I finally got around to seeing Edmunds' video of the upcoming IS-F w/ 425hp. From my reading- it is postured to battle the upcoming M3. Is it true that Lexus is not putting a manual tranny in the IS-F?
Is it true that Lexus is not putting a manual tranny in the IS-F?
Unfortunately so far it seems like they are not going to put a manual tranny in and instead they'll use LS' 8-speed automatic.
Boy, is Lexus stuburn (or should I say stupid) or what? :sick:
Although hard to digest but I can at least understand not having manual tranny on the IS350. But I think not having it on their performance-oriented model (the -F series) is a dumb move to me. If the IS-F are not coming with the manual tranny then there is no way they'll put it on the future GS-F.
Switching gears blue, still have your V1? Do you hide it everytime you park or do you have the long connecting cable? Heard V1's kind'v old school,no city mode (false alarms), X50 seems more current, but does not look back. Care to share few thoughts? BTW going from zhp to m3 has been nirvana. Was already used to the z's hard ride which made transition to m3's seamless. No RFT issues,lovingly e46 body,get to see engine's blood with a real oil dipstick,engaging cockpit feeling and those wheels won me over. Now just need to put my v1/x50 or whatever plus m-20 binder and it'll be purrfect.
I dropped my V1 within the month trial period. It was fantastic for long drives but around town I just turned it off. Not much need for it in the city, IMHO.
If I ever do get one again...it'll be a Valentine. No sense getting a radar detector if it doesn't look in all directions.
Cool about the M3. Unfortunately, it's a coupe, so it's not for me.
Nope - dealers hate me - I only buy using my supplier discount. Only one Volvo dealer in my state, and, he doesn't move off MSRP much at all. He's also the only one that handles several other luxury brands. If you want a decent deal on one, you typically have to go out of state.
You're right on with your other comment - that's why I don't buy these cars.
Could care less. I've found that a good 5 speed automatic coupled with a engine with a nice broad torque curve suits me just fine.
In my state dealers for entry-lux vehicles are few and far between. It's tough to get much of a deal. I've gone as far as 200 miles out to get a decent deal.
The new 335i coupe is simply the most beautiful 3 Series ever put in production. When it drives by, I feel like pulling over and admiring it as it drives by, as a sign of respect. Of course, I don't- but I'm aching for a 335xi coupe as my next winter car, if it ever comes out.
Now, I have a dilemma. Right now, I have an A3 as my winter car, but my son will be taking that in little more than a year and a half. The A3 is great as a commuter, and I know he'll appreciate it- but I want something more upscale for my next winter car. I'm going to end up with a BMW (90% sure). But, which one?
My wife has an SUV now (RX330), but we're custom-ordering an Audi A8 4.2 quattro for her next month, and her RX will be gone by the end of March. So, we'll be an SUV-free family.
What makes most sense in my situation?
3 Series coupe would be my choice based on style. It's more of a "me" car, and less something that I would shuttle family around in. I've also never owned a 3 Series, and I know it would be a rewarding experience.
The new X5 is very handsome, inside and out. Perhaps I'd get a smaller SUV (X3, Q5, GLK) if I was looking at one, but the X5 is tempting with its wealth of options and fantastic engine choices. It also may make sense to get this over a smaller SUV- I hate the X3, wouldn't want a FOURTH Audi in the family, and just can't see myself in a Mercedes.
I have a feeling the new 535xi sedan that's coming out could be the best compromise of both. It has fun-to-drive-ness that almost matches the 3 Series, and better practicality (keep in mind that I would not get a 3 Series sedan). However, a glaring flaw is the interior. IMO it's the worst of all the BMWs and has cheap plastics- I drove a 530xi for my wife before deciding on the A8 and wasn't impressed (7 Series doesn't come with AWD).
So, I don't really want to compromise. What makes more sense? 335xi or X5, in my situation?
