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Re: 2006 750Li NOT a good INVESTMENT [porion]
Written by: nvbanker on Feb 10, 2012 3:27:17 PM
It worked. I've had 3 excellent Lexus LSes, 02, 05, 09. Not a wimper out of any of them. But, my buddy let me drive his 2011 7 Series yesterday, and WOW! Was I impressed!! The cameras, the features, the comfort, the vault like quiet, the feather like smoothness, and most of all, the DRIVE. Unbelievable! Now I get it, what the big whoop is about BMW. HOWEVER, your post has ... Read More
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Re: 2006 750Li NOT a good INVESTMENT [porion]
Written by: aguywhowrite on Nov 5, 2011 7:39:10 PM
I don't know. I've been pretty satisfied with my 98 750i, although I know its a pretty different car. No way will this car compare to a Japanese car for mile after mile durability. If you have a big commute--no way. If you have modest annual mileage, a desire for luxury transportation for a low overall cost, its fine. The massive massive five year depreciation on this car makes this a ... Read More
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2006 750Li NOT a good INVESTMENT
Written by: porion on Nov 5, 2011 1:11:41 PM
I hope this post benefits someone interested in getting a 7 Series. If you want a money pit of a car that constantly tugs at your wallet - get this car. If you want a high end car that is less costly to maintain --you might want to consider the following.. We purchased a 2006 750Li around 3 years ago CPO from the local dealership, we paid around 5-7K more at ... Read More
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Re: New M3 V8 weighs 33lbs less than outgoing I-6 [dewey]
Written by: brightness04 on Mar 25, 2007 8:47:05 PM
As I said forget all the accural numbers. Just focus on BMW's healthy cash flows. Hmm, now you want to toss away accruals, just like I suggested. BMW cash flow is down 13% according to the 2006 Annual Report. That's not healthy. By the way Toytota has phenemonal accural numbers. Toyota actually does account very conservatively. They expense R&D in the current year, and their residuals are below real life resale. ... Read More
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Re: New M3 V8 weighs 33lbs less than outgoing I-6 [dewey]
Written by: brightness04 on Mar 25, 2007 8:35:51 PM
Accruals is where much of book cooking is done. A company that has supposedly nearly 9% sales growth faces 13% drop in cash flow and nearly 9% liquid asset decline, and that does't make you suspicious? On top of the company re-marking derivative market asset, presumably to make balance book look better. Exactly how does 8.8% lease/finance contract increase translates to 19%-29% increase in leased-product "asset" in the books? I will ... Read More
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Re: New M3 V8 weighs 33lbs less than outgoing I-6 [brightness04]
Written by: dewey on Mar 25, 2007 8:12:31 PM
You may want to take a closer look at the 2006 annual report in that link, not just the management prepared headlines. No I did not even have the priviledge of reading the 2006 BMW headlines this morning. I didn't even know the 06 results were out until today. LOL Brightness is this the basis of your doom and gloom prophecy for BMW? Cash flow is down 13 percent? Cash flows ... Read More
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Re: New M3 V8 weighs 33lbs less than outgoing I-6 [mariner7]
Written by: brightness04 on Mar 25, 2007 7:31:37 PM
Year after year, BMW profits increase because of increasing sales. Unlike something like energy transactions (ie. Enron), how do you fake car sales? I have been pointing at the rat hole for some time: subsidized leases. Look at the link to BMW AG's 2006 annual report, provided by Dewey, and you can find confirmaton right there. Read the details for yourself. Here are some gems buried in the pages: "The main ... Read More
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Re: New M3 V8 weighs 33lbs less than outgoing I-6 [dewey]
Written by: brightness04 on Mar 24, 2007 4:14:18 PM
Your knowledge of BMW biturbos is equivalent to your knowledge of BMW V6s. hmm, interesting take. BMW biturbos exist in real life, but BMW V6's are frolicking with unicorns. Well at least your knowledge of BMW biturbo engines is a bit better than your knowledge of how "realized resale values and inflated residuals are linked." I'm not the one arguing that they are linked. You are. Now please tell me how ... Read More
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Re: BMW sets 2006 profit record [lexusguy]
Written by: jlbl on Mar 9, 2007 8:39:50 AM
Yes, in Europe BMW should be worried about Audi. Audi is getting a bigger share of the cake year after year. Yet Audi has taken 30 years to overtake MB and blow into BMW ear. I remember when at the end of the Seventies of the last Century Audi was seen as a mere third thought well behind MB and BMW. Audi has been perseverant all that time, no doubt. Audi ... Read More
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Re: BMW sets 2006 profit record [hpowders]
Written by: lexusguy on Mar 9, 2007 7:26:15 AM
Audi sales are still a tiny fraction of BMW's, especially at the 5 and 7 level. At least in this market anyway. In Europe you can bet BMW is very worried about Audi. In the states Audi still needs to work on their marketing, especially on the A6 and A8. Their rapidly expanding lineup is great, but they need the core models to sell, first.
