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STOP! HALT!
And just dont do it. At least not until you read this post.
I agree 100 percent with Block Island Guy on this one!
What's this I hear about you selling that wonderful Porsche of yours? I mean hey look I thought you wanted a BMW 135i in order to get some variation of a similar car like your Porsche. Nothing wrong with owning both those cars?
BUT selling your Porsche Carrera S now that is a different story altogether? Henry the Eighth disposed of his wives in a far less ruthless manner that the way you have disposed of your cars. . TheToyota FJ Cruiser, Lotus, VW Golf have shared the same fate and now that wonderful Porsche of yours will soon be sharing the fate of immediate disposal(any car that is kept for less than two years fits my definition of immediate disposal). I must say at least Henry the Eighth kept some of his wives for longer than two years!
A Porsche Carrera is like a Stuttgarter supermodel that ages very gracefully and is among the very few dames that most would yearn to have a long term relationship with. Certainly not a one night stand scenario if you know what I mean. Your BMW 135i is like an enchantening and provocative Bavarian Beer Hall Fraulein who may or may not age gracefully. No one really knows how it will age unlike your Porsche Carrera.
So what am I trying to say? Keep your Porsche that's what I am trying to say! There's nothing wrong with bigamy in terms of owning two similar cars within the same household. I think your BMW and Porsche can share the same garage without any catfights and hair pulling. And before you do something hasty take a good look at that wonderful Porsche of yours and ask yourself is this worth disposing of because of your current fling with a sexy petitie Bavarian or a future fling with a frugal Librarian whose name happens to be Honda CRZ. :confuse:
If it was my choice I'd dispose of every single car except your Porsche. But then again it's your life and not mine.
Cant beat Clarkson, definitely. He's practically the soul of TG, and brutally honest in his comments.
BMWs sales have exceeded others in US, but theyre still waayyy behind their original target of 1 million cars worldwide by 2007.
I'm currently eyeing A5s, wondering if I can get a good deal on one somehow
If a person like you who cares sooooo much about a car which is fun to drive.
Getting rid of the 911 :surprise: I don't see a nice future of 911s if guys like you started getting rid of 911s.
Bad,bad press for Porsche, Great for 135ier's!
Regards,
OW
TM
If Porsche resale prices start dropping as much as other car models I may be very tempted to visit a dealership despite the long caravan of speed cops behind my tail.
Yep, it must be very bad out there for car companies. Just read that BMW has abandoned its 08 profit forecast, and that q2 profit is down over 30%. :surprise:
The guy at Copley has great cars but his prices are a little crazy, I would love to get a Dino like the one he has but not at his price.
While I'm sure that answer varies a lot depending on individual cirucumstances, somehow the figure that comes to my mind is between 30K to 40K. In this price range you will be getting a decent car, one that offers a lot of fun. This price level would include all used Boxers, 2005 and earlier XKs, 996 but not 997 Porsches, most Land Rover Defenders, all used 9-3 Saab convertibles (don' t laugh: they are probably a lot of fun for the money and you could even use it as a ski car), M3's and maybe even an M5, all new Jeep Wranglers, even the new four door version that seems to offer a lot of summer fun, X5s, etc.
For less than 40K you could afford to garage it for three or so months a year and not have too much in the way of opportunity costs , especially the way the stock market is now. Additionally, the depreciation would already have been baked in to the price and if you bought the car right, you could probably get most of your money back a year or so later if you tired of it. Maybe you even have a new romantic acquaintance this summer? You could buy it with her input. It would then become "your" car as you as a couple zip around Watch Hill or the Berkshires. If you were still a couple this fall, you could go leaf peeping in it. The possibilities are endless if you buy it right.
I think if you bought it right, the smart thing to do would be to throw on a set of new tires if necessary, check the coolant system, install a new Optima battery in the now three or more years old car, and be prepared to have fun!
Incidentally, the poster above referenced Copley Motor Cars in Boston, I think that Stuart is an honorable guy with some neat cars. I think he probably has more used Defenders than anyone else in the US. His pricing, his asking pricing please keep in mind, may seem too high, but he probably is just testing the market with the BU students. The dealer-principal at the Porsche dealership in Boston told me a year or so ago that about 50% of his sales were to international students attending BU whose parents paid by wire transfer. That figure probably has gone up as the dollar has weakend.
