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Comments
Styling, I got two words: Lexus GS.
This may mark the first time MB copies Lexus instead of the other way around. Front end looks good, but the rest... gosh it's bland.
Inside: back to the 90's, not necessarily a good thing... and like you said, looks cheap. The wood trim seems nicely grained, but it'd be much nicer if the color doesn't seem so... dead.
My wife and I are visiting our one year old granddaughter and our daughter and her husband in Belleville, MI (25 miles west of Detroit) and we are all going to visit the Auto Show next Saturday. It should be lots of fun. Here is the press release for the HS250H.
http://www.lexus.com/fcv/HSHybrid/HSHybrid_popup.html?s_ocid=FCV_08_HSh_PressRel- - easePage
I tried doing such a dance in front of my BMW 335i and despite my efforts this ungrateful beast of mine equipped with snow tires refused to budge today without the help of a few Good Samaritans. :mad:
Oh yes now a window motor of mine has malfunctioned again . This is the third time and sometimes I have to leave my car parked with the rear window still open. My windshield wiper fluid sprayer malfunctions quite conveniently during cold weather . The rubber cover of my clutch pedal keeps falling off despite my own and my dealership's attempts to put it back on properly. I've driven manual for three decades without such a highly trivial problem.
And now some hit and run idiot dented my car quite badly on the rear passenger side (estimate $1600) while it was parked. No, I wont blame my car for that incident.
I've come to the conclusion that my BMW 335i has a passive aggressive personality disorder and it's prime motive in life is to annoy me to the point of complete frustration. By November 2009 I am going to divorce this German beast and seek a relationship with someone who is more dependable and more Japanese.
I had expected something a bit more from this car. Better hybrid technology than what will exist in the 2010 Prius. But that is not the case.
My focus has always been drivetrain technology. The technologies and luxuries that distinguish the HS from the Prius is just not exciting enough for me.
Here are the candidates that will replace my BMW 335i
Audi 2.0TDI Avant A4 if it exists by November 2009
Toyota Prius
Honda Insight
Honda Fit
Nope the last car on the list is not a misprint. I want a small spiffy city car that can comfortably hold my kids. This is not a "Riches to Rags" story--- it is just my personal choice.
Or if I was really frugal why not drive the most dependable car on earth: My 83 MB 300D! To me at this point of time sounds real tempting.
My BMW 335i has killed my auto enthusiasm.. I've been stupidly duped by those stellar BMW perfomance specs and now I am paying the price--speeding tickets, snow immobility and immobility during spring, fall and summer because of mechanical problems.
And no folks I will not bid you all Sayonara despite the fact that this site is dedicated to auto enthusiasts. I wont give up that easy. :P
Don't hold your breath. The Germans don't seem interested in bringing their small diesels here, just the big V6s. A4 3.0TDi yes (though maybe not by Nov '09), 2.0TDi no.
First... I want to thank you for that post, because I am definately interested in the press release. The new Lexus HS 250h sounds like a very nice car... and I could see it being a very succesful model for obvious reasons... but, personally, I'm not just feeling any "fun" when I read about it. My juices don't get moving, and my heart doesn't pound even one stronger beat in anticipation, with one small exception. I felt a sense of interest and curiosity regarding the interior.
So... While it is too early to say for sure, I'll venture to guess that I'd most likely rule it out.
TM
Your frustration with your BMW is a shame. What a terrific car that you have fallen out of love with. It is quite understandable, though, given the frustrating and challenging experience it has provided you.
Your list of frugal vehicles makes good sense, but I would check our their capabilites in the snow, since that means so much to you.
BTW, we are in the midst of a fantastic weather sytem this week that is bringing us perfect 70-degree days for about one week. I couldn't help but think of Laurasdada today, as I spent a little time applying some Zaino to the cars. And, you were certainly right about my affection for convertibles, as I had the top down this afternoon during a brief drive from the ballpark. Awesome day, especially for January!
TM
I am now in the winter of my discontent, clean car-wise. While I love the look, smell and feel of New England blanketed in fresh, white powder (spent a couple of hours out in it early this pm with the cub scouts learning to start a fire sans matches and lashing sticks together! I am still proficient at neither...), I ache every time I see my Zaino-shined Abyss Blue TL covered in shades of gray. Not to mention it perched upon thinner and higher profile 16" Dunlop Snow Shoes vs. the low profile Toyos it wears the other eight months of the year.
The good news, Tag, is that when I do (reluctantly) take it to a car wash for a bath, the Zaino shine is still in full effect! Only 3-4 months 'till the Z-2, 5, 6 & 7 come out of hibernation!
