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Hope things are good with you, and you are doing well.
Thanks Tag. I'm doing pretty good and wish you well also.
Any who, even though it's low volume, someone is liking the proposition.
The STS reminds me of SAAB...Sayonara, baby! Ditto, RL!!
Hey B.I.G., you called it on the GS...others are showing the cold shoulder also.
Regards,
OW
Now THAT's a twist of fate.
Hey... let's get one part of the equation straight. The truth is this... the truck happened because it was originally intended for the guys in my shop at my business... but after I acquired it, they said it would be too difficult to park a full-size vehicle within the city, and rather than force them to use it, my accountant suggested that I use it myself, and take advantage of the huge write-off that it is eligible for.
My favorite car is definitely my BMW twin-turbo 135i convertible, with 6-speed manual tranny and sports package. It's a driver's machine, and I haven't lost my appreciation for a great handling car just because I also drive an F150. The truck is actually pretty cool as a cruiser now and then... especially since a friend of mine put a killer multi-media system in it, with 1 front and 2 rear monitors, so my son and other passengers can watch DVDs or iPod movies and videos.
But, regardless... you are right... things have turned out way beyond anyone's ability to predict. As I posted earlier, so much has changed that sometimes I don't think I'm even the same person any more.
And, as cyclone4 knows, I have completely changed my view of hybrids.
Yeah... go figure. :surprise:
Want to try to predict next year?
TM
Any doubters still out there?
TM
On the other hand, Infiniti seems to be holding strong, which shows that a great product can overcome a hell of a lot. The next gen M37 and M50 should be giving BMW nightmares.
I do have some explaining to do about that Lexus hybrid desire of mine.
First of all welcome back LJFLX.
Len after that very long Rip Van Winkel disappearnace of yours I can just imagine how you must feel waking up and seeing this forum.
We have a Lexusguy who has become an Audiguy.
We have very heated disputes about watches, cameras and coffee but no disputes about German Cars versus Japanese cars.
We have Tagman a former diesel addict who recently kicked his habit by focusing on hybrids
And believe it or not a 21st century BMW guy I am not!
During winter my BMW 335i is like an immobile piece of metal during snow storms. And here in Toronto we do get our share of snow storms. Traffic cops are taking an amorous interest in my car and I already got 7 tickets within two years. And last but not least my car is a LEMON. I have a revolving door relationship with my dealership...whenever I leave I always end up going back.
So why a Lexus?
1) My BMW speed demons have been tamed and whipped by those traffic cops
2) After my recent BMW experiences reliability plays a bigger role in my car decison..
3) I want a car that is mobile during winters and would only consider a Lexus HS250 if it was available with AWD Or maybe just maybe my wife's BMW 530i touring wagon will be replaced by a Lexus RX450H.
So Cyclone we both may have the same Lexus in our garages.
Wouldn't that be radical
Hope you are doing well and all my best wishes for the hoiliday season and a happy New Year. Glad to see you still visit the thread you initiated.
I had a dispute over at the BMW forums regarding the usefulness of my 330xi vs. RWD. The die-hard RWD theory is that all you need is to know how to handle the RWD and it outperforms awd every time.
I had an opportunity to drive a 335i for a full day (330xi service) and the SC/TC engaged many times on slick roads during some spirited turns. Not so with the x-drive. The difference is huge, even with all-weather tires in the snow. My experience says for complete control, awd is the ticket....less fun, mind you but we are talking extreme traction particularly at the limit.
Have you tried the x-drive version of the 335?
Regards,
OW
There's more to it than that. The RWD fans also believe in the right tire for the job: dedicated snows for winter driving & performance rubber for the warmer months. You'll find that they don't much like all-season tires, which are never more than just good enough to get by.
Here in the NY metro area, there are no more than 20 days per year when we really need AWD. Why, then, drag around that fun-killing weight the other 345 days? When I've driven a 3-series xi, I've been reminded of an athlete who's been AWOL from training camp for the last 2 weeks. The driving experience is certainly pleasant enough, but the edge isn't there. The car feels willing but sort of flabby.
Admittedly, when a winter storm does hit, I can leave my 330i in the garage & take our 4WD CR-V. But if I couldn't have both cars, I'd gladly settle for the BMW shod with the right tires for the season.
