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Luxury Lounge

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    deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    But, the bigger question is, what will it mean moving forward? What do you think the impact will be?

    No impact! The indifference reflects the importance of Bangle styling.It was as important and as irrelevant as those Tickle Me Elmo Dolls of the 1990s.
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    deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Welcome back.

    I was in KC many decades ago. Some of my relatives lived in El Dorado Kansas. In fact these relatives owned several Chrysler dealerships around Kansas.

    Thanks for your Lexus IS offfer but in all honesty I think you RX would be more cooperative in the snow.

    If the 2010 Higlander has the same 3.5L hybrid drivetrain like the 2010 RX then I may end up buying a hybrid Highlander. The current 3.3l hybrid drivetrain Highland is a bit dated IMO.
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    deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Jaguar's quality control will definitly be short of funds . In fact Jaguar itself may soon be short of funds. A predicament faced by many other car companies.

    Where the cash crunch is most acute is at Tata Motors, which has $2 billion of debt due by June, and cash on hand of only around $100 million. The debt is due on a loan used to fund Tata Motors $2.3 billion acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover last year.

    Then, Tata Motors expected to fund part of its repayment with an overseas stock offering. Now, Tata Motor's Chief Financial Officer C. Ramakrishnan says that won't happen until later this year or early 2010.

    So, the company needs its banks to rollover the loan and has no contingency plan if they won't

    WALL STREET JOURNAL
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    deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Thanks for the warning.

    I will check my car thoroughly and park it distantly away from all other cars that may have been tampered with by one of my clients.

    The probablity of being killed by a bomb is less in an economy car than a luxury car.
    Think about it? How many bomb attempts have you heard among drivers of a Honda Fit or a Toyota Corolla? In Mexico the wealthiest people drive bashed up economy clunkers mainly for security reasons. Less attention, longer mortality.

    Even in fiction think of those James Bond movies. Everybody is being killed in MBs, BMWs, Aston Martins, Rolls Royce but the fellow driving the Honda Civic is alive and well and picking up his lottery ticket and Wonder Bread from the corner store.
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    tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    Guess not. Sadly, the super-model stumbles again.

    What about the XK? I don't recall having read any bad press about that one. :confuse:
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    tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    ...it is a shame to have such a thorn in your side, but shortly you will take action to remove it,...

    As anyone who has had the displeasure of a thorn stuck in them can tell you, often times it hurts more coming out than going in! ;)
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    tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    What about the XK?

    The XK hasn't been a reliability nightmare for Jaguar. It's been a terrific vehicle for the company, and the limited data on the vehicle's reliability indicates (collectively) that the XK's reliability has been generally worse than an average vehicle... which isn't really all that horrible for a car like the XK. Certainly nothing to brag about, yet nothing to cause a major negative stir either.

    The XK clearly makes up for any reliability concerns with its wonderful styling and driving dynamics. It's a beautiful automobile, IMO. My only complaints when I tested it were the rear visibility (on the convertible) was challenging, rear seats were essentially useless, and the huge front oval up front looks like a giant catfish or sucker fish. Ironically, the tranny on my test vehicle had some issues. But, overall, it's hard to fault the gorgeous XK. I've always liked the car quite a bit, and would eagerly welcome one in my garage.

    I must add, however, that if I were fortunate enough to be in the market for an XK (which I am not, of course), I'd probably end up spending some serious time in the Aston Martin and Maserati showrooms. :)

    TM
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    anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    The thing that really hurts is when the thorn`` stays in``...You know you worry it and work on it before taking major action :) The thing I don`t think anyone really considers, is say you have a super sports car--love it for what is ---then a luxury car that is totally different, but enjoy it in a totally different fashon...I think the Prius would be a totally different experience, and would be a fun challenge to drive.....Face it--a really good feel for the road only comes from a direct coupled steering wheel to the underbody steering attachments...No power anything, and just great driving skill....A really light car like the old Porsche it wasn`t too hard to turn the wheel from a stopped car....I don`t know what is coming, but keep an open mind Tony
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    lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    I'd probably end up spending some serious time in the Aston Martin and Maserati showrooms.