Thanks.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
Well, if you REALLY don't want to compromise then why do you think you need an AWD BMW? Where do you live? Go for a 335i Coupe (RWD) with a sports package & 6-speed manual transmission. Get a set of 4 dedicated winter tires/wheels for the few months of winter.
An awd BMW will be heavier which will adversely affect braking & handling in wet, snowy, & dry conditions. Your fuel economy will also suffer in an AWD car vs. its RWD counterpart. The AWD BMW will also cost you more $ upfront.
You're worried about traction in snowy & icy conditions? An AWD car with 4 dedicated winter tires will accelerate better from a complete stop than the same RWD car with 4 dedicated winter tires. AWD may help you get going, but that extra 242 pounds (2007 BMW 328i vs. 328xi sedan from bmw na's website) could be the split second you need to stop from hitting a deer or swerve to avoid an accident.
Many people equate AWD with safety and therefore DO NOT put a set of dedicated winter tires on their AWD equipped cars. They feel that the all season tires equipped on thier awd car will do the trick. Do they wear the same pair of shoes to the office, formal function, the gym...? No. What is the only thing on your car that touches the ground? TIRES!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
All this stuff about extra weight...I am going for the 335Xi at the end of my lease unless a competitor has a better candidate in 2009 model year.
Current car is a 330xi'06. With my xenons and the best brakes I ever had, the added weight "melts" away very quickly when I need to stop and I can see deer 1/4 mile away. El42's were good in the snow and I have the new conti's now and will rate at end of the snow season since I plan NOT to buy the winter tires.
Until they test 330xi vs 330i, we won't have official results, but I drove both and the xi handles better IMO. than the i without SP.
You don't understand the desire to sit up higher over non-SUV traffic?
No. This means nothing to me. i've had SUV rentals and lived with SUVs for weeks. It's hell on earth. They're gawky, they lean (even vaunted BMW SUVs) and in general they're hell to drive with any sort of verve.
To sit higher than the impact zone of a crash with a car?
If you're concerned with crash zones and impacts, take some driver training courses to avoid crashes. Ironic that you worry about crashing yet fatalities from rollovers in SUVs is 2-3 times higher than in cars and SUVs roll far more easily than any sport sedan. Also, crash-weary people should understand that having that open back in the SUV makes carrying anything back there really dangerous; in the event of a crash all the stuff floating around behind the rear seats becomes projectiles. No thanks.
The interior room?
You mentioned a kid leaving for college (as if a college-age child rides around with parents often) and a wife. Where's the need for gobs of interior space?
If you're concerned with crash zones and impacts, take some driver training courses to avoid crashes. Ironic that you worry about crashing yet fatalities from rollovers in SUVs is 2-3 times higher than in cars and SUVs roll far more easily than any sport sedan
What kind of driver training do I take to avoid the guy that smashes into me when I'm sitting at a traffic light or stop sign or similar? Or idiots running a red light and T-boning me. I'm not quoting rollover statistics when they're cutting me out of my Yukon with the jaws of life, but the other guy will never walk again.
Why are you in a performance sedan forum extolling SUVs if you're worried about the jaws of life and other random happenstance? Honestly, a jet engine could fall from the sky and crush me in bed...life's full of little mysteries and weirdness. Not gonna live in fear and drive a monstrously inefficient, dangerous, poor handling SUV because someone might hit me.
Which Continentals did you put on our xi? I've got an '05 TL with the Bridgestone EL42s and have found them to be terrible in the snow, I'm sure the AWD helped for you. I'm thinking about my next set of tires and the Conti ExtremeContacts seem to get good reviews...
'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...)
My dealer put the contipro contact ssr's on the car. 225/17, RFT, of course. I plan to rotate every 5,000 miles to eliminate cupping on the shoulders experienced with the EL42.
I thought you were esf as he was the person who was waffling between getting a car and an SUY
Nope not me. Just responded to your 'non-understanding' of the need for an SUV. All I'm asserting is that I'd rather be in a monstously inefficient Tahoe in a collision than in a vehicle half its size. My wife (who doesn't drive the Tahoe like she's in a slalom course) and children would be too - so they are.