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Re: BMW sets 2006 profit record [houdini1]
Written by: hpowders on Mar 9, 2007 7:00:23 AM
Thanks. I did see the brochure. To my eyes, the 2008 interior looks pretty much like what they are offering now, which to me means drab and boring. 3 BMW's. Pretty much the same interior. The only difference is the wood strip gets wider as one proceeds up the price ladder! BMW is supposedly looking over their shoulder at Audi. Apparently, they are not too worried.
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Re: BMW sets 2006 profit record [hpowders]
Written by: houdini1 on Mar 9, 2007 6:26:08 AM
Hp, there is a 2008 BMW 5 series brochure posted on the "Luxury Performance Sedan" forum that you will like. Nice. See post #9193.
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Re: BMW sets 2006 profit record [jlbl]
Written by: hpowders on Mar 9, 2007 4:34:20 AM
"When only one (neuron) left, you will be levelled with the prime ministers and presidents of all countries." Yes I have noticed that the best-qualified, really smart people usually wind up as "advisors", rarely getting the top job. Of course the CE of BMW, Herr Reithofer, proves to be a brilliant exception! :)
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Re: BMW sets 2006 profit record [hpowders]
Written by: jlbl on Mar 9, 2007 2:42:26 AM
"I should try and preserve the 2 or 3 (neurons) I have left!" Be careful. When only one left, you will be levelled with the prime ministers and presidents of all countries No more BMWs to drive thereafter. Jose ;)
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Re: BMW sets 2006 profit record [dewey]
Written by: hpowders on Mar 8, 2007 7:03:17 PM
Well you could be right, Dewey. As a self-made retiree, I guess the challenge of iDrive helps prevent the deterioration of my non-regenerative brain cells. I should try and preserve the 2 or 3 I have left! Quite honestly, the iDrive is certainly not as difficult to use as the media have made it out to be. Certainly though, when traveling to a different state or province in your case, having ... Read More
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Re: BMW sets 2006 profit record [hpowders]
Written by: dewey on Mar 8, 2007 5:25:56 PM
The perfect vehicle for me would have BMW handling with an Audi interior and a refreshingly normal push button radio! Sorry I wholeheartedly disagree with you there. A normal push button radio sounds far too radical and simple to me. I kind of like having my brain teased by idrive. At least it excercises my mind and keeps my brain young :)
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Re: BMW sets 2006 profit record [tagman]
Written by: hpowders on Mar 8, 2007 4:03:50 PM
Yes. I previously posted that BMW had record 2006 profits; the best year in history according to CE Reithofer. I don't know if this would have been possible without the direct participation of Dewey and me. PS: Interesting and to the point: BMW is looking over their shoulder at Audi and I don't blame them. The perfect vehicle for me would have BMW handling with an Audi interior and a refreshingly ... Read More
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BMW sets 2006 profit record
Written by: tagman on Mar 8, 2007 2:43:20 PM
I posted this on the Luxury Lounge forum, but I just know that hpowders, Dewey, and others will appreciate this. "German automaker Bayerische Motoren Werke AG is the world’s largest luxury automaker and the company has said in a statement that its profit rose 28 percent to a record..." link title TagMan
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More Excitement And Thrills From BMW
Written by: hpowders on Mar 8, 2007 6:28:39 AM
Reuters-9:05AM ET: "BMW, the world's largest premium carmaker, is raising its dividend by more than 9% after record 2006 earnings." "The past year has been the best financial year so far in the company's history," CE Norbert Reithofer said. " :)
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Funny though...