    I hear ya. The latest XKR has significantly more power than both the GT and V8 Vantage, but it isn't as pretty.
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    tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Face it--a really good feel for the road only comes from a direct coupled steering wheel to the underbody steering attachments...No power anything, and just great driving skill.

    Hey Tony... I understand what you are saying... unfortunately there just aren't too many cars like that any more. My recent Lotus had direct steering and it was awesome. I miss that car so much at times, it hurts.

    TM
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    circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    The SEC is debating whether to permanently ban this guy from the trading business but hasn't officially decided yet. :sick:

    Perhaps he can by the new E-class capable of withstanding a street level attack on his next 3-martini lunch with future clientele. :surprise:

    Luxury
    Mercedes-Benz launches E-Guard armored E-Class sedan

    You can never be too careful these days, which is why Mercedes-Benz is launching an armored version of its new E-Class sedan. Called the E-Guard, the armored sedan is designed to protect its occupants in case of a street level attack.

    For security reasons, the E-Guard looks almost identical to its unprotected stable mate. However, under its standard-issue E-Class body work hides special metal plates, capable of withstanding the blast of a DM51 hand-grenade. The E-Guard’s glass windows have also been swapped out for polycarbonate units that can stand up to a .44 Magnum hand gun. Despite the thicker windows, the E-Guard’s driver and passenger side front windows can still be rolled down, while the rear windows can be fitted with the same function for an added price.

    As with most armored vehicles, the E-Guard comes with a standard intercom system, allowing occupants to safely communicate with the outside world in the event of an attack.

    To cope with the added weight of the armoring, the E-Guard uses a special Level II version
    of Mercedes’ AIRMATIC air suspension system. The E-Guard comes standard with 17 inch wheels shod in run flat tires, allowing the armored sedan to travel 30 miles at up to 50 mph on flat tires.

    The E-Guard package can be had on the E 500, E 350 and E 350 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY. However, piece of mind doesn’t come cheap as the armoring package will add about $58,000 to the price of a standard E-Class. The E-Guard will be available from Mercedes dealers beginning in April.

    Regards,
    OW
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    rockshocka1rockshocka1 Member Posts: 310
    a while back re our '00 Acura 3.2 TL not having tranny issues. Wife is taking her in for a replacement today at 150k-ish miles.

    I'm afraid to come home today because she said her loaner is an '09 TL. :surprise:

    I don't want any of that ugliness spreading to my car. :blush:
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    tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    Why do you think they gave her a brand new car as a loaner for a 9 year old clunker?! ;) She's going to get back in her old TL and turn up her nose after driving a new one for a while. Get ready to have full-time ugly in your garage. :P
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    tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    Was it in here that this article was posted? That guy doesn't know what he's talking about! Especially on page 2. That's what's called "market research." Not a new idea, and is why the U.S. auto industry is at the bottom of the barrel.

    I especially like this line, "Would you be willing to give up power windows if it got you a lower price or a nicer radio?" Heck no!! Would I be willing to give up power windows for a car that isn't a rattle trap by the time the first oil change rolled around? Absolutely! Consumer groups do not a good car make. :sick:
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    rockshocka1rockshocka1 Member Posts: 310
    Nah, no worries there. For one, she holds onto things too long, like me, which is why we're even bothering to replace the tranny.

    Secondly, she absolutely hates the exterior. From the 1st time she saw it, to a report she just gave me. 'Not tooo bad on the inside & nice ride, but just want to walk away & not look back when I get out.'

    Finally, she told me she really likes the R8 she saw when picking up my car. Ha! I wonder how many 'get out of jail' cards that's worth?

    Honestly, she's having a hard time selecting her next car. She's leaning towards C350 Sport, but too many close contenders. If she's not in a hurry, I'm not going to push her.

    I may take the TL out for a spin when I get home. After the sun goes down & traffic is gone.... ;-)
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    anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    I just finished reading an article in Forbes about Lutz....In the past I have not been an admirer of him, but this article changed that perception....He speaks about cars and their intrinsic worth, in a way that opens that subject up in an unusual way, and addresses some of my thoughts on that subject.....

    Phil ---I hope your new Audi is meeting your expectations...It is a beautiful car....