That's the need (just one - there are others) for an SUV. Me - I have a TL (a total safety cage car), but am currently drooling over its replacement in the 08 model year. Which is why I'm here. Prosit.
I totally agree with booyah's logic. If I'm gonna be in a collision I'd rather be in the bigger vehicle that sits up higher. Not sure why that's hard to grasp.
I have an 06 TL. Supposedly one of the safest cars out there. 'Crashes well' they say. But when I see a Tahoe's or Expedition's bumper about eye level with me as I'm sitting in my car, I know for sure I'll rather be in the SUV in a collision.
I had my wife in a '94 Suburban and now an '03 Denali just for that reason. Since she does not do performance driving and needs 6 seats, it seemed the safest way to go outside of a dump truck for collision survival.
She is a very safe driver so my reasoning as well as booyah's for the safety in the case she gets hit.
By the way, she hit a deer (out of a pack of many that surprised her) with the Suburban at about 5-10 mph just after proceeded from a stop sign. The hit was good enough to shake up the deer and leave "hair-prints" in the grill work but no damage to the grill since the bumper absorbed the impact. The deer recovered and ran away with a nice hair style, however.
If it were me with my '06 330xi, a visit to the body shop and at a bill north of $1G would have been the result, no doubt. Hopefully, the poor thing would not have hit my windshield!!
Still unsure how they're better than say a lower-to-the-ground, more fuel and space efficient minivan. But if it makes them happy that they're in a tottering, easily rolled gas-guzzler, so be it.
My mom always had sports cars and my girlfriend has two cars, one of which she plans to dump for an 07 Mini Cooper S. Too bad BMW doesn't offer a small performance sedan/hatch.
It's easy to understand the desire for safety. You might want to consider wearing helmets while driving also because the majority of fatalities are the result of head injuries. They wear 'em at the track. Is it any less safe on public roads? Amazing how the safety protagonists won't do it though... something about everyone else not doing it and not getting hair mussed up, looking stupid etc. Better yet, stay home and have groceries delivered, home school the kids, work at home, put up a giant sterile oxygen tent around the house. I've seen more jerks in SUVs drifting lanes slowly with cell phones at their ears. I'm wondering if the security of an SUV makes up for that cell phone.
I've seen alot of jerks in entry level performance sedans on cell phones also. Whatever vehicle, they should stay home and have the groceries delivered.
Gee whizz, you're right, this is the ELLPS thread. I thought I took a wrong turn and wound up in an SUV thread. This topic has been going on since Dec. 8. Scratchin' my head here... don't mind me... sorry.
"Too bad BMW doesn't offer a small performance sedan/hatch."
But they do: The Mini Cooper S!
'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...)
Amen. Let's not even get into the frequency of seeing kids moving around inside an SUV/van. I call the CHP and give them the license plate number every time I see that: which is far too often. Maybe they SUV/minivan gets pulled over, maybe not. Just like reporting a DUI, I feel it's a good idea to let the cops know where the bad guys are.
Harder to tell if a kid is unbuckled in a performance sedan. Most are small enough that the kids can't move around enough to draw attention.
Yeah, those darn FWD Minis are absoulutely no fun...
Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets!
'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...)
Well, that would deplete the purpose of having a winter car, would it not? Winter tires or not, I wouldn't be comfortable with a RWDer in the fourth season. I'd just need one of my cars to have AWD. My S4 replacement, which I won't be getting for a while (Spring 2009 probably), will be a 911 if all goes according to plan. My second and third choices would be the XKR convertible and the new CL550 with the AMG package (if I'd be able to get a coupe). But all of those are RWD. Hence, I'd want something less fragile in the winter.
There is no "need" for an SUV- but I hate BMW wagons with a passion. Audi and Mercedes Avant/Estate models are far more stylish. BMW should stick to sedans. But the reason for an SUV would be the cargo space. We'd undoubtedly need it sometime.
