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It's probably straightforward in the fact that it simply lets you know if the space is adequate for the car to fit in. Admittedly at night that's not always easy to tell. I was once an expert parralel parker in my Brooklyn days and could get a car into anything as long as it was a space just a tad bit larger than the car. Now that I live in a place where you pull into every parking spot - forget it. If I parralel park 3X a year I do it a lot, and on those rare times that I do I look for the biggest spot on the block. In 10 months I haven't parralel parked my GL yet.
Tag - agree on the rear camera. It's one of the most useful things on a car. I don't have it or the nav in the Infiniti and that's the last time that will ever happen again.
Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.
The high quality life of living in a home and neighborhood I love. The high quality of fine private schools for my kids. The high quality of frequent distant vacation trips. That's where I like to spend my money. All those things have a long term positive affect on my life and in the end prices tend to be forgotten.
How does the luxury motto apply to modern luxury cars?
Quality remembered? In terms of modern luxury cars forget it! Most people want to lease luxury cars just to avoid their quality in the long run.
Price is forgotten? Not on a monthly lease plan. Or at least not if every luxury car buyer is like forum members here who keep cars for minimal periods. Price will definitely always be remembered.
Buying a luxury car nowadays is like buying or leasing a computer with a warranty. A luxury computer has as much relevance as a luxury car . Luxury in both industries are quite redundant in the face of rapid obsolesence.
So no I myself did not fall off a cliff. But what did fall of a cliff is my interest in luxury cars. Vintage luxury cars is where my interest is, But unfortunately I will have to wait a couple of decades until my 83 MB300D becomes a vintage car.
In fact the industry trend for cars is beginning to resemble an industry that is far different from the car industry we knew in the past:
My hunch is that the biggest auto maker in the future will not even be among the big automakers today. It will be a company that started off as a battery company like BYD from China just as Panasonic started off in batteries before entering the camera industry.
The description below for future cars revolves around having the bestbest batteries and electrical motors and not on having the best drivetrains or suspensions:
A number of carmakers and component companies are, for example, looking at getting rid of drive trains, and fitting electric motors directly into cars’ wheels. Such systems would be operated electronically, so they would also provide traction control.
With wheel-mounted motors that mix motive power, braking and active suspension, more of the things conventionally fitted to a car become unnecessary. Because a gearbox, clutch, transmission and differential unit are no longer needed, and springs and other suspension items will probably go, too, vehicles could assume all sorts of shapes and sizes.
I knew you were out there... and I enjoyed those posts. The whole meaning of luxury and "what matters most" (a book with that title has been written) have changed as a result of the economic meltdown. So many families were impacted and so many folks lost jobs and homes and necessary healthcare that a fresh perspective of life's priorities is a predictable result.
The lifestyle you described is indeed a luxury. You are fortunate to be able to live that kind of quality life and feel the way you do about it. I feel the same way about Malibu, so I totally understand what you were describing. The luxury is in the quality of life, not the things we have. However, there are some things that are downright nice to own... I think most of us would prefer a good music system to a bad one, for example... although it's not a necessity by any means.
And, there is no doubt that the future of cars is going to be nothing short of revolutionary during the next decade. So is wireless voice, video, audio, and data transfer of all types.
Great to hear from you. Don't disappear to much. Your opinions are awesome, interesting, and provoking... just perfect for this forum.
I think most of us would prefer a good music system to a bad one, for example...
Pergolesi's Stabat Mater Dolorosa, for instance doesn't sound likely in a music room or a good music system as compared to a computer, but even so having a try
Regards, Jose
PS: In that recording conductor Claudio Abado in his youth looked like a dark Dracula!
Sorry I took so long to respond to this article. Clearly it is written with lots of anti Global Warming bias as demonstared by using a term such as "alarmists", etc. After reading this commentary by this writer (Lorne Gunter) of the Calgary Hearald, it is evident to me that he is twisting some things that were not apparently stated by Latif (the scientist). The comment below (copied from the comments section) is a good warning flag that the author has his own agenda. One of the comments that struck me as very odd and likely wrong is that the author claims that Latif said there has been a cooling trend for the past 10 years. I think this is BS. I don't think Latif actually made such a statement. Anyway here is this interesting comment.
September 23, 2009 - 10:03 AMFlag this as Inappropriate Gunter claims: Latif conceded the Earth has not warmed for nearly a decade and that we are likely entering "one or even two decades during which temperatures cool." I defy Gunter to produce an actual quote, or even a paraphrase by a journalist present when Latif spoke, to support this. In describing a hypothetical situation, Latif apparently stated that the earth "could be" entering one or two decades of cooling, although even that statement appears to have been possibly misreported. However, the qualification of this scenario as "likely" is a fabrication, either by Gunter or his source (which appears to be second- or third-hand). Also, the part in quotes (""one or even two decades during which temperatures cool") is not in fact a direct quote, but appears to be a paraphrase of Latif's satement from an article by Fred Pearce in the New Scientist magazine. Please issue a correction. (I presume the Herald's correction policy is different from that of the National Post, which only corrects errors of fact in climate commentary when threatened by a lawsuit). I haven't checked for other errors in this piece, but you should be aware that Gunter is notoriously unreliable in his recital of facts, especially in his commentary on climate change.