    Tagman---I remember well your Lotus, and was sorry you had a problem with the `back` at that time.....I genuinely think the Lotus would be the weekend car--just for sheer enjoyment......Something I can certainly understand the ``Great Missing`` on occasion.....Tony ps do read that article
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    jean32jean32 Member Posts: 2
    Not to rehash old messages that I have searched, can anyone tell me about the phone service with the 2001 XJ8? Specifically, 1. Is it digital or analog; 2. Do I absolutely need to use a Jaguar phone and from the dealership; 3. I've been told Alarmtronics sells electrical harnesses for use with the higher end model vehicles. Is anyone aware of that?

    Thank you.
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    tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Have you talked to a car audio/video specialist? Most cities have one or more top-notch gurus. I know one in the city where I work, and he is a magician. You will not regret finding one of those guys. You need to realize that today's electronics are way more advanced and capable than they were in 2001. Check into integrating a more modern Bluetooth system into your Jag that will automatically work with your existing mobile phone. In fact, if you don't have NAV in your Jag, see if you can get an integrated touch screen NAV unit installed with integrated Bluetooth... and you might also be able to include additional features like built-in Satellite, DVD, iPOD, and rear-passenger entertainment if you want.

    TM
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    lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Honestly, she's having a hard time selecting her next car. She's leaning towards C350 Sport, but too many close contenders. If she's not in a hurry, I'm not going to push her.

    If she's planning on keeping the next car as long as the last one, I'm not sure a Mercedes is the best idea. I would probably suggest a G37.
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    rockshocka1rockshocka1 Member Posts: 310
    Holding on to cars has been more of a sentimental thing, although can't ignore the practicality. My wife & I are very much alike in that we bought what we wanted within what we were willing to spend & honestly got comfortable with the cars & felt trading early was wasteful.

    Now, our son is 1/2 way through college, we've been very fortunate to prosper over the past decade, & both of us on the brink of the big 40, we're blessed to be in a position to boost the economy.

    We would never stretch ourselves, so her R8 is probably out ;-), but at this time, decade of ownership is not a primary concern.

    If I develop a bond w/ my S5 & am not too bothered w/what may go wrong down the road, I don't see extending the warrantee a big deal & may pay more than what's smart to keep her alive. Anything to stay clear of a green vehicle. ;-)

    IF she opts for the Merc, no biggie there if she's ready to trade before warrantee.

    That could always change, but we've been extremely consistent with not getting into anything resembling trouble.

    Plus, she's not keen on Infiniti styling, big for her, & I know better than to argue...
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    tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    If she's planning on keeping the next car as long as the last one, I'm not sure a Mercedes is the best idea.

    Yeah, they sure don't make 'em like they did in the days of the old 300D (right, Dewey?)... now they are short to mid-term only. If Phil's wife wants only short-term fun, he should think "3-Series" for her.

    But, if it's about reliable sportiness... I'd actually suggest a Lexus IS250/350.

    TM
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    jean32jean32 Member Posts: 2
    TM:
    Thank you very much. The closest I would get is the dealership or a place such as Alarmtronics. And I will check into that. The car is set up for phone and supposedly NAV, but, again, the set up was 2001. That would be nice to have the NAV w/bluetooth capabilities. Thank you again.

    Jean
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    rockshocka1rockshocka1 Member Posts: 310
    Tag, we posted nearly the same time, so can't say for sure if you caught reliability was no longer the #1 concern, though obviously desirable.

    I've done my best to push her toward a 3 series, but, albeit selfishly, to be able to swap rides. She's not enamored with the interior of the 3 though. Again, I know better than to argue.

    Her words on the IS250: 'Seems castrated.' 350, I doubt would make a difference, because, at the time, interior was not up to par. A lot of this has to do with her getting used to the sport seats in my car. She is long of leg @ 5,9'' & comes to the same conclusion as myself, x-tended lateral support is a must! Maybe Lexus has addressed this, I dunno.

    & I need to clarify, when I said too many competitors, it doesn't mean same class. She may go for a crossover, too early to tell. But, no interest in hybrid, Pelosi be damned! ;-)
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    tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Jean,
    You are welcome. I am a little cloudy on why you can't take the car to a car A/V expert, and see if he can put in some integrated modern technology. It will cost you so much money if you go to the dealership and use old genuine Jaguar parts, and they will still be old-fashioned technology.