There is no question( in my opinion) that the x drive..(.I currently drive the 2009 535i with x drive) is the way to go here. The car drives like a dream. Just fantastic. The best BMW yet. I wouldn't know the difference if the car weighs more or handles slightly different. All I know is the car runs and handles great in any kind of weather..good or bad. The recent winter storm here I was able to drive in 7-9 inches on hills, slick roads, parking lots etc...I really don't have any complaints...and BTW..I drove the rear wheel drive 5 series for many years and although the recent models have improved ( the rear wheel drive styles)...I was miserable driving the RWD in any adverse weather condition. That is not the case anymore!
In fact, a CPO 535 wagon might be my next car. Last spring, a friend who was thinking about leasing one asked me for my opinion (always a dangerous thing): should he choose stick or automatic? I told him that I would never again drink with him if he opted for the slushbox. Suitably chastened, he picked out a silver/black wagon with a stick. I've driven it; it's a terrific car. By the time it comes off lease, my 330i will be pushing 10 years, & I'll be ready for something larger & more luxurious. I'll follow him down to the dealership when he turns it in & buy it, if the price is right.
Tony, don't think you were being petty at all. I wouldn't accept 20+ miles. As you know, the dealer's biggest flaw may be their lack of product on the lot, hence my worries.
If she comes in over 10, may well march over to BMW & pick one off the lot. I'm tired of the wait. If so, hope the dealer is as good as Jose's.
Citroen Xantia Activa
Mine was painted in British Racing Green.
Activa hydro gas suspension, even its anti-rolling bar, was electronically controlled. It anticipated the development BMW introduced later. Nevertheless, as stable and agile as this car was, the Xantia Activa steering and driving feeling were far from those of good 3-Series. (For starting, Xantia Activa was FWD, and that mattered.)
Regards,
Jose
Wonderful colour. I had much fun in an MGB (grey) that would have been even better if it had been BRG. Much later I bought a Miata the only year they offered BRG ('91), but I didn't spend the extra to get it. Wished I had (many times) later.
Happy New Year, by the way, Jose. Continue enjoying that Bimmer of yours (as if. . .).
Regards,
Jose
Best Regards,
OW
I bid a not-so-fond farewell to 2008, and pray that 2009 is a great year. Over the recent years, I believe the unexpected events have been the significant driving forces behind so much of our lives. Some more stability and predictability would be nice for a change, but I'm not counting on it any time soon.
I hope your personal lives are enriched, happy and healthy... and, of course, that you all acquire the cars you are seeking, and/or enjoy the ones you already have.
One good thing about '08 was the way this forum took a turn for the better. Who knows... maybe Merc will surprise us with a post in '09. :surprise: I'm not holding my breath, but it certainly would be cool. That aside, you gentlemen are a terrific group and I enjoy spending some time here exchanging posts.
I have definitely learned from all of you, and I see that my perspectives on many things have been influenced here and elsewhere, which is a compliment to all of you. I was, admittedly, dogmatic in my earlier days here, and I find myself less so recently. I sincerely hope I have not offended anyone here, and if so, I ask for your forgiveness, as we move into the new year.
The kudos we now give to Asian and European cars is remarkable compared to the way it used to be here. And the auto industry landscape is undergoing so much change in such a short time, it is absolutely mind-boggling.
I don't mind saying that year after year, I continue to be impressed with Lexusguy's genuine knowledge of so many automobiles and the automobile industry from a global perspective. But by recognizing LG here, I am by no means overlooking anyone else's contributions... they are all terrific... it's just all too obvious that he is a walking reference book on cars! I am envious, as it is often easier to have an opinion than to have the knowledge.
I wonder if we are entering into a polarization of the types of vehicles on the road... more gas-sippers on one end of the spectrum, and more horse-power injected machines on the other end? Or, is the entire industry truly moving towards smaller, more gas-efficient vehicles? Or, perhaps both... although technology isn't providing too many very powerful gas-sippers just yet, unless the idea of a Tesla catches on, as it doesn't sip any gas at all. My answer would be that we are in a downsizing trend, because the technology still requires smaller, lighter vehicles in order to get the fuel efficiency that people are increasingly starting to seek.
I sure hope the reduced price of gas doesn't spoil the trend, because if history is any indication... well... I think maybe this time it will be different. We'll see.
Anyway... best to all of you!!! And here's my toast to a ticket-free 2009.
BTW, anyone here want to make any major predictions for 2009?
TM
Well this would certainly be a dull place if everyone always agreed with everyone else :shades: And thank you for the complement, by the way.