Without reading the actual speech by Latif, it is difficult to draw any real conclusions, but even if all this is true, does that mean that we can continue to pollute the earth? Absolutely not! The physics state that CO2 is a greenhouse gas and the more we add to the atmosphere, the more likely it becomes that we will see adverse effects. TagMan's comments in response to this article are right on target. There are a lot of unknowns, but that does not mean that we can go ahead and pollute to our hearts desire.
Apparently the Intuitive Parking Assist give you visual and audio cues when as to your distance from surrounding objects. The Guidance System is the automated piece that does the work while the drive only has to apply the brakes in the process.
In the Lexus system, one has to orient and aim the vehicle and set up the spot using the touch screen. It also doesn't work on any type of incline because depressing the gas will cancel the feature.
In the Ford system, one has to maintain longitudinal control of the vehicle, but the steering inputs are done by the vehicle.
Its funny how the 80k car has a complex hard to use system based on a touch screen while the 50k car (or 20k if you count its availability on the Escape and Mariner) seems to be controlled with one single button.
Its funny how the 80k car has a complex hard to use system based on a touch screen while the 50k car (or 20k if you count its availability on the Escape and Mariner) seems to be controlled with one single button.
Well, it is logical to expect that these systems will get easier to use and less expensive as they mature. Just look at gen 1 iDrive. Despite being reviled by the press it was copied by most of the luxury industry, improved upon, and made available in cars much cheaper than the 7 series.
please note the latest posts on how the technology in far cheaper cars are significantly superior to the technology of expensive cars which were introduced just a few years ago.
Idrive, self park, hybrid systems (the HSD in a Lexus LS600H is now second rate compared to the new HSD in a Prius) and various other technologies.
. In the old days the superiority of BMW drivetrain or chassis technology was what primairly defined what a BMW was. Today luxury car are primarily being defined by their electronics and that in itself is the Achille's Heel of all luxury cars. The speed of obsolence in electronics is far more rapid than the speed of obsolence in drivetrain/ chassis technology.
Despite my critique I still cant help but struggle with my temptations to buy a new yellow Audi S4. The temptations are getting so strong that I picked up the phone several times this week with the intention of phoning an Audi dealer. But rationality prevailed and I hung up several times.
I hope I last another week without phoning. :sick:
Which is one reason I avoid this forum. I will end up talking myself into buying another performance car which I may regret owning. The last thing I want is a yellow car that becomes a yellow lemon.
I dont want to end up being here again ranting and rambling on about my latest dealership visits . Even if the probability is only 5 to 10 percent that such a situation will happen I want to avoid it at all costs.
I need to sell my 760li and hate to do it. Anyone out there have any idea if listing on AutoTrader gets any results. Will BMW be making anymore of the 760's?
Despite my critique I still cant help but struggle with my temptations to buy a new yellow Audi S4. The temptations are getting so strong that I picked up the phone several times this week with the intention of phoning an Audi dealer. But rationality prevailed and I hung up several times.
I hope I last another week without phoning.
Which is one reason I avoid this forum.
You crack me up sometimes. That is the very reason to visit this forum. You are going round and round with yourself on this car. You need it like a hole in the head. Your Prius is perfect for you at this point in time, and your classic Mercedes is one of the best cars you've ever owned.
If you haven't done so lately, treat that die-hard Mercedes to a serious wax job. And continue to realize that your Prius embodies some of the very latest technology ever put into an automobile, regardless of price. It is nothing short of awesome. True, it is not the final frontier... but it is one of the most significant stepping stones along the right path that has ever graced our planet. The Prius is cool... very cool. Polarized opinions are out there, and some will bash the Prius... yes, ignorance is still loose and thriving, and there isn't anything you can do about that. Who cares anyway? You know without a doubt that you made a very intelligent and well-thought out decision to obtain the Prius. It wasn't an impulsive purchase. It was a mature action on your part.
I know, I know, I know... that purchases are not completely rational, so I don't need to hear all that stuff from the sidelines here,... but I do believe that your interest in a yellow Audi could be questionable. Frankly, I honestly think you would regret it after a while. I think that it is sometimes hard to be "content", and that there are moments that we all experience to "scratch an itch". Those itches can be stronger for some of those than others, and they are sometimes impulsive or compulsive behaviors.
And don't fool yourself into thinking that you can "just" lease it. You will still be sidetracked from the very good path that you are on, and you will still have to write that damned check every month, as well as insure the vehicle, and be obligated to it in every way for a number of years.
