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  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    Things have gotten more complicated than I expected.

    LOL. Given the circumstances, there is only one wise thing to do: wait and see. You may end driving/owning another splendid car.

    Regards,
    Jose
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    While indeed I'm follically challenged, and do proudly drive a blue Acura TL, my dome remains a whiter shade of pale and, alas, 'twas not I in Foxboro to watch the Matt Cassel-led Pats continue their march towards the Super Bowl victory that is to come... Hope you enjoyed the game, it was a good one.

    But, I was home watching the game. And the small token of my affection to the EW was well received. Of course, not as well received as the larger token she plans to buy herself! I received a lovely Bill Belichek gray hoodie... Not the XK I was hoping for, but not bad. ;)

    '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...)

  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    Happy Belated to you and Mrs. OW, OW! Truly, 10/26/91 is a day that will live in infamy...! It is rather cool to be able to be married to your best friend. It makes the evil pill a little less hard to swallow... :blush:

    '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...)

  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    Thanks, Tag. Not always, but hopefully more often than not, I have my priorities straight.

    Would that it were so with our elected officials... :surprise:

    '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...)

  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    I received a lovely Bill Belichek gray hoodie...

    Now are you going to cut the sleeves off that hoodie or do they come that way? :)
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    I believe the trick, as OW noted, is to marry your best friend... And start the marriage on even footing, e.g. the EW and I both lied through our teeth to each other as we entered our wedded bliss!

    '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...)

  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    Merci, Jose.

    '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...)

  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    Actually, LG, I kinda screwed up at the very beginning. For our first anniversary, I gave us a Caribbean cruise. That has made it tough to move on up in gifts each year. A wise man told me, after the fact, that the year one gift should be a grain of sand and work your way up from there!

    The EW has made it quite clear that each 5-year increment anniversary is a BIG ONE. Diamonds have been liberally applied to her person...

    '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...)

  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    Thanks, Cy. No, having not written anything (other than many letters of apology! ;) ), I'm simply a frustrated Liberal Arts grad who strayed from the path of creativity into the world of technology. But, folks I work with/for are oft surprised that a "geek" can be somewhat literate and creative.

    And, I'm a lifelong New Englander. While I'm not well-travelled (or well-read, well-healed or well-groomed), I've yet to visit anywhere in Los Estados Unidos that I would prefer to call home 24/7/365. I enjoy the seasons, the now all too fast evolution of life that mother nature paints for us every year. As I rapidly age, however, I do appreciate the warmth a bit more. But, still a skier!

    Cassel will be a valued member of this year's Super Bowl Champion, The New England Patriots. Just follow the progression of the Pats fortunes (the final game that they played) each season since their last SB victory. It is an ascending line to SB victory this year!

    '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...)

  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    "Now are you going to cut the sleeves off that hoodie or do they come that way?"

    Not as long as I have to pay for my hoodies!

    It shall remain fully sleeved.

    '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...)

  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    For our first anniversary, I gave us a Caribbean cruise.

    Big mistake. My 1st anniversary gift to my beloved was dinner at a place that featured a salad bar. Always set the bar low, I say.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Actually, LG, I kinda screwed up at the very beginning. For our first anniversary, I gave us a Caribbean cruise. That has made it tough to move on up in gifts each year. A wise man told me, after the fact, that the year one gift should be a grain of sand and work your way up from there!

    Doh! Yeah that definitely is setting the bar a bit high. Planning for us has actually been fairly easy, my wife loves France and I love Italy, so we usually end up in one or the other (or both). Every now and then we switch things up and go to Vancouver which is one of her favorites, or Vienna which is one of my favorites. You simply haven't heard live music properly until you've been to the Musikverein. It's the best hall in the world.

    image
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    Yes, the EW has her heart set on Paris. I'm going to try and combine that with a European Delivery of a BMW/MB/Audi... I'll just tell her it's a rental for our trip!

    Well, I heard The Who live at Shea Stadium and Bruce at The Boston Garden. That's gotta be pretty close to The Musikverein! Yeah, I gotta get out more...

    Guten nacht, amigos!

    '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...)

  • cyclone4cyclone4 Member Posts: 2,302
    You are much too modest about your talents. I really appreciate your writing style.

    I agree with you. Cassel seems to be improving with each game played. It all starts from the genius known as Belichick. No, it would not at all surprise me if they go all the way when no one expects them to do so. I remember early in the season after the terrible injury to the best player in football, the national media cry was: "now we'll see what sort of coach Belichick is" in a sarcastic sort of way. I think they will be eating a lot of crow at the end of the season.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Well, I heard The Who live at Shea Stadium and Bruce at The Boston Garden. That's gotta be pretty close to The Musikverein!

