By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Anyway, I sincerely hope you enjoy whatever car you get, but I'm puzzled by you on this one.
TM
Yes, I had an FJ Cruiser for a while. Actually for about half a year or so, last year. The vehicle is a mixed bag. Some definate pros, but mostly cons are plentiful. I believe that is the only Toyota product I've ever owned.
From the driver's seat... Very nice driving machine with visibility issues. From the passenger's seat... it's terrible. And, the kids kept getting car sick back there. Rear passengers can become claustrophobic. Cargo is awesome. You can practically hose the vehicle out to clean it. VERY utilitarian. 15 -17 mpg, no way to improve it... a bit dissapointing for a V6.
Overall, I am glad it's gone and would NEVER recommend an FJ to anyone when there are so much better vehicles to be had.
If you need specific answers to anything about it, please don't hesitate to ask.
TM
Me buying Japanese, and you buying German... I guess we are more open-minded than some would have thought!!!
Some people actually consider you closed minded??? wow I guess they havent read your older posts then.... and forgive me for not congratulating you on your vacation, I'm just too jealous :P
Test drove an A8 the other day, and found myself not really needing the extra space. I love the ultra luxurious cabin, but the size is just too big. Might consider an A6 instead... I just hope the cabin is just as good. I tried cross shopping it with the 530i, but the minimal price difference of $1200 for comparable units leads me to get the A6. Sure the beemer got edgier handling, but the A6 is good enough a handler for me.
I find it funny that sooo many people complain about how ugly the current 5series look and how they wont buy one because of the style and the i(diot)-drive, but at the same time so many people drive them it became a dime in the dozen....hypocrites or just me-toos????
Anyway, OAC understands what I meant about him driving German cars, and me including Japanese vehicles in my garage.
TM
I think Job 1 at GM right now is staying in business for another year. I remember Blkhemi saying that GM is just in a rough spot, like 2005. I don't think so, bub. GM was still leasing cars in 2005. They are in big trouble.
I just watched Clarkson's 2006 DVD "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" DVD again, where he travels to California to check out American cars. He tested the XLR-V, and hated pretty much everything about it, from the engine noise, to the understeer, to the woeful interior. "In Europe, we wouldn't use plastics like these in our hatchbacks".
Junk is junk be it from US, Japan or Germany. Period.
Dada, don't do it on the XLR. It's a customized Corvette at best. I wager the 'vette is better bolted up anyway.
GM is one flew over the CountryWide nest!
Regards,
OW
I sure hope laurasdada doesn't waste $35K, or any money at all, on an XLR... especially when there are better choices out there, like the Jag XK or XKR that I mentioned.
TM
Regards,
OW
Heck, even a CPO 3-series convertible could be a consideration. In fact, even the Porsches have softened in price a bit recently, and a good used Porsche could also be a smarter possibility.
I was suggesting the Jag because I believe, based upon his previous posts, that laurasdada likes Jags.
TM
$50K is way too much to spend on one of the old ones, for that you might as well stretch a bit farther and get an '07. An '03 or "04 XKR at around $30K is a much better buy.
Regards,
OW
LG, you're probably the one that knows the XK market the best. What color does he want?
TM
I'm 99 44/100% sure that there will be no XLR in my future. Still may test drive, just to be sure. See if it is as bad as LG and Clarkson claim. I'm still not even sure I'm a convertible kinda guy. The XK still kills me softly with its song, moreso the '07+ version. Right now, I'll take mine in Pearl Gray, thank you.
To be honest, the Audi A/S5, to this eye, ranks right up there stylistically with the XK. For a lot less scratch. But, the Jag does harken to my youth. Still have strong memories of rides in my Dad's friend XKE convertible. All those lovely toggle/rocker swithces!
Black is a great color, the 14.3% of the time it is reasonably clean. I hand wash my car (when New England weather allows) weekly and y'all already know I'm a Zainophile. My Abyss Blue TL, when shiny makes me happy. When dirty...
Logic and rationality shall rule my day as it always has. Which does kinda make Jack a dull boy...
Maybe a Bricklin?
'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...)
Regards,
OW
No wonder so far all the 1er on the street that I saw (less than 5) have female drivers...
The A5 is indeed a great looking coupe. It makes you wonder why M-B even bothered with the new C-coupe, its a joke compared to the Audi.
World's largest 1-series website is loaded with hundreds and hundreds of members and the vehicle's member ownership is over 90% male. But, the ladies do indeed love the car, and often the driver just by association. It's all too fickle, but true.