Written by: hpowders on Feb 26, 2007 1:43:48 PM
Since that C&D review, no accident has been reported as a direct result of faulty BMW brakes for any 2006 or 2007 BMW models, as far as I know. I have had BMW's continuously since 1993 and the brakes have always stopped the vehicles quickly. I have absolute confidence in them even with that annoying little jerk at the end. This is from someone who actually drives BMW's.
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Re: my exoerience [hpowders]
Written by: brightness04 on Feb 25, 2007 8:05:33 PM
Yup, here's the link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/10391/2006-bmw-330i.html Unexpected 360-degree turn at 70mph is certainly not for the faint of heart.
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Average Sales Per Franchise
Written by: ctsang on Feb 23, 2007 12:10:46 PM
Total Total December January 2006 2007 Lexus 176 104 BMW 91 58 Mercedes-Benz 84 51 Audi 45 24 Jaguar 9 8 Aston Martin 1 1 Rolls-Royce 1 1
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sales
Written by: ctsang on Feb 22, 2007 9:17:01 AM
U.S. Market Premium Sales From 2002 to 2006 2006 2002 Change % Porsche 34227 21318 12909 60.55% Infiniti 121146 87911 33235 37.81% Lexus 322434 234109 88325 37.73% Acura 201223 165552 35671 21.55% BMW 274432 232032 42400 18.27% Mercedes Benz 247934 213225 34709 16.28% Audi 90116 85726 4390 5.12% Volvo 115807 110670 5137 4.64% Jaguar 20683 61204 -40521 -66.21%
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La Verdad!
Written by: hpowders on Feb 8, 2007 3:01:38 PM
European news from our insider, JLBL!! "The best seller brand in the LPS, HELC and luxury SUV niche altogether was BMW in 2005 and 2006!" The Chris Bangle revolution continues world-wide! I wish Edmunds had an emotorcon illustrating "bursting with pride." PS: It may be warm in Spain but it just got a little warmer at the other LPS and HELC corporate offices!
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Re: You are welcome
Written by: jlbl on Feb 8, 2007 11:53:57 AM
brightness04, houdini1, dhamilton, Thank you so much for your kind welcome. brightness04, Spain is warm all year round :) , but right now is snowing on it. Madrid is at the same parallel than New York City. If you come in winter, be prepared to some cold . Anyhow, nothing to compare to the snow storms of many regions in the USA. Now, a small piece of European news. The best ... Read More
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Re: Hey [drfill]
Written by: reality2 on Jan 28, 2007 7:42:14 PM
How are they beleagured? Audi is rampant with cash (capital return is one of the highest in the industry soaring from from 9.7% to over 13% in 2006 - higher than BMW)..sales are high everywhere (36% gains in the last two months), (1 million plus this year easily), most recommended new models by CR in their latest issue, much more than your precious Toyota Lexus. You completely missed the mark of ... Read More
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Re: Doc [tagman]
Written by: brightness04 on Jan 24, 2007 5:55:34 PM
Audi market share in HELC is not just small; it's next to non-existent. You can find the most recent monthly and annual sales number: http://www.aicautosite.com/editoria/asmr/svsedan.asp Lexus LS460/430 sold 3865 in December, 26k in 2005; MB S class 2987 in December, 16k in 2005, 31k in 2006; BMW 7 series over 2k in November, 18k in 2005; Audi A8? 323 in Dec, 557 in Nov, about 5k for both 05/06 Audi is ... Read More
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Re: Merc [dewey]
Written by: merc1 on Jan 3, 2007 10:03:38 PM
I regretfully have to inform you that you lost our MB E vs. BMW 5 2006 sales bet. Oh and by the way how did that brochure taste after that other MB S Cabrio bet of ours ? At least I am glad you are still alive I like how you put that. I beat you to it though, I already capitulated in the LPS thread. You don't win the other ... Read More
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Re: Merc [merc1]
Written by: dewey on Jan 3, 2007 4:27:02 PM
Merc, I regretfully have to inform you that you lost our MB E vs. BMW 5 2006 sales bet. Oh and by the way how did that brochure taste after that other MB S Cabrio bet of ours ? At least I am glad you are still alive. :P During Dec. Audi sales grew 39.7 percent During Dec. BMW sales grew 21 percent. What the hell is wrong with these buyers? ... Read More
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Top Loyalty Ratings
Written by: ctsang on Jan 2, 2007 7:35:31 AM
2006 top 10 manufacturers in retaining customers as reported by J.D. Powers: Toyota -- 63.9% Lexus -- 63.2% Honda -- 60.3% BMW -- 56.5% Scion -- 56.3% Cadillac -- 55.5% Chevrolet -- 55.3% Mercedes-Benz -- 53.6% Ford -- 53.3% Hyundai -- 51.6%
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Re: The Pre-Production Question [hpowders]
Written by: brightness04 on Dec 29, 2006 3:43:35 PM
Here's the link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/10391/2006-bmw-330i.html C&D not only excused the E90 330i, they used braking numbers from a previous test under entirely different circumstances and then gave it First Place in the comparo despite the obvious disqualification event. BTW, I agree with your hypothetical response. That's why I have a hard time putting BMW's and MB's on my shopping list despite their relatively low cost of acquisition.