I wonder if we are entering into a polarization of the types of vehicles on the road... more gas-sippers on one end of the spectrum, and more horse-power injected machines on the other end? Or, is the entire industry truly moving towards smaller, more gas-efficient vehicles?
I don't think high horsepower is going away, at least not yet, but we definitely are going to see it in alternate, more efficient forms. Twin turbos and superchargers are making a comeback in a big way, and I think we've probably seen the last of the 760Li, the S600/S65, and the A8 W12. Cars will also most likely stop gaining several inches in size and several hundred pounds of weight after each redesign.
I don't think the Tesla itself will ever be more than a toy, and their sedan is most likely DOA. The idea though isn't necessarily flawed. If Hyundai's Lithium-on-silicon sheet batteries actually work as advertised, they could help make an excellent all electric car.
Predictions for '09: Chrysler is broken up and sold off, with Jeep the most likely brand to survive under new probably Chinese owners. GM sheds at least half of its brands. Toyota becomes the #1 nameplate in the US, and unquestionably the world's largest automaker. Audi and Infiniti gain some market share at the expense of Mercedes and Lexus. Acura continues to fumble around as a second tier brand along with Volvo. Ford continues to own the shrinking full-size pickup market. I think the Fiesta will be a hit, and the Chevy Cruze will bomb.
Chrysler goes bye-bye unless the congress is stupid enough to keep loaning them money. Jeep and Chrysler will be bought by either a Chinese (Chery and FAW got their eyes on it already, according to CCTV) or Canadian company ( they've been trying to buy Chrysler ever since the Daimler days). They'll fight over Chrysler (300's massively popular in China) Another scenario, based on Jeep's sheer popularity in Russia, can we expect another Nikolai Smolensky coming in all of a sudden?
GM will continue to downsize, outsourcing mainly to China. Malibu sales will remain steady at best, but most likely drop from the arrival of new Ford Fusion. Cruze will fare better than Cobalt, but not good enough. The Volt will continue to be delayed, can't shelf it as it'll trigger the congress to balk (we all know why). Expect Saturn and Pontiac 6ft under, Saab goes on sale. Truck based SUVs sales will falter again, weak economy not recovering yet. Overall expect GM to lose even more sales, due to the sentiments of both "failing company" and "taxpayer's money grubber" images.
Ford will emerge as the strongest and most popular domestic, thanks to "We don't need any bailout". F150 continue to be the most popular. Fusion sales will rise, and possibly soar (stealing other domestics and even some japanese sales). Fiesta will be a hit, however Mercury and Lincoln will blow. Rumors about Ford selling off it's Mazda shares most likely won't become reality (Ford is realying too much on Mazda platform and parts for it's cars).
Nissan US' sales will hurt, the popularity of it's gems will not be enough to cover the loss from Titan and other trucks/ truck-based SUVs diminishing sales. Expect them to be gone this year, save perhaps Frontier. The arrival of Cube will steal some Scion sales.
Toyota will stabilize as it's started to take actions to face the economy. Lexus, arrival of hybrids will save the brand's sales.
Honda will start to struggle if it can't get pass the current styling reef. Acura will struggle further from the company's own blunder for straying off mission.
Mazda will most likely become the new Nissan (Nissan is starting to go soft on the sport theme) and rising.
Other Japanese will continue to struggle, I don't see any of them coming with any turnaround plan. Mitsubishi's very existence will be in jeopardy, perhaps even die along with parent Chrysler. Isuzu will probably leave US market in the near future, focusing on commercial truck sales across the globe.
From Europe I expect VW-Audi to become a very significant player globally, particularly since it's so ahead of competition in diesel developments, stealing sales mainly from MB. MB itself will be shaky through 09, relying too much on S and Cclass. BMW will receive a hard blow, the next gen 7 won't do well imo. But thanks to strong management BMW will persevere. Volvo and Jaguar in deep trouble, XF sales still can't cover other models' losses and Tata is starting to crumble (I failed to see this, TM's right afterall
Another many forgot to mention, Koreans will rise further. Many even fail to see their presence, well, bad luck for them as Hyundai-Kia is lurking in the shadow with a loaded machine gun. Expect them to become the top value player in the compact segment, a contender (but not the top yet) in midsize class. However, Kia Borrego and other non-compact SUV/crossover/minivan and such will tank.
What do you guys in this forum think the future would be for Ford but in particular GM European Divisions?