    Yeah, pretty close... :) Paris is a great city, the subway system can take you pretty much everywhere you need to go with minimal hassle. Paris has the world's best museums, and of course the Moulin Rouge. Until you can make it to Vienna, here's a taste of what its like to be at the Musikverein.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2yPCb66wcs
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Yes... your wisdom shines through, José... I will wait and see.

    TM
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    My wife and I use to go to Paris at least once a year, usually closely before or after Christmas. One of our favorite visits there is the Paris National Opera House (Palais Garnier/Bastille), either to attend an opera or ballet soirée.

    We prefer to drive to our destinations if possible, and make a stop or two along the way; but going like that to Paris to pay short visits is truly prohibitive due to the distance from our place but particularly Paris crazy traffic. U-tube and buses are best choice in Paris, as you said. The same applies to Madrid and many European towns, BTW.

    We went to Madrid a fortnight ago, this time by car, to see a Rembrandt´s paintings exhibition at 'El Museo del Prado'. If you, or any one of the usuals here, happens to come to Spain you should not forget to pay detailed visits to El Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza (and Sorolla) Museums in Madrid. With L'Hermitage in St. Petersburg, may be the best painting collections in the world.

    And if going to Barcelona, 'El Palacio de la Música Catalana' and 'El Liceu' are a must for music lovers.

    But if coming anyway, you may rent a diesel car just to have a drive on the dark side.

    Regards,
    Jose
    (Trying to attract as many visits as possible to this land in times of economical burden ;) )

    Edit: I forgot to say, I've attended a couple of concerts at the Vienna Musikverein and... they both were an unforgettable experience. The acoustics of the hall and the atmosphere of the place are just the best frame for the best performance. Vienna breaths music in the air.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Worth the read. Sounds like it will easily kill the 335i, for around $54K with ADS and the QuattroSport rear differential.

    S4 First Test
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Leaked photos are out. It looks like they took a Venza, crossed out Toyota, and wrote Lexus in using a crayon. The interior is really out there, and it appears that Lexus has followed the rest of the industry and ditched the touch screen for some sort of center stack mounted control knob system. Not promising.

    image
    image
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    It sounds really terrific, but to say it would easily kill the 335i is going too far too soon for me. I'm not suggesting that it won't give the 335i a run for its money, or even topple it, but I just prefer to wait and see the head-to-head competition... which will be plenty once the S4 makes its way into the right hands.

    The S4 pitted against the 335i will offer entertainment I won't want to miss. In fact, being that it's a "S" variant, I'd prefer to see how it will stack up against the M3.

    No word of a convertible? (my usual interest... LOL.)

    TM
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Lots more vanilla coming from Toyota/Lexus!

    TM
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    The S4 pitted against the 335i will offer entertainment I won't want to miss. In fact, being that it's a "S" variant, I'd prefer to see how it will stack up against the M3.

    No word of a convertible? (my usual interest... LOL.)

    Well, to be fair to the Audi, it only has 329hp, which isn't anywhere close to the M3's power. Considering the 335i is slightly underrated at 300hp (and if they test the Audi vs. a RWD BMW, there's less driveline power loss) that's a much fairer fight. The upcoming RS4 on the other hand ought to give the M guys a few sleepless nights. Audi has shifted convertible duties to the A5, so there won't be another S4 Cab. I have no doubt that Audi is working on a convertible S5, though it will probably be V8 powered, and not as track focused as the S4.

    Speaking of the M3, Monday's Top Gear Australia tested the 135i coupe against the M3, and I think they actually liked the 135i more. Here's a link: TGA 135 v M3
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Sounds like it will easily kill the 335i, for around $54K with ADS and the QuattroSport rear differential.

    $54k? A 335i competitor? At this economy one can easily get a 335i with sports and premium at around $42k.

    Thanks Audi but no thanks...
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Lots more vanilla coming from Toyota/Lexus!

    Since you ain't gonna buy this, I am not gonna buy this and everyone who enjoys driving wouldn't buy this so Lexus thought: Why mess with the winning formula?

    Hence: voila! The new RX!

    However, let's give credit when credit is due though, Lexus happens to offer a sport-tuned suspension on the new RX as an option so that's progess at least in my opinion.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    However, let's give credit when credit is due though, Lexus happens to offer a sport-tuned suspension on the new RX as an option so that's progess at least in my opinion.

    True. I agree with you, although let's wait until the sport-tuned suspension is tested to see just how much credit it actually deserves.

