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A SOON-TO-BE OBITUARY FOR MERCEDES BENZ
Written by: dewey on Feb 5, 2007 1:45:30 PM
I hate being the bearer of bad news and unfortunately this is very very bad news. MERCEDES BENZ AS WE KNOW IT WILL SOON BE DEAD! CAUSE OF DEATH----KILLED BY DR. ZETSCHE'S MALPRACTICE: Read the following blurb from Wall Street Jouranl today and you will know what I am talking about: Although some shareholders have called for DaimlerChrysler to sell off its U.S. unit, Mr. Zetsche is preparing a turnaround plan ... Read More
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Re: Oh, the LS has an edge alright. [drfill]
Written by: merc1 on Feb 2, 2007 8:21:50 AM
Oh, I beg to differ. Where did the S-Class commercials come from? I thought the S was so incredible it didn't need to advertise? I love it! You change the subject when you're licked! We were talking about the LS getting a series of lukewarm reviews and now you're talking about Mercedes S-Class advertising. Think Mercedes noticed that the buzz is gone, just like that? I wonder what happened? Think it ... Read More
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Oh, the LS has an edge alright.
Written by: drfill on Feb 2, 2007 6:48:23 AM
In sales, price, quality, features, looks, and acceleration. Say what you want Doc, but there is no escaping the fact that your LS didn't, hasn't and won't make the type of impact you went on and on about last year. Feel free to spin all you like, but there is no escaping that fact. Oh, I beg to differ. Where did the S-Class commercials come from? I thought the S was ... Read More
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2007 Detroit Autoshow Report!
Written by: merc1 on Jan 15, 2007 1:01:02 PM
This year seems to have been more crowded than in recent years, maybe because I went on the first public day. It was very tough to get good pics this year, but I stil managed to get some great shots. I will posts the pics in a day or so. Now down to the business: Jaguar - The XF concept wasn't present. It was only for the preview days. They did ... Read More
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garyh1 * designman * 2001gs430
Written by: merc1 on Dec 20, 2006 8:01:39 AM
What in the world? You all like a Mercedes that I'm not crazy about! I do like it from some angles, but not from others. Designman, when Mercedes does a "Vision" or "Design Study" it is pretty much going to head into production, provided it gets the right amount of oohs and ahhs. The 2000 CL was previewed this was as was the 1998 CLK so if the response is good ... Read More
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Merc
Written by: drfill on Dec 10, 2006 1:38:03 PM
A shiny new car with a bow on top of it during the month of December takes absolutely ZERO brain power to come up with. Lexus is supposed to get some type of respect or special mention for this? Yeah, from you Merc, when your company can't get up to "zero brain power" to come up with it. Didn't have an idea in 2000 and, obviously, still don't. Unless you think ... Read More
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Tanx for the comp, Tag
Written by: drfill on Dec 9, 2006 8:21:05 PM
But I'd prefer Merc to clean up his own mess when it comes to dis. ;) When Lexus started this commercial campaign, in 2000, it set a record for best month ever. And Merc seems to have a problem showing respect, and giving credit when it is due. Especially since Lexus has taught it's peers lessons in advertising, and Mercedes has learned nothing about it in the 17 years class has ... Read More
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Re: And...continuing to stay on topic [tagman]
Written by: blkhemi on Nov 29, 2006 5:24:05 PM
Tag, I don't know if you remember or not, but back in the summer, Merc and I, during the much-heated debates of the LS' redesign, brought up Lexus pricing stragegy of late. This opened up a whole can of WTF? And of course, we all never fully agreed on anything. Well the time has come, and as predicted, the new LS460(especially in L) is no longer that "value-conscience, sensible" buy that ... 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: merc1 on Nov 26, 2006 9:51:44 PM
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. Mercedes interiors aren't "restyled", they are thrown out and started from scratch! Which is how design works when you trying to keep things fresh. For years Mercedes used the same ... 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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Re: Merc [drfill]
Written by: merc1 on Nov 26, 2006 9:45:05 PM
The leather was nite and day better than a 90's E420, which is no excuse for having leather less appealing than a Geo Prism Lsi! Doc you prove you knowledge of Mercedes to be non-existent with comments like these. The leather in 90's era Mercedes was that way for durability. Tell me when you see a 90's LS or Acura on a used car lot how many of the driver's seats ... 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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Merc
Written by: drfill on Nov 24, 2006 7:27:51 PM
I see the problem with your test drive and Topspin's both of you are comparing a 2007 Benz to one that was designed in the 80's (1995 E420) or even earlier in the case of Topspin's test drive. To sit here and say that Lexus has influenced Mercedes is a ridiculous if you can't see where the LS' series entire being is due to Mercedes. A few cues from Lexus for ... Read More
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Re: Mercedes-Benz - A short lesson... [merc1]
Written by: brightness04 on Oct 26, 2006 7:53:38 AM
Thanks for the valiant effort to clear up some of the confusions. MB certainly lacks the BMW marketting department's clarity of vision. E class was derived from the old 300 series, and you are certainly correct about where the letter E came from. MB used to be engine-centric, building cars around engines. It may not have been unique in that regard, just witness all the car companies with "motor" in their ... Read More