Opel Insignia has just been voted by European motorcar journalists as the 2009 European Car (321 points), closely ahead of the renewed Ford Fiesta (320 points). Interestingly, truly European car brands came after and distant: Citroen C5 (198 points), Alpha Romeo Mito (148 points), Skoda Superb (144 points) and then Renault Mégane newest generation (121 points).
Opel Insignia, 2009 European Car
My feeling is European Divisions are juicy enough to be kept by Ford and GM. Or, juicy enough to be sold? The outcome might well depend on the rol played by the European Divisions for their parent American Companies. Is Europe only a market for them, as has been to day IMO? Could Europe be a test place for smaller models with 4 cyl new engine tech to be eventually translated into the USA? Is the average American car owner willing to go in that direction?
Regards,
Jose
(Edit: For global forecasts, BMW gasser and diesel technology should not be forgotten; both are among the world best if not in front of the pack.)
Well, guess what? Things have changed. The gas at the pump, did not drop fast enough to be compatible with the futures. It only reached $1.45 in my area. The crude oil futures have come up to $46-47 and the RBOB is up to $1.10 as of this writing. Thus, I would advise everyone to go fill up your gas tanks today, ASAP. Don't be surprised if it shoots up by 10-12 cents a gallon by tomorrow if not sooner. There! That's my prediction.
VW/Audi will be strong and replace GM to become Toyota's number one competitor. However, I just don't see them to be a major player in the US market. VW is currently in an identity crisis because it is just too "luxurious" and expensive to be competitive in the mainstream market. Audi needs the A4 to be a major selling in its segment (needs something like 5k to 6k units per month) but I have yet to see that happening even with the brand new A4.
Regards,
OW
At this current state selling off European divisions of each brands borders on insane. Ford is relying on its Euro division (Fiesta, Focus) and Mazda (Mazda2, 3) to come up with credible small cars.
GM, like it or not is currently relying more on its foreign divisions than it's own US branch for new products. Lets see, among GM's front liner there are:
Malibu (based on Vectra, the next will be based on Insignia - Opel Germany)
2010 Equinox (based on Captiva/Daewoo Winstorm - GMDAT Korea)
Camaro (based on many Australian built and designed parts)
Both GM and Ford focus the 4-cyl engine development to their Asian and Euro divisions. Honestly, Americans suck at making smaller engines.
As I said, selling them off = insane.
Insignia is a true European car (except by company name) imo. I personally expect to see Fiat 500 making it to US someday, Mini and Fit will have a tough competition.
I dont expect VW to dethrone Toyota at all, just expecting them to be a major player particularly in clean diesel technology. Audi is the one I expect to soar, but its recent trend in raising price is giving me doubts....
Havent heard from you for a while... enjoying holidays?
Nobody knows the future.
Nobody would have predicted that Prius sales were among the hardest hit among Toyotas during recent months. Nobody would have predicted that BMW's most devoted spokesmen (me, myself and I) would lose interest in BMWs. Because BMW lost me as their spokeman I think the company will be doomed very soon.
Luxury cars? Sales are doomed to get far worse than any other segment. Why? Because President elect Obama and on my side of the border PM Harper have one mandate: Kill Free markets. Bail out the losers. Regulate, regulate and even regulate more . Taxes for the rich will be hiked on both sides of our border and the sock it to the rich mentality will be back in vogue. Such an environment will strangle luxury car sales.
Regarding bail outs. There is no such thing as the Government picking winners because it's always the losers that picks the Governement for bailouts.
So the private sector is blamed for this financial crisis?
That is very unfortunate. Since the key source of this problem was due to the US Government. Please refer to my link below:
post 16164
And who is going to solve our problems--the government again ofcourse with more incentives to borrow and lend to parties that are already having difficulties serving their debts.
Here's the reality: consistently borrowing more than you produce is unsustainable. During the Great Depression debts were a fraction of what they are now. Today that is not the case. Today with so much US debts owed to foreigners the situation resembles Weimar Germany during the 1920s. So how did Germany solve their debt problems. Quantitative easing as advocated by Bernanke/Paulson which basically means diminishing the value of your debts with high future inflation
That is a very ominous and sad choice in my opinion because the consequences of such choice can be uncontrolloably dire.
Yeah, I was busy playing tour guide for the last week and half, my sister and cousin came visit me during Christmas. Have been catching up with the unread posts this morning and yours have been just like the way they are, very enjoyable.