And yes, I know of your temperate clime. I spoke to my father today, I'm told LA temps are approaching 80. Hey, that's only about 55 degrees warmer than Boston! Well, until later in the week when the differential shall approach 70 degrees. But, as a skier, I can live with it!
EW's coworker is feverishly shopping for an RX400H, there's $6k trunk money available. EW has decided that if she offers the Lexus salesperson the opportunity to sell two, maybe the deal of the century can be had. I took the EW on a whirlwind tour of Edmunds, AutoTrader and KBB.com. Her dreams of a loaded RX400H for $30k with $15k trade on her '02 RX300 were somewhat deflated by the realities I presented courtesy of these fine sites. But, if anyone is interested, high $30s for an RX400H appears do-able...
I, too, hope for Jag's survival as, beyond my XK lust, I look forward to more XF iterations as well as the next XJ. Hopefully the aforementioned XF quality/reliability issues are just first model year teething pains...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
BTW, let the EW look at this article poste this morning on the opportunity costs for Hybrid verse ICE tech. Not quite there yet unless Uncle Sam gives some energy credits. It's a good read.
Does,nt Add Up Yet
I'm with you on the Jag...hope their quality is on the front burner...
Regards,
OW
Wow! If this comes to fruition, I'll be paying very close attention. However, if Audi chooses to limit the availability and keep the price way up, as the've done with the gas A3, that'll certainly limit my enthusiasm.
I became enamored of modern diesels by driving a rental A3 with the 1.9 litre diesel across Germany back in '01. Maybe something similar will come over here in, what, a bit under 10 years.
Or not.
In any event, thanks for the info.
Good stuff.
TM
Zainostore.com, chock full of information.
My take? Somewhat expensive, a bit time consuming, smells good, great long lasting shine! Probably best appreciated on darker colors. Oh, yeah. And you can apply it to almost any surface, less worry about getting it on black plastic or rubber parts as with conventional waxes.
On the EW's car, I simply use Black Magic which makes her white RX shine rather nicely, too. I guess I just don't share the love (to share my Zaino!) for her SUV-ish thing vs. my rather lovely TL!
'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...)
It's all speculation at this point. But in my case it better be confirmed soon or else by November 2009 I will be buying another model.
The A3 is just too tiny for my needs. A Honda Fit has far more passenger and cargo space than a Audi A3 despite its smaller size.
At least now my frost bitten hands has some blood flow which enables me to use my keyboard.
I've driven various FWD cars in snow without snow tires and always got where I wanted to go. I dont need AWD since almost 100 percent of my driving is in the city.
FWD + Snow Tires is sufficient for me at this point of time.
Our California weather is a blessing, but January is usually one of the worst months. It is so perfectly nice out again today, it's almost freakish... Sunny, in the 70's.
BTW, I was reviewing the Honda Fit on the Honda website earlier, and I think it's an incredibly versatile vehicle. And, no prestige factor whatsoever, which makes it even more desireable, IMO. It's genuine functionality at its best.
The upcoming hybrid version should prove to be an incredible vehicle.
TM
In addition to Zaino products, I use Griot's Garage products, for both exterior and interior. They are fantastic. They have the best assortment of superior microfiber towels anywhere. Their latest Speed Shine blue microfiber towels may very well be the softest towels on the planet.
Their cleaning and detail products are awesome.
The slight advantage I would give Zaino is with their paint protection products. They go on and off so easily and last longer than anything else out there. But, you would not go wrong with Griot's Garage products at all. Some of them are a "must have".
TM
2010 Toyota Prius.
I already called a Toyota dealership and I will soon be putting in my deposit. Hopefully I will get my car by late spring.
High Technology at not such a hefty price. Looking forward to it. The sunroof sounds like an interesting option assuming it does not cost thousands of dollars.
link title
Regards,
Jose
Regards,
OW
My skin looks like red worn leather during winters. Maybe I should use it personally as a treatment.
Smell? My MB 300D spews out some very interesting smells indeed. But today's diesels are like a bouquet of roses when compared to mine.
You should try it: the best one on all sort of (edited) fine leathers! :shades:
Regards,
Jose
Regards,
Jose
Based on the specs and options of the Prius it sounds just as "high tech" as a Lexus HS. If I am not mistaken an HS will just have better leather, better "fit and finish", a bigger engine that is not as fuel efficient and better services at a Lexus dealership. But in terms of "High Tech" I just dont see it?
Let me give you examples of what I mean:
Mark Templin, the general manager of Lexus, insists that his vehicle is not simply tarted up Prius. “If all you care about is m.p.g., go buy a Prius,”
What Lexus customers want in their hybrid is the “Lexus experience,” said James Lentz, the president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. He and Mr. Templin defined that as a quiet car, filled with the latest technology and creature comforts like heated seats. The company will also offer owners free loaner cars, a free car wash and other extras at Lexus dealerships.