I suggest that you be content... because you have every legitimate reason to relax and sit back and watch the industry unfold for a couple or few years, while you enjoy your cool Prius. More cool developments are around the corner, and you will be ready to scoop one up at the right time. Also, you will get to keep that money in your pocket for now, which isn't a bad thing either at this point in time.
I agree with you and TM. The issue is that the forecasts will never be perfect, therefore, we should do everything we can to do the right thing. That includes ending the life of the ICE ASAP and move to electric power for all vehicles on the planet.
I am eager for a 100HP electric motor at all 4 corners of a nice 3-series!
Lemon worries aside, weren't speeding tickets another reason you detested your Bimmer? A bright yellow S4 would seem to me to attract the authoritahs....
This is such an interesting perspective...Thanks...and I think someone else has been reading your stuff....I noticed someone on Jim Cramers `real money` mimicked your report in equil detail...Very flatering to you imo....Tony
I just purchased a brand new BMW X3. While it isn't the most luxurious car around, not even for BMW, it is expensive for its class.
Today, I HATE IT.
It has a jerky acceleration, it fails to accelerate from a stop, it has a rocky/bouncy/nausea-inducing ride. It is even making a weird grinding noise (engine sounds rough) all of a sudden. All of this is intermittent which makes diagnosing and fixing things very difficult. :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon:
How about this: PRICE sans LUXURY. PRICE sans PERFORMANCE.
Which is one reason I avoid this forum. I will end up talking myself into buying another performance car which I may regret owning. The last thing I want is a yellow car that becomes a yellow lemon.
There's no need to rush. Wait a few years, and see how the B8 S4s do in terms of quality. Let other early adopters take the risk.
There is a song that goes something like what you've said: It's easy to have what you want, it's not easy to want what you have...
I think it applies perfectly to us car addicts... :surprise: :surprise:
For my part, I test drove a Honda Civic Si coupe on Fri afternoon. I have to say that I really liked it, simple car, a blast to drive... here we go again.
My advice is to get rid of it. The throttle response and transmission will never really get any better. Take the hit, and buy something that's a couple of years old to minimize the cost. Say, '07 RX350, or one of the countless mainstream SUVs out there. One nice thing about buying used is the car you test drive is the car you get. Our X3 tester didn't drive like the X3 we got from the factory.
I am with you on this, but they must somehow retain the high reving ICE sound, and some kind of sporty exhaust note...
A programmable exhaust would be really cool, like one of those guitar amps that can mimic various classic sounds. Set it for '60s straight six one day, modern Italian V12 the next, and Bentley 6.75L V8 after that.
For my part, I test drove a Honda Civic Si coupe on Fri afternoon. I have to say that I really liked it, simple car, a blast to drive... here we go again
The main issue with the Civic is in real life, its not particularly fast since you have to spend your entire time in the upper 3rd of the tach to get power, nor is it particularly fuel efficient, rated at 29 hwy, especially if you consider that is driving it like a "grandma."
That said, subjectively, it feels very sporty, has a responsive ride, a very smooth shifting transmission, and looks kind of neat. Ergonomically, the 2-tiered dash helps older drivers avoid accommodation effects (the amount of time it takes for eyes to focus on something close up then something far away and back again), like the display in the Prius, or the huge numerals on the Buick gauges in the 80s. The Civic SI also has great supportive seats and a good driving position.
The main issue with the Civic is in real life, its not particularly fast since you have to spend your entire time in the upper 3rd of the tach to get power, nor is it particularly fuel efficient, rated at 29 hwy, especially if you consider that is driving it like a "grandma."
The EVO is probably the king of all of those types of cars, but it's not cheap. It will take a Civic Si to the cleaners though. Supposedly the WRX is now excellent after Subaru fixed the doughy suspension from the initial year. Unfortunately the ugly has not been fixed.
What would also be fun, affordable, and ultra-reliable is a used S2000. None of the issues of the RX-8, and a similar driving experience.
Having owned this :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: for about 3 weeks I did ask the dealer what would it take for them to buy it back: 20% hit on the purchase price. I am thinking of simply placing a for sale by owner sign right next to the paper license plate in the window and driving it around town.
Odometer is still under 500 miles and it still has the entire warranty less 1 month. I should be able to do better than a 20% hit. I should have bought the RX. BMW cannot be trusted if this is the kind of car they put out for sale after years of being told about the same problems.
So essentially I would be paying for a brand new BMW and getting a used RX. What the heck does that say about BMW?
Brand new BMW = Used Lexus
That's pretty dismal math for BMW.
I am not quite ready to take that hit....I have to absorb the idea and get off the ceiling where I am currently residing after almost being hit by an oncoming X5 because my brand new X3 can't accelerate when I push the pedal. Apparently that is asking too much of it.
I think someone else has been reading your stuff....I noticed someone on Jim Cramers `real money` mimicked your report in equil detail...Very flatering to you imo
Thanks Tony! If you are referring to my call on the stock market action last Wednesday, I would not consider that flattering. Those that trade know very well that there is a lot of psychology in the markets. On that particular day, after making new highs, it closed substantially lower so it was a pretty psychologically negative day for the market. Since then, the market has closed lower on two more sessions.
