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Comments
Sorry, Mr Crusoe. That is simply not the case.
And, the Prowler is a freak... a clown car. Another terrible concept that turned into a Frankenstein.
TM
Good post. Your points are well made, and some of it was clearly in fun. It would be a real shame if it were taken wrong, when it was obviously meant to be humorous.
Let's face it, there will always be those that think Enron and BMW are the same thing, and that for some unknown reason, BMW is an evil and horribly irresponsible company that does not care about anyone, and has wreckless financials.
To me it's quite obvious that BMW is a terrible company because they are just too damned successful and they provide terrific cars that people love. Now If THAT isn't a problem, then what the heck IS?
And... what's with that darned 3-Series having been considered the benchmark for sooooooo many years... and always top-rated. That's just another thing to hate about BMW.
TM
Hey, Mr Shill, Mr I-have--a-brand-new-911-Convertible-but-I-love-the-VW-breadbox-driving-fun-so-mu- - ch , how's that advertising gig doing for your integrity? I'm joking, of course. BTW, I'm not from RI.
BTW, Enron was one of the most admired companies in the US. It was the 7th largest company in Fortune500, and one of the fastest growing ones. Kenneth Lay was on the cover of Businessweek, and Andrew Fastow was on the cover of CFO magazine . . . not as criminals, but as heros. Apparently, in the advertising/publishing industry, flying pigs that can do no wrong are not uncommon.
Also, the last production Prowler auctioned off in 2002 for $175,000. I was looking for my jaw on the floor after seeing that number.
Wow, talk about more money than brains. That's even worse I think than the idiots plunking down insane money at the B-J circus for a Hemi 'Cuda that was lousy when it was new.
I'll grant that a used Prowler would turn more heads than pretty much anything else you could buy for $30K, but I still don't think it's money well spent. I'd put the money into something like an '05 Boxster instead. I'd much rather be ignored in a great car than gawked at in a terrible one.
Bingo!
Once in a while some true words of wisdom are posted here. Thanks, LG.
(Of course, being gawked at in a great car aint so bad... LOL... like maybe an R8, just for one example.)
TM
Well, Grasshopper, I didn't say you were. I believe it was Dewey. So, clarify your location.
I might be mixed up here, and it's getting late, but wasn't it you that had found an unusual property, but it had a long driveway... and you bought yourself a serious snowblower in order to get your Saab out in the winter?
So... not only do you need to clarify your current location, but you might also fill us in on what you are driving these days.
TM
Absolutely. Or a Maserati GT.
http://www.acura.com/index.aspx?initPath=FutureVehicles
Yup!
The car looks confused. It has the edgy design like the current TL for the front end but somehow that was mated to a GS-like soft roof line (especially at where it is connected to the trunk). Not liking the 2-fog setup either, in my opinion that makes the front end looks too busy. Also, the chrome trim around the window frame is way too thick, which totally takes away the car's already lacking sporty stance.
I am not going to put my final judgment before actually seeing and driving the car but this one definitely did not get me excited like how the current TL did when it was debut.
Exactly! It's about the drive not the status. The car is phenomenal. Whenyou are the best, you fight harder or fall. I do not see any hint of falling yet. Let me know if I missed anything.
I smile every time I drive...could care less if anyone else does. (feel sorry for those accord/civic/corolla people who smile only at the gas pump).
Regards,
OW
Oh, I know...the TITANIC!
Numbers are what you want them to be. Cars need to be experienced to see what you get for a certain price.
After years of junk, BMW was a very good experience. I don't knock Merc, Audi or Lexus. Just US junk boxes. You don't want to start posting financial history of these Giants, now do you?
Competition will keep BMW in line. The competitors are doing much better lately, I have to say. The G35 I drove in 2006 is a way different animal in 2008. And the first Genesis I spied yesterday at our local dealer here in central NJ was an omen. The car looks great against the backdrop of other lower Hyundai's and used metal.