My question above is what does he mean by "technology". Most the latest technologies of the HS is also availabe in the Prius. In fact the Prius has a solar powered sunroof which as far as I know is not available in the Lexus HS.
No heated seats in a Prius but in the Lexus HS?
Thank God. I hate heated seats even during winters. Bun roasting is fine in bakeries but not in my car. I have never ever heated my seat in my BMW and I never ever will.
Templin said it will get better miles per gallon in city driving than the Smart car, which is a fraction of the size of the HS. That’s in the neighborhood of 33 m.p.g. Its price probably also will be in the $30,000-plus range, although Toyota isn’t saying yet what it will cost.
Did he say a bit over 33 MPG :confuse: My very roomy and very big 26 year old MB 300D is not far off from that figure.
Is this the best way they employ technology especially when fuel efficiency is it's prime objective.
At least the Prius is focused on what it does best: Fuel Efficiency.
link title
That's pretty much exactly what I expected, though I assumed the HS250 would have more than 187hp. Weight is the enemy of fuel efficiency, and luxury items add weight. This is why the GS450h is one of the dumbest vehicles ever created.
In fact I thought you were a bit pessimistic. Now I realize that the HS mileage specs are even worse than what you had said.
Dewey, if I am you I would hold on for one more year because according to Toyota, lithium Ion battery and plug-in are coming later this year.
I'm sorry that your 335i is giving you trouble. Aside from a broken strut mount and an irritable airbag light, mine has been fine, in fact now achieving upwards of 28 mpg.
But all good things must come to a close. Now that my wife is comfortable driving the W-12 while awaiting the purchase of either the GLK Bluetec or X5 D, I will more than likely go with an S4 later this year when ii trade the Bimmer.
Fascinating story. I got a chance to drive a 599 GTB Ferrari over the Holidays up in Cape Cod. Sister-in-law's brother is the lucky dog that owns it.. Very exhilarating. He thought highly of my "lowly" R8. Says it is as easy to drive as a A4. Indeed it is.
If you want luxury with reasonable/better than average FE then HS250h is the car.
It's really that simple, at least to me that is. The HS250h will pretty much give you Camry Hybrid-like FE with the usually Lexus luxury. I predict the HS250h will get you 35 mpg combined which is not bad but falls short than the 40 I would like to see. Clearly this car is not for me but I also do realize that I am part of the minority (a very very small minority...) when comes to car buying. However, I am sure for those who hate driving, want a luxury ride, don't care about performance and want to reduce gas bill the HS is going to fit them perfectly.
Probably stuff like a HUD that even works in bright daylight. IMO, it's all no big deal. You won't miss any of it. Prius is a smart decision, and I'd get the sunroof option. Fortunately, you will probably have an opportunity to check out (and rule out?) the Honda Insight before your Prius arrives... so, if you discover you like the Insight better than the Prius, you can still get one. You've got a win-win situation on your hands!
TM
Please test one with QuattroSport and let us know what you think. From what I've read, the combination of the new more balanced platform, ADS, and QuattroSport make it the best handling Audi sedan ever, even better than the old RS4.
I do in fact understand why you have come to value dependability so highly after experiencing the pain of dealing with an unreliable car. It's what drove me to the LS430 rather than the previous generation S430. Hopefully, the current S550 is now reliable.
Thanks for all recommendations, will check it out.
Now you have heard of one!
In fact Nivea Creme is even better than the body milk but more difficult to administer due to its richness. (Using body milks/cremes with perfumes or other cosmetics in them is not good at all.)
Using Nivea body milk it's quite common over here as well for the care of leather jackets or similar clothes. Gives to any kind of leather flexibility and durability—but of course no color!
Nivea body milk should be applied rubbing the leather with a Nivea-embbebed soft smooth clean fabric. Do not apply Nivea body milk directly to the leather to avoid dark stains difficult to remove even after rubbing with the cloth. In any case, applying Nivea in much quantities should be avoided in order to not leave Nivea white remnants in the seams.
Bien sure, Nivea is not a hard cleaning product nor one to restore lost color; it is only for refreshing and keeping leathers in good condition.
And finally, Nivea body milk was the product my BMW dealer recommended me for the conservation of my Bimmer leathers.
Regards,
Jose
Edit: You could possibly use it at least once on a seat or part of a seat and if you weren't satisfied with the result no problem in changing thereafter to other product as no damage had been done to the leather.
(All this being said with the most possible fondness for them and their beatiful island.)
I went and came by plane, which added pain to to my freezing because Madrid Airport was closed both times, the first one for some air controllers action and the second by bad wether. As a result I had to pass through more airports than needed to arrive to my destinations. Sort of a nightmare to avoid by all means to spend nights in airport hotels. I rather had drove and board a ferry had I knew it.