Now, if you want to give praise to someone here, give praise to ljflx (Len). He has been way ahead of the crowd in predicting the stock market.
The EVO is probably the king of all of those types of cars, but it's not cheap. It will take a Civic Si to the cleaners though.
They also require a bit of love and attention to stay happy. That said, the terrain management switch for the drivetrain is just too cool.
Supposedly the WRX is now excellent after Subaru fixed the doughy suspension from the initial year. Unfortunately the ugly has not been fixed.
I was more interested in the '02-05 then the 06-09. Agreed on the ugly, that goes all the way back to the Loyalle.
What would also be fun, affordable, and ultra-reliable is a used S2000. None of the issues of the RX-8, and a similar driving experience.
Yeah I agree with this, except the early S2000s (1st model year) was very twitchy in corners. It was fun on the track, maybe less so on the street. It is a proper front-engine, rear-drive, 2 seat sports car though.
I like the RX8's seating capacity and its very fun to drive, but its thirsty, has no torque, and isn't as reliable.
It's seems not to be such a problem for others as well.
The current generation Civic was named Car of the Year when it debuted in 2006 by Motor Trend and by a jury of automotive journalists at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. It was also a Consumer Reports Top Pick for 2007 (Hyundai Elantra snagged the prize in 2008.), and the 2009 Honda Civic is a Consumer Guide Best Pick. In addition, the Civic tops the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus and Chevy Cobalt in Kelley Blue Book comparison tests. In a press release summarizing the results, KBB notes, "The Honda Civic is a great car. Its reputation as reliable and economical transportation is so strong that it's easy to overlook just how well it does everything else, as we realized during our most recent time behind the wheel of the freshened, fourth-year Civic."
Let's not even compare the depreciation on a Cobalt vs. the Civic.
Its reputation as reliable and economical transportation is so strong that it's easy to overlook just how well it does everything else, as we realized during our most recent time behind the wheel of the freshened, fourth-year Civic."
I am not saying its not a nice car, I really wish I would've gotten a Civic SI sedan instead of the Accord EX I got. Actually, I wish I had gotten just about anything instead of the Accord EX, a Mazda6, a WV Jetta, a used 3-series (probably the closest match), it was just a bad decision made during a stressful time in my life. But that doesn't mean the Civic SI is perfect, and those comments were about the $3000 less expensive regular Civic, not the SI, although they also had the alignment issue.
Most of my friends took that as an opportunity to be aftermarket suspension components to fix the factory issue, although there is currently a factory fix for it.
To each their own.
Let's not even compare the depreciation on a Cobalt vs. the Civic.
Or anything else, for that matter, like fit and finish, like it feels like the Cobalt's AC temp knob is going to break off in your hand...like the textures and the fabrics in the interior...(although the interior of my 3-year old Accord is fading at different rates and squeaks already with 30K).
However, someone asked earlier how the vehicle you ended up with was different from the one you test drove. That's an interesting question, and your answer to it would be at least as interesting.
A comprehensive test drive is a very useful thing.
I had never heard of a weekend test drive. If they were common (are they?) I might have known and yet might not have.
The 'no forward motion when pushing the gas pedal' thing has happened twice in about 400 miles of driving. They both happened recently so maybe the cooler weather is causing it to show up more frequently.
I do not know. If I could reproduce it reliably I could show the dealer what I am experiencing. Even a weekend test drive in the summer might not have shown that. That is the trouble with intermittent problems.
The engine is now intermittently sounding rough. It sounds like a light grinding noise. Who the heck knows. In buying a brand new BMW though, should I have to worry about whether they failed to QA the thing before putting it up for sale? I don't think so. It is a brand new premium car. It should work perfectly or else why bother with the big bucks?
I had far fewer problems with Buicks for goodness sakes.
No, the praise is for you and the `sun spot` awareness.....One of the guys that is sort of on a par with Jim Cramer, took your report and repeated it almost as well as you wrote it, and now even a couple of days later others are reporting on the `sun`...You were the first that I read anywhere Now I think ljflx has certainly laid it on the line about the stock market, and I also think in theory he is correct about the oil supply, but Tagman has imo gotten the price right so far....Sometimes the numbers just don`t match the price---due to speculators--- I guess we will just have to wait and see how all this ultimately works out.....If the economy improves nicely, then the price of diesel will quickly go up, so I am sort of cool on the diesel engine idea (right now) Tony
You're right that the SI is no match for something like an IS350 or 335i in the acceleration department, but for the money the car feels fast to drive and the engine is eager to rev all the way up to 8000 rpm. The dealer did have a blue S2000 in the show room. It looked good and probably twice the fun of an SI as well, but the sticker price is also double that of the Civic's. Also, I can't see myself buying any two seater just yet. I think a used IS-F or M3 is probably a perfect compromise on the wallet vs fun to drive front. Now I just have to go and test drive them :shades: :shades:
No, the praise is for you and the `sun spot` awareness.....One of the guys that is sort of on a par with Jim Cramer, took your report and repeated it almost as well as you wrote it, and now even a couple of days later others are reporting on the `sun`...You were the first that I read anywhere
OK, now I get it (LOL). I thought you were referring to the stock market when you mentioned Jim Cramer. Why in the world would Jim Cramer bring up sunspot activity?