Regards,
OW
The 3er is getting softer with each generation, I don't consider that as "falling" since it still performs superbly.
I don't think the 3er is "falling", it is just that the competitors are getting better so it really doesn't stand out that much anymore compare to say, 10 years ago.
Let's see who were 3er's competitors back in 1998:
Audi A4 (the closest one in my opinion)
MB C-class (yeah right...)
Saab 9-3 (what's that again?)
Now fast forward to year 2008:
Acura TL (arguably the best FWD car up to date)
Audi A4 (still a formidable and worthy challenger, although getting fatter with each iteration)
Infiniti G35 (need I say more?)
Lexus IS350 (this car is one pedal and couple more inches for rear seat away from being perfect)
MB C-class (getting better with each iteration)
Regards,
OW
I agree. Not just in line, but in some cases at the head of the line.
Regarding the G... it's a good model for Infiniti. The last auto show was the day I finally cemented my respect for Infiniti. I'm not sure that I'm a buyer of one yet, but I was so impressed with their interiors and the obvious value.
TM
Saab? :surprise:
Disagree on that one.
I don't think many Saab buyers looked at 3ers. They cross-shopped Volvos.
And, I highly doubt that all that many 3-Series buyers went running over to the Saab dealer to check out a Saab.
No... that just doesn't add up.
I do, however, agree with you that the 3er's competition has grown.
TM
I guess you missed the whole point of why I put Saab in there for 1998...
Mr. Carnival Barker, where is "Grasshopper" from? I know it was Dewey who came up with the "Mr Crusoe" moniker by assuming that somehow I lived in RI; since you insisted on using such an insulting term even after I made it clear that I was offended, it became necessary to let you and Dewy know that I do not live on an island. Frankly, I have no idea why you and Dewey have a such a penchant for bashing people personally. If not for the bashing you guys dished out at Block Island Guy, I wouldn't have signed in at all. If you want to insult people, at least be able to back it up with superior knowledge or analytical skills, not the kind of fluff marketting nonsense that you have been throwing around. When you are lacking in facts or analytical argument, insulting people doesn't make your argument any stronger.
"So... not only do you need to clarify your current location, but you might also fill us in on what you are driving these days. "
I never lived in RI . . . nor was that property that I thought of acquiring last year in RI. I decided to pass on the property, not wanting to catch a falling knife. . . turned out to be a wise move. It eventually went for $1.05mil despite a tax base of over $1.5mil and initial asking price of $2.3mil; I had been thinking of offering $1.1-1.2mil. What do I drive nowadays? (joke mode on) Well, I have a Porsche 911 turbo convertible and a Maybach 67, but I'm waiting for my check from VW or BMW to decide which of their entry level car to "drive" then I can proclaim it to be more fun or chushier ride than the 911 and Maybach. (joke mode off)
Welcome back, brightoness. I guess you remain in the land of Hillary's alma mater...
I don't mean to be the UN here, but (at least I'm hoping) that Dewey, Tag et al didn't mean to insult or personally attack. They may just be using a bit of artistic license in their posting that isn't working for you, e.g. the "Grasshopper" reference I believe comes from the old "Kung Fu" TV series. Not really an insult, more of a term of endearment...
Maybe everone just moves on from analyzing the financials (kind of a dull, depressing topic especially as I watch my portfolio glow ever brighter red daily...
'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...)
I have no idea how Dewey's post might have offended you. And, I won't take responsibility for any other's posts, and I will be sure to never follow up with his "Crusoe" portrayal in any way again, since it seems to offend you.
Goodness... "Grasshopper" is from the TV series "Kung Fu". Grasshopper was learning wisdom and martial arts from his Master. I suppose you'd have had to see it to understand, but the term "Grasshopper" has evolved over the years to be sort of iconic.
Frankly, I have no idea why you and Dewey have a such a penchant for bashing people personally. If not for the bashing you guys dished out at Block Island Guy, I wouldn't have signed in at all. If you want to insult people, at least be able to back it up with superior knowledge or analytical skills, not the kind of fluff marketting nonsense that you have been throwing around. When you are lacking in facts or analytical argument, insulting people doesn't make your argument any stronger.