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Re: Peugeot 908 RC, C230 etc....... [tagman]
Written by: merc1 on Oct 1, 2006 9:23:40 PM
Maybe, but easy isn't the question. The current C-Class is Mercedes' largest seller. That says enough to know that you can bake a little E and S-Class into a cheaper vehicle. True, they could but then you'd be at the price a regular C-Class sedan. The C hatch needed to be sporty like other hatches to succeed. If one wants some E or S-Class in a C-C they're going to go ... Read More
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Re: More on the Panamera [tagman]
Written by: designman on Sep 23, 2006 7:23:55 PM
The Cayman version of the Boxster has turned out to be the true star, simply because the engine is in the right position for better balance. Cayman and Boxster engines are in the same position and balance is identical at 45/55 front/rear. You must be talking about both Boxster and Cayman as compared with the 911 Carrera which is 38/62. The Boxster S has garnered impeccable reviews ever since its launch ... Read More
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Re: New S 450 4matic [syswei]
Written by: merc1 on Sep 12, 2006 3:52:21 AM
Maybe they also want to avoid the embarassament of the S450 being tested in comparos against the LS460, so want to wait until after S vs LS comparos are published. Yeah I'm sure you'd go for that. ;) I think in all honestly they were shocked at the LS going from 290/278hp to 380hp in one re-design. The LS has never made that big of a jump in hp before. Up ... Read More
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Re: Actually, [syswei]
Written by: merc1 on Aug 2, 2006 4:22:13 AM
I haven't really been reading what all the fuss is about with the surveys this time around, but I do think JDP should have broken the IQS into two surveys because certain brands (like BMW) rank differently when you break down the two categories they used this year: A little something I saw on MBWorld.org, someone posted the breakout for the study: Auto news More rankings June 8, 2006 Email this ... Read More
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Hpowders
Written by: drfill on Jun 21, 2006 2:39:08 PM
"the C&D comparo started with a disclaimer that the LS is not the type of vehicle usually reviewed by the magazine, to me means take the finding with a huge grain of salt. I have never seen any auto mag. issue such a disclaimer for any of the thousands of vehicles tested over the last 30 years." Should I call that a lie, or just "poetic license? Or do you just ... Read More
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Re: What makes one car "BETTER" than another? [topspin628]
Written by: merc1 on Jun 19, 2006 11:09:03 PM
Very good post. The only thing I disagree with is: Lexus is plain and simply, the best quality you can buy as far as reliability and the way it's screwed together. Reliability yes, but the build part no. Any Audi and several newer Mercedes are built as good or better than any Lexus as far as their physical build. Audi in particular is often called the standard in that area. The ... Read More
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Re: Potpourri... Tagman, question for you... [ljflx]
Written by: merc1 on Jun 14, 2006 10:18:38 PM
In the case of MB you are rewarding them for tremendous inefficiencies in their production process and bad cost controls overall. They have to get those prices because they'd be bleeding to death without them. In CFO land this is the ultimate no-no. On the other hand you are penalizing a brand that is lean and mean and can price aggressively. In CFO land this is another major no-no. All things ... Read More
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Merc
Written by: drfilll on May 16, 2006 5:20:07 PM
Regarding my issue with the 7-series, the 7 is a swell car, but the S-Class can consistently keep up with it (or pass it) in sales numbers, as the new iteration has, yet it costs significantly more. If you look over the last ten years, the 7 and S sales would be virtually the same throughout that time. The 7 should be outselling it rather easily, given it's price point, if ... Read More
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Re: The new XK [merc1]
Written by: blkhemi on Apr 23, 2006 7:06:18 PM
It's one of those cars that the front doesn't compliment the rear, and vice versa. Not smmoth running on all edges as say an MB, Audi, or even the XK it replaces. As to the weight issue, Jag's Euro website says 3655 in coupe, and 3790 in convertible form, but the brochure has it 4066 for the convertible, a huge difference. I'll believe the 3790 first. BTW, the front end looks ... Read More
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Re: Merc [drfill]
Written by: merc1 on Apr 9, 2006 9:50:10 PM
The SC doesn't offer the pop-up rollbar, or the performance-oriented acrynyms the Benz does, but it's interior is more luxurious (you have a tristed way of admitting this), and offered the same speed and power for 3 years. A quarter-mile charge was pretty much a dead heat! So in other words it is missing a safety item that even a VW Beetle Cabrio has? Pretty awful for 65K, IMO. The SL550 ... Read More
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Re: sv7887 [lexusguy]
Written by: sv7887 on Mar 15, 2006 8:55:32 AM
Lexusguy, I agree with you. My point is the quality of the switches themselves. The next time you see an original LS400 (90-94) get inside and feel how the turn signal and wiper stalks feel. Then look at the window switches and especially the dimmer for the dash. You are correct to say Lexus has put higher quality materials in their cars. There is a ton more wood in my LS430 ... Read More
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Re: Mercedes sales are getting better and better [syswei]
Written by: bdr127 on Mar 3, 2006 9:11:48 AM