Audi is the one I expect to soar, but its recent trend in raising price is giving me doubts.
I had great expectations for the new A4 because it is quite a looker and the new 2.0T looks like a monster based on the spec sheet. However, after an extensive test drive (on a track, with the 3.2 Quattro) and back to back test drive comparo with few of its competitors (328xi, C300 4matic and IS250 AWD) I came away disappointed. After finding out the pricing of the new A4 the disappointment grew even stronger. Personally I just don't see how this car will make Audi soar here in the US, especially when coupled with its ridiculous pricing strategy.
Cyclone, you might be right that it is temporary. I sure hope so.
Here is the day's news from AAA.
AAA Fuel Gauge Report Overview
By Geoff Sundstrom
Director, AAA Public Relations
Monday, Dec. 29, 2008
Although the nationwide average price of self-serve regular gasoline resumed its decline over the weekend – falling to $1.619 per gallon, a third day of air strikes by Israeli forces against Palestinian targets in the Gaza strip rattled oil traders enough to push the price of oil back up to $40 per barrel by the end of Monday’s NYMEX session. Wholesale gasoline futures also moved a bit higher with reformulated fuel trading near 92 cents per gallon.
The upward price moves for oil and wholesale gasoline came on a day of light trading volume, however and regardless of their one-day increase they still leave room for the average price of retail gasoline to move lower in coming days and weeks; perhaps as low as $1.50 per gallon between now and the end of February.
It also has to be recognized that although the markets will be watching and reacting to events in the Middle East, there are no globally significant energy assets at risk in this fighting and demand for oil and gasoline remain extraordinarily weak worldwide.
The other two ongoing events worth noting this week are: 1) continuing claims from OPEC members that more oil production cuts are on the way, and; 2) a resumption of dollar weakness against the Euro, the Japanese Yen and the Swiss Franc following the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank’s decision to lower the discount rate.
Typically, a weak dollar pushes up the prices of commodities to U.S. consumers, so this could take on more significance to energy prices if the trend worsens. Threats of lower oil output are probably less of an immediate problem because demand is still low and inventories are plentiful.
Overall, AAA remains reasonably confident the future trend for retail gasoline prices will be lower and not higher in coming weeks.
Regards,
OW
As the saying goes, mal de muchos, consuelo de tontos. Over here is unfortunately the same thing.
(Dewey, because of that and other badly unbalanced things akin to, I am not exactly a true believer regarding the market as the only right force to drive the world.)
Regards
Jose
Too bad the A4 didn't impress you. I will still keep the G in the list for future consideration vs. BMW. Still have not tried the IS.
Regards,
OW
The dollar index has actually held its own since early in the week and has actually strengthened somewhat. I may be in the minority, but I am not as pessimistic about the dollar as many so called experts. Let's face it. The entire world is dependent on the U.S. economy. About a month ago, I painted a rather gloomy picture about our economy, but I am starting to feel I bit more optimistic. Yes, there will be some very difficult times ahead over the next year or two, but I do not believe some of these doom and gloom guys that say that gold is headed to $2,000 or $3,000 and the dollar is going to zero. I REFUSE to believe that this nation will "die". If the gold reaches these sort of levels than we are all in the same boat anyway and everybody will be suffering terribly. I doubt that gold will do you much good. There would be anarchy.
This article, however, does remind us all that the situation in the Middle East can explode at any moment and BINGO. Everything changes.
An A4 2.0T Sport /w ADS IMO is a much better car than the C300 with its el-cheapo materials and bland driving experience, and the IS250 which can get its doors blown off by a V6 Camry. The AWD version in particular is so underpowered it could be considered dangerous. While Audis aren't as cheap as they used to be, a loaded up A4 2.0T still undercuts a loaded 328xi by around $3,000.
As with every version that came before, the V6 A4 doesn't have enough power and can't compete with BMW. If Audi offered an A4 3.0T S-line, it would be an easy choice over a 335xi and G37x. With the 3.2 though, I'd probably end up with the BMW or Infiniti.
Audi 2.0 TSFI Prestige: $40k(base) / $47.3k(loaded)
BMW 328xi: $35.6k(base) / $47.3k(loaded w/ automatic) / $45.9k(loaded w/o automatic)
If Audi offered an A4 3.0T S-line
That's call the new S4 as it'll come with the SC 3.0 V6.
