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Comments
Regards,
OW
I'm only moderately anxious, partly because I'm an optimist at heart & partly because my wife & I have always been fiscally prudent. Our mortgage is our only debt, & I plan to pay that off by the end of '09.
As bad as things look right now, I expect this unpleasantness to pass within 24 months - unless those at the top do something really boneheaded. Even the fabled Great Depression of the 1930s would have been no more than a run-of-the-mill recession had the world's major manufacturing countries not rushed to protect their industries by jacking up tariffs. As we know now, that just made things worse - much, much worse.
I'd like to think that we've learned something from that blunder.
And I think that the new A4 will outsell the 3 Series no problem. BMW has no game, but the S-Class will always have the most sales over the A8, 7 Series, and S-Class.
Silver lining, 135-wise? More supply/incentives when you're ready to buy?!
Good luck (to us all...).
'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...)
Top up = Very nice
Top down = Awesome
Sure, I'm, biased... but most (not all) reviews agree with me.
And, yes, the IS convertible is not nearly as nice as the IS coupe,which is the only Lexus I've ever liked. I was behind one today in traffic... a black one with tinted windows... it was very cool.
TM
Welcome to the club that no one wants to be a member of.
Even my triple safety net may not be enough to get through this one. :surprise:
After Thanksgiving, I have a very important financial meeting the following week to see if there is a way I can survive this "thing". :sick:
God help us all.
TM
Eh...
Are you sure that you were behind an IS coupe?
Okay, I know what to do with your posts from now on...
that car is the most feminine car to be on the road (beats out the Eos).
Last I checked, that car is not on the road yet...
I feel the pain also, and what is worse is that there seems to be no end to it...It was hard to save and earn the money that has been lost, I have always been a conservative fellow, and after borrowing in my early life, stayed away from debt...The principal loss is miserable, but not a life changer for me, but if this keeps up and say goes down another twenty five percent, then all bets are off, and I will do something---but don`t really know what, or I would do it now
Sorry, Tony. Couldn't resist. Can't you just hear the theme song in your head now? I bet The Professor could figure a way out of this mess...
'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
Anxiety=mellow
It's gonna take a good 18+ months before the majority feels good.
Am feeling a little snake bit from the announcement of Audi putting in the lighter weight turbo from the coming S4 into the next S5. 30 % better FE & lighter weight. However, waiting so long for mine to arrive, can't wait another year.
I said "To be on the road" do you know english?
I would expect prices to increase maybe $2000 as compared to the old car. Figure on a range of $40K-49K, more for the hybrid. Make no mistake, the RX is on a different planet from the 5 series. Take the ES, which is one of the most boring cars to drive on earth, jack it up a few feet, and you have the RX. On a 1-10 fun to drive scale, the RX registers a zero. The gap between the console and dash in the RX300 and RX330 was for storage space and purses. Lexus knows who buys the RX.
I wouldn't really describe any SUV as genuinely "enjoyable" to drive, I just don't like that driving position and "on stilts" feeling. However, there are RX sized SUVs that are much better handlers than most - the X5 and Infiniti FX. I wouldn't really put the Cayenne on that list. I got a chance to drive a V8, and it just feels like a Panzer tank, not the "Porsche of SUVs". Cut out at least 1000lbs and we'll talk.
I said "To be on the road" do you know english?
You know what, two can play this game...
Ok, let's say you are right but if that's the case shouldn't it be (going to beat out the Eos) instead of (beats out the Eos) since the Eos is already on the road?
There was a great line from Friday's Real Time about that. Why not have the oil industry bail out the Detroit 3?
It's incredibly ugly. The belt line is far to high, especially around the rear area. It's like a stubby little mini-SC.
Yeah I expected that as soon as it was announced that the S4 would be using the new supercharged (not turbo) V6 instead of the V8. You can at least take some solace in the fact that Audi's 4.2 V8 sounds glorious. No V6 sounds as good as a V8, especially Audi's.