My bet is that the Lexus IS has more female drivers than the BMW 1-Series, especially the IS250, but the IS350 as well. Don't you think, Lou? After all, you raised the whole point.
TM
Stay away from 'em... and stay away from the XLR.
Get yourself the Jag or Audi that you love. Apply Zaino weekly, of course.
TM
Of course, since there are way more IS out there than the 1er...
If you meant for percentage I still agree with you. After all, ladies love the Lexus IS, what can I say...
World's largest 1-series website you said? You should go check out the world's largest Lexus website (Club Lexus), 99% of the IS owners there are male...
Not for long....!
June IS Sales = 4,324
June 1-Series Sales = 6,101
Regards,
OW
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/07/01/091641.html
June '08 1-series sales = 1,715
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=289685
May '08 1-series sales = 1,765
I believe the number you quoted is the YTD figure.
Got a bit excited there aren't we... :P
I think that says a lot more about Club Lexus than the IS
You know by now that I don't care who likes or doesn't like the cars I drive. I'm the only one that needs to like 'em. The only exception is the family SUV. The wife and kids matter more on that one.
So, whatever the sales numbers and gender preference, I still love the 135i. I just can't believe that car. 300+ HP as well as 300+ lbs. of torque, and BMW sport suspension. Incredible handling and tons of fun for four. The convertible has more rear headroom than the coupe and legroom is better than most reviewers have stated. Our family of four fits plenty comfy for short trips. Fun factor is enormous and gas mileage is reasonably good. All in all, it's awesome.
In fact, Lou, my Porsche is for sale, and my sales rep called me with a buyer. When I get back from vacation, I'll detail it and then make it available to show.
To me, my favorite car is not about price. It's about fun and performance and style. The 135i convertible has 'em all, in a combination that hits the spot in a small package, which I prefer. I don't want a big cruiser. BTW, if the gas mileage were better in the M3 RHT, I might have bought one of them instead. Also, the 1-series website isn't a BMW website, it's strictly for the 1er. Club Lexus isn't dedicated to the IS exclusively, although it's a fine website.
If you enjoy driving your IS as much as I enjoy driving my 135i convertible, then you are one happy guy!
I still keep wondering what the wife will want... ?????
TM
Did I bring up which one has more female drivers? No... I was just merely reporting what I see because someone mentioned that the 1er is "cute".
Did I bring the IS into the conversation? No...
'Nuff said.
As for Club Lexus, it has nothing to do with Lexus, strictly a separate entity. As matter of fact Club Lexus is banned from using the Lexus "L" logo to make decals because it doesn't "represent" Lexus. In Club Lexus the forum is divided up by models so each model has its own space. The IS-only forum is the one called my.IS but I believe there are way more IS owners who follow Club Lexus than my.IS.
You brought up female drivers. That's all I recall. But it's irrelevant who brought it up anyway. Unless, that is, we first need you to bring up a topic of discussion before we can talk about it!... LOL.
I know that I don't bring up most items of discussion, but I sure don't make an announcement that I didn't bring it up. :confuse:
I don't see your point here. Unless you are suggesting that I shouldn't have mentioned your IS. Is it off-limits? Afterall, someone else mentioned the 1-series was cute. Should I have complained or announced that I didn't bring it up?
Who cares, man? Are you OK?
TM
louiswei (post 14327): "No wonder so far all the 1er on the street that I saw (less than 5) have female drivers..."
tagman (post 14329): "Must be something about your neighborhood then... LOL.
World's largest 1-series website is loaded with hundreds and hundreds of members and the vehicle's member ownership is over 90% male. But, the ladies do indeed love the car, and often the driver just by association. It's all too fickle, but true.
My bet is that the Lexus IS has more female drivers than the BMW 1-Series, especially the IS250, but the IS350 as well. Don't you think, Lou? After all, you raised the whole point."
'Nuff said... I am done with this discussion.
The XK Jag is a good example. Good car, most have been driven relatively few miles, and a lousy resale makes for a potentially good deal. Sadly, the coupes which I think look better, are more practical in New England, and offer more secure public parking, are relatively hard to find. I suspect that the new Maser's that we see advertized all over the Weekend Edition of the WSJ will be a similar good deal in a couple of years.
The Porsche 911 has (supposedly) the highest resale value of any car and few are leased. This suggests to me that there wouldn't be too many screaming deals on used 997s. Surprisingly, the Bentley Continental holds up very well resale wise. I saw and had a ride in a neighbor' s 2009 Continental GTC last night and it was a fantastic experience on a hot July night. Hopefully as soon as the hot money migrates to the GTC, used coupes will drop to well under 100K .