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suggest that you be content... because you have every legitimate reason to relax and sit back and watch the industry unfold for a couple or few years, while you enjoy your cool Prius
Those words above are really working. Despite the fact that I memorized the nearest Audi dealership's phone number 416 961 2834 I still did not pick up the phone and it is already noon.
Now my biggest challenge is to try to forget the phone number and maybe just maybe I will survive another day without doing an impulse buy,
The situation is my wife's BMW 530xi touring is becoming expensive to repair so we may sell it. After that I will altruisitically let her drive the Prius while I will have to settle for a fast and furious yellow Audi S4 instead. It's a tough call.
OK, ok let me get serious here. If we ever do replace the BMW 530xi it will be replaced by a reliable Japanese car. I dont know which one but it will unlikely be a Hybrid RX since one hybrid in the family is enough. Despite my passions for a Audi I will never buy one until the statistics indicates that they are as reliable as Lexus/Toyotas.
I like buying and keeping my cars as long as I please. Leasing deals here in Toronto are just not compelling enough to change my mind. My buy and hold perspective on cars makes German cars an unlikely scenario.
Comments
Tag - agree on the rear camera. It's one of the most useful things on a car. I don't have it or the nav in the Infiniti and that's the last time that will ever happen again.
Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.
The high quality life of living in a home and neighborhood I love. The high quality of fine private schools for my kids. The high quality of frequent distant vacation trips. That's where I like to spend my money. All those things have a long term positive affect on my life and in the end prices tend to be forgotten.
How does the luxury motto apply to modern luxury cars?
Quality remembered? In terms of modern luxury cars forget it! Most people want to lease luxury cars just to avoid their quality in the long run.
Price is forgotten? Not on a monthly lease plan. Or at least not if every luxury car buyer is like forum members here who keep cars for minimal periods. Price will definitely always be remembered.
Buying a luxury car nowadays is like buying or leasing a computer with a warranty. A luxury computer has as much relevance as a luxury car . Luxury in both industries are quite redundant in the face of rapid obsolesence.
So no I myself did not fall off a cliff. But what did fall of a cliff is my interest in luxury cars. Vintage luxury cars is where my interest is, But unfortunately I will have to wait a couple of decades until my 83 MB300D becomes a vintage car.
My hunch is that the biggest auto maker in the future will not even be among the big automakers today. It will be a company that started off as a battery company like BYD from China just as Panasonic started off in batteries before entering the camera industry.
The description below for future cars revolves around having the bestbest batteries and electrical motors and not on having the best drivetrains or suspensions:
A number of carmakers and component companies are, for example, looking at getting rid of drive trains, and fitting electric motors directly into cars’ wheels. Such systems would be operated electronically, so they would also provide traction control.
With wheel-mounted motors that mix motive power, braking and active suspension, more of the things conventionally fitted to a car become unnecessary. Because a gearbox, clutch, transmission and differential unit are no longer needed, and springs and other suspension items will probably go, too, vehicles could assume all sorts of shapes and sizes.
link title
Yes folks my Toyota Prius is the beginning of the end of the car industry as we know it. And yes I do love my Prius. So far no speeding tickets.
Yes, the RIAA will fine you $5,000 per song for fille sharing illegally!
Regards,
OW
I knew you were out there... and I enjoyed those posts. The whole meaning of luxury and "what matters most" (a book with that title has been written) have changed as a result of the economic meltdown. So many families were impacted and so many folks lost jobs and homes and necessary healthcare that a fresh perspective of life's priorities is a predictable result.
The lifestyle you described is indeed a luxury. You are fortunate to be able to live that kind of quality life and feel the way you do about it. I feel the same way about Malibu, so I totally understand what you were describing. The luxury is in the quality of life, not the things we have. However, there are some things that are downright nice to own... I think most of us would prefer a good music system to a bad one, for example... although it's not a necessity by any means.
And, there is no doubt that the future of cars is going to be nothing short of revolutionary during the next decade. So is wireless voice, video, audio, and data transfer of all types.
Great to hear from you. Don't disappear to much. Your opinions are awesome, interesting, and provoking... just perfect for this forum.
TM
A lot of highly educational posts the past day, I really appreaciate them all.
Pergolesi's Stabat Mater Dolorosa, for instance doesn't sound likely in a music room or a good music system as compared to a computer, but even so
having a try
Regards,
Jose
PS: In that recording conductor Claudio Abado in his youth looked like a dark Dracula!