LOL... Oops... sedan, of course. I was thinking of my car with a hard roof vs. the soft top, which would be a coupe. But for the IS... 4-door, obviously. And it was a very nice one indeed, as I mentioned... glossy black with tinted windows.
TM
Indeed. The current S6 is a great car, but the next gen based on the new architecture should be a blast, especially if it gets the QuattroSport diff.
If this has been discussed previously I apologize, let me know. But, I've been thinking of having my new car debadged. Could be fond memories of trips to Europe where it was prevalent, but always thought just having the make looked nice & clean. All the litre distribution & engine size,& other doo-dads were like earrings, unnecessary jewelry for show.
For instance, I would take the V8, S-everything off the exterior of my S5.
&, if I did so, is the dealer required to give me the badges in the event of resale?
More often, it's a lower end model that's been debadged to offer the impression that the vehicle is better than it's true badge would otherwise indicate. It's bunk.
Besides... your car, in particular, truly deserves it's badge.
IMHO.
TM
As Tag asked, how is this affecting everyone, well I have been that jackass that bought a bunch of stock last month as I thought it bottomed, well I am still buying to dollar cost average my losses. I still fully believe that anyone who buys good companies at these levels will be rewarded down the road.
Interesting cars that are driven here, I'm sure Jose sees similar cars but many here are not available in the states. I have seen mostly very small cars, small VW's, A3's,120d's, Renaults. Over the past 4 days I have seen very little premium cars - S Class, 7 series, A8's, I see a much higher percentage back home. Also of note half of all cars here are black, the remaning 48% are silver or dark grey, and the remaining 2% might be light blue or red - no speed yellow 911's. Almost all cabs are E Classes.
I love visiting Europe but I am looking forwarding to returning home today, I promise to be a good citizen and I will spend recklessly over the weekend to restart the economy. Cheers.
I would also recommend against. It would just make the car look like an A5 3.2 with some S-line wheels on it. Audi really doesn't go nuts with the S badging, unlike say, the M division. There's just the front and rear "S5" badges, and the front one I think is part of the grille and wouldn't be removable. The side "V8" badges are less necessary, that would be up to you.
I agree, I've been buying lately as well. I followed my own advice and bought some of the big chip makers. The stock prices of three of the biggies are at historic lows, but they will be back in a big way, I'm sure of it.
Oh! Please, buy recklessly in Europe too!
It is so true that USA is the world leader, and perceived this way, that every time European stock markets positively react to something, bad news from Wall Street drive them down to the underground. We are paying for USA sins in addition to our own ones :mad: :P .
As well, economic recession seems to have ignited in all European regions. Automovil firms have their factories working partially everywhere to cut production. Even worst, last week Nissan fired 1500 workers in its Barcelona factory. Working 2/3 days a week, with all the anguish for the money lost and the apprehension for the future, is not comparable to having no work at all. At least, most European Countries have social security systems that can couch the unemployed—if we still had in the future enough employers and employees to pay for it.
I am deeply sorry knowing many among you (I heard you, TM) feel anguish. My sympathies to all and everyone. In my case, being as I am no business-owner but a professional with tenure, I am worried but still not anguished. I still hope this hell can pass in a relatively short while. But if the recession were to be installed everywhere, I believe things would go for worst very quickly.
Apart from recession, one other thing worries me. If interests rates keep low, global economy may react, IMO. But can really interest rates keep low in the time ahead? I don't know, I'm not an expert. May be some more knowledgeable folks here can comment on this.
As for cars, in South Europe the scenario is very similar to that described by you, Clembo, in Germany. If only, may be there are more small Citroens and SEATs here than in Germany. And, it shocks me how much car-color fancies have changed. Years ago, car colors used to be bright and vivid in Northern Europe, whereas in the South we were prone to dark shades. Now black cars are rare in Spain, for instance; most cars over here are bright red, green, blue, etc. Nonetheless, silver/grey color and small size is everywhere.
Regards,
Jose
PS: What a non-intended, long post has resulted! I'm going to drive right now to my favorite ski-resort in the Pyrenees. The ski season starts tomorrow!! Enjoy while you can :surprise: and keep (Edited: wisely) money changing hands. This is not cynical, IMO.