While the 2008 S4 is rated by the EPA at just 16 mpg combined, thanks to its TFSI V-6 Audi estimates the new model will yield a fairly impressive 24-plus mpg highway -- close to the 3.2L A4. Enthusiasts may be less concerned with fuel economy than the average commuter, but with the current instability of gas prices, no doubt many will welcome the improvement.
At staring price in the mid $50k range (est.) this is an interesting change from the V-8 version. Will BMW do the same with the M3??
Regards,
OW
Regards,
OW
BMW M Engines Going Turbo
Enlarge PhotoCiting tougher emissions regulations, better fuel efficiency, and greater torque production from a smaller package, "well placed Munich insiders have said" that naturally aspirated BMW M engines will gradually give way to turbocharged units, said the U.K.'s Autocar. The new M engines will be based on the current twin-turbo inline six and twin-turbo V-8 engines in the BMW lineup, but will make more power than their regular-duty brethren and significantly more torque than the M engines they are set to replace.
Currently, M engines are a 4.0-liter V-8 in the M3 and a 5.0-liter V-10 in the M5 and M6. Both engines favor very high RPM horsepower over big torque numbers, consuming plenty of gas along the way to their peak outputs. According to Autocar, the newest M model, the xDrive M, based on the BMW X6, will have a twin-turbo V-8 that should match the M5's V-10 at 500 hp, while making considerably more torque than the V-10 (rumored at up to 516 pound-feet). This should give the newest M model, even with its considerable heft, a 0-60 mph run of under five seconds.
A BMW official said that the new turbocharged engines should match or exceed current M performance, while delivering "much better consumption." The M division is also testing stop/start functionality, regenerative braking, and a gas/electric hybrid drivetrain for installment on future models.--Colin Mathews
Source: http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1016515_bmw-m-engines-going-turbo
IMO - pure reaction to Russia and an over-reaction to the middle east. Did you see how out of sync expectations were of build vs usage on Wednesday. Build was substantially higher than expected last week as US demand continues to sink. Oil was headed under $37 on that data when the Russian nat gas cutback was announced and that reversed the trend. But come contract month end who in the trade is in need of buying that oil given the continuing build each week? Folks will either have to stockpile it or cut price heavily to dump it.
I actually paid my lowest premium price yet today - $1.63.
BMW 328xi: $35.6k(base) / $47.3k(loaded w/ automatic) / $45.9k(loaded w/o automatic)
Those BMW prices are lower than I saw. I got $47.3K for the Audi with standard paint, 19" Sport package, wood trim, ADS, and NAV. Ticking literally every box brings it up to a bit over $50K for ACC and the rear sunshades.
Setting up the BMW with the same equipment as the Audi will cost you $49.3k with the AT, or $53K with ACC and the rear sunshades, and 19" wheels are not available at any price. Genuine BMW 19" wheels will cost several thousand dollars I'm sure, and you'd have to spend at least $1500 for aftermarket wheels.
What I'd like to see from Audi is a 300hp/310ft.lb A4 3.0T, the same engine from the updated A6, priced the same as the current 3.2. That would allow them to compete directly with the 335i and G37. I have to assume that the A4 3.2 will be replaced by a 3.0T version, the current engine just doesn't cut it.
Because the M3 sedan loaded will be mid-upper $60. This is how Audi operates, the S cars perform and are priced below M and AMG, and the RS cars perform and are priced above M and AMG. It's a somewhat weird system and it might help them to get rid of it and go directly at BMW and Mercedes model for model, but they don't seem to want to change. The new RS4 will probably hit $70K, but it will be a monster.
Whether a 335xi is a better choice than an S4 depends on your definition of "almost the same".
In the short term oil prices can fluctuate above or below $55 to $65 but not in the long term since marginal costs will creep higher and higher as "cheap to drill oil reserves" dry out.
It is very fortunate that the Saudis are good friends of ours since they have the cheapest oil. Without them world oil prices would be far higher and we would be more dependent on thugs like Putin, Chavez and that charming fellow from Iran.
So enjoy these low oil prices as long as they last because they wont last too long unless demand drops substantially due to a horrific prolonged global depression. So let's all pray for higher oil prices and continued prosperity in Saudi Arabia.
That is just sooo 20th century!
The greener , the more reliable, the more practical , the more luxurious and last but not least the more technologically sophisticated Lexus HS250 sounds far more 21st century to me.
I will take the Lexus HS250 anyday over these two Germanic relics of the past.
Sushi is in. Sauerkraut is out.