Perhaps I'd consider an E-Class wagon? E63 AMG wagon would be ridiculously cool. But, although it's a little saddening, I wouldn't bring myself to get another Audi. I need to step out of my box.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
"My S4 replacement, which I won't be getting for a while (Spring 2009 probably), will be a 911 if all goes according to plan. My second and third choices would be the XKR convertible and the new CL550 with the AMG package."
Not to get off topic, but if you like to drive, I sure hope for your sake, "all goes according to plan". If I couldn't have swung my 911S Cab last year, I would have gotten another $32k Honda S2000 over either your second or third choices. IMO, they are nice luxury GT's, but both about a half ton or more overweight and hardly something that anyone with a pulse would label as "fun to drive". After you mash the slushbox attached gas pedal at a stop light a few times or fallen asleep to the stereo with cruise control on, you've experienced pretty much all they have to offer in driving pleasure. But at least you didn't list the Buick - er Lexus - SC430 as a fourth choice.
Good luck on your "plan", I'll be rooting for you. Or maybe I should be rootng for you to be on a tight budget? The Mercedes is more than the 911 and the Jaguar about the same, but given it's depreciation, will hit you twice as hard.
I love the 911 with all my heart. It's the best sports car in the world IMHO, and I've always wanted to have one.
It's beautiful, fast and drives like a dream.
But- I've been concerned whether or not I could handle it as a daily driver.
Being a former S2000 owner (a hardcore sports car), I don't know if I'd trust your opinion completely- but is it okay for a daily driver? I'd probably get a CS convertible if I could get a navi, 19" rims, xenons, power/full leather interior, Bose stereo and six-disc CD for under $100K- which is so unlikely. I might have to live with a normal CC. There's only a 0.2 second difference in 0-60, after all, with a $10,000 difference in price! Only Porsche could get away with such ridiculous pricing!
Keep in mind, I have a comfortable, fast, super-smooth, relatively isolated S4 Cabriolet. And I love it. I don't want a drastic change, which lead me to think about the XKR if I wouldn't be able to live with a 911. The XKR is also a much better value- beautiful to look at, and has an extra 95hp (compared to the Carrera) for the same price.
nyccarguy, I live in Chicago. Well, a suburb. We had our first winter scare a few weeks ago. More than half a foot- not a ton around here, but oddly they gave my son a snow day!
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
Interesting, I lived in the Chicago metro area (Belmont Harbor, Hoffman Estates and Lisle) from 1979 to 1992, and I now live in southern New Hampshire. Winter time driving around here is far more challenging than it ever was in Chicago what with the roads around here being VERY hilly and curvy. On my street alone (a half mile long cul-de-sac) there are two hills that are officially 7.5% grades and my driveway is more like 9%. That said, you couldn't pay me to buy an AWD car when a RWD variant of the same vehicle is available. For my money I much rather prefer buying a car with a very good suspension and three season tires (well, that's a stretch as I run winter tires around here from October or November through March or April, even May one year) and then buying a separate set of winter wheels and tires. On my RWD 530i, the winter tires provided more than enough grip to propel my car through snow that was deep enough to turn my car into a snow plow, even with the hills.
Better than I expected. I've logged 11,600 miles in 15 months compared to only 2,800 in my 2004 Acura TL. When I had the S2000, my split between it and a 1995 Maxima was more like 50/50. The only time I don't drive my 911 is when I need to cart 2+ adult passengers or I head north in the winter.
"I'd probably get a CS convertible ...for under $100K- which is so unlikely. I might have to live with a normal CC. There's only a 0.2 second difference in 0-60, after all, with a $10,000 difference in price! Only Porsche could get away with such ridiculous pricing!"
I did much better than that for a new 2005, and could still come in under $100k for 2007. The $10k difference between the base and "S" gets you about $4,500 worth of options on your list (xenon, 19" PASM) not to mention bigger brakes, etc. But you are right, Porsche option pricing can be a little ridiculous. Regarding that "0.2 second difference", it is understated by Porsche. Motor Trend tested the 911S Coupe at 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. That's not far off from the former 996 Turbo.