About a month or two ago, I believe that I posted here that the Dow would be reaching 2001 lows of 7200 and the S & P would go to at least 800. That prediction was really not coming from me but from my friend. BTW, I tried to warn some of my other friends several months ago that this was coming, but they were more or less laughing at me. They are now obviously crying about their net worth. For what it's worth, here is what my friend thinks from now on. We are presently pretty much at, or very close to the low for THIS year in the stock market. However, he looks for new lows in 2009 (probably the first half). The Dow could dip all the way down to 5500-6000. The housing market will hit a low in 2009.
As I stated above, I am an optimist. I could not be any happier than to have elected Obama as our next President. I really do believe that his administration will eventually create millions of new jobs dealing with the environment, etc. Even our auto industry will re-awaken and have a "new beginning". So, TagMan, laurasdada, dewey, and everybody else in pain right now, please keep the faith and everything will turn out all right. Besides, there is nothing WE can do about it (except that we did elect Obama which is very good). I do believe that 4 years from now we will be looking at this economic collapse as a very bad dream (nightmare).
Now something about cars. My wife and I are very much looking forward to the new RX450h. Personally, I think the new model looks great. And, man, I will love the new technology along with much better fuel efficiency. The timing of the new hybrid will be just about perfect since our extended lease on the RX400h expires at the end of April. If need be, I am certain that they will allow us to keep the car until the new model arrives.
In the future BMW will introduce a new 7series at least 220in in length, 5ft tall, weigh about 3 tons and propelled by either hydrogen engine or v-16 hybrid making 1000hp. Fuel economy amazingly stays in the 15mpg range, thanks to extensive use of titanium and magnesium parts, plus Li-ion battery instead of Ni-Cad. In keeping with the ever more popular huge vertical grilles, BMW will decide to reuse the old kidneys back from the '80s, but enlarge each kidney to the size of cafetaria food trays. New hues, including 24k gold or platinum will be offered. Even Bangle will give up and resign.
Inside, rear Italian sofa-style seats with standard ottoman and massage feature, plus pure Chinese silk curtains and picnic tables coverned in Japanese lacquer. NASA grade heat dispelling leather standard, as well as 100 pieces of pure borneo Teak wood trim. It'll have the latest i(diot no more)-Drive with dedicated touchpad (or optional mouse) and latest iSoftware developed by Steve Jobs. Options include self opening-closing doors and "Self-Park" feature. Base price is expected as low as $200k with fully loaded models reaching 300. Suspension will be tuned for ride so serene you won't even notice if the car goes off-road. Sporty driving be damned!!!
To reserve the green-image, apart from the engines BMW shall use leather from private farms for the interior, while the meat goes to BMW's cafetarias for lunch. The trees used will be replanted, the leaves go to cafetaria for salad (goodluck eating those) and cattle food. The rest of the meat and trees serve as fertilizers for the trees. BMW shall become among the greenest of industries where (almost) nothing goes to waste.
Green luxury at it's best, people!!! Problem is: will BMW ever get insane enough to go over the edge with the "luxury" part (cannibalizing Rolls in the process)?
To be or not to be, that is the question... not to be, I certainly hope :P :P
Peace, guys.
Back in August I boasted to my clients how many times wealthier they became with my services. Just as I became too complacent and my biggest concern back then were those traffic cops I yearn for those good ole days just a few month ago
Oh well Warren Buffet has done a lot of mistakes lately too.
Only difference between Buffett and myself is 50 Billion $. Nothing more.
I am still buying stocks hand over fist. Many good bargains. Though those great bargains tend to get discounted about 25 percent on a monthly basis. :sick:
Interest rates are low to fight deflation and economic stagnation. The low interest rates combined with issuing new money at a historicallly fast pace is highly inflationary and will likely kill off the risks of deflation. Unfortunately once deflation is killed we will end up with massive inflation and probably worse consequences than what we have today. :lemon:
During deflationary periods the biggest beneficiaries are savers whose savings are worth more as prices drop.