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Re: The C&D Comparo [hpowders]
Written by: merc1 on Dec 25, 2006 9:55:07 PM
I have never, ever seen so much whinning over a comparo. Now people are claiming to know many editors and how they're such an expert in the publishing industry so they're qualified to say the review was a joke. Knowing editors for non-automotive publications and being in the publishing industry has what exactly to do with testing cars? Yes, Car and Driver, the home of more LS400 and LS430 wins than ... Read More
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Re: Ultralow-sulfur diesel prices [syswei]
Written by: dewey on Dec 25, 2006 7:25:21 PM
Even running 87 octane at that rate has the diesel about $7 ahead. That adds up quickly over a few years of ownership. That last line is a joke. Based on the author's figures saving $7 every 740 miles translates into saving $700 for the first 74,000 miles of driving. Whoopy Dooo! Is this what the author calls quick savings Higher relative diesel prices in North America versus Europe is not ... Read More
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The Latest Lexus News from The Oman Times
Written by: dewey on Dec 13, 2006 7:57:54 PM
1) The latest important automotive news from Muscat indicates that as of Dec. 14, 2006 the very dated LS430 is a brand new Lexus model for the Oman market: MUSCAT — One of the world’s best luxury cars in terms of quality and refinement, the Lexus LS430 features a near-magical mix of technology and comfort, together with low depreciation. A powerful V-8 combines with a 6-speed automatic to provide scintillating performance. ... Read More
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Re: LS460 Debacle..... [tagman]
Written by: brightness04 on Dec 12, 2006 2:38:29 PM
Of course they are both worth only $98k. The original MSRP is quite irrelevent. Do you think my Saab 9-5 MSRP $40k is better than the BMW 335i MSRP at $38.7k?? Thanks for the compliment, but I don't think so. Do you think 2006 R500 with MSRP of $55.5k is better than 2007 R500 MSRP at $50k? even if both are offered to you at $45k? Obviously not. Most people would ... Read More
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LS460 Debacle.....
Written by: merc1 on Dec 11, 2006 3:31:03 PM
Sword down for a moment. In reading the LS board I sense that some have decided to leave us again because there hasn't been enough praise of the new LS. In fairness, the review in which one compares the LS460L to the E63 AMG is bunk and not at all fair to the LS460L. Car and Driver's comparo while having some curious points concerning weight and having used a pre-production LS460L, ... Read More
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Merc1 the Clock is Ticking
Written by: dewey on Dec 11, 2006 6:30:02 AM
Merc, this is getting a bit too serious now. But unfortunately you better prepare yourself for that brochure-diet you vowed to go on when a new MB S convertible is introduced. I know you go on an annual Detroit pilgrimage during January and you will be able to see it with your own eyes next month according to Automotive News Report. Which brings me to the important second matter. Our BMW ... Read More
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Re: BMW Diesels [houdini1]
Written by: designman on Dec 9, 2006 9:03:22 AM
Hmm, that's correct. Just googled and got this one from Autoweek. I wonder why the discrepancy. I recently heard a complaint about Reuters but don't know the extent or truth of it. From Autoweek, Dec. 7, 2006
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BMW Diesels
Written by: designman on Dec 9, 2006 8:45:45 AM
This link must have been missed by some. I think Dewey might have posted it originally. Anyway BMW isn't bringing diesels to the US any time soon: "While Volkswagen and Mercedes already sell diesels in the U.S. market, BMW has no plans to do so any time soon and declines to use the BLUETEC name, currently being used to help sell Mercedes-Benz E 320s that run on ultra low sulphur diesel ... Read More
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Who needs a Lexus-F when Infiniti can make a better car?
