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  • bmlexusbmlexus Member Posts: 755
    I guess the coming up suv will either be a Lexus or a bmw.....

    IMO lexus and bmw SUVs are different I tried but I can't able to compare them

    X6 vs lexus? nope!

    X5 vs lexus perhaps some would say the LX570 but its so huge and very similar to the land cruiser. and the GX well no.

    X3 vs lexus maybe the RX well maybe not. IMO RX is better than X3 but not as good as the X5.
  • bmlexusbmlexus Member Posts: 755
    There is some speculation that Lexus might finally get into the small SUV market. Don't know if it would be some sort of fancy Rav 4 or a whole different vehicle. Should know for sure soon.

    I hope it will be a whole different vehicle.

    I would rather see lexus get serious in the mid size SUV with a new platform .
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    ... OK, so anyone have any thoughts onthe XLR.Looks wise, its drop dead beautifull.

    Have you not seen the XLR? It looks very dated and the interior is an '80s throwback. Wait for the new CTS coupe instead. Or if you must have a high dollar convertible, go with a 650i.
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    I made the trip to N C today, and inroute a new Merceds s63 pullon onto the big I..I got a good view of it from most angles , fron and back....A very nice black color and very clean, with a tan interior...The only thing I found objectionable were the extremely shiny chrome wheels...I would not think Mercedes had anything to do with those wheels, but it detracted from the overall look of the car imo....We must have driven along forty miles or so, overall a snappy preforming car...My newly repaired tire held up wonderfully... The truck drivers were very courteous this trip .Tony
  • bmlexusbmlexus Member Posts: 755
    According to its own research. Swedish automaker Volvo says that it is focused to reduce the world-wide crash total of 1.2 million deaths and 50 million injuries each year.

    Volvo has set a target to eliminate death and injury in its vehicles by 2020. Volvo is the only automaker to set a firm date to make such a move.

    link title
  • rockshocka1rockshocka1 Member Posts: 310
    I tried the contact us, but the form required selecting a subject. I could see a tree, but not any subjects to select. Guess it's just a limitation of Win mobile 5.0 IE? Finished interrupting this forum, sorry everyone.
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    You would say that... ;)

    And you're right, they do.

    It's incredibly annoying to look for car sales over the Internet (especially for certain brands), but last I read, Audi was #1 there. :)

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    And you do have to accept the fact that these sedans are more than what their objective numbers suggest. You can't only rate something best on its numbers; then, everything would probably be boring. What you feel what you drive the car factors into play; when we're talking about four sedans that have such similar performance in every respect, that's basically the only way to rate them.

    And, apparently, the IS-F is the one that stands out the least. Congratulations to Lexus for making an also-ran.

    I'm now quite into that C63, though. Seeing the commercials over and over piqued my interest.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    You're absolutely right, I do regret what I said about the S6, and I'm still going to have to drive one. It's really a beautiful sedan, and even my wife was turned on when she saw those LEDs storming down the road in the opposite direction.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    And that really may happen. Don't expect it to be much under $50K, though; less than the S5 but more than the 3.2. It will probably retain the current S4's $47K price, as the engine might be cheaper to produce.

    And, who cares how much power it has? As long as it gets from 0-60mph in under 5 sec (which it will!), does it matter? It will still be a very sweet engine regardless.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    ...A good dealership makes all the difference...

    I disagree. I don't tolerate a bad dealership, but I don't buy my car for when I take it to the dealer, either. It's a nice touch, but at the end of the day it doesn't make or break my deal.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • clemboclembo Member Posts: 253
    Since Tag is missing and we can't hear about his 135 that he got last month I thought I'd contribute with a review of the 335 that I picked up Monday.

    Likes - Power is extremely smooth and strong, I ordered the 6 speed stick which is a wonderful complement to this engine. I can't say enough about how much fun this car is to drive. The car handles terrific with the Sport package, the ride seems less harsh than I would have expected with 18" runflats - credit to BMW for a great suspension. The hardtop convertible feature works very well, the car is very quiet with the top up. The quality of the leather seats and the entire interior is better than older BMW's I've had but not near Audi/MB/Lexus standards yet.

    Dislikes - The I-Drive although improved is still not intuitive and confusing. Other companies just do this better. I would like to see a higher grade of some of the materials in the car, this car was expensive and should feel a bit more so.

    I still own a 2001 330 cab which I enjoy driving, the new 335 is better in almost every way. This offers a great combination of fun driving with a bit of luxury thrown in. It is hard to belive that a better car exists in this class.

    Now if we could get a little more sun and warmth here in Boston I can lower the top and zoom apound in the new toy all weekend. :shades:
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Congradulations on the new car....I always enjoyed driving just outside of Boston..Man those beautiful small towns, and lovely scenery...I guess what use to be called the North Shore--some of the most beautiful areas I`v ever seen....Watch out for chapped lips though :) Tony
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    Congratulations on the new 335i!