    Why not try to find an expert in your area to see if it is possible to install some modern aftermarket advanced electronics that will integrate into your car? The advantage is not only that you would be getting the modern technology itself, but it would most likely cost you a whole lot less money than a Jaguar dealer would charge you to install that older technology. IOW, You can potentially get so much more bang for your buck by talking to an expert in this field. Isn't there someone close enough to your area that can help you with this?

    TM
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    tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Heck, just give her your new car!... :surprise:

    TM
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    rockshocka1rockshocka1 Member Posts: 310
    Bite your tongue! :P

    Besides, she's not thrilled about how wide the doors swing open...

    After taking her loaner TL out for a spin, it is just such a shame how ugly it is! It rides really nice, smooth shifts, handles fairly well, very compliant. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find a single angle to look at the car from the outside without throwing up in my mouth a little. Small sample of 5 neighbors were in complete agreement...eyesore! An Aztekian design for a sedan!

    On top of that, I found the center stack hideous, and the plastic trim tacky. Driver's seat was pretty comfortable, but short seat bottom I can no longer find acceptable. :blush:
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    tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    An Aztekian design for a sedan!

    LOL... "Aztekian"... Hah... consider that they actually made a car soooo unattractive that it is now actually being used as an adjective... with the meaning "butt ugly". :surprise:

    BTW, you are not off the hook on getting some pics posted here soon. Hopefully your weather, and your wife's demanding schedule, will be cooperative. ;)

    TM
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    lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    On top of that, I found the center stack hideous, and the plastic trim tacky. Driver's seat was pretty comfortable, but short seat bottom I can no longer find acceptable.

    Thank you. I can't remember how many TL reviews I've seen that have praised it for a "luxurious" interior with "nice" materials. What? What car were they driving? The interior of the new TL is frankly horrible. The steering wheel is crusted with buttons like barnacles on a rock, and the center stack is one big button-infested plastic ergonomic disaster area. I don't understand how faux-luminum in a $40K car is considered in any way acceptable.

    When the interior of your car is humiliated by a Cadillac, it's time to give up.
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    circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    When the interior of your car is humiliated by a Cadillac, it's time to give up.

    ROTFLMAO!!

    Regards,
    OW
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    anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Went by the Audi shop today to replace the battery in the key....theR8 is a good looking car, and the inerior quite sharp looking, although all the cars in that class are really small, they look long and sleek in a picture....They said things were slow, and I assumed they would be.....I hope your car is up to expectation, and thankfully mine doesn`t look aged at all.....I did find the seats on the ones I sat in to be a bit firm---hard is a better word---but on my car they are supportive and alot more comfortable, with just the right amount of give---for me :) good service... Later Tony
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    rockshocka1rockshocka1 Member Posts: 310
    Tony,

    Everytime I swing by the dealer, I always make sure to sit in the A8. I've always thought the latest version was classically handsome & supremely comfortable. I don't think you'll have to worry about yours looking dated during your ownership. :)

    I was very close to considering one, but have never seen a SWB at any time I've been on their lot. LWB would/does make no sense for me.

    I am a bit suprised by your comments on the seats. Have they changed them in the newer model years, or is there any chance that you may have yours broken in just right for you? Sort of like the favorite chair in the living room. ;)

    As far as things being slow at the dealer, not really shocking. But, I've been very surprised that so far I've yet to see an A5 on the road here, & have only seen one new A4! On the plus side, I haven't seen one new TL on the road either, other than the one I was toying with the other night. :blush:

    My car has been wonderful so far! I've mentioned a few of the nitpicks I have with it & can add one more for now. The gas lid cover. Rather than having a button to release it from the inside, you have to have the car unlocked & physically push on the cover to spring it open. Small thing really, but I don't like to put my fingerprints on it to fuel up.

    Oh, & I love the nostalgic ash tray. It's like a small part of an automotive museum in the car. I half expected it to be lined with felt & have a label saying 'not an ashtray.' ;)

    Should break 1K miles on her today & getting closer to the point where I feel comfortable that's she's broken in & ready to open up a bit more.