Written by: dewey on Dec 4, 2006 9:17:09 AM
IMO Infiniti would be a far better contender in producing exclusive limited production performance cars than Lexus. Unlike Lexus, Infiniti has proven with the M and G that they can produce both a chassis and a drivetrain that can easily compete with the Germans. Also the Nissan GT-R shows what potential Infiniti has in producing exciting cars. So why Lexus-F models? I guess Toyota is continuing its tradition of imitating Germans ... Read More
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Canadian Sales Results for November
Written by: tagman on Dec 2, 2006 3:58:09 PM
Dewey, just for you - Here is the complete list of Canadian sales results for the month of November. The overall market was up 2.7% compared to November 2005. Winners (November 2006 vs. November 2005) Acura - up 27.9% (down 5.6% YTD) Audi - up 12.5% (up 13.3% YTD) BMW - up 3.8% (up 11.1% YTD) DaimlerChrysler - up 8.4% (down 0.1% YTD) Ford - up 15.4% (up 8.4% YTD) Honda ... Read More
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Turmoil
Written by: esf on Nov 29, 2006 7:41:07 PM
I, too, look at AutoSpies sometimes to watch the posts. It's pretty hilarious. The people there are in constant fighting- it's like Lexus vs. Audi vs. BMW all the time! It's much more civilized here. And I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm assessing all the cars in the high-end class, from worst to best: Jaguar XJ: Old-world British charm just doesn't cut it any more. This car is beautiful ... Read More
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KBB: BMW edged out in resale values
Written by: syswei on Nov 29, 2006 1:55:46 PM
Sister brands Honda and Acura topped the latest list of vehicle brands with the best resale value -- an important measure for upscale car buyers -- edging out longtime leader BMW. Volkswagen, which moved up to No. 2, and BMW and its Mini brand, tied for third, also earned high marks in Kelley Blue Book's survey for the 2007 model year, as foreign brands took almost all the top honors. Ford ... Read More
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Tag
Written by: drfill on Nov 25, 2006 6:21:54 PM
... and not changing for changes sake. Change is an ongoing process in the automobile industry. Merc has constantly, ad-nausium, put up pics of Mercedes evolution in exterior styling. But they are at best inconsistent on interior styling, as the 1998, 2000, and 2006 have little incommon with each other. I didn't know the wheel needed reinvention. Meaningless point. And the interior relationship to BMW is well-known and unmistakable. How is ... Read More
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Re: Tag [drfill]
Written by: tagman on Nov 25, 2006 10:29:54 AM
... and not changing for changes sake. Change is an ongoing process in the automobile industry. Merc has constantly, ad-nausium, put up pics of Mercedes evolution in exterior styling. But they are at best inconsistent on interior styling, as the 1998, 2000, and 2006 have little incommon with each other. I didn't know the wheel needed reinvention. Meaningless point. And the interior relationship to BMW is well-known and unmistakable. How is ... Read More
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Tag
Written by: drfill on Nov 25, 2006 10:10:35 AM
So, it also makes sense to re-style the interiors of cars as well. Not an easy accomplishment, but Mercedes rose to the occasion. Lexus only tweaked the same old interior dash/center stack/console layout, while Mercedes S-Class interior represents a more recent and contemporary restyle. Contemporary to what? Buyers wanted the LS to offer AWD, more trunk sapce, more rear seat room, more features, more power. Lexus delivered. Apparently, the interior design ... Read More
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Seems like our debate is worldwide
Written by: garyh1 on Nov 19, 2006 8:39:53 AM
Thought you folks might find interesting the following highlights from an article in the LA Times 11/15/06: In Japan, a Lexus just doesn't have that cachet Despite its popularity in the U.S., the Toyota brand faces skeptical consumers at home. ... in Japan, most luxury car buyers have eyeballed the Lexus, kicked its tires and said, "Give me something European." Germany's Mercedes and BMW are still the luxury cars of choice ... Read More
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Re: Car mags... [brightness04]
Written by: lexusguy on Nov 2, 2006 5:44:13 AM
I doubt many expected IS sales to nearly match 3 series this quickly in the product cycle. I wonder if BMW is experiencing some kind of product transition issue in the market place. The perenniel sales leader in the entry level sport-luxury sedan market is certainly expected to hold on to its lead by more than the skin of teeth, so to speak. Perhaps consumers are waiting for the 328i/335i to ... Read More
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Re: Alright, let me come at it from a different way. [merc1]
Written by: hpowders on Oct 30, 2006 7:20:51 AM
"Funny colored woods." Yes. I couldn't get used to the ultra-bright highly lacquered wood on the 2006 GS console. When wood is part of the interior, it shouldn't be almost as distracting as neon lights. I consider the appearance of the wood in the Lexus vehicles I have driven to be "tasteless." BMW does it right. The wood is there but doesn't call attention to itself.