It does indeed appear to be an S5, which you must see in person to appreciate. Pix do not do it justice.
Brilliant! Why choose, just buy both!
But, OW, did you crop out the XLR?
'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...)
'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...)
Where'd you hear that? The 911 isn't even in ALG's top deprecation category, let alone "highest of any car". CR says the Prius is #1 right now.
Umm, yeah. That's what I meant. The dropped top of the 1 'vert... Yeah, the car.
'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...)
Or the G37. Heck, even the CTS coupe. All they did was graft the new nose onto the old C-class. The interior is the same as it was eight years ago. Who do they think they can fool with that?
No price yet...
'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...)
Price holding steady at $599,000...
'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...)
Emerald Fire: anyone familiar with the color? Looks dark-ish...
'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...)
BTW, those cars are amazing. Thanks for posting them.
TM
Yes, indeed, this is actually a good time to sell my Porsche. If I want another one in the future, I will get one, but I have changed my priorities and market conditions point to selling it now, particularly before the '09 becomes readily available, and certainly before the market for used Porsches softens too much. And, it will soften. Thank goodness that mine is a 997, a strong reseller.
Low miles, and originally configured by Porsche especially for the SF auto show... it should sell easily, but I'm going to hold out for a decent price. The car is too perfect to let go too cheaply, and I'm not in an urgent situation that requires me to sell too quickly. I'll make a fair deal with someone. Whoever gets it will get a gem.
I'm not suggesting that the 135i is in the same league as the Porsche. I am suggesting, however, that for a lot less money, a damned lot of fun can be had in the 135i convertible... Almost as much as the 911. So... I feel fine saying goodbye to the 911. I'll use all that money on something else, like a car for my wife and/or a car for my daughter next year. And Ther's going to be that future hybrid I intend to drive.
I fully intend to not buy a gas hog ever again, and I look forward to driving a fuel-sipping hybrid from Honda... or even Toyota, if it doesn't look as horrible as the current Prius.
TM
Must be too much sun and beer earlier today.
TM
Speaking of the 135i convertible, Edmunds has just posted their full test.
What Needs Work:
Um, nothing.
I'm not positive, but I don't think Edmunds has ever put "none" for needed improvements before.
What a phenomenal write-up!
It's been difficult for me to reveal the amazing character and nature of the 135i convertible without sounding like a biased owner. The car is so terrific that it is all too easy to be perceived as an infatuated owner.
The 135i is indeed a true-life automotive marvel, and I can only pass this on to others. I feel extremely lucky to have one custom-configured to my preferences. I unequivocally love the 135i convertible for being one of the most enjoyable cars I've ever driven
Anyway, LG, thanks again.
TM
Darned! You noticed! Get that thing out of your head!
Regards,
OW
I do see a lot of women driving the IS250 around here, cant say the same about the 1 since I only saw one so far and it was a guy behind the wheel...
My (evil) wife also like my IS350, not so much for its styling, but mainly for the way it drives. She took the car for a spin a couple of months ago, and came back with a big smile on her face. She kept on saying what a mean machine it was...
I remember looking it over carefully at the auto show. I still haven't driven one, although it's on my list of car candidates for my daughter's first car next year. IMO, it's possibly too much car for her, but we'll see.
BTW, do they have a tuner chip for the IS350?
TM
I think Lou show me a website full of Lexus endorsed performance stuffs for most models. The IS350 is probably too much car for a young driver, This car is more powerful than my V8 powered GS with better gas mileage
My other car is the true chick's vehicle as defined by you gentlemen here, the RX350.
I really liked the IS when I looked it over, but the rear seat was too cramped for a vehicle of that size, IIRC. Still, not a deal killer. Perhaps the IS250 would make better sense for my daughter.
TM
The IS250 would probably be a great choice, especially the AWD version. Same goes for the new A4 2.0T, which has a more usable back seat, as well as much better rear visibility thanks to Audi's signature tiny C-pillars.
There are less Lexus LS cars(1466) sold than MB S Class (1577)cars in the USA. The first time this has happened in a long time.
Also BMW sales has exceeded Lexus sales in USA. Ain't that refreshing.
I had predicted this will happen years ago. Again as usual my prediction has been confirmed.
Anyways who was it that said sales volume is the true benchmark for a car's excellence? Well it certainly was not me that had said that :P