I wonder how that compares to the first month sales of the outgoing S, when it was brand new? The 2000 S-Class was released (the 1st year of the previous body) in March 1999. The total MB units sold for that month was about 16k+, which is pretty close to the month of the 2007 S-Class release (Feb 2006) of 17k+. The 2000 S-Class sold 2403 units in its first month, ... Read More
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My '06 Jaguar XJ Super V8
Written by: garysandiego on Mar 2, 2006 6:02:23 PM
I just wanted to chime in with my great experience with my '06 XJ Super V8. I am not a die hard Jaguar fan, have not dreamed about owning a Jag all my life. I did not intend to buy a Jaguar this time around. But having done so, I am really happy. Here is my story. I had owned a two Cadillac Eldorado STS from 1995 through 2000. I enjoyed ... Read More
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Re: "What's a Lexus Worth?" [benzster]
Written by: tagman on Mar 1, 2006 9:18:14 AM
Yes, in 2000 with the launch of the S Class 220 Chassis there was a restructure in margin to 7.5% from the previous 13 (or so). This was an attempt to stabilize the pricing and force the dealers to concentrate on their local market hence negating the need for buyers to "shop" other markets for the lowest price. In fact, it was stated that we would go to a nonnegotiable price ... Read More
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R-Class
Written by: merc1 on Feb 1, 2006 9:21:37 PM
It amazes me how one months of sales (while ignoring other months) are now going to be used as the determining factor as to whether or not the R-Class is going to "make it". Why is that? What part of Jan is historically a slow month for Mercedes isn't understandable here? The R sold over 2000 units in Dec 2005 and if I remember right over 1200 units in Nov of ... Read More
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Re: to ljflx - good opinions and $$$ [ljflx]
Written by: merc1 on Feb 1, 2006 6:50:51 PM
My point wasn't a personal dig at your "tastes". I just didn't (don't) understand how the new S could be so ugly when the 1995-2000 LS400 and 2001-2006 LS430 weren't. A style question, nothing more. As much as I've said negatively about the current CLK before its facelift and the Maybach, you of all people should know I wouldn't cut a truly ugly Benz product a break because it is a ... Read More
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Re: Looks like we've found a chink in Merc's armour? [callmedrfill]
Written by: merc1 on Feb 1, 2006 5:09:21 AM
Having the Maybach and S-Class virtually share taillights, or the C-Class and S-Class of a generation ago, is not a good thing, as it says cost-cutting to the trained eye. Yeah this is a good example. Now if this were true, why doesn't it mean the same thing for Lexus? Lexus is doing the same thing with design from model to model. Anyway, the cars you mention don't have the exact ... Read More
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2006 Detroit Autoshow Report!
Written by: merc1 on Jan 18, 2006 11:23:29 PM
Well I'm back. I see I haven't missed anything, but 325+ posts about the same stuff we've been arguing about for years now it seems!! I may or may not go back through all of those posts to respond to some of the more curious items. Anyway, down to business. This year's NAIAS was without a doubt the best I've ever been too. The sheer number of new cars and stunning ... Read More
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1999 Mercedes S320 reliability
Written by: rodut on Jan 17, 2006 7:55:35 PM
Does somebody has reasons to believe that the 1999 Mercedes S320 would be a decent reliability car ? I am very concerned about the 2000-2005 reliability record, and wonder if the previous model (1997-1999) was a simpler, so more reliable car. Thanks
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Re: A little perspective, please [tagman]
Written by: ljflx on Jan 15, 2006 6:36:39 AM
Tagman - I expect a fully loaded LS460L to be in the 78-82K range and it will sell like hotcakes. I expect that there will be some available in the mid 70's. The demand will outstrip the supply IMO. The LS600H will push somewhere from about 6-7% above that top price to $100K with some special option packages. In general I think Lexus status with this car plus the LFA and ... Read More
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A8 into the mix
Written by: jpvwaudi on Jan 14, 2006 5:11:23 PM
The only reason A8 sales are slow is the supply factor. I've sold Audi since 2000. The demand has been phenomenal since the 04 redesign. 9 in 10 A8's are presold at my store; as we speak I don't even have an 06 for you to drive in my inventory. The only A8 I have in stock is my owner's 05 demo which we just put up for sale last week. ... Read More
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MB or Lexus?
Written by: grandaddy on Jan 11, 2006 9:05:47 AM
You guys are arguing about the wrong things here. I don't know how old any of you are but I am 63 and have owned just about any popular car you can name. A few have been favorites of mine. A couple come to mind. The original 4 door Honda Accord, 1979. Beautiful little car. A 1978 Mercedes 240 D. Simple and wonderful. 2000 Lexus Lx 470. Maybe my all time ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [brightness04]
Written by: merc1 on Jan 5, 2006 9:22:22 PM
Some logic consistency please. If 14k units in the first model year is considered great sucess, the old GS and IS did just fine. How about some common sense please. The GS and especially IS were dirt cheap (compared to a CLS) and competed in a much cheaper segment than the CLS and still coudln't sell in the past. The CLS isn't nearly as cheap, and that lease mumbo jumbo isn't ... Read More
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Re: French Jaguar [brightness04]
Written by: merc1 on Dec 27, 2005 11:51:03 PM