    Between Chaz Regional Airport & Frances Marion Forest (where the new hospital is being built, west of HW17), there is a lot of freshly paved roads with traffic circles galore leading to areas as yet to be developed. Drove through there this past weekend & it's like a huge, brand new go-cart track that leads to everywhere & nowhere at the same time. Only saw a few cars out there & had a fantastic time whipping through there. Visibility was good, no sign of the law, so it was a very guilty pleasure. I even did a couple laps in a row in the larger circles, just because it was vacant & fun! :shades:

    Finally, overall mileage after first 3 measurements has been 19.2. I was expecting less, so again no complaints.
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    deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    The economy does influence our behaviours and this leads me to the following question:

    Does anybody here who is affluent feel less of a desire for luxury cars or in fact luxury label items overall ?

    I feel this way. I know many of my clients and affluent friends and family members feel the same way as I do. I know based on the media many feel this way too?

    I was just at a CFA tax seminar yesterday and after meeting various investment bankers, financial analysts and lawyers they seem to feel the same way as I do.

    I even tell family members to stop wearing so much expensive jewellery and bling in order not to get too much attention. Am I being hyper-sensitive here?

    Is there anybody in this forum who feels the same way as I do? (assuming no financial constraints ofcourse)

    In all honesty I wonder if I would feel as excited about a 2010 Prius as I feel today if it was a boom time?

    What Is so bizarre is that I am more excited about my new Prius than I am about any other car. Go figure :confuse:
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    ljflxljflx Member Posts: 4,690
    Does anybody here who is affluent feel less of a desire for luxury cars or in fact luxury label items overall ?

    Yes Dewey - I agree. But I also think it shows that foilks who feel like that buy the more expensive things because they believe them to be better rather than to show off. Sadly, I know folks that try even harder to show off in bad times. As for my GL lease during such bad times - I always look back to trying to take a Highlander hybrid and remember that the $72K GL is only costing me $175 more each month than the $48K Highlander hybrid. In times like this luxury can become a great value.
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    early74bearly74b Member Posts: 34
    First post on this forum … although I’ve driven several makes and models over many years of driving (but not retired yet!) have never really seriously considered what most people call a ‘luxury’ car until now. Doesn’t have much to do with affordability (although should represent a good value) as I’ve owned both new and classic/restored cars over the years but now I’m really looking at a ‘comfort car’ – nothing like the old big luxury barges of the past that would lean too far into corners or make you nauseous with their tendency to ‘float’ too much but not so extreme as so you feel every pebble and bump you drive over! To start with my current fleet includes a ’08 smart fortwo coupe (wife’s commuter), a ’06 Mazda3 5-door GT (my main commuter), a ’99 Miata (summer car) and lastly for utility a ’97 Dodge Grand Caravan. With my youngest finishing college next year I’m starting now to get it down to a final four vehicles worth a dealer visit and test drive; this car will probably replace the Miata and DGC but we’ll see. At first glance and based on strictly mostly passenger experience with very little drive time, I’ve been impressed by MBZ E and S class, Audi A8 (my boss’ company leased car), BMW 5-series and strictly on seeing one – a Jaguar XF. I’m sure these come up on others lists but I didn’t want to automatically eliminate U.S. mfg’s as the Caddy CTS looks great and possibly a few others (although the wife says a Cadillac or Lincoln is for ‘old’ people and the Chrysler 300C is too gangster looking – I’m not as concerned with image as much as it shouldn’t look dated in just a few years). Also in the mix, because I’ve owned 3 in the past all with mostly good reliability until they got up there in age would be the new VW Passat CC (owned a VW Fox, Scirocco and New Beetle TDI). My question to those who have owned these or others that should be considered is what car provided the best luxury ride – not too harsh, not too soft and with the least amount of fuss (problems that detract from enjoying the car!). I’m sure some of you have reached the point where it may be fun to get behind the wheel of a sports car (like a Miata or similar roadster) but after awhile, you’re tried of getting beat up -- while I’ve enjoyed driving Miatas (2nd one) for close to 14 years, I’m dreading its first venture out this spring with all the frost heaves and potholes around Chicago! I may also consider some of the new crossovers and smaller SUV’s (like the new MBZ GLK series) as the ‘old van may go and may need some utility with luxury but they can’t ride like trucks! After posting here I’ll check out some of the other more model specific forums but this board was more active so thought I would start here. Remember, no right or wrong responses, just describe why you chose what you drive over something else and what the driving and ownership experience has been both around town and on long trips ---
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    circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Yep, I see luxury items being brought back inside every day! I think there will be a recession for many mid-level luxury markets. Actually, the high-end fragrance market has been hit hard as travel declines and knock-off sales have risen for a few years now.