September 23, 2009 - 10:03 AMFlag this as Inappropriate Gunter claims: Latif conceded the Earth has not warmed for nearly a decade and that we are likely entering "one or even two decades during which temperatures cool." I defy Gunter to produce an actual quote, or even a paraphrase by a journalist present when Latif spoke, to support this. In describing a hypothetical situation, Latif apparently stated that the earth "could be" entering one or two decades of cooling, although even that statement appears to have been possibly misreported. However, the qualification of this scenario as "likely" is a fabrication, either by Gunter or his source (which appears to be second- or third-hand). Also, the part in quotes (""one or even two decades during which temperatures cool") is not in fact a direct quote, but appears to be a paraphrase of Latif's satement from an article by Fred Pearce in the New Scientist magazine. Please issue a correction. (I presume the Herald's correction policy is different from that of the National Post, which only corrects errors of fact in climate commentary when threatened by a lawsuit). I haven't checked for other errors in this piece, but you should be aware that Gunter is notoriously unreliable in his recital of facts, especially in his commentary on climate change.
Without reading the actual speech by Latif, it is difficult to draw any real conclusions, but even if all this is true, does that mean that we can continue to pollute the earth? Absolutely not! The physics state that CO2 is a greenhouse gas and the more we add to the atmosphere, the more likely it becomes that we will see adverse effects. TagMan's comments in response to this article are right on target. There are a lot of unknowns, but that does not mean that we can go ahead and pollute to our hearts desire.
Lexus Self Park
Lincoln MKS Self Park
In the Lexus system, one has to orient and aim the vehicle and set up the spot using the touch screen. It also doesn't work on any type of incline because depressing the gas will cancel the feature.
In the Ford system, one has to maintain longitudinal control of the vehicle, but the steering inputs are done by the vehicle.
Its funny how the 80k car has a complex hard to use system based on a touch screen while the 50k car (or 20k if you count its availability on the Escape and Mariner) seems to be controlled with one single button.
Well, it is logical to expect that these systems will get easier to use and less expensive as they mature. Just look at gen 1 iDrive. Despite being reviled by the press it was copied by most of the luxury industry, improved upon, and made available in cars much cheaper than the 7 series.
please note the latest posts on how the technology in far cheaper cars are significantly superior to the technology of expensive cars which were introduced just a few years ago.
Idrive, self park, hybrid systems (the HSD in a Lexus LS600H is now second rate compared to the new HSD in a Prius) and various other technologies.
. In the old days the superiority of BMW drivetrain or chassis technology was what primairly defined what a BMW was. Today luxury car are primarily being defined by their electronics and that in itself is the Achille's Heel of all luxury cars. The speed of obsolence in electronics is far more rapid than the speed of obsolence in drivetrain/ chassis technology.
Despite my critique I still cant help but struggle with my temptations to buy a new yellow Audi S4. The temptations are getting so strong that I picked up the phone several times this week with the intention of phoning an Audi dealer. But rationality prevailed and I hung up several times.
I hope I last another week without phoning. :sick:
Which is one reason I avoid this forum. I will end up talking myself into buying another performance car which I may regret owning. The last thing I want is a yellow car that becomes a yellow lemon.
I dont want to end up being here again ranting and rambling on about my latest dealership visits . Even if the probability is only 5 to 10 percent that such a situation will happen I want to avoid it at all costs.
I hope I last another week without phoning.
Which is one reason I avoid this forum.
You crack me up sometimes. That is the very reason to visit this forum. You are going round and round with yourself on this car. You need it like a hole in the head. Your Prius is perfect for you at this point in time, and your classic Mercedes is one of the best cars you've ever owned.
If you haven't done so lately, treat that die-hard Mercedes to a serious wax job. And continue to realize that your Prius embodies some of the very latest technology ever put into an automobile, regardless of price. It is nothing short of awesome. True, it is not the final frontier... but it is one of the most significant stepping stones along the right path that has ever graced our planet. The Prius is cool... very cool. Polarized opinions are out there, and some will bash the Prius... yes, ignorance is still loose and thriving, and there isn't anything you can do about that. Who cares anyway? You know without a doubt that you made a very intelligent and well-thought out decision to obtain the Prius. It wasn't an impulsive purchase. It was a mature action on your part.
I know, I know, I know... that purchases are not completely rational, so I don't need to hear all that stuff from the sidelines here,... but I do believe that your interest in a yellow Audi could be questionable. Frankly, I honestly think you would regret it after a while. I think that it is sometimes hard to be "content", and that there are moments that we all experience to "scratch an itch". Those itches can be stronger for some of those than others, and they are sometimes impulsive or compulsive behaviors.
And don't fool yourself into thinking that you can "just" lease it. You will still be sidetracked from the very good path that you are on, and you will still have to write that damned check every month, as well as insure the vehicle, and be obligated to it in every way for a number of years.