"The XKR is also a much better value- beautiful to look at, and has an extra 95hp (compared to the Carrera)"
Don't get me wrong, the XKR is a nice car. But that "extra 95 horsepower" doesn't come close to equating to the same performance. The 911S is as quick as and handles much better than a 500 hp BMW M6, let alone the XKR. And at least the M6 comes with a 6-speed manual. I find it difficult to have much fun with a slushbox, even around town.
Sounds like you'll need to set some time aside for serious test drives before you buy. In the meantime, good luck on the sedan hunting. I may be selling my TL and un-retiring my old Maxima, given how little I am using the TL.
The engine is simply the sweetest-sounding in this world. Perhaps they'll add a little more power and not increase the price much for 2008?
Speaking of 2008- my new car was just pushed back about a year... that is, if what I think will happen, happens: we may buy a new house in January and move into it in March-April-ish. It is quite a large sum of money, this house, and not only will the wife's A8 be postponed until 2008, but I might have to stick with my S4 a little while longer. Not such a horrible fate, after all.
I do agree with you on the XKR. If I want a luxury car, I'm getting a CL550. If I want a sports car, I'm getting a 911. Case closed.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
But wouldn't it be great if they were priced like one!
'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...)
I may be old, but not so old to remember how pleased I was to be able to afford a new Civic Hatchback in 1982 ($5,900 IIRC) And I thought it offered a lot of "luxury" and "performance" compared to my 1978 Datsun B210 ($4,200 exactly). While I'm not advocating relabeling this forum, it does seem odd that 25-30 years later, we are labeling $40,000 as "entry level".
So I guess in 25 years, an entry level luxury perfromance sedan will run about $280,000? I guess I shouldn't have turned down that Goldman Sachs job out of B-School back in 1981.
I guess you shouldnt have- you would have been a part of that huge bonus pool this year. Hab- I am shopping around for a S2000 (just for a summer weekend car) and I cant seem to find one under 5k. The 2001 are still running in the low to high teens.I also saw a crashed one (not too bad) and the guy wanted over 10k for the car.I guess I will have to start looking maybe at a Mazda Miata.
Comments
Is it true that Lexus is not putting a manual tranny in the IS-F?
Unfortunately so far it seems like they are not going to put a manual tranny in and instead they'll use LS' 8-speed automatic.
Boy, is Lexus stuburn (or should I say stupid) or what? :sick:
Although hard to digest but I can at least understand not having manual tranny on the IS350. But I think not having it on their performance-oriented model (the -F series) is a dumb move to me. If the IS-F are not coming with the manual tranny then there is no way they'll put it on the future GS-F.
Make sense, since Lexus is more MB than BMW anyway...
BTW, have y'all seen the new C-class? Apparently MB has totally taken the "sports" apperance out of it.
If I ever do get one again...it'll be a Valentine. No sense getting a radar detector if it doesn't look in all directions.
Cool about the M3. Unfortunately, it's a coupe, so it's not for me.
You're right on with your other comment - that's why I don't buy these cars.
Regards:
Oldengineer
In my state dealers for entry-lux vehicles are few and far between. It's tough to get much of a deal. I've gone as far as 200 miles out to get a decent deal.
Regards:
Oldengineer
Now, I have a dilemma. Right now, I have an A3 as my winter car, but my son will be taking that in little more than a year and a half. The A3 is great as a commuter, and I know he'll appreciate it- but I want something more upscale for my next winter car. I'm going to end up with a BMW (90% sure). But, which one?
My wife has an SUV now (RX330), but we're custom-ordering an Audi A8 4.2 quattro for her next month, and her RX will be gone by the end of March. So, we'll be an SUV-free family.
What makes most sense in my situation?
3 Series coupe would be my choice based on style. It's more of a "me" car, and less something that I would shuttle family around in. I've also never owned a 3 Series, and I know it would be a rewarding experience.