The 1998-2005 GS was an experimental entry to a new segment for Lexus. The car certainly did better than R-class upon introduction. Heavy discounting started only 3-4 model years after introduction unlike the R-class. Frankly, GS sales did/does not matter to Lexus, unlike the E class to MB. Now this is desperate brightness. The 1998 GS was an expirement, but the 2006 R-Class isn't? What bs, not to mention a big-fat-excuse ... Read More
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Re: The Union Jack [rjlaero]
Written by: merc1 on Dec 22, 2005 9:24:24 PM
As for people "not" paying over sticker for CLK's in the late 90's, you are dead wrong. This can happen at any dealer for any hard to get Mercedes model now, like a CLS55 AMG. Nothing has changed now as you try to imply by saying that this happened with the CLK back in the 90s. Waiting lists and people paying sticker or over sticker for MY 2000 S-Classes in the ... Read More
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Re: The Union Jack [merc1]
Written by: rjlaero on Dec 22, 2005 9:15:48 AM
I meant to say CLK. It started with a C, so I lumped them in with the general C class. As for people "not" paying over sticker for CLK's in the late 90's, you are dead wrong. I lived in Atlanta, GA for most of the 90's up until 2000, and lived about 2 minutes away from RBM Mercedes. There were waiting lists at many MB dealers for the CLK line. ... Read More
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Re: Sales... [tagman]
Written by: merc1 on Dec 15, 2005 6:45:14 PM
Your well-worded post makes me realize that different brands are successful for different reasons. In fact it seems to me that people will actually turn to a particular brand because of the success it represents and they expect. Yes. The disagreement comes when one side suggests that what they look for in a brand is more important than what the other side looks for. Everyone here, including me is guilty of ... Read More
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Re: Things change quickly. [nvbanker]
Written by: merc1 on Dec 3, 2005 11:49:23 PM
Yeah, that one merc - and the C-240 Sedan as well. I've had rentals that were a disgrace in the cabin. No argument from me there, the 2001-2004 so C-Class was put together by a different company it seems, just like the 2000-2002 S-Class, very suspect. The 2005 model C feels like a different car altogether. Even one of the biggest critics (C&D) gushed over the interior quality of the C ... Read More
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Re: CD changer [ljflx]
Written by: merc1 on Nov 15, 2005 10:16:42 PM
MB had to drop the price of their cars in 1999 because of price pressure, most notably from Lexus. That was before the quality took a big plunge and before the perception of the quality problems became real. This isn't totally correct. Mercedes dropped prices of the S-Class in 1999 (for the 2000 MY) because the previous car was seen as too big, overweight and too expensive in certain markets so ... Read More
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Re: I'm curious [ljflx]
Written by: merc1 on Aug 16, 2005 9:45:46 PM
To see Merc1's take of the IS in this Lexus get together and then later the S-class when it's seen in the flesh. Merc loves MB and defends them to death but through it all he's objective and honest when he really gets down to business of analyzing things at a micro level. We may get on each other but many of us have been posting for years and deeply respect ... Read More
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Re: Merc1 [syswei]
Written by: merc1 on Aug 17, 2005 10:24:30 PM
Actually, why not? As long as the price gap between MB and Lexus is constant, why shouldn't MB grow as fast as Lexus? Now, if the average gap used to be 15% and then went to 50%, of course you'd expect slower growth from MB. But if the price gap has been fairly constant (and no one has shown otherwise), there is no reason to expect a different growth rate. Because ... Read More
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Re: Lexux? [brightness04]
Written by: jtbenz on Aug 12, 2005 12:04:57 PM
Do you just make stuff up because it sounds good? I have never heard that rear driven cars have a significant disadvantage in cabin noise when compared to front drive cars. The drivetrain takes some interior cabin space away but noise is not a common weakness. To illustrate my point, just try to find any car over $50K with front drive. Front wheel drive cars do have their advantages, they are ... Read More
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Re: Lexux? [syswei]
Written by: merc1 on Aug 12, 2005 2:57:37 AM
in 1999, MB beat Lexus unit sales in the U.S., 189,000 units to 185,890 Thats easy, that was the year they rode the popularity their first SUV introduced in 1998, and 1999 and 2000 were the best years for the previous M-Class, that is what put them over Lexus, not their more expensive cars. Lexus is only ahead of MB and BMW because they caught the SUV wave, not because of ... Read More
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Re: Merc1 will love this [ljflx]
Written by: merc1 on Aug 10, 2005 12:29:03 AM
"To improve Mercedes quality, Zetsche will have to promote techniques developed by companies such as Toyota Motor Corp. aimed at finding and correcting the root causes of defects -- an approach at odds with the more traditional method of inspecting and repairing defective vehicles before they leave the plant." I've said before that they should have been doing something like this, and I think they are with the Bama plant that ... Read More
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Merc1 will love this
Written by: ljflx on Aug 9, 2005 6:37:17 PM
"To improve Mercedes quality, Zetsche will have to promote techniques developed by companies such as Toyota Motor Corp. aimed at finding and correcting the root causes of defects -- an approach at odds with the more traditional method of inspecting and repairing defective vehicles before they leave the plant." It comes from this column: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000039&sid=atdD41EpoiC8&refer=columnist_levin If I dropped $85K on a car I wouldn't be happy reading that comment. Somehow all ... Read More