    The car handles terrific with the Sport package, the ride seems less harsh than I would have expected with 18" runflats - credit to BMW for a great suspension.

    Up to date (almost 3,000 miles in the odometer), I thoroughly agree with you in that the handling of a 335 with Sport Package and RFT is terrific.

    I also feel her riding is not as harsh and noisy as some owners report in other threads. Only when I ride on very rough asphalt the noise is uncomfortable (for instance, on provisionally blacktopped highway sections under reparation), which on the other hand is just normal.

    In brief, I find the 335 driving with Sport Package and RFT even less tiring on long trips than that of the 530 without Sport Package nor RFT. Additionally I hope the RFT may protect me from blow-up accidents such as that I had at the end of 2007.

    My 335d coupe came with Steptronic. No manual option was available either. As I am still used to manual gearing, from time to time I find myself moving the auto lever from 'D' to 'N' in order to try to manually shift down :mad: . Old habits never die, in particular because I alternatively use the Steptronic in the M mode to engine-breaking.

    Regards,
    Jose

    (PS to those skiers in the board: My wife was in the Slalom-G podium last week-end since she was the best Senior Female at the end of the Annual Ski-Resort Social Criterium. I cannot stand her superior pose by now since I ended third among senior males :sick: :P [any skier belonging to Racing Ski Clubs being classified apart, bien entendu].)
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Jose,

    I have over 36K miles on my '06 330xi with RFT. They chnaged out the BS EL42's at 12K because of bad rubber isssues with excessive wear and noise to Continental ContiPro contact SSR RFT's.

    But at 5K miles back in 2006, I had a zero-pressure experience that ended in a 100 mile trip and an unintended test of the RFT Bridgestone tire. I felt a slight waver at some turns at 65MPH but the tire held up perfectly.

    The Conti's are really good for an all around AW tire.

    Enjoy the ride!

    Regards,
    OW
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    Lexus vehicles generally are not meant to compete with BMW's directly, except for the IS and GS. If you wanted a sporty SUV, go with the latter or Infiniti or Acura.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Congratulations to Lexus for making an also-ran.

    Also congratulation to Audi for making the worst performing car out of this group but is the most expensive...

    BRAVO!!!

    ;)

    Slap a BMW badge on the IS F then its ranking would automatically jump 2 spots. I guarantee.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Don't expect it to be much under $50K

    That's Audi's problem right there... why do I want a $50k S4 since with $5k more I can get a M3 sedan? :confuse:

    IMO even starting at $45k is pushing it, at that price one can get into a fairly loaded 335i without much negotiation. If it's not for the fugly interior in the 3-series I really don't see of point of taking a peek at the S4.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    but at the end of the day it doesn't make or break my deal.

    Speaking like a true Audi fanboy...

    :P
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    Excellent counter points.

    Slap a BMW badge on the IS F then its ranking would automatically jump 2 spots. I guarantee.

    I guess those would be the missing subjective points :surprise: ;)
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    I'm now quite into that C63, though. Seeing the commercials over and over piqued my interest.

    All of the C-classes, 63 AMG included, still do nothing for me. The AMG interior is just as bad as the rest, and have you seen what the AMG handles like when you push it with the traction control off? It's still just a Benz muscle car, all power and no handling. Far better than the frankly crude AMG muscle cars of recent past, but its no Black Series, thats for sure. Watch the TG C63 v. RS4 v. M3 shootout:

    Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usQi1peqQOs
    Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5nzEax87lw
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    BWAHAAAAHAAAHAA!!!!! :):)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    LG, thanks for posting those videos. I laughed at some parts as they resembled some Japanese vs. German cars discussions here. It was also nice to see again a 1972 Lotus JPS on the track!

    Regards,
    Jose
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Hi Jose

    I read where they were tearing down peoples houses over there in Spain---the ones built without a permit....I think the government down in Florida keys are trying the same thing for apartments built under houses in the flood plain..

    Nice to read that you are enjoying the new car--skiing etc....Tony
  • bmlexusbmlexus Member Posts: 755
    Lexus vehicles generally are not meant to compete with BMW's directly, except for the IS and GS. If you wanted a sporty SUV, go with the latter or Infiniti or Acura.
    The LS is also a serious competitor to the 7 series.

    Acura and Infiniti are good vehicle but I just dont prefer it.

    Toyota expects to sell as many as 500,000 examples of the iQ and its upcoming baby SUV in 2009

    Baby SUV thats new news to me.

    Senior sources have revealed to Autocar that the Toyota iQ could form the basis for another, larger car

    Could be interesting.
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Oh, pish posh. That's just idiotic.