The new X5 is very handsome, inside and out. Perhaps I'd get a smaller SUV (X3, Q5, GLK) if I was looking at one, but the X5 is tempting with its wealth of options and fantastic engine choices. It also may make sense to get this over a smaller SUV- I hate the X3, wouldn't want a FOURTH Audi in the family, and just can't see myself in a Mercedes.
I have a feeling the new 535xi sedan that's coming out could be the best compromise of both. It has fun-to-drive-ness that almost matches the 3 Series, and better practicality (keep in mind that I would not get a 3 Series sedan). However, a glaring flaw is the interior. IMO it's the worst of all the BMWs and has cheap plastics- I drove a 530xi for my wife before deciding on the A8 and wasn't impressed (7 Series doesn't come with AWD).
So, I don't really want to compromise. What makes more sense? 335xi or X5, in my situation?
Thanks.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
An awd BMW will be heavier which will adversely affect braking & handling in wet, snowy, & dry conditions. Your fuel economy will also suffer in an AWD car vs. its RWD counterpart. The AWD BMW will also cost you more $ upfront.
You're worried about traction in snowy & icy conditions? An AWD car with 4 dedicated winter tires will accelerate better from a complete stop than the same RWD car with 4 dedicated winter tires. AWD may help you get going, but that extra 242 pounds (2007 BMW 328i vs. 328xi sedan from bmw na's website) could be the split second you need to stop from hitting a deer or swerve to avoid an accident.
Many people equate AWD with safety and therefore DO NOT put a set of dedicated winter tires on their AWD equipped cars. They feel that the all season tires equipped on thier awd car will do the trick. Do they wear the same pair of shoes to the office, formal function, the gym...? No. What is the only thing on your car that touches the ground? TIRES!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Not very hard concepts for me to understand.
Current car is a 330xi'06. With my xenons and the best brakes I ever had, the added weight "melts" away very quickly when I need to stop and I can see deer 1/4 mile away. El42's were good in the snow and I have the new conti's now and will rate at end of the snow season since I plan NOT to buy the winter tires.
Until they test 330xi vs 330i, we won't have official results, but I drove both and the xi handles better IMO. than the i without SP.
Best of luck with YOUR choice.
Regards,
OW
No. This means nothing to me. i've had SUV rentals and lived with SUVs for weeks. It's hell on earth. They're gawky, they lean (even vaunted BMW SUVs) and in general they're hell to drive with any sort of verve.
To sit higher than the impact zone of a crash with a car?
If you're concerned with crash zones and impacts, take some driver training courses to avoid crashes. Ironic that you worry about crashing yet fatalities from rollovers in SUVs is 2-3 times higher than in cars and SUVs roll far more easily than any sport sedan. Also, crash-weary people should understand that having that open back in the SUV makes carrying anything back there really dangerous; in the event of a crash all the stuff floating around behind the rear seats becomes projectiles. No thanks.
The interior room?
You mentioned a kid leaving for college (as if a college-age child rides around with parents often) and a wife. Where's the need for gobs of interior space?
What kind of driver training do I take to avoid the guy that smashes into me when I'm sitting at a traffic light or stop sign or similar? Or idiots running a red light and T-boning me. I'm not quoting rollover statistics when they're cutting me out of my Yukon with the jaws of life, but the other guy will never walk again.
Kids to college? Huh? Who said that?
I thought you were esf as he was the person who was waffling between getting a car and an SUY - esf, "Entry-Level Luxury Performance Sedans" #7146, 9 Dec 2006 8:47 pm
Which Continentals did you put on our xi? I've got an '05 TL with the Bridgestone EL42s and have found them to be terrible in the snow, I'm sure the AWD helped for you. I'm thinking about my next set of tires and the Conti ExtremeContacts seem to get good reviews...
'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...)
My dealer put the contipro contact ssr's on the car. 225/17, RFT, of course. I plan to rotate every 5,000 miles to eliminate cupping on the shoulders experienced with the EL42.