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Re: Anyone notice [oac]
Written by: merc1 on Jun 2, 2005 11:48:14 PM
What happens when you see the new Bimmer 6 & 7-series, the Pontiac Aztek, the Buick Rendevouz, or Infiniti QX56 ?? Are you loving these designs ??? Now compare any of these to the LS400 styling....Which one is more timeless and graceful ? Yeah I see your point, the Aztek is just plain ugly as is the 7-Series. I differ on the 6-Series though. None of these designs are lovable either ... Read More
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Re: 2007 S Class [ljflx]
Written by: merc1 on May 24, 2005 9:25:20 PM
Not sure, but anything is possible. The S-Class is about the most important model launch image wise, if not the bottom line that Mercedes has. This is the real chance for Mercedes to strike back at a segment that has been overrun with newer, better made vehicles so they may hold it back to make sure that the launch goes much better than the 2000 S-Class did. If the S and ... Read More
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Re: 740 iL Questions [oac]
Written by: tiny1 on May 26, 2005 5:03:58 PM
Thank-you for the point of view oac...I would rather have a BMW warranty too, but this car happens to be sitting on a Nissan lot. Read-on for a weird story. Actually, I stalled too long when this very car was on the BMW lot in January and someone else bought it. I really felt sick because I wanted the car, but just couldn't pull the trigger fast enough. Three months later, ... Read More
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syswei
Written by: merc1 on Apr 14, 2005 4:53:03 AM
Just for you. Does this mean anything? http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2050414.004 "The Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers the best occupant safety of all passengers cars registered in the USA. That was the conclusion reached by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) after extensive accident analysis. Between 2000 and 2003, the independent IIHS looked at how many drivers were killed in road accidents. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class obtained the best results of all the models examined: the ... Read More
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Re: Jaguar [xkss]
Written by: merc1 on Apr 8, 2005 3:55:13 AM
Though I did like the XJS way back in the day, I really never really gave Jaguars too much thought until the 1997 XK8 showed up. Then came the 2000 S-Type and now the 2004 XJ. The XK is still as timeless as day one. Remarkable. The 2000-2002 S-Type was not up to the Jaguar name imo. The cheap Ford touches were everywhere. Then for 2003 the car got its first ... Read More
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Re: fresh talking points [blckislandguy]
Written by: merc1 on Apr 4, 2005 11:28:48 PM
"Jaguar's present condition surprises me. Unlike MB they have a focused line: three sedans, one with a wagon variant, and a two seater. The product is great, the XJ sedans are 10K-15K less than the problematic Germans, the new sports car looks great, the AWD sedan and now a touring wagon variant are ideal for the Northeast, etc. What's not to like? Yet they can't move the iron. Probably they are ... Read More
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I don't know
Written by: ljflx on Mar 28, 2005 10:06:21 AM
Had dinner with some friends Saturday night and someone brought another couple along. These people had a 2000 SL500 with electronic problem after electronic problem and just dumped it after 31K miles for an XKE. Final straw was when the AC failed completely and Benz wanted $4K to fix it. Car stickered at $89K and he paid $87K and the AC fails so quickly. Imagine laying out that type of cash ... Read More
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Re: ljflx [ljflx]
Written by: merc1 on Mar 25, 2005 11:05:23 AM
Interesting points, as always. I do think you're looking at from just a hp/price standpoint and I think it will take more than that and a fuel economy edge to crack the market at the high end, especially on a proposed 600hp car. Mercedes has played their hand as far as the S600 and S65, you're right they aren't going to get any cheaper. However we really need to see what ... Read More
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Re: CR ratings [topspin628]
Written by: tiag_m5 on Mar 8, 2005 7:49:40 PM
From my perspective, I believe that CR is spot on in it's reliability ratings. When I ask people about the cars they own and when I factor in my own experience it seems to back up what CR claims. CR's ratings just don't make much sense. Take the X5 for example. They marked it with a black X as worse than average predicted reliability for 2005... Yet at the same time, ... Read More
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Re: More of the same... [tiag_m5]
Written by: oac on Mar 8, 2005 5:57:35 PM
"Besides, Lexus makes you pay for things like navigation and pre-safe, both of which Mercedes includes as standard. Anyway, something about your statement makes me skeptical. You say that you were looking at an "S430 for $73k" with "4-Matic, Nav and a few other things." Well that's very interesting considering that Navigation has been standard since the 2000 model year (optional with Lexus) and 4-matic is currently a no cost option ... Read More
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Re: More of the same... [sv7887]
Written by: tiag_m5 on Mar 8, 2005 12:26:48 AM
"Unbalanced Whale?" This is utter nonsense. They even admitted the car wasn't equipped with the 18" tires and Euro Sport Suspension and admitted it was not a fair test. You're taking everything out of context. Don't try to twist the facts. C&D never said that the test was unfair. Why would C&D put together an article and then discredit themselves by saying it was an unfair test? Give me a break. ... Read More