During inflationary periods the biggest beneficiaries are borrowers whose loans will be repaid with future dollars that are worth less.
Was going to ask where this display was, but dawned on me you are most likely in Miami. Good timing, it's unusually cold for this area right now.
Haven't heard from our local Audi guys about an R8 to check out yet.
ETA 45 days. Countdown is on!
I was behind an A5 the other day on the way back to the house, it is a great looking car.
Did everyone here decide to overcome their internet addictions :confuse:
I just bought myself a spanking new iphone so I can engage with you fellows on a 24/7 basis and now all I hear are crickets. I think I will change my forum name to Omega Man (hint: a Charlton Heston movie)
Jaguar was a money curse for Ford. And now Jaguar is a money curse for Tata.
Some companies are best off being indepedent or dead.
Tata Motors' $2.3 billion buy of the U.K.'s Land Rover and Jaguar car companies last March was touted as evidence of India Inc.'s growing clout -- with added spice, since the acquisitions were on India's former colonial ruler's home turf.
But car sales are slumping, and it's now clear Tata Motors overpaid for its British trophy.
Last month it had to launch a $828 million rights issue to help fund the bridging loan it needed for the deal. Now, there is a good chance that Jaguar Land Rover will seek a further line of credit from the U.K. government, either by itself or as part of an industry bailout.
Lower demand for cars in India, meanwhile, is causing inventory pileups -- the company's having to cut production at its Jamshedphur base this week.
I've been in New York City since Friday, and will spend 10 days here. Wow! What a great place to visit.
I've been bottom feeding in the stock market for weeks, and those stocks are doing well, but it will be a very long time, if ever, that my retirement account will ever return to its previous high levels.
Income is my issue. It is so much lower recently that there is little I can do to make ends meet for very long. I cannot invest my way out of this. By spring of next year I will either have to recover most my income or I'm busted.
For now, we're going to make the best of Thanksgiving in NYC! And we'll try to get through Christmas. After that... ????? :sick:
BTW, I've already posted that Jaguar is dead... looks like more evidence.
TM
My car was parked next to a darker grey Audi STT convert one evening. So I could compare them to one another. Though my car resisted the comparison
Regards,
Jose
Anyway, I'm about 40 mile south of you in NJ. Have a great Thanksgiving in NY. There is much to be thankful for even in this trying period! I am with you!
Regards,
OW
¡Ánimo!
Jose
Still better than coughing up some $37B to "merge" with Chrysler. Ford repeatedly dumped buckets of money into Jag over more than a decade, with pretty much nothing to show for it. They finally broke the trend of re-skinning 30 year old platforms with the '04 XJ, and it looked just like the car it replaced. In order for Jag to have any hope of survival, especially in this market, Tata is going to have to get used to throwing a hell of a lot of money at it. Either that, or they might as well pull the plug.
I just thought that I would share this information with you folks but you are obviously free to do whatever you want. I guess I should issue a disclaimer here: "Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results".
My family loves NYC. We were there August and now we want to go back soon. So much to do there.
Take care and enjoy this Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I can almost hear the big sigh of relief at the Daimler head office in Stuttgart for getting rid of that money pit called Chrysler.
The former MB CEO Juergen Schremp's stupidity is only exceeded by those mindless goons at Cerebreus.
Forget Global Warming right now I am convinced of this new theory of mine called Global Icing (please dont ask me to prove my theory)
Absolutely. I'm not in favor of any bailout for any of the D3, but Cerberus especially deserves absolutely nothing. They're a private company, and they knew what they were getting when they bought Chrysler. Nobody seemed to have a problem with a Cerberus "strip-and-flip" of Chrysler when everybody thought that was the plan. Now, all of a sudden Chrysler is "too important" to the US to let it fail? Since when?
The three of them have a combined 14 brands and FAR too many dealers. At least one of them MUST go under, which will automatically help the other two for the sheer fact that a (steadily diminishing) segment of the population wont consider a foreign make, even if Camrys come from Kentucky while Fusions come from Mexico.