    I suspect the fashion industry will feel the pinch and the autos we already see the decline, Bentley and Rolls excepted.

    I would think you are in perfect position to meet the new trend for reserved and understated intelligence. Opulence will slink back into the closet for awhile.

    I've kept a low profile here since I traded my BMW for a CR-V! I want to stay up with the trends! :blush:

    Regards,
    OW
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    tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Great perspective. I am not sure how much of my personal financial stature is appropriate to reveal here, but while I am indeed in a terrible cash flow crunch, as I have already indicated, I do fall into the affluent category for two reasons. One is the business that I own, and the other is my home... which I admittedly have previously been reluctant to talk about. :blush:

    I have no doubt that my priorities have changed, due to cash-flow restrictions, but my perspective about luxury has actually been fairly down-to-earth all along. One difference, however, is that I am not interested in getting any expensive cars in the future, as my recent experience has made them less important to me. I believe this is permanent. :surprise:

    I clearly understand how you can look forward to a Prius because it is a right car at the right time. I must add that I am very impressed with the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and so far, the reviews are absolutely stellar... even beyond the Prius in some ways. It's a game changer, and Ford will sell the hell out of 'em, and deserves to. I would not buy one myself, however. As incredible as it is, I find it too boring. I am still waiting for a sporty hybrid to come along... then I might pull the trigger.

    There are still a few things I would be kicking and screaming to give up. I am an addict for high-end home entertainment, for example. And, even more important to me, I must have my high-end outdoor setup... which is quite honestly, off-the-chart incredible. But, beyond those things, I really do not need all that much "luxury" in my life any more. My lifestyle is fairly simple actually, and I seldom take advantage of, or participate in, many of the "finer" things in life that literally surround me. I honestly have never cared about most of them. And... I even tend to avoid the people that are hung up on a luxury lifestyle... because we just don't exist on the same page, quite frankly. I'm much more "grounded".

    TM
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    ljflxljflx Member Posts: 4,690
    Dubai is now hitting hard times. Lux cars that sold at multiples of US prices are now selling at heavily discounted prices if you can even find a buyer.

    BTW - oil down to $33.62. Anyone noticing how the price falls to the low $30's each month toward the end of the current contract after investors keep it up to $40-43 all month. When it comes time to store the oil or sell it to the trade and get out the sellers lose 20-30%. This is 3-4 straight months this has happened and what it tells me is the real market price for oil is about $33-34 and the rest is all speculation and investor hope. One could even argue the real price is lower as I'm sure a bunch of those caught at month end are storing the oil but don't want to.

    http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/world/middleeast/12dubai.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=du- bai&st=cse
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    circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Yes, I did notice the end of month drop as you noted. In fact, since you have been posting recently, I realize a lot better how the markets are controlled. Thanks for your insights.

    I am rooting for $28/bbl. but the summer is not that far away. I am sure we will hear about the switch to summer blend soon and the resulting price spike.

    Regards,
    OW
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    jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    In other words, entropy is currently huge in our societies!

    Regards,
    Jose
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    cyclone4cyclone4 Member Posts: 2,302
    Dewey,

    This historic economic crisis has certainly caused me to have second thoughts about maintaining the same style of living as in the past. I am more prone to think about not spending as much as in the past. That is one of the reasons why I wanted my wife to seriously consider getting the new Prius instead of the RX450h.
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    cyclone4cyclone4 Member Posts: 2,302
    Len,