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garyh1
Written by: merc1 on Feb 24, 2005 10:44:48 PM
"That was your question. I believe my example is fully responsive to your question. The fact that MB has been having problems with its implementation of air suspensions for years, and Lexus added it later to its Ultras and has not had any problems reported with its version, directly makes the point that MB sets the standard that Lexus subsequently matches with greater reliability. I don't think it does for the ... Read More
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Re: Japan... [ljflx]
Written by: tiag_m5 on Feb 24, 2005 10:10:30 PM
Ok - you win. Only problem is MB comes in 31st out of 32 brands in Germany in relaibility and can't even get a poor rating in CR's figures. They get full black circle everytime on every car. Translation - abysmal. Look, I never said MB was more reliable than Lexus. In fact, I said quite the opposite. That said, MB reliability is blown way out of proportion. Most problems are ... Read More
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ljflx
Written by: merc1 on Feb 22, 2005 3:50:37 PM
Nope I've never disagreed with you about the business end. I've said from day one that you were correct about the aspect of this discussion as you continue to be. The only thing I disagreed with was the theory about the average buyer caring about such business dealing or that Mercedes would lose their ability to sell cars because of their corporate problems. They haven't lost the ability to sell cars ... Read More
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brightness04
Written by: merc1 on Feb 16, 2005 9:49:32 PM
We'll just have to agree to disagree about which year Mercedes turned the styling corner because to my eyes the 2000 S-Class was the beginning of the sleered Mercedes-Benz not the 1996 E-Class. Yes they changed the lights, but the rest of the body was pure upright Mercedes styling via Bruno. M
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ljflx
Written by: merc1 on Feb 16, 2005 7:38:30 AM
"This tells me that styling and headlines (MB's patch fix for the last 10 years) was what they wanted and let the drivers figure out how to deal with the limited sight they are given. Now wait a min, just because Chrysler (I assume you're talking about my question to desigman about the 300C) can actually make a good looking car all of sudden styling has been a "patch fix" ... Read More
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no title
Written by: designman on Oct 13, 2004 3:26:55 PM
He must be talking about the SL65 roadster. Mercedes, the Sultans of Torque, have this one at 738 lb-ft at a fat 2000-4000 RPM and it does a 4.2 sec 0-60. How's that for low-end torque? These guys are incredible. Actually, I would have figured it faster and it probably is since they measured the E55 faster than the Mercedes claim. The new M5 will be a high-speed track car but ... Read More
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michael_mattox
Written by: merc1 on Aug 1, 2004 10:15:27 PM
This is amazing. (Last Post) "In your previous post the chart showed 700+ units and you said that was US sales???? I accept 1700+ for the SL500....Allante sold 6700 in 93." No chart or link I ever posted said anything like that. Period. It said (they MBUSA.COM) said 1721 sales for 1993. End of story. You said 700 or 800 in your confused state. The link didn't change from one posting ... Read More
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no title
Written by: maxhonda99 on Jul 26, 2004 10:21:19 AM
I think the current '04 LS430 looks good too. And so did the 2nd generation, especially the 98-2000 LS400. I just wish that it was more distinctive, that it had it's own style completely through. The current LS430 is pretty nice, but the rear(C-pillar and rearward) looks a little like the old S-class Benz. My accountant was over last week and he just got a new 2004 LS430 to replace a ... Read More
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Re: max [lexusguy]
Written by: audibob on Jul 21, 2004 11:43:04 AM
"Exactly. Audibob, have you noticed that Audi residual is worse than both BMW and Mercedes, and far worse than Lexus? An '00 A6 4.2 is currently worth less than 1\2 of its new MSRP. " WHAT???? Let see what Edmunds Says: 2000 Merc E320 (Devalued $41 k Dep, Mant, etc) http://www.edmunds.com/used/2000/mercedesbenz/eclass/17805/cto.ht- ml?tid=edmunds.u.prices.leftsidenav..18.Mercedes-Benz*#cost 2000 BMW 528 (Devalued $41 k Dep, Mant, etc) http://www.edmunds.com/used/2000/bmw/5series/10537/cto.html? tid=edmunds.u.prices.leftsidenav..18.BMW*#cost 2000 Lexus LS430 (Devalued $44 k Dep, Mant, ... Read More
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Re: Steel thickness not the issue... [dieselbreath]
Written by: footie on Jul 19, 2004 4:29:38 AM
I appreciate your long post. I still don't think you are thinking fully about what is happening. Saying that the Japanese are making cars to 'just pass' the tests is a good debating point but it doesn't have any substance in a discussion since you can't establish if it's true. It's just an opinion. It's just like someone saying, Mercedes and BMW cars are heavier because they are rear wheel drive ... Read More
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Re: [livinbmw]
Written by: maxhonda99 on Jul 13, 2004 1:02:57 PM
"Reliability has nothing to do with sturdiness in the sense that I'm relating to. If that were the case than we'd rank the Corolla number one. " Then what are you relating to? -Body rigidity? Well, Lexus ranks right up there with Mercedes & BMW in safety ratings. Safety ratings are obviously a testement to body rigidity. Also, I have a uncle that owns both a ES300 with 130K miles and ... Read More
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smartkey and stuff....