    But, you must admit the new RX is a missed opportunity.

    TM
  • bmlexusbmlexus Member Posts: 755
    image

    I am sure this is the final outcome.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    But, you must admit the new RX is a missed opportunity.

    Missed opportunity for giving the enthusiasts another choice of sporty crossover? Yes.

    Missed opportunity for giving the RX core buying demography something that they want year after year? No.

    Again, let's not forget that people who comment here are a tiny amount among in the whole buying population and RX simply is not the car for us.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Nothing to be sad about.

    It's the RX, the ultimate soccer mom transportation. This is not your Sport Activity Vehicle from BMW, not your Q7 from Audi, not your FX35/50 from Infiniti and not even your MDX from Acura. This thing is not supposed to be sporty, this thing is all about providing a comfortable ride for the housewives (desperate or not...) to get them and their family from point A to point B without knowing that they are driving. Sad I know but my girlfriend also looked at me funny when I told her why and how much I enjoy driving. I see a RX in her future...

    The RX is still the best selling luxury SUVs in the market today even with an outdated model so I have no doubt that this new one will continue that successful story. No one can do RX better than Lexus just like no one can do 3-series better than BMW. Give credit when credit is due guys, that's all I have to say.
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    ... At this economy one can easily get a 335i with sports and premium at around $42k.

    ...

    Where?!?! :surprise:
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Where?!?!

    All over So. Cal. Use Edmunds' TMV (True market value) tool to see it yourself (use zip code 90505).

    2008 BMW 3 Series
    335i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

    MSRP Invoice What Others Are Paying
    National Base Price
    A note about advertising fees $39,300 $36,155 $37,042
    Regional Adjustment
    for Zip Code Change - - -$445
    Optional Equipment $5,450 $4,960 $5,029
    ZPP Premium Package $2,650 $2,410 $2,444
    ZSP Sport Package $1,800 $1,640 $1,662
    ZCW Cold Weather Package $1,000 $910 $923
    Color Adjustment - - $0
    Not Sure
    Destination Charge $825 $825 $825
    Total with Options $45,575 $41,940 $42,451
  • sanjaysdcasanjaysdca Member Posts: 269
    Where?!?!

    at carsdirect.com
    with no negotiations..

    link title
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Just be aware that the prices are specific to localities - in the link you cite, it's for zip code 92626. I could never get that price in my area.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    I could never get that price in my area.

    Time to move...

    ;)
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    HAHAHA, but but but...
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    $54k? A 335i competitor? At this economy one can easily get a 335i with sports and premium at around $42k.

    Do you mean a left over '08, or one of the new '09s at $42?
  • dhamiltondhamilton Member Posts: 878
    for a while. Your not getting that price without a fight, and it won't be easy. And they are hard as hell to find with a stick.

    Perception is not reality....................

    High lines aren't struggling like domestics. Don't believe the hype.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    High lines aren't struggling like domestics. Don't believe the hype.

    0.9% financing on all '08s.

    Edmunds' TMV doesn't lie.

    That's all I have to say.
  • sanjaysdcasanjaysdca Member Posts: 269
    Carsdirect is SELLING those in Southern Cali at 40K

    So move to So Cal
    Send your kids to disney land/Legoland/Universal/sea World....
    and EW to Rodeo Drive in her RX....

    and you get a 33x @ 40K and coast up & down the Pacific Coast Highway..:-)
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Well folks, I couldn't take it any more. The BMW withdrawal pangs were just too intense. I thought I was strong enough to endure and conquer, since I already quit smoking cold turkey in my thirties. But, this was just too much for me.

    So I succumbed and bought a white 328i today right off the dealers' lot, with Premium Package, Sport Package, Steptronic transmission, Cold Weather Package, Rear Parking Sensors, Xenon lights, and premium hi fi. The VW will still be located at my house for my wife to drive. She takes her first driving lesson tomorrow. I know she will love it when that first Nieman Marcus mall day comes! :(

    I cannot say enough about the dealer-they will deliver the vehicle to my house on Monday in a 2 car procession, so I don't have to drive the delivery guy back some 51 miles to the dealership. They couldn't have been nicer. When the car needs servicing, they will bring me a loaner to my door, pick up the 328i, service it and drive it back to my home. Contrast this with my last BMW dealer who charged me for a loaner even though I leased the car through them!

    Not looking for any congrats. Just wanting to share my good fortune and say, believe it or not, there is one heck of a terrific BMW dealership out there and they are Fields of Lakeland in Florida.