YMMV
Watch Hill RI, Rt 2 & 7 in the Berkshires are some of the best roads for an enjoyable drive in a nice car. I go out of my way sometimes to make those drives when I can.
As you can appreciate, once you start individualizing a car with various modifications and upgrades you start to narrow the resale market segment, but I really don’t think Dinan mods will have much of a negative impact. Those that know BMW and appreciate Dinan are still going to recognize the value of particular Dinan mods. Example: Currently Momentum has a M3 with over $15K in Dinan upgrades they are taking bids on due to the vast interest. So I have come to the conclusion I am not going to worry about this, and simply start going to "DA" as I am a DINAHOLIC
I think Tagman has said in the past that his Porsche is one of the finest cars he has ever owned, if not the finest....For what it is.....I understand where he is coming from, and I myself am headed in the same direction....When I owned my Porsche, it had a definite life span, and when that was over, it was over...although what followed was not what I would consider superior to Porsche, nor most of the time even in the same ballpark...Porsche is a very expensive car now, and if he were to keep it for any length of time the hit he would take later would not be worth it.....Just like the Audi I now presently own, I`l loose probably fifty thousand when I trade it....Man I don`t like this thought...Tony
I I never owned a Porsche 911 so you and Tagman know this better than myself. Maybe I myself would dispose of my 911 within a year or two. Who knows? Though in all likelihood I would keep it for a long long time.
And hopefully Tagman did not view my post in a negative way. We are all different. And that is why we are here. To express our differences and likenesses.
When I love a car I tend to keep them for a while that is why in my very extreme case I still keep our very fuel efficient and super-reliable 83 MB300D in our garage. Buying a BMW 335i and BMW 530xi touring within one year was completing out of character for both my wife and myself.
I know a former client who has owned various Porsche 911s these past few decades. And here I know someone who kept his 911 for what I consider a very short time. Though each one defines a short time differently-- one person's short time of ownership is another person's eternity.
http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2008/08/01/afx5280641.html
[i] "The higher expense booked for residual value risks and bad debts as a result of unfavourable developments on the U.S. market slashed second-quarter earnings by 459 million euros, it said.
BMW said it will raise its car prices this year and next year, starting in the United States, and will reduce by around 40,000 units the number of cars it had planned to sell this year in that country.
CEO Norbert Reithofer said BMW will likely cut production by around 20,000 to 25,000 cars.
Reithofer said given the current problems in the United States and deteriorating economic conditions in Europe, the company is burying its plans to produce the X7.
Industry observers have described the X7 as a super luxury SUV which would supposedly rival the Land Rover Range Rover.
BMW was the biggest loser on Frankfurt's blue chip board, closing 1.55 euros or 5.36 percent down at 27.36 while the DAX30 finished 1.28 percent lower at 6,393.46."
[/i]
Yes, some of us predicted that the cars were well worth their prices because the residuals were real and not fantasies . . . the billion-dollar (close to 700 billion euro already just for the first two quarters' of 2008, and accelearating) write-down just goes to prove how good those predictions were . . . and how conservative and solid that German accounting practices had been when the cars leases were underwritten. What's that old German saying about big lies vs. small lies?
BMW 60% lease
Mercedes 55%
Lexus 43%
Cadillac 42
Industy average for all carmakers in the US: about 20%.
Sure, most BMW and Mercedes are purchased not leased, so it was said by some authorities on this forum. Those numbers are this year through July 20, after MB and BMW both severely cut back lease incentives in the spring compared to years past.
No, lease incentives have no effect on customers' decision on buying vs. leasing. MSRP is well justified, regardless subsequent billion dollar writedowns. hahaha.
==============
Disclaimer:
Please do not be upset if I compare you to savages or lost souls isolated from the world, or if I become patronizing towards you, my child. No offense is intended. If I call you a "imbecile," it's ony a term of endearment, as in comparing you to a cule 3 to 7 year old; likewise "moron is a term of endearment comparing you to a lovely 8-12 year old. If you stop arguing in the interest of peace after I give such explanations, I will have you banned.