When in Oxford or riding the highway to and from London Airports, I observed traffic. Regarding the number of Luxury German cars seen, my conclusion was: Audi was the leader closely followed by BMW (very closely followed in fact); MB was tailing at wide distance. This is akin to what I currently see in Spain and France.
This of course was a subjective appreciation. Any of the usuals here know what is MB passenger car status in global and regional markets? I may be wrong, but I would be concerned if I my life prospects were dependent on MB selling figures.
Regards,
Jose
Will do, sir! How has everything been going for you LG?
More on the Audi. As most of you know, I have a special fondness for Audis. But I did give serious thought into buying a 330d, G37S, and I even looked at the TL SH-AWD and CTS DI. I crossed the MB C350 off the list early on due to a lack of interest for me. The TL styling is a bit polarizing for this old gray-head, right along with the MDX, it was crossed as well.
Then it came down the Infiniti, which leaps and bounds better in quality than the previous model, but still trails the other Japanese, most Europeans, and one American in particular in overall polish. But it's powertrain is spot on. So believe it or not, I came down to the Audi and the Cadillac. The Cadillac has moved the needle so far ahead for GMs luxury division that it is a pity that the company was/is mismanaged so badly. The overall feel and solidness of the car seems to be from the best German studios. The low NVH levels would embarrass other supposed "hushed" cars.
And then right across the road sits the Audi dealership. There sits a Race Red A4. Right from the jump, it is known that this is not your off-lease 08 A4. It sits lowerr and wider than before, with the wheels being pushed out to sides of all four corners. The interior keeps Audi's tradition of exemplary material and craftsmanship here. The finish of the overall product is stunning.
Truth be told, I am still at a crossroads between the two cars. The only thing that puts a sour taste in my mouth with the CTS is the level of "bling". An extravagant array of chrome and lighting is a bit much. And with the Audi, I wish they upgraded the engines a bit more than what was delivered. Audi/VW had no decent V6 until the upcoming 3.0 The 3.6 in the Passat is okay, but the BMW 3.0tt, GMs 3.6L, and even Toyota/Lexus 3.5 will smack it silly for polish, refinement, and efficient.
I am also holding my cards also for the CTS-v. I am curious about its everyday drivability and performance. Stay tuned...
I dont have time to wait for the Holy Grail of lithium ion batteries. Those lithium ion battery plug in Priuses your're talking about will be sold in very low numbers to a select few commercial businesses. Like the electrical MINI these cars will be a rarity for this year.
Despite the trials and tribulations of my investment business I have no intention upon starting a courier express business just in order to be qualified as a commercial businsess so I can own a plug in Prius.
Nor do I have time to wait a few years until plug ins or electrical vehicles become more prevalent since right now with my BMW I need a dog whip and a team of Siberian Huskies for commuting in the city.
I will keep an open mind about the Honda Insight.
BUTa 40 MPG figure is not impressive at all. A year ago Honda mentioned that the Insight will achieve 2nd generation Prius mileage at a far lower price. At least they seem to be keeping their promise about the lower pirce but they certainly did break their promise about mileage.
Even the much bigger hybrid Ford Fusion will have superior mileage than the Honda Insight. That is a huge Honda disappointment and this Insight is a far cry from the mileage of the Honda Insight 10 years ago.
At least your BMW 335i has been more reliable than mine.
I tend to keep cars for a very long time but that will not be the case with my BMW 335i. If I ever owned a Audi R8 that car would remain a family heirloom for many generations in the Dewey family.
I will definitely be taking a multi-year sabbatical from buying a new German car. Though that will not be so hard for me since I already have a BMW 530xi Touring and a ancient Benz in my garage.
I have test driven a Prius many times and my expectations for its handling and performance is not high at all. So I wont be disappointed.
I was in Oxford 11 years ago. I rented a 98 Citroen Xsara and actually loved driving it ( I guess this had more to do with the fact that it was the first car I had rented with a manual tranny). It was perfectly small for the very narrow roads of some UK cities especially York.
BTW, after a brief discussion with the wife, she is not interest in the HS250h. She has her mind set on the new RX450h. In any case, I think we are in for exciting times ahead in hybrid and electric technology.
Enter Google Earth
Activate 3D in Preferences
Fly to El Prado Museum
Place the cursor on the Museum outline until illuminating it
Click on the outline
Click on one of the appearing paintings
Click then on "Explore this image in super high resolution" legend below the painting
And enjoy
:surprise:
Luxurious. I have been hours exploring the paintings at a detail one never could have dreamed of.
Regards,
Jose
In any case, Dewey, I'm sure you will be a very happy camper with your next generation Prius.
Regards,
OW