I suggest that you be content... because you have every legitimate reason to relax and sit back and watch the industry unfold for a couple or few years, while you enjoy your cool Prius. More cool developments are around the corner, and you will be ready to scoop one up at the right time. Also, you will get to keep that money in your pocket for now, which isn't a bad thing either at this point in time.
Sometimes it is good to be content.
TM
I am eager for a 100HP electric motor at all 4 corners of a nice 3-series!
Regards,
OW
Autotrader works. Not any kind of endorsement... just experience. It really works well.
TM
Regards,
OW
Today, I HATE IT.
It has a jerky acceleration, it fails to accelerate from a stop, it has a rocky/bouncy/nausea-inducing ride. It is even making a weird grinding noise (engine sounds rough) all of a sudden. All of this is intermittent which makes diagnosing and fixing things very difficult. :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon:
How about this: PRICE sans LUXURY. PRICE sans PERFORMANCE.
My BMW X3 is pure PRICE plus HEADACHES.
Buy a Honda or a Toyota and be done with it.
There's no need to rush. Wait a few years, and see how the B8 S4s do in terms of quality. Let other early adopters take the risk.
It's easy to have what you want, it's not easy to want what you have...
I think it applies perfectly to us car addicts... :surprise: :surprise:
For my part, I test drove a Honda Civic Si coupe on Fri afternoon. I have to say that I really liked it, simple car, a blast to drive... here we go again.
After all, if it is dramatically worse, I'd think that you have a warranty claim... at least give it a try.
TM
My advice is to get rid of it. The throttle response and transmission will never really get any better. Take the hit, and buy something that's a couple of years old to minimize the cost. Say, '07 RX350, or one of the countless mainstream SUVs out there. One nice thing about buying used is the car you test drive is the car you get. Our X3 tester didn't drive like the X3 we got from the factory.
A programmable exhaust would be really cool, like one of those guitar amps that can mimic various classic sounds. Set it for '60s straight six one day, modern Italian V12 the next, and Bentley 6.75L V8 after that.
The main issue with the Civic is in real life, its not particularly fast since you have to spend your entire time in the upper 3rd of the tach to get power, nor is it particularly fuel efficient, rated at 29 hwy, especially if you consider that is driving it like a "grandma."
That said, subjectively, it feels very sporty, has a responsive ride, a very smooth shifting transmission, and looks kind of neat. Ergonomically, the 2-tiered dash helps older drivers avoid accommodation effects (the amount of time it takes for eyes to focus on something close up then something far away and back again), like the display in the Prius, or the huge numerals on the Buick gauges in the 80s. The Civic SI also has great supportive seats and a good driving position.
Its just not that fast or thrifty.
That's where LG comes in...port the fabulous sound system out the back and let 'er RIP!
I am sure LG can recommend the electronics to achieve that perfect rev-matching reverb out the rear tubes. There, you have it! Clean Sound Dynamics.
Sort of a pipe organ on steroids, if you get my drift....
Regards,
OW
Regards,
OW
But at least it won't break!
Regards,
OW
The EVO is probably the king of all of those types of cars, but it's not cheap. It will take a Civic Si to the cleaners though. Supposedly the WRX is now excellent after Subaru fixed the doughy suspension from the initial year. Unfortunately the ugly has not been fixed.
What would also be fun, affordable, and ultra-reliable is a used S2000. None of the issues of the RX-8, and a similar driving experience.
Odometer is still under 500 miles and it still has the entire warranty less 1 month. I should be able to do better than a 20% hit. I should have bought the RX. BMW cannot be trusted if this is the kind of car they put out for sale after years of being told about the same problems.
So essentially I would be paying for a brand new BMW and getting a used RX. What the heck does that say about BMW?
Brand new BMW = Used Lexus
That's pretty dismal math for BMW.
I am not quite ready to take that hit....I have to absorb the idea and get off the ceiling where I am currently residing after almost being hit by an oncoming X5 because my brand new X3 can't accelerate when I push the pedal. Apparently that is asking too much of it.
Thanks Tony! If you are referring to my call on the stock market action last Wednesday, I would not consider that flattering. Those that trade know very well that there is a lot of psychology in the markets. On that particular day, after making new highs, it closed substantially lower so it was a pretty psychologically negative day for the market. Since then, the market has closed lower on two more sessions.
Now, if you want to give praise to someone here, give praise to ljflx (Len). He has been way ahead of the crowd in predicting the stock market.
Add a can of freshly-made polluted air and you get the whole package for the car enthusiasts!
:shades:
Regards,
Jose
Regards,
OW
But at least it won't break!
Except for the issues with the rear suspension that make them burn through tires every 7500 miles, and the poor paint quality, and the rotor issues...
They also require a bit of love and attention to stay happy. That said, the terrain management switch for the drivetrain is just too cool.
Supposedly the WRX is now excellent after Subaru fixed the doughy suspension from the initial year. Unfortunately the ugly has not been fixed.