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Re: So, How Come.... [brightness04]
Written by: hpowders on Oct 19, 2006 10:11:31 AM
"CR also gives red circle to Lexus." Not entirely true: If you look at CR April 2006, you will find a perfect 4 out of 4 BMW vehicles rated excellent for depreciation. Three weren't rated because they were either new models or not enough data were collected. For Lexus vehicles, 4 vehicles were rated excellent, 3 were rated very good (includes the LS) and one wasn't rated because it was a ... Read More
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Re: So, How Come.... [hpowders]
Written by: brightness04 on Oct 19, 2006 8:48:59 AM
1. BMW sells far more 3 series than 5 and 7 combined. 3 series before E90 had very good value rentention. The heavy discounting on E90 had not yet begun or had its effect by April 2006. 2. CR also gives red circle to Lexus. In a sea of domestics, both brands are fine, especially if BMW numbers are dominated by pre-E90 3 series. I'd call 60% residual vs. 50% actual ... Read More
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So, How Come....
Written by: hpowders on Oct 19, 2006 8:34:13 AM
BMW's are always given the CR coveted red circle for depreciation, meaning "excellent." Every single BMW rated in the April 2006 CR was given the red circle except for new models which weren't rated. Very few cars hold their value as well as BMW's and this has been true all the way back to the lamented Bavaria and 2002 models of the 1970's. Admittedly, the residuals are a little inflated on ... Read More
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BlkHemi
Written by: drfill on Oct 18, 2006 5:10:42 AM
Audi's sell poor here? And the line is forming for 2 years for these demented, unreliable, unusable, failures of cars? That's interesting that you say that as the A4 is still outselling the IS, the car that was supposed to be the dominator in this class. Cheap prices can't get you out of this one. And now for the facts (through Sep. 2006): G35 Sedan US sales in 2006: 26,802 Audi ... Read More
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Re: Strategic Vision Survey [houdini1]
Written by: dewey on Oct 14, 2006 8:50:19 PM
Houdini that is just one survey on VALUE . You conveniently forgot the most important Strategic Vision survey that measures the most important measurement of owning a car: SATISFACTION. And BMW is number one in terms of satisfaction. Hyundais ,Lexuses and Honda Civics provide value. Based on Strategic Visions surverys car owners are more satisfied with overpriced BMWs than with bland value cars like Lexuses. You want value go to Lexus. ... Read More
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Re: BMW and its worries [houdini1]
Written by: designman on Oct 14, 2006 3:46:03 PM
"Please don't make me laugh. BMW only has one vehicle that even qualifies as a helm. The 7 series is the only true luxury auto that they build, and it is the tail end charlie of this group. World's leading luxury car mfg.? You sure you don't want to think about that statement? They build some good performance cars but not helms. There is a difference." Well here, laugh at these. ... Read More
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Who is Number One?