Regards,
OW
Nope not me. Just responded to your 'non-understanding' of the need for an SUV. All I'm asserting is that I'd rather be in a monstously inefficient Tahoe in a collision than in a vehicle half its size. My wife (who doesn't drive the Tahoe like she's in a slalom course) and children would be too - so they are.
That's the need (just one - there are others) for an SUV. Me - I have a TL (a total safety cage car), but am currently drooling over its replacement in the 08 model year. Which is why I'm here. Prosit.
I have an 06 TL. Supposedly one of the safest cars out there. 'Crashes well' they say. But when I see a Tahoe's or Expedition's bumper about eye level with me as I'm sitting in my car, I know for sure I'll rather be in the SUV in a collision.
She is a very safe driver so my reasoning as well as booyah's for the safety in the case she gets hit.
By the way, she hit a deer (out of a pack of many that surprised her) with the Suburban at about 5-10 mph just after proceeded from a stop sign. The hit was good enough to shake up the deer and leave "hair-prints" in the grill work but no damage to the grill since the bumper absorbed the impact. The deer recovered and ran away with a nice hair style, however.
If it were me with my '06 330xi, a visit to the body shop and at a bill north of $1G would have been the result, no doubt. Hopefully, the poor thing would not have hit my windshield!!
Regards,
OW
Still unsure how they're better than say a lower-to-the-ground, more fuel and space efficient minivan. But if it makes them happy that they're in a tottering, easily rolled gas-guzzler, so be it.
My mom always had sports cars and my girlfriend has two cars, one of which she plans to dump for an 07 Mini Cooper S. Too bad BMW doesn't offer a small performance sedan/hatch.
Regards,
OW
We're talking abuot entry level luxury performance sedans here, not the reasons to have or not have SUVs.
;-)
But they do: The Mini Cooper S!
'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...)
Harder to tell if a kid is unbuckled in a performance sedan. Most are small enough that the kids can't move around enough to draw attention.
Regards,
OW
Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets!
'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...)
There is no "need" for an SUV- but I hate BMW wagons with a passion. Audi and Mercedes Avant/Estate models are far more stylish. BMW should stick to sedans. But the reason for an SUV would be the cargo space. We'd undoubtedly need it sometime.
Perhaps I'd consider an E-Class wagon? E63 AMG wagon would be ridiculously cool. But, although it's a little saddening, I wouldn't bring myself to get another Audi. I need to step out of my box.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
Or get a Forester. Those also are nice in bad weather.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Not to get off topic, but if you like to drive, I sure hope for your sake, "all goes according to plan". If I couldn't have swung my 911S Cab last year, I would have gotten another $32k Honda S2000 over either your second or third choices. IMO, they are nice luxury GT's, but both about a half ton or more overweight and hardly something that anyone with a pulse would label as "fun to drive". After you mash the slushbox attached gas pedal at a stop light a few times or fallen asleep to the stereo with cruise control on, you've experienced pretty much all they have to offer in driving pleasure. But at least you didn't list the Buick - er Lexus - SC430 as a fourth choice.
Good luck on your "plan", I'll be rooting for you. Or maybe I should be rootng for you to be on a tight budget? The Mercedes is more than the 911 and the Jaguar about the same, but given it's depreciation, will hit you twice as hard.
It's beautiful, fast and drives like a dream.
But- I've been concerned whether or not I could handle it as a daily driver.
Being a former S2000 owner (a hardcore sports car), I don't know if I'd trust your opinion completely- but is it okay for a daily driver? I'd probably get a CS convertible if I could get a navi, 19" rims, xenons, power/full leather interior, Bose stereo and six-disc CD for under $100K- which is so unlikely. I might have to live with a normal CC. There's only a 0.2 second difference in 0-60, after all, with a $10,000 difference in price! Only Porsche could get away with such ridiculous pricing!