    Two years ago, when the RS4 came out, it was the benchmark. Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz used it as the yardstick that they had to pass. According to some, they did, according to others, they did not.

    Also, need I remind you that Edmunds.com compared the RS4 and IS-F directly, and the RS4 was a full half-second quicker? That's right, 4.3 vs. 4.8 sec in 0-60 times. It just proves that the performance of all these cars are close, and not every magazine will get consistent numbers. The RS4 is no more the "worst performing" car than the IS-F or M3. Edmunds also said it had far better steering and road feel than the IS-F.

    Price, I'll give you. I hope the next one is less expensive, although I will say that when comparably equipped, the M3 is similarly pricey.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    That's Audi's problem right there... why do I want a $50k S4 since with $5k more I can get a M3 sedan?

    The day somebody actually picks up a BMW M3 for $55,000, call me.

    Believe it or not, a 335xi can easily pass the $50K mark. You have to remember that Audi's "S" models are always brilliantly equipped. The Audi S5 is only about $500 more, fully-loaded, than its loaded 335xi counterpart. The M3 coupe, loaded, surpasses $70,000.

    S4 vs. M3 is the same argument as 335xi vs. M3. It's a very crowded market, with very competitive pricing. I think the B8 S4 will strike that perfect balance between performance, exclusivity, efficiency, luxury and price.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Believe it or not, I have the rare good Audi dealer. It's really the salesman--I've been working with him for six years, and he knows exactly how I do things. Very compliant and friendly, but never crosses the line between "business partner" and "friend," which I appreciate.

    I'm going to go out on a limb and say my Audi dealer is better than my wife's outgoing Lexus dealer, and so is her new BMW dealer. I'm sure that's rare, but it's true. The Lexus dealers we worked with were nothing special.

    However, I have to say that even if I didn't have a great Audi dealer, it wouldn't make much of a difference. I don't bring them in often enough in the first place.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • tx_buzzardtx_buzzard Member Posts: 130
    Since Tag is missing and we can't hear about his 135

    I hope Tag is OK! :confuse:
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,620
    I have it on fairly good authority that Tag has enjoyed this particular forum about all he can stand.

    Stay tuned.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    OW, thank you for the input.

    As I said, I am glad with the RFT ride up now. Since my tires are Bridgestone, my worry was (is) what it will be after rubber wear. The bad rubber issues your Bridgestone had, were brand/model related or particular to that set of tires?

    Regards,
    Jose
    PS: I know there is a forum devoted to 3-Series RFT which, by the way, I use to read consistently. But, in contrast to my RFT riding, the consensus in that forum is that RFT are 'unbearably' noisy and harsh. I really appreciate you experience-driven input.
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    Yeah, Tony, there is a number of private houses and tourist resorts which have been (and are) teared down because they were built with or without proper permits but always offending common-space-preservation regulations. Among them, an Antonio Banderas' villa and a Sean Connery's villa, both intruding into Marbella Beach line of sand. :shades: (It should be said that Mr Banderas was one of the most easy-dealing owners when the issue came out openly; Mr Connery was just at the opposite end, that is, prepotent and stiff.)

    Regards,
    Jose
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    I have it on fairly good authority that Tag has enjoyed this particular forum about all he can stand. Stay tuned.

    ;)

    Regards,
    Jose
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    I don't know whether Nissan is doing this intentionally, but the hype/marketing of the GT-R is brilliant, IMO, that would ensure every single GT-R is sold before reaching dealerships. Reviews after reviews, and company released info have shown that it is besting all production performance cars in the market for a very reasonable cost.
    Just by reading that the GT-R can be easily driven at a pace that makes 911 turbo/R8 feel unsettled, make me wish for my mid life crisis tomorrow ;) . I believe Nissan has put up a huge challenge for super car designers out there.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    I would have to agree with you on the GT-R. Quite a car. Nissan's star may be rising for the next few years. The pics I have seen of the new Maxima look a lot better. I never liked the current model but the new one looks great to me.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Please do not use Edmunds' comparo to diss the IS F because if you have read all Edmunds' articles about the IS F then you'll know that they just simply hate the car, in a personal way...

    Also, Edmunds is the only one that declared the IS F to be slower than the RS4. Again, that just shows you they just simple hate the car, in a personal way...

    Yes, all 4 cars are comparable in performance and it's hard to pick a less performer in this group. However, just going with R&T's non-subjective performance data, RS4 is simply outperformed by the others, including the IS F.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    The day somebody actually picks up a BMW M3 for $55,000, call me.

    I am pretty sure by 2010 (that's when the new S4 is coming out) I'll be able to pick up a M3 sedan at MSRP.