Let me make this clear to you. I have NO interest in offending you, blckislandguy, or anyone here. I have always liked blckislandguy's posts, even though I haven't agreed with all of them, and I have told him just that. I have nothing to gain from insulting ANYONE, including you. I have no bad feelings about you or anyone else here, and I have no posts here that are attacking anyone personally. I do believe that you tend to stir things up, and I don't know why. For example...
For a person as smart as you are, and as easily offended as you are, it escapes me as why you throw grenades... such as the three that you just threw (I have quoted with bold type above) suggesting that I "want to insult people", and that I've been "throwing around fluff marketing nonsense", and "lacking facts". Those are indeed insults that you are making, yet you claim you are being insulted. So... gimmee a break here.
Briteone, I can NOT engage in personal types of insults here. I have made that mistake in the past and will not do so again. It is a violation of the membership agreement, and I will not be baited to get into any personal attacks and risk losing my membership to this forum.
Let's just make every effort to keep things about the cars and not about any "attacks".
Laurasdada has make a great post. Let's follow his guidance.
OK?
TM
Discuss.
'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...)
So... they will cancel the model entirely? Or stay with the current loser?
TM
1. Since the SC is a GS-based coupe/convertible, the current GS really isn't a worthy candidate to be based on.
2. The IS250/350/F coupe/convertible will fill that gap to a degree and provide coupe/convertible-buying Lexus customers a decent choice.
3. The LF-A will be Lexus' new halo 2-seater.
4. To spare us all from looking at such an ugly car...
Hopefully Lexus will make the next GS a much better competitor in the segment and revive the SC based on that. I can see that happening but crossing my fingers...
Here's the link by the way: IL Insider: Toyota Cancels Next-Generation Lexus SC
However, the SC never was a halo car, and that entire niche will be abandoned.
YES... An IS in convertible guise would be a good move for Lexus, IMO.
TM
Acura's new TL just doesn't seem to have ANY flowing lines... the look is sooooo edgy, I just don't care for it. I don't mind some sharp edges on a vehicle, but there seems to be no balance to the appearance of the new TL.
I'd have to see it in person, of course, but based upon that pic, I can't imagine liking it.
TM
TM
Looking third world.
TM
Yes, in short, unfortunately, just as self-inflicted wounds like high taxation and regulations had brought them down and kept them low for so long. I was quite surprised to find the other day that Russia just became the largest car market in Europe . . . guess the Russians are going to buy up asphalt and bitumen supply ahead of some of our soon-to-be bankrupt municipalities or even states. I'm tempted to get a second SUV for the family instead of a car-for-car replacement; I drive only 5-7k miles a year. On the other hand, the rapidly emptying roads are making sporty driving possible again . . . it's a tough call :-) I was shocked to see myself driving long stretches of roads alone over the weekend, a beautiful summer New England weekend. Where did the joyriders go? LOL.
From my experience, only practiacl in snow country if you buy snow tires.
As an avid skier and life-long New Englander, been driving FWD w/o issue for years. Until the TL. Surprisingly poor in the snow, finally in fear of my safety mounted Dunlop WinterSports on dedicated alloys last winter. Of course, that was after most of the snow had fallen!!! Better, but looking forward to driving in some real snow this coming winter.
'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...)
I've been awaiting the IS HT 'vert.... Like the 3, four seats, style, some practicality (hopefully), some fun. Maybe on the list. I've heard of a G37 HT 'vert in the works, too. The more, the merrier!
When the SC430 first arrived, I loved the interior with the saddle leather and dark wood (detested the light colored wood. Oh, yeah. Still do...). The exterior? Not so much. Looks OK from the front and back, but in profile it certainly appears function over form (bulbous and oddly proportioned come to mind). Yet, I think in that article it was referred to as "beautiful." In the eye, always in the eye...