I was more interested in the '02-05 then the 06-09. Agreed on the ugly, that goes all the way back to the Loyalle.
What would also be fun, affordable, and ultra-reliable is a used S2000. None of the issues of the RX-8, and a similar driving experience.
Yeah I agree with this, except the early S2000s (1st model year) was very twitchy in corners. It was fun on the track, maybe less so on the street. It is a proper front-engine, rear-drive, 2 seat sports car though.
I like the RX8's seating capacity and its very fun to drive, but its thirsty, has no torque, and isn't as reliable.
Just rotate the tires more often. The bang for the buck is hard to beat afaic.
Regards,
OW
Just rotate the tires more often. The bang for the buck is hard to beat afaic.
LOL as long as its okay for Honda... :P
The current generation Civic was named Car of the Year when it debuted in 2006 by Motor Trend and by a jury of automotive journalists at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. It was also a Consumer Reports Top Pick for 2007 (Hyundai Elantra snagged the prize in 2008.), and the 2009 Honda Civic is a Consumer Guide Best Pick. In addition, the Civic tops the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus and Chevy Cobalt in Kelley Blue Book comparison tests. In a press release summarizing the results, KBB notes, "The Honda Civic is a great car. Its reputation as reliable and economical transportation is so strong that it's easy to overlook just how well it does everything else, as we realized during our most recent time behind the wheel of the freshened, fourth-year Civic."
Let's not even compare the depreciation on a Cobalt vs. the Civic.
Regards,
OW
I am not saying its not a nice car, I really wish I would've gotten a Civic SI sedan instead of the Accord EX I got. Actually, I wish I had gotten just about anything instead of the Accord EX, a Mazda6, a WV Jetta, a used 3-series (probably the closest match), it was just a bad decision made during a stressful time in my life. But that doesn't mean the Civic SI is perfect, and those comments were about the $3000 less expensive regular Civic, not the SI, although they also had the alignment issue.
Most of my friends took that as an opportunity to be aftermarket suspension components to fix the factory issue, although there is currently a factory fix for it.
To each their own.
Let's not even compare the depreciation on a Cobalt vs. the Civic.
Or anything else, for that matter, like fit and finish, like it feels like the Cobalt's AC temp knob is going to break off in your hand...like the textures and the fabrics in the interior...(although the interior of my 3-year old Accord is fading at different rates and squeaks already with 30K).
However, someone asked earlier how the vehicle you ended up with was different from the one you test drove. That's an interesting question, and your answer to it would be at least as interesting.
A comprehensive test drive is a very useful thing.
I had never heard of a weekend test drive. If they were common (are they?) I might have known and yet might not have.
The 'no forward motion when pushing the gas pedal' thing has happened twice in about 400 miles of driving. They both happened recently so maybe the cooler weather is causing it to show up more frequently.
I do not know. If I could reproduce it reliably I could show the dealer what I am experiencing. Even a weekend test drive in the summer might not have shown that. That is the trouble with intermittent problems.
The engine is now intermittently sounding rough. It sounds like a light grinding noise. Who the heck knows. In buying a brand new BMW though, should I have to worry about whether they failed to QA the thing before putting it up for sale? I don't think so. It is a brand new premium car. It should work perfectly or else why bother with the big bucks?
I had far fewer problems with Buicks for goodness sakes.
What a mess of a car.
:lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon:
The dealer did have a blue S2000 in the show room. It looked good and probably twice the fun of an SI as well, but the sticker price is also double that of the Civic's. Also, I can't see myself buying any two seater just yet.
I think a used IS-F or M3 is probably a perfect compromise on the wallet vs fun to drive front. Now I just have to go and test drive them :shades: :shades:
OK, now I get it (LOL). I thought you were referring to the stock market when you mentioned Jim Cramer. Why in the world would Jim Cramer bring up sunspot activity?
There are some wise people hanging around here afaic. I learn more each day and offer my thanks at this point.
Hopefully the market and the economy will continue to improve in spite of the system flaws still evident.
Regards,
OW
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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Those words above are really working. Despite the fact that I memorized the nearest Audi dealership's phone number 416 961 2834 I still did not pick up the phone and it is already noon.
Now my biggest challenge is to try to forget the phone number and maybe just maybe I will survive another day without doing an impulse buy,
The situation is my wife's BMW 530xi touring is becoming expensive to repair so we may sell it. After that I will altruisitically let her drive the Prius while I will have to settle for a fast and furious yellow Audi S4 instead. It's a tough call.
OK, ok let me get serious here. If we ever do replace the BMW 530xi it will be replaced by a reliable Japanese car. I dont know which one but it will unlikely be a Hybrid RX since one hybrid in the family is enough. Despite my passions for a Audi I will never buy one until the statistics indicates that they are as reliable as Lexus/Toyotas.
So my sanity is still intact at least for today.
My buy and hold perspective on cars makes German cars an unlikely scenario.