    Sure, a loaded 335xi can easily have a MSRP over $50k but with a little negotiation one can easily have a loaded 335i for around $45k. For people who have no need of AWD (like me) that's a much better option than the S4 IMO.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Jose,

    I will be returning this 330xi in December so I deceided to get new Continental RFT's now since the old tires with 23K on them would not make the recommended tread depth requirement at turn-in. The new tires are terrific and the car is like new again. The BS EL42 tires made before July 2006 were a bad rubber compound which ere prone to wear problems and high noise. I complained in 2006 with 12K miles on the tires and my dealer changed for free!

    The new ones are whisper quiet! The grip is excellent. Wear-in takes about 500 miles so I will let you know after they break in if anything changes.

    Regards,
    OW
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    April sales at Lexus brings interesting questions on the Japan Luxury marques:

    The Lexus luxury division continues to provide the biggest drag on Toyota’s results, prompting some analysts to wonder if the woes of Lexus go beyond the economic woes of American consumers these days.

    “Lexus results are starting to look like Acura’s” in the sense of suggesting a long-term decline, said Caldwell. Honda’s luxury division has been facing sales woes for some time. Last month was the worst April for Lexus sales since 2003, she noted. “The only model to show any sort of increase was LX – but it only sold 799 units.”


    Regards,
    OW
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    2008 is going to be a tough year for Lexus and the problem of that is the aging lineup. Helps are coming from 2009 and on though so the future still looks bright.

    2009:

    All new RX
    IS coupe
    Dedicated hybrid

    2010:

    1-series fighter / subcompact CUV (?)
    LF-A (?)

    2011:

    All new GS (?)

    2012:

    All new IS (?)

    If BMW wants the sales crown, 2008 is the year to do it. With the all new RX and the dedicated hybrid coming in 2009 Lexus would be unstoppable next year.
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    The only model to show any sort of increase was LX – but it only sold 799 units.”

    I bet Toyota is not feeling too good about the whole Land Cruiser / LX release coming along with the Sequioa release just as gas continues its steep climb.

    I would have thought that of the three gas-guzzlers, the LX would be the most immune to gas prices simply because if you're buying an LX you probably could care less how much you spend.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    I could come up with a variety of reasons why Lexus sales are down but here is what I really think. Currently Lexus does not have any new cars that I am that interested in.

    The LS has always been their big gun and personally, I think they messed up big time starting with the 2007 model. I much prefer the previous model, heck I even like the model before that more than the current model.

    I have been patiently waiting for it to grow on me but it is just not happening. It just looks too much like the ES to me. Very generic, boring, and entry level looking.

    I think they are taking their original client base for granted and trying to attract others to the brand. While the new ones are coming thru the front door many of their one time loyal customers are going out the back.

    Come on Lexus, you can do better than this.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    Don't you guys think this is economy based?

    It's harder to get excited about a major depreciating asset when the economy slows and gas is so expensive.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    That has a lot to do with it I am sure. I am just speaking for myself in that last post.

    I would love to see Lexus come out with a really premium sedan about the size of the 5 series. Something revolutionary like the original LS only smaller. Simple, elegant and affordable.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    I am confident that the next GS is going to be a real 5-series fighter unlike the current gen. Given that the next ES will be moving to its own platform (no longer sharing with the Camry) Lexus can finally be more aggressively with the GS. Both the ES and GS will be midsize RWD (also AWD for GS) sedans for Lexus but ES will continue to the be cruiser with softer suspension while GS will go hardcore and compete head to head with the 5-series.

    As for the LS, I actually like the current generation much more than the previous one. I think although the design is simple (that's the whole point about the L-finesse) it looks much more elegant and upscale than its predecessor. I really don't think LS is a problem for Lexus but the GS is. A big one as matter of fact...
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    I have seen unlimited MBs with 1burned tail light...

    I'm way late to the game on this one, but you have to realize that Mercedes (and most European vehicles) have rear foglights. What you may be believing to be a burned out taillight is probably just the rear foglight on, which is much brighter than the normal taillight. That gives the illusion that one of the taillights is "burned out" or malfunctioning.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Perhaps Jaguar will stel some thunder from Lexus as well in the sedan segment. I saw the new XF last week on the road and it's a beauty.

    Regards,
    OW
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Interesting but both front and rear taillights emit the bright/dull phenomenon which I see on many late models. Very strange but there has to be a current issue going on somewhere in the wiring or lights themselves.

    If , indeed, it is an internal fog light, then one is brighter than the other!

    Regards,
    OW
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    I like the XF's looks. I don't know how it drives but if it drives well and if it was made by Lexus, I would be all over it!! :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    As for the LS, I actually like the current generation much more than the previous one.

    I am sure I am in the minority here. I just like the more up right seating and the more open feeling in the old model. Plus I have never been a fan of heavily raked windshields.

    That said, I am still a Lexus guy!! ;)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

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