'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...)
As an avid skier and life-long New Englander, been driving FWD w/o issue for years . . ."
Those 17" low profile tires definitely reduce snow-ability. That's why, looking at that picture, I couldn't help wondering if those, what looks like at least 18" wheels, would be practical . . . and what's the smallest snow rims that would clear the brake assembly.
I had Dunlop snow tires on one of my previous cars, a RWD 5 series. With 16" dedicated snow rims, the car was reasonably safe to drive in Boston area, until I moved into the hills in central MA (the prior relocation before the last one). In those unplowed hills, I developed an appreciation for AWD CrossOver/SUV's. LOL.
Regards,
OW
I was like... !@#%@#$^!#$%!@#%^@#$
Go figure...from Venus, I guess!
Regards,
OW
Same goes with women and RX350.
Maybe the Lexus designers have finally done the impossible...
The have figured women out!!
:surprise:
Ha! True. Maybe a single guy would be better off to drive an RX350 and get noticed by the women... but, then again, those SUV women are mostly all married with kids.
Well... speaking of women and cars... I have to share this, because it's just too strange.
I am now convinced after just a few weeks with my new 135i convertible that all it takes to get them staring is a BMW 'vert with the top down and a decent pair of sunglasses. Young girls, housewives, it seems to know no boundaries. Quite honestly, no car I have ever owned has gotten this level of attention from the gals, except maybe when I had my Ferrari 328GTS. I never expected this. And admittedly, it's a little freaky and weird, especially at my age, to have girls making moves on me just because I'm in the driver's seat of this car.
Anyone here single? I have your prescription.
BTW, laurasdada... the Zaino is awesome. As you said. I used Z5 and then Z6, but I was wondering if Z2 is a better choice than Z5 for Titanium Silver Metallic. What do you know about this?
TM
link title
It's a buyers market, no?
Regards,
OW
By the way, I just drove home in my 335 cab, I opened up the car on a nice windy road and the engine just pulls through the mid range unlike any other car including another 300hp 6-cyl car I have. I'm sure that your car is a bit lighter than mine and it must be sweet.
No insult was intended to anyone.
I love the idea about discussing cars themselves. What a refreshing idea indeed.
OK that's it you have persuaded me.
I am trading in my BMW 335i for a BMW 135i convertible tomorrow at 9:00AM punctual not a minute later.
Though the 135i may end up being a big risk in terms of expensive litigation, alimony and all those other hefty monthly expenses related to seperation.
OK forget it. I will stick with my BMW335i.
Stockmarkets are keeping me away from participating more in this wonderful forum. Looking forward to another bull market so I can become a permanent fixture again here..
I'll switch from the Z5 to the Z2 next time I re-order.
By the way, I just drove home in my 335 cab, I opened up the car on a nice windy road and the engine just pulls through the mid range unlike any other car including another 300hp 6-cyl car I have. I'm sure that your car is a bit lighter than mine and it must be sweet.
There's only one car I like nearly as much as my 135i convertible, and that's your 335i convertible! Yeah... they are sweet cars indeed. Crazy, maybe, but I actually like the 135i more than my Porsche. Which means I can sell the 911 and have more than enough dough to get that CR-Z hybrid... which will be here next summer, and if I like it, I am promised to get the very first one!
TM
Though the 135i may end up being a big risk in terms of expensive litigation, alimony and all those other hefty monthly expenses related to seperation.
OK forget it. I will stick with my BMW335i.
Smart move... Funny thing is, all those gals don't matter to me. I love my wife and kids. And if she ever were to kick me out (not just threaten it monthly... hahaha)... then I guess I'll be glad I've got a 135i to help me recover... LOL.
Stockmarkets are keeping me away from participating more in this wonderful forum. Looking forward to another bull market so I can become a permanent fixture here again.
Do your best to post when you can. I'm counting on it.