Keep in mind, I have a comfortable, fast, super-smooth, relatively isolated S4 Cabriolet. And I love it. I don't want a drastic change, which lead me to think about the XKR if I wouldn't be able to live with a 911. The XKR is also a much better value- beautiful to look at, and has an extra 95hp (compared to the Carrera) for the same price.
nyccarguy, I live in Chicago. Well, a suburb. We had our first winter scare a few weeks ago. More than half a foot- not a ton around here, but oddly they gave my son a snow day!
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
Interesting, I lived in the Chicago metro area (Belmont Harbor, Hoffman Estates and Lisle) from 1979 to 1992, and I now live in southern New Hampshire. Winter time driving around here is far more challenging than it ever was in Chicago what with the roads around here being VERY hilly and curvy. On my street alone (a half mile long cul-de-sac) there are two hills that are officially 7.5% grades and my driveway is more like 9%. That said, you couldn't pay me to buy an AWD car when a RWD variant of the same vehicle is available. For my money I much rather prefer buying a car with a very good suspension and three season tires (well, that's a stretch as I run winter tires around here from October or November through March or April, even May one year) and then buying a separate set of winter wheels and tires. On my RWD 530i, the winter tires provided more than enough grip to propel my car through snow that was deep enough to turn my car into a snow plow, even with the hills.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Better than I expected. I've logged 11,600 miles in 15 months compared to only 2,800 in my 2004 Acura TL. When I had the S2000, my split between it and a 1995 Maxima was more like 50/50. The only time I don't drive my 911 is when I need to cart 2+ adult passengers or I head north in the winter.
"I'd probably get a CS convertible ...for under $100K- which is so unlikely. I might have to live with a normal CC. There's only a 0.2 second difference in 0-60, after all, with a $10,000 difference in price! Only Porsche could get away with such ridiculous pricing!"
I did much better than that for a new 2005, and could still come in under $100k for 2007. The $10k difference between the base and "S" gets you about $4,500 worth of options on your list (xenon, 19" PASM) not to mention bigger brakes, etc. But you are right, Porsche option pricing can be a little ridiculous. Regarding that "0.2 second difference", it is understated by Porsche. Motor Trend tested the 911S Coupe at 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. That's not far off from the former 996 Turbo.
"The XKR is also a much better value- beautiful to look at, and has an extra 95hp (compared to the Carrera)"
Don't get me wrong, the XKR is a nice car. But that "extra 95 horsepower" doesn't come close to equating to the same performance. The 911S is as quick as and handles much better than a 500 hp BMW M6, let alone the XKR. And at least the M6 comes with a 6-speed manual. I find it difficult to have much fun with a slushbox, even around town.
Sounds like you'll need to set some time aside for serious test drives before you buy. In the meantime, good luck on the sedan hunting. I may be selling my TL and un-retiring my old Maxima, given how little I am using the TL.
I had no idea the CS was standard with xenons. Are you sure?
I actually just stumbled upon a video that spies the updated version:
http://www.egmcartech.com/2006/12/12/spy-video-porsche-911-facelift/
The engine is simply the sweetest-sounding in this world. Perhaps they'll add a little more power and not increase the price much for 2008?
Speaking of 2008- my new car was just pushed back about a year... that is, if what I think will happen, happens: we may buy a new house in January and move into it in March-April-ish. It is quite a large sum of money, this house, and not only will the wife's A8 be postponed until 2008, but I might have to stick with my S4 a little while longer. Not such a horrible fate, after all.
I do agree with you on the XKR. If I want a luxury car, I'm getting a CL550. If I want a sports car, I'm getting a 911. Case closed.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
'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...)
So I guess in 25 years, an entry level luxury perfromance sedan will run about $280,000? I guess I shouldn't have turned down that Goldman Sachs job out of B-School back in 1981.
Hab- I am shopping around for a S2000 (just for a summer weekend car) and I cant seem to find one under 5k. The 2001 are still running in the low to high teens.I also saw a crashed one (not too bad) and the guy wanted over 10k for the car.I guess I will have to start looking maybe at a Mazda Miata.