Written by: dewey on Oct 11, 2006 10:17:21 AM
Based on the latest survey from Strategic Vision Inc. BMW ranks as the number one brand in the industry in terms of customer satisfaction. San Diego-based Strategic Vision surveyed more than 64,000 people who purchased new vehicles from October 2005 to March 2006. Participants were questioned after 90 days of ownership. The study, separate from Strategic Vision's quality survey, tries to capture whether consumers believe they got their money's worth and ... Read More
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Re: More diesel news [tagman]
Written by: dewey on Oct 6, 2006 8:39:19 PM
This is interesting, as Toyota and Lexus move forward with hybrids, it would seem that diesels are getting poised to clobber them. Tagman that is a great post about diesels. But in terms of diesels the article below is a wretched fly in the ointment : J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Problems with Heavy-Duty Truck Engines Increase as More Manufacturers Employ New Emission Standards WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 5 October 2006 -As ... Read More
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Re: No auto sales data today [oac]
Written by: dewey on Oct 4, 2006 2:21:07 PM
My warmest greetings to you OAC. Here is a quote about the LS from a Lexus PR man himself about how the current Lexus LS430 and previous LS models compared with other models: At Lexus for instance, Mr. Carter concedes that up until now, when wealthy customers considered their choices for premium luxury cars, "we weren't on those shopping lists" next to the segment defining Mercedes S Class and BMW 7 ... Read More
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Re: What the hell? [merc1]
Written by: dewey on Oct 2, 2006 6:50:54 AM
This from a man who heads up the same company that depends on suvs and large pickups for their survival! This is said as GM gets ready to roll out their most important vehicles of all, full-size pickups! What am I missing here? The answer to your question could be the Sequel. The gas-alternative route seems to be GM's new Crusade. I just hope GM will live up to its hype. ... Read More
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Too much complexity is no virtue
Written by: dewey on Sep 28, 2006 8:13:14 PM
How many German car owners love their COMMAND, MMI or iDrive sysems? Evidently not too many. Below is an interesting study done on European auto info/entertainment systems: link title SOURCE: GLOBE & MAIL, Sept 28, 2006 Euro interiors too complicated to be safe, study finds Auto companies in Europe are losing the battle between safety and convenience features, with no end in sight, according to a study released this summer. The ... Read More
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Head of Lexus questions whether the LS really was a HELM
Written by: dewey on Sep 25, 2006 1:51:10 PM
Even the head of Lexus thinks the current LS430 and prior LS models was not considered by buyers as a premium luxury car (in other words a HELM) At Lexus for instance, Mr. Carter concedes that up until now, when wealthy customers considered their choices for premium luxury cars, "we weren't on those shopping lists" next to the segment defining Mercedes S Class and BMW 7 series SOURCE WALL STREET JOURNAL ... Read More
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Re: A Taste of Lexus....2006 [merc1]
Written by: tagman on Sep 25, 2006 8:33:11 AM
Merc - Firstly, thank you for a great post that has clearly injected some fresh adrenaline into the board. When I saw the IS at the auto show, after its release, I was impressed as well. For a car of that type, I thought it was well executed. However, I am quite positive that I would end up a BMW buyer if purchasing a car in that segment. If you were ... Read More
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Re: A Taste of Lexus....2006 [designman]
Written by: merc1 on Sep 25, 2006 6:48:50 AM
It's like night and day, isn't it? Yep, darn near. A huge improvement over the sedan. In certain colors it looks a little thick around the mid-section, but a lot of things do in America? ;) For you to be excited about a new BMW design means it has to be a looker! M
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Re: A Taste of Lexus....2006 [lexusguy]
Written by: designman on Sep 25, 2006 5:42:10 AM
The 3 coupe on the other hand is quite sexy. It looks much less like the sedan than the old coupe. Exactly. And it's the first BMW I am trulty excited about in a while.
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A Taste of Lexus....2006
Written by: merc1 on Sep 24, 2006 9:44:36 PM
Well today was the day, I got to drive the LS460L, didn't even bother with the SWB LS460. I also drove the GS450h, IS350, SC430 and GS350. IS350 - Easily my favorite Lexus. Powerful, snug, pretty good looking, and fast as hell. I can see why there are complaints about rear seat room though. While fast it still isn't as buttoned down as the last 3-Series I drove. I like the ... Read More