Written by: maxhonda99 on Jul 12, 2004 8:16:07 AM
As I remember it, Toyota displayed SmartKey technology in 2000 when the LS430 debuted, it just didn't make it to the US production version. I do remember reading somewhere that the Japanese Celsior has had it since then, anyone know this for sure? Either way, despite what some people say, I would hardly call Lexus introducing SmartKey technology 3 years after Benz as "copying" much like I wouldn't call adaptive headlights ... Read More
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lexusguy
Written by: merc1 on Jun 14, 2004 10:06:41 PM
I had been meaning to ask you what you thought of the facelifted 2005 XK cars? I really like what they've done to the lower body. I've seen a coupe in White and a convertible XKR this very rick looking Blue, absolutely stunning. No arguement about the interior, asthetically it was all Jaguar. The Germans then were just leather appointed board rooms in which to conduct the "business" of driving. I ... Read More
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lexusguy
Written by: merc1 on Jun 4, 2004 3:06:30 AM
Well the days of sheer mechanical innovation are probably over and this will favor the Japanese as the switch is to ever increasingly sophisticated electronics. The recent features you listed are proof of this. For me personally I find nav systems and rear view camera (in a car) to be useless. There is no way I'd pay 2K extra on a Acura for one. A rear view camera must have taken ... Read More
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syswei
Written by: merc1 on May 23, 2004 9:52:58 PM
"First of all, 20k doesn't reflect the real world, even at the S430/LS430 level. It's more like 13k there, and less (or nonexistent) at the E/GS, C/ES, ML/RX levels. Just go to the autonation.com website, search for the S or LS among the whole network, and click on 'msrp' to sort by price...the median in-stock S430 is $75,380, the median in-stock LS is $62,189. I know that looking at inventory isn't ... Read More
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michael_mattox
Written by: merc1 on May 13, 2004 10:07:09 PM
"Do you think that if Mercedes went back to their former style that Lexus "copied" they would sell a lot more cars." I'm not sure actually. I think design wise they've never been better with the exception of the CLK and Maybach. Neither of those cars "look" like they should imo. I also think the SL could stand a few less frivolous details like on the sides and hood, but overall ... Read More
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syswei
Written by: merc1 on Apr 29, 2004 9:41:58 PM
Yikes you'd consider a "Mercedes-Benz"..oh my. Didn't think that would be possible, I'm shocked. ljflx, Yeah I know that is true about initial quality, but those MY 2000 S-Class cars were troublesome from the start and Mercedes did address those issues (Airmatic and Comand mainly) so I really expect the 2003+ models to do pretty well in the 3 year dependability studies, but we'll see. Of course by 2006-2007 they'll be ... Read More
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oac
Written by: merc1 on Apr 22, 2004 12:58:03 AM
We're only 3 full months into the New Year, and no all companies are not in the same situation. Some have newer models, so have older models. Some are going through model change over in the spring as opposed to the fall. Some have new products in the hottest segments of the market. Staggered model introductions etc. etc. There a jillion reasons why sales could be off for any particular brand ... Read More
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michael_mattox
Written by: merc1 on Apr 20, 2004 1:25:03 AM
See how maxhonda99 and sv7887 got the point about models and sales trends, but no.... You and oac keep harping about sales of MB and BMW declining yet when I dare point out that Lexus has the same problem with one of their duds you all post the same thing over and over like in post #4752 because that's all you know, even though it doesn't pertain to the conversation. Sales ... Read More
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Mercedes-Benz
Written by: merc1 on Apr 19, 2004 12:28:34 AM
MERCEDES-BENZ USA Sales -- March 2004 Model March March Monthly YTD YTD Yearly '04 - '03 - % - 2004 - 2003 - % C-CLASS 4,825/ 7,266 -33.6% 15,407/ 17,567 -12.3% E-CLASS 4,971/ 4,456 11.6% 12,802/ 12,725 0.6% S-CLASS 1,572/ 1,805 -12.9% 4,379/ 5,250 -16.6% CL-CLASS 265/ 328 -19.2% 658/ 925 -28.9% SL-CLASS 1,430/ 1,028 39.1% 3,884/ 2,520 54.1% CLK-CLASS 1,925/ 1,900 1.3% 4,821 / 4,298 12.2% SLK-CLASS 379/ 554 -31.6% ... Read More
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footie
Written by: merc1 on Apr 4, 2004 10:22:36 PM
It's just like I said before if you can't count all those taxi Mercedes, then you can't count all those so-called "Lexuses" running around in other countries as leathered up Toyotas. We disagree on what makes a "luxury" car obviously. Leather doesn't define it for me. I'm not trying to say you don't know what you're talking about here, but with the engine thing you really would benefit from doing some ... Read More
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sv7887 -- 1998 Jaguar XJ8 owner report
Written by: johncalifornia on Apr 4, 2004 9:22:39 PM
I bought my 1998 XJ8 (anthracite/black) two months ago with 50K on the clock. It's going in this week for an oil change with 54K miles, and highly enjoyable ones, too. I'll be using an honest and competent Jag specialty shop -- like most enthusiast owners I avoid the dealer service departments whenever possible. They're exorbitantly expensive for routine operations like oil changes, and prone to swapping components rather than repairing ... Read More
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oac
Written by: merc1 on Feb 29, 2004 9:42:19 PM
The C-Class isn't the most direct competitor for the Buick-clone ES330, nobody else is even playing the fwd, Buick-like game in the entry-level market anymore. Even Acura has moved to making, or at least trying to make the TL a sports sedan. Where does Mercedes have the lead in sales? Let's see the E-Class outsells the GS, and the C-Class outsells the IS300. Some here talk about Lexus' sales like everything ... Read More
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sv7887
Written by: merc1 on Oct 21, 2003 9:52:55 PM
"In your opinion, what is Build Quality vs Reliablity? Are they mutually exclusive?" The short answer is no they aren't mutually exclusive. Lexus blends them very well, on the whole probably better than anyone else. I'm just guessing here, but I think you knew this, but wanted me to admit that? Anyway...with Audi they are exclusive traits. When you open the door of a A8, A6 or A4 you feel the ... Read More
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Europeans behind U.S. car companies?
Written by: syswei on Oct 7, 2003 7:11:07 AM
from JDP: "While Japanese-branded vehicles continue to dominate in terms of long-term vehicle quality, the Europeans have lost their edge over the U.S. domestic-branded vehicles... The 2003 study, which measures problems reported by original owners of 2000 model-year vehicles at three years of ownership, finds that although there is near parity between U.S. Domestics and Europeans in terms of initial quality, substantial quality gaps appear between the Domestics and the Europeans ... Read More
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ljflx
Written by: merc1 on Oct 5, 2003 10:53:37 PM
It still doesn't make a difference if the LS430's "Euro" option doesn't cost anything because the S430 or S500 is still going to cost more anyway, so whats the difference? You're not comparing cars of equal specification. Thats like me saying the E500 Sport outhandles the regular LS430, that simply isn't a fair comparision. I really think you're making to broad of a statement when it comes to the press. They ... Read More
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The never ending debate rages on.............