    I watch the commodity markets basically every day and you you have been dead on about the behavior of the crude oil market. Unfortunately, the Rbob has not followed through due to a significant reduction by the refineries. I have a feeling, however, that we could still see another collapse down toward the $1.30s per gallon at the pump the next few months.
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    cyclone4cyclone4 Member Posts: 2,302
    If you are looking for comfort along with high end technology, you should also consider the LS460L. It is fantastic on long trips. If you're thinking about a crossover/SUV, I bet you would be impressed with the new generation RX350 or the hybrid version (RX450h). Some of the other vehicles you mentioned above are great cars, but you could possibly be missing out on exactly what you are looking for, if you do not try out the two Lexus models I mentioned.
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    ljflxljflx Member Posts: 4,690
    Charlie,

    Agree. RBOB is being held up by a house of cards right now. Investors are trying to draw to an inside straight hoping refinery utilization stays low while we have a spring pick-up in driving. Even with the low production we are awash in gas inventory and we were barely down last week in one of the lowest production efficiency weeks we've seen since Hurricane Katrina.

    I drove home 72 miles in the GL on Tuesday, in the heart of the rush hour through what are normally absolute nightmare spots on the NY State Thruway north of the tappan zee bridge and the Garden State Parkway thru Bergen county. Per the readout on the GL dashboard I averaged 60 MPH (including 14 miles of off highway) and 19.5MPG. If I was in the LS I'd have been around 27-28MPG. So not only are there so many fewer drivers out there but the MPG is greatly improved as a result. From a manufacturers perspective it's a double whammy. The trip took me all of about 80 minutes . Typically its 100-120 minutes although usually I'd wait until 6-6:30 to leave. This time I left at 4:50. In NJ the rush hour is immediate as so many companies are right on the Garden State Parkway exit ramps
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    anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Greetings

    It is a nice time in life when a person can think of something for themselves.....I personally have at this time a three+ year old Audi a 8 and previously have mostly owned Lexus....Times have changed for the Lexus , but their service is really good....That said I would want to point out that the higher priced cars plunge in value, so for me that means I will keep a high priced car a longer term.....So if you are ready to loose fifty thousand dollars in three years, then I enjoy the Audi...It is a special car that is not recognised as such a high priced car, but it`s detail is extroadinary.....I would think the S Mercedes would cost more than the fifty thousand I just spoke about....I as you thoroughly enjoy the Miata--a good value and lots of fun....The bmw is a great riding car (5) but the interior quality isn`t as good as it could be , and many people think the 3 is the bmw to get......Dewey unfortunately has had alot of problems with his, but most people haven`t....Good luck on your search Tony
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    early74bearly74b Member Posts: 34
    Thanks for the reply, have you driven or owned any of these? Years ago I rode in one of the first year LS400 sedan's (my boss had traded in a BMW 7-series in for it), his only gripe was that Lexus wanted big bucks to maintain it which I would imagine applies to most luxury cars with the exception of BMW which still offers free maintenance for the first 4yr/50K miles.
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    early74bearly74b Member Posts: 34
    Thanks Tony -- you're quite right about depreciation, it's typically the highest cost for these cars. How has the upkeep cost been on your A8 ? My boss is on his second leased A8, the new one has wheels similar to the A5/S5 and has a little more edgy shape to it but you're right the residual isn't that great on these but that doesn't matter as the co pays for it. - the low profile wheels/tires take a beating with our potholes.
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    anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    It really doesn`t cost much for the up-keep as the warrenty covers that......It is a different thing when you buy acar for yourself, vs the company buying one for you :) The wheel and tire situation is as you mention....I think the tire with abit more sidewall is the way to handle that....I personally didn`t care for the run flat tires .......Again good luck Tony
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    circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Ive been traveling that same route for years. Nightmare is the only word for that area during rush hour and bad weather.

    Regards,
    OW
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    cyclone4cyclone4 Member Posts: 2,302
    Since the mid 1990s I have driven/owned the following in this order: An Oldsmobile Aurora (mid to late 90s), Cadillac STS (2000 to 2003), LS430 (2003 to 2007), LS460L (Dec. 2007 to present). I have also driven my wife's RX400h quite a bit the past few years. The best riding car of all these is the LS460L. The LS430 was second. We are going to lease the next generation RX450h this spring when it is available and returning the RX400h. .
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    tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    image

    image

    More pics here: link title

    TM
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