Mercedes 55%
Lexus 43%
Cadillac 42
Industry average for all carmakers in the US: about 20%.
Leases are starting to change however. There is not going to be much of an incentive to lease cars that don't get really good gas mileage. With the price of oil bouncing around like it is and the economy concerning a lot of people, it is very difficult for the manufactures to safely predict a vehicle's worth at the end of a lease. But unless you believe this is the end and soon we will all be forced to riding bikes and scooters, hold on to your performance cars as they may just increase in value before too long.
IMHO, cars are not going to increase in value (regardless what nominal prices do) because manufacturing itself is becoming commodidized. This whole credit crunch will mean the end for some manufacturers, but not others. As they say, when the tide goes out, we get to see who's been swimming naked :-) It's a healthy process that weeds out the inefficient manufacturers, and make room for new ones with better ideas and better methods. The world is already facing overcapacity in carmaking, and more new production lines are coming on line soon. Even many on this "luxury lounge" forum are praising the 1-series over others, a car that misses even the old $30k line for luxury cars from the late 80's without adjusting for 20 years of inflation . . . makes you wonder if the carmakers are marketting the correct vehicle mix.
Greetings, all. I think the XLR thing is fading, on to the XK. My son and I camped out Saturday night (oh, yes. It did rain!) along with a few other members of the Scout Pack. Two stops on the way to the campout, first the bank to deposit a rather large rebate check ($10!), the second the local Jag/LR dealer.
As has been the case each time I've stopped there, it was empty-ish. One couple, from what I could gather, talking to two sales folks about a used Freelander. Why?
My son and I were finally greeted by a nattily attired (shirt/tie vs. LR Polo shirt) gentleman. I explained I was there simply to see if my 9.5 year old son would fit in the back seat of an XK Coupe. Mr. Salesdude, who had yet to smile, simply said, "No, he won't." There was nary a new XK to be seen, one used (black, nope) '07 vert. He did lead us out to an '07 customer's coupe in for service, but just as we got to the car the rain began to fall. And he RAN back to the showroom! We looked in the window at the rear "seats," which I'm familiar with but have never tried and headed back in to the showroom just as the downpour really got in gear.
Small talk with Mr. Serious (not unpleasant, just business-like and straightforward) who insisted that young son would not fit, with the sloping roof of the coupe, in back. Maybe for short distances... He hoped that once I was closer to considering, that I would give them a chance to earn my biz. Well, first you'll need some cars... He said they didn't expect any new XKs for months... But, yes, I appreciate the direct, honesty. I'll be back...
So, I'll continue the slow dance. Yeah, maybe a trip to Long Island with a briefcase full of cash is in order! But, decisions to be made. Does this replace the TL? That would be tough as a year-rounder here in New England, although long term reviews I've read have noted that XK shod with snow shoes have done well. Third car? Only two car garage, not sure I want to insure three cars... And then there is the (also quite scant) A5. Style, performance, quattro... one car that may fulfill my midlife crisis quota. But, it's not the Jag... This will be a long strange trip along the long and winding road. I'll have to keep my eyes on the road and my hands upon the wheel while I'm going mobile...
Lexusguy, have you put real live humans in the back seats of your XK? How would you describe it?
BIG and Jim (clembo): Enjoying your talk of New England. Don't forget to take Rte. 100 through Vermont and side trips... Definition of lovely.
'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...)
Test drive twin turbo... and then try to wipe the smile off of your face (and son's).
Pay no attention to the gals that keep checking you and the car out... you are happily married to evil wife.
All sounds crazy or wrong somehow? Maybe, maybe not. Check it out for yourself... (on a sunny day... LOL).
TM
The reason why it was desolate in the Jag dealer is because sales are down 16% last month so that might also explain why the salesperson acted strange. Perhaps they will begin incentives to buy XK's soon!
Regards,
OW
Your logic, Spock, is unwavering.
Does the 1 wear runflats?
'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...)
There was a stuffed animal Jaguar on the hood of an XF in the showroom. The incentives have begun: I guess if you buy that cat, you get one free!
'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...)