TM
Diana T. Kurylko
Automotive News
July 14, 2008 - 12:01 am ET
Volkswagen dealers say the high price of diesel fuel isn't stopping a rush of buyers eager to snatch up the first batch of Jetta TDI cars.
The TDI models — with new diesels that meet emissions standards in all 50 states — don't go on sale until late August. But many dealers say they already have enough orders to eat up their 2008 allocation of the new Jetta sedan and Sportwagen TDI.
With diesel approaching $5 a gallon in some states, what's the appeal? Dealers say it's the improved fuel economy and high reliability of the diesel engine — plus the kind of performance you can't get from a hybrid or fuel-efficient small car.
"People are becoming aware of what constitutes a true economy vehicle," says Richard Fisher, owner of Auto Barn VW, which has three Chicago area VW stores. "They don't just want economy but a car that drives well and handles well and has good performance."
Volkswagen of America plans to sell 15,000 TDI Jettas this year. Next year, the TDI could account for up to 30 percent of Jetta sales, says VWoA spokesman Steve Keyes. That would take volume above 30,000 units.
Diesel vs. gasoline
How EPA's mpg ratings for VW Jetta diesel, gasoline sedans compare
City Highway
2008 Jetta gasoline 21 29
2009 Jetta TDI diesel 29 40
Source: VW
The price is right
Dealers say buyers also are rushing in to place orders because the Jettas were priced right. The diesel sedan starts at $22,640 including shipping and the station wagon at $24,240 — a premium of about $2,000 over a similarly equipped model with a gasoline engine.
They will be the first VWs with standard electronic stability control, now a $450 option, and free scheduled maintenance. Both are being phased in through VW's 2009 model year range.
The Jettas are the only 2009-model volume passenger cars that will be offered with the 50-state diesel engines. On the luxury side, BMW will launch a diesel 3 series this fall. All the other new diesels that have been announced will debut in SUVs and crossovers. Japanese clean diesels won't debut for about two years.
The diesels are hot even in Texas, where pickups rule.
"Demand is strong because of the price," says Eddie Lee, owner of Lewisville Volkswagen in Lewisville, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. "We are in a heavy commuter market, and the mileage offsets the price of diesel."
Lee says many TDI orders are from repeat diesel buyers who rave about the durability of the VW diesel engine. "The TDI cars last so long, and this is a vehicle that will go 200,000 to 300,000 miles," he says.
Better mpg
VW will promote the TDI's fuel economy, which it estimates is 33 to 35 percent better than that of a gasoline-powered Jetta. The EPA has rated the Jetta sedan TDI at 29 mpg city and 40 highway, according to VW.
The company is also studying whether to bring in other diesel vehicles, including a Tiguan SUV. Dealers say they've been clamoring for the diesel Tiguan for months, especially because sales of the new compact SUV haven't been as hot as they had hoped.
Dealers aren't optimistic they'll get one in this generation, says Gene Langan, owner of Langan VW, which has two stores outside Hartford, Conn., and will open a third on Aug. 1. But, he adds: "VW is looking at diesels right across the board."
Well, I'll be darned.
TM
Regards,
OW
I believe that Z2 is the ultimate in shine, probably better than Z5 for a lighter color. The Z5, while shiny, is more for darker colors to hide very light scratches and swirlies. After the New England winter, the first couple of coats for my dark-ish blue TL are Z5, then Z2 the rest of the way. And, keep an eye on how long the shine is going to last, very cool! Stuff smells good, too. Wonder if it could grow hair?
As I mentioned, Friday night I did a quick Z7 wash followed by a Z6 detail. Just beautiful!!!
When in doubt, check out the Zaino website, or even the Zaino forum here. Posts by Bretfraz I've found to be quite informative.
Gotta say, folks, the posts are becoming a bit more light-hearted and enjoyable here again. We may all disagree on politics, sports and brands of cars, but what truly are the ties that bind are our various fascination with the art of the auto. The cars are the stars!
Party on, Garth!
'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...)