avalon XLS
MSRP: $31,325
Residual Value After Five Years: 46 percent*
2007 BMW Alpina B7
MSRP: $115,000
Residual Value After Five Years: 44 percent*
2007 Honda Accord Hybrid
MSRP: $31,090
Residual Value After Five Years: 44 percent*
Source: Forbes
1. Cadillac XLR/XLR-V
Total Potential Savings = $12,592 - $18,708
MSRP: $78,335 - $97,460
Consumer Rebate: $7,500
2. Land Rover Range Rover HSE
Total Potential Savings = $11,888
MSRP: $76,535
Dealer Incentive: $5,000
3. BMW Z4 Coupe/M Coupe, Roadster
Total Potential Savings = $10,550 - $11,490
MSRP: $40,400 - $52,100
Dealer Incentive: $7,500
The full list can be found here
But those cars sell themselves, anyway.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
Don't pussyfoot with them. Get yourself a good attorney! This is a legal matter possibly involving fraud and other serious legal violations, depending upon the circumstances by which you acquired the vehicle.
TagMan
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Obviously the cylinder management system would not be an issue but the accord diesel is the one I really want to try.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
The 'real' 01/90 is a collectors items, but the model that maserati attempted to pass off as 01/90 is now a collector's item also.
The most valuable stamp in the world is one which the printers made an error on.
It sounds like you may be a victim of fraud, at the very minimum, and someone else is the guilty party. An attorney can best get your problem resolved, and from the nature of your description of the situation, you could easily deserve a significant compensation for what they did to you.
That is absolutely horrible. :mad:
I question that your car would have an increased value due to the error on the plaque, however, even if Bristol2's idea is true, you would need to authenticate and verify that. When it all boils down to it...you need to GET AN ATTORNEY!!
TagMan
This would have to be a huge embarrassment for Maserati and I do not think they would want any publicity at all.
One more suggestion. There is a forum here called, "Stories from the Sales Front lines" and I would suggest that you post your message there and ask for opinions. There are some extremely knowledgeable dealer folks there who will gladly give you some feedback. Good luck and keep us posted.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Yes, I definetely agree that the steering needs a boost in feel at all speeds. At highway speeds, it's really light. At least on the SE, due most in part to it's agressive 17" tires, the road feel is better.
As to the CVT, I was one of the leaders of opposition against any CVT. That was until I drove the v2 X-Tronic Nissan unit. Especially in the Altima, with it's lower weight and overall sporting nature over the Maxima, the CVT is a definite good match with the 3.5 VQ as it keeps this engine in the sweet spots of the rev range. And it's delivery is spot on. Now it won't scare off a DSG or the 8 speed autobox in the IS-F, but it is a great match for the 5 speed Honda and 6 speed Toyota.
My beefs are with the overall build quality. Nissan is insistant on uses hollow materials in just about everything they build, with the exception of the '08 Rogue(sweet little 'ute). It lets in more road noise and the doors still close with that traditional "ting" instead of the Honda and Toyota and now GM "thunk".
Other than that, it is a formidable player in this ever-crowded field.
That was the leading reason why I did not go with the '08 this time when it came time for me to replace the '06. But I will be watching though.
First off, Maserati as a company has to certify which car is the real deal. Since you've already said that they've told the other guy that his is the real thing, that brings me to prob 2. Either Maser dropped the ball drastically or the dealer switched out or fabricated the plaque themselves.
As a long time attorney and judge, I've heard and handled thousands of fake antique, collectors, and "one of a kind" cases. In almost all of them, fraud has been the outcome. And that brings me back to the dealer. Did they produce any documentation from Maserati of NA or Italy stating that this car was indeed 01 of 90? How many miles were on the car? Does this dealership have any pending or outstanding complaints against them with the San Fran BBB? Does this dealer usually handle collector's and "one-of's" cars?
I ask this because I buy all of my Corvettes from only one dealer in Connecticut. The reason for that is because the dealer is one or 6 in the nation that is authorized to sell specialty and one of a kind Corvettes, HUMMER's, and Cadillacs. These things are very important to you and your counsel should you feel to seek any. And by all means, the Maserati isn't exactly like buying that 15k Toyota Corolla. You don't have 100k just sitting around to throw away on a illegitimate vehicle. Please seek a licensed attorney with a background in handling fraudulent antique or collector's item cases. Being in San Fran, they should be plentiful
They are claiming only 3ppm. Folks, that's next to nothing coming out of that tailpipe. Very impressive if it all holds up.
I'm much more interested in Nissan's own DSG, the one in the GT-R. It's strange that VW/Audi still don't seem to be able to get their DSG box to handle more than 250hp or so, and yet Mitsubishi's new one can do 300+, and Nissan's can probably handle just about anything. A DSG would make the M45 just about perfect.
Faster too! With 325hp, it takes the M45 6 seconds to reach 60mph. And while that number is enough for any of living in the urban jungle, it's now behind the tide in pace.
With a DSG-type tranny in place, and factoring in the VQ-based rev-happy nature of the 4.5L Infiniti V8, it could easily knock as much as a second off of the times of this car. And we already know what it's dynamically capable of.
Audi/VW is said to be working on the next S-Tronic box to be used in '09 m/y S4/RS4 and S5/RS5 to handle even more power from those cars. Word is that Audi will cross the 500hp mark with the new R cars to do battle with Benz, BMW, and yes, Cadillac. The new DSG is will reportedly shift in as little as 80mls, depending on which mode it is in.
This new transmission is also supposed to do battle in the VW Passat "CLS", doing away with it's 6-speed autobox. Audi/VW has been able to get costs of this dual-clutch box under control, thus enabling more models (and more power) to use it.
Does that include the R8? Lambo's E-gear was never exactly the best SMG out there. The R8 with DSG on the other hand would be absolutely stellar.