Speaking of Lexus: Couple of weeks ago, a resident of the next town over had a bit too much to drink. Got in his (F150 or Ram, I forget which) and goes off-road and straight into the front line of cars at our Lexus dealer. The report is damage to 10-11 cars, valued at ~$500,000! Yes, he was caught. Not a good time in his life, I'm sure.
'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
Long list, varying price points (1, 3, IS/G ht-vert, XK, A/S5 and more to come...). Probably nothing 'till the end of the year, more likely '09. Have to keep an eye on the economy. Maybe I'll just have to send all my money to, if elected, Obama...!? :sick:
'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...)
Chelsea Clinton Was Sent to interview Troops Returning From War. She Found A Private and Ask Him If He Feared anything while abroad. His Reply was Simple, "Osama, Obama, and Your Mamma."
One down, 2 to go!
My short shopping List: 1, 3, G
Regards,
OW
What list? You know you want the 1er.
I bet you put the G on there strictly for chukles...
Regards,
OW
My wager OW is not going to get G
as Louiswei said...its just there (Tao of OW)
Regards,
Sanjay
It's going to take a lot of convincing (like if he bought one) to show that OW didn't just put the G there...
:P
One car that fits that description is located in Toronto on my driveway.
GREAT CAR!!! And it's not for sale unless I have more interesting encounters with traffic cops.
My sentiments exactly.
I see no point in buying a new car. No SUV, crossover or estate/touring wagon can replace my wife's BMW 530xi Touring. No sedan priced like a BMW 335i is worth considering at this point of time.
I am waiting for that new revolutionary car that will guide us towards oil independence. I am still waiting...especially since I have no intention upon adding my name to the Tesla waiting list.
The sophistication of the 335i is tempting but the price is getting rediculous... as was the power of that 135i!
Heck, if I want REAL luxury, I could get an 2006 A-8 for far less than a 335i.
I am confuse and must look to the Tao...
Regards,
OW
Regards,
OW
Regards,
OW
AMEN brother! Amen...
Why are the Germans not feeling the heat as much as other marques especially when they have the most incentivized pricing in the industry? Because as anybody who bought a German car would know adding options will make any German car overpriced when compared to competing Japanese Luxury models even with highly incentivized German pricing.
Ofcourse German margins are becoming razor thin as a result of incentives( especially in North America ). But as we know from all those press releases the day of "Great Lease Deals" are over.
Most lease deals were promoted among premium priced luxury marques and SUVs that had high resale values. But today that is a different story. Ironically the fastest growth in leasing is for economy cars and not luxury cars since economy cars hold their resale values far better than in the past. Ironically BMW and MB were sold out quite a while ago of all their 08 MINI and 08 Smart Cars. If only the same thing could be said of their luxury models. When times change, fortunes changes too.
Heck, it might even pay to extend my lease! The payoff is $30,800 and the market value is around $27K with my current deal. Who wants to pay BMWFS extra money?
Regards,
OW
All depends on the verdicts of those upcoming traffic court cases that I have.
I will let you know.
Guess what's possibly next? An Acura version of a BMW X6 :sick:
link title
TM
Yes!
most Land Rover Defenders, all used 9-3 Saab convertibles, all new Jeep Wranglers
No!
My XKs have always been convertibles, and the XK convertible's rear seat is a leather covered, seat-belted parcel shelf. Nobody with legs will fit back there. The coupe would probably be slightly better, if the front passenger were to move the seat most of the way forward. You really don't want to be in the back of an XK, though.
Yes, better someone in office with a terrible record on veterans issues, and who fought to stop the new GI bill all the way to the 11th hour, and then had Bush give him credit for it, while leaving out Chuck Hagel. Who wants to actually go to college anyway? More wars, my friends! :sick: :sick: :sick:
OW, how can an 06 Audi A8 cost less than a new 335??? As far as I know a CPO 06 A8 still cost about $45k...
PFR: Sport Package (suspension and seats), AWD, 4 doors preferably or room so my 14YO daughter fits in the back seat (G37S is out, I'm afraid!)
Creature Features: Bluetooth, leather, nice sound
Price: Deep South Side of $50K...$40K even better!
That's about it! Give me Divine Guidance, my Friends!
Regards,
OW