    Oh yes, the car drives like a dream! I had the option of driving it home today and having them bring me the VW, but I wanted them to spend time polishing it up to perfection.

    PS: The 1 Series Coupes look much better in person! Nice! :)

    PS': Part of my recovery program in Caraholics' Anonomous requires me to make the above confession. I'm starting to feel better already! :)
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Not looking for any congrats. Just wanting to share my good fortune and say, believe it or not, there is one heck of a terrific BMW dealership out there and they are Fields of Lakeland in Florida.

    Sorry to disappoint you, but... congratulations!

    I've reduced the fanfare for your sake.

    That's terrific!

    Your post doesn't say sedan or coupe, unless I missed it, but I'm guessing a 4-door.

    I'm also glad you found a dealer that will treat you as you should be treated. Alpine White is a very good color choice for tons of reasons, especially in your hot climate. What's the interior? Beige or black?

    I noticed you have smartly avoided the iDrive... I'm sure you will have less frustration. Also, your "recovery" should be a quick one, as you start to log some miles on your new BMW. ;)

    TM
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    This thing is not supposed to be sporty, this thing is all about providing a comfortable ride for the housewives
    You nailed that one on the head. I had an es350 loaner a couple of weeks back, and drove my wife and kid in it. I asked her how she likes the ES, and the response was "it's nice, but does not seem to be as comfy as our RX" :surprise: .
    That showed me there ARE people that like soft riding cars/SUVs.
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    I hope you got one with the stick. I found the auto version too boring comparing to 335i or IS350.
    Enjoy your new car.
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Thanks a lot TM! :)

    It's a sedan. I really dig the rear fold down seats. The interior is black. I prefer beige for Florida, but what are you going to do?

    The only thing I added from the finance person was the 5 year run flat warranty. Well worth it; unfortunately, a necessary evil.

    I'm very happy! :) Thanks again!
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    I know! I know! But, one sad day, the car may be left to the wife-she is just learning how to drive. So, no stick. Had to think of her. Please don't hate me. ;)

    Thank you for your good wishes. :)
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Contrast this with my last BMW dealer who charged me for a loaner even though I leased the car through them!

    Congrats on your new BMW. Dealers absolutely make all the difference in the world. There are two Audi shops in my general area, one is good, one isn't. I expect premium service from a premium car dealership. If they don't deliver, they don't get my business.
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Thank you so much for the good wishes, LG. :)

    The BMW 3 Series is a totally different vehicle from my 2002 325i-more power, more front seat travel and so many more technological gizzmos that can truly overwhelm you! Wow! :surprise:

    I was so used to lousy treatment from BMW dealers ranging from Queens, NY to Sarasota, Fl., that I committed the mistake of assuming they must all be bad. My experience today was probably what most folks who buy a Lexus take for granted.

    For the first time since 1993, I will be able to take a BMW phone survey and enthusiastically recommend a dealership. Never thought I'd live to see the day! ;)

    Thanks again for your kind words! :)
  • dm1212dm1212 Member Posts: 59
    Those photos are really disapointing :(. If your in the market for an SUV anyway, I would go with the Q7. I test drove the Q7, liked it a lot, but decided to buy an A6 instead. The Q7 3.6 had great pick up for a heavy car, a nice interior, decent gas mileage, and a load of safety features.
  • dm1212dm1212 Member Posts: 59
    Lexus is not known for their exterior design, and this is a perfect example of their same dull, boring design! This car looks like a fancy CRV. Do yourself a favor, buy a Q7 or an X5.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Congratulations! Welcome back to the BMW Club!

    What took you so damned long? Amazingly you survived a few months of BMW deprivation without any evident side effects.

    So tell me what's with this VW Syndrome anyways. You and Tagman boast about owning a VW Golf and within a few months you both have them replaced with BMWs :surprise:

    Every single BMW dealership should have a VW Golf tester. This way everybody test driving the VW Golf will end up buying a BMW anyways.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    I really don't want a pair of "his and hers" BMWs.

    If she wants a 1er, fine, but then I guess I'll have to look at the M3 for myself. Things have gotten more complicated than I expected.

    My wife and I have "his" and "her" BMWs . Two BMWs in our family is just a bit too much. Our next family member will not be a BMW or God-forbid a Golf which I would have to replace with a BMW ASAP.

    As I have repeated a few hundred times here a future lithium ion battery powered Lexus is on our radar screens. I know, I know such a vehicle is an antithesis to a performance vehicle but the fact that I have to use a whole filing cabinet for my upcoming speeding ticket court cases sort of kills off my desire for any kind of sporty car.
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