Written by: merc1 on Oct 4, 2003 12:56:03 PM
lenscap, Those 2000 03' E-Classes that were bought back because the new DVD-based Nav system couldn't be retro-fitted, not because those 2000 E320s and E500s were lemons. I think they handled the problem in the best way possible. ljflx, Why do you insist on comparing the LS430's so-called "Euro" option to the base Mercedes S-Class when Mercedes has a "Sport" package of their own designed to improve handling/braking etc? That isn't ... Read More
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S-Class
Written by: i_drive on Aug 31, 2003 7:50:01 PM
i know. of all people, i happened to marry a woman who has absolutely no interest whatsoever in cars. (she always gets the new GX confused with the ML500, or the new Accord coupe with my SL. i am not joking at all). i had to fool (or trick) her into getting the Lexus on our anniversary by going to the dealership, asking to drive a demo GX, and at the ... Read More
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why i put LS430 on list
Written by: i_drive on Aug 30, 2003 9:29:48 PM
you know- i just can't help but feel overwhelmed by the comfort, and power behind the wheel of a LS430. plus, with the combined features of the ultraluxury package, which brings the total MSRP under $68,000- it's a much better overall value than a stripped MB S430 or BMW 745i. to be honest with you; the lexus is seriously the only comfortable car i feel driving. let me explain: the Mercedes-Benz ... Read More
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ljflx
Written by: merc1 on Aug 13, 2003 9:35:35 PM
Yes I'm liking the Maserati more and more. I especially find the interior to be such a relief from the regular business like interiors of the S-Class, 7-Series, A8 and LS430. It's so sensual and scultped...the only thing close in this reguard is a Jaguar's interior. The Quattroporte is exactly what it should be, different from all the rest. I can't wait to see the car in person. Well I didn't ... Read More
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If I was rich my garage would be filled with these vehicles:
Written by: dwongswong on Jul 24, 2003 5:41:28 PM
1)Audi A8L 2)Range Rover 3)Mercedes SL500 4)Lamborghini Gallardo This list might change when the new Mercedes S-class, Lexus LX470, and Acura NSX come out. I don't know if I would ever spend more than $200,000 for any vehicle, even if I was rich. I love modern cars. I like to read and see some of the most beautiful vehicles in the world. Where I live--Memphis,Tn-- I rarely get to see truly ... Read More
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just my opinion...
Written by: airmatic on Jul 8, 2003 2:56:29 PM
I'm curious to know what you didn't like about the Audi and what you did like about the 7-Series. They also had the uber-VW there too??” I was hoping that Audi would “drastically redesign” the flagship A8L. The front looks essentially the same (has the same general shape; same with the grille), the side looks… well not that exciting. As for the rear, I don’t know what to say. It just ... Read More
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ljflx
Written by: merc1 on Jun 22, 2003 9:45:27 PM
Thats too bad that you don't realize that new Range Rover is a new from the ground up vehicle and shares nothing with the previous generation. The 1999 and 2000 model is completely irrelevant to the current model. Yes the old model was trouble prone. I'm not sure where the new model stands in the all-important surveys. I suspect its not setting any reliablity records, so I have to ask why ... Read More
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no title
Written by: merc1 on Feb 10, 2003 7:17:12 AM
Well to tell you the truth I really couldn't get a good detailed look at the new XJ. Though from what I saw of it looked just like the old car, only larger. Jaguar only had one on a stand and it was all silver, you know that pure aluminum look. The one on the floor was crowded by people so there was no chance to get a "perspective". I've been ... Read More
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fjk57702
Written by: merc1 on Nov 18, 2002 12:23:12 PM
"The S-class body design is significantly refined (stronger, tighter, quieter) than the E-class body. Higher priced versions of the E-class do not get better bodies, although they may get a little more sound insulation." Ok, I'll buy that for 2003. I'm not so sure though with the pre-facelifted 2000-2002 S-Class. The car lost a lot of rigidity from the 1999 model. The new E is very solid, a definite step up ... Read More
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no title
Written by: maxhonda99 on Oct 25, 2002 7:36:04 AM
See, the pessimism continues. I basically have issues with your entire post. First and foremost, let’s begin at continue to fall down the sales list. How long has Lexus been falling down The sales list? Year to year, sales have been rising for over the last five years. Not just that but in 2000 & 2001 I believe, Lexus was the best selling luxury nameplate in the United States, ahead of ... Read More
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It's not a matter of opinion -- it's research and facts
Written by: footie on Oct 20, 2002 5:11:50 PM
On initial quality, year in and year out, Lexus, particularly the LS430 is the winner. It's initial defect level for the last 4 years was about 1/6th of what the MB are. In everyone of those years the entire Lexus line has swept the JDPower Initial quality awards. On Reliability, there is also no comparison. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus as Exceptional Reliability for the ES, GS, LS and RX. If you ... Read More
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no title
Written by: maxhonda99 on Aug 30, 2002 11:40:19 AM
I heard today on the news that Mercedes-Benz is going to give current MB owners extended warrranties for free(I think like 2000 to current buyers), because they made false claims of the cars being able to go up to 20,000 miles without oil changes. Supposedly, the Benz dealers forgot to mention to the customer that they probably had to put synthetic motor oil in the car to keep it going 20,000 ... Read More
