Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: xrtoronto on August 01, 2006, 09:53:01 PM
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US carmakers have been hit by further falls in sales, with the big names racking up double-digit declines.
Ford said sales sank 35.2% in July compared with last year, Chrysler sales fell 37% and General Motors 19.5%.
Part of the fall was blamed on the fact that heavy discounts seen last year were no longer on offer.
But rising fuel costs and interest rates have led consumers to opt for smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles - delivering a boost to Asian carmakers.
A 16% rise in sales at Japanese group Toyota pushed the automotive firm to the number two carmaker slot in the US - ahead of both Ford and DaimlerChrysler.
Elsewhere, fellow Japanese group Honda said its sales had risen 10% while those of South Korean carmaker Hyundai were up 6%.
Japan's Nissan was the only Asian firm to buck the trend, blaming weak car and truck sales for a 19.5% decline in July car sales when compared with the same time last year.
Changing demands
Ford sales highlighted the changing trends in US buying habits.
So-called "gas guzzling" sports utility vehicle sales were down almost 45% while retail sales for its mid-sized saloon cars - the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr - rose 18%.
"We are particularly encouraged by the response to our new cars, which offer distinctive styling and outstanding fuel economy," said Al Giombetti, president of Ford and Lincoln Mercury sales and marketing. "They are definitely the right products at the right time."
Many analysts blamed the expiry of high-cost discounted buyer offers for much of the decline in sales during the month.
But, Chrysler - the US unit of DaimlerChrysler - has opted to extend its package of discounts until the end of August to clear large numbers of unsold vehicles.
The group had been hoping to clear its warehouses ahead of the launch of a raft of new vehicles.
"Consumers are wrestling with higher interest rates and other increased household costs on a monthly basis," said Chrysler's vice-president for sales strategy, Michael Manley.
Meanwhile, there was further bad news from General Motors after it revealed it was restating its net loss for its recently reported second quarter.
It said losses had now risen by $200m to $3.4 billion (£2.66bn) as a result of tax charges related to the sale of its 51% stake in its GMAC finance arm.
BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5236930.stm)
Boy, these numbers don't look good.
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The quote that is missing:
"Consumers are realizing that 90% of the products we're offering are complete and total **** and have decided to explore alternatives."
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IF I were in the market to buy a new car, and buy American, I would buy this without a doubt:
(http://www.ste-therese-autos.com/06photo/cadillac/cts4dr-28l.jpg)
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Wow. Same thing I read back in 1974...or thereabouts.
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Yep the Big Three turds have been circling the bowl for a while now.
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Yup, pretty much. Even Daimler-Benz can't save a **** like Chrysler.
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Originally posted by xrtoronto
IF I were in the market to buy a new car, and buy American, I would buy this without a doubt:
(http://www.ste-therese-autos.com/06photo/cadillac/cts4dr-28l.jpg)
I totally agree.. it's the only US sedan I'd consider. It is a beautiful car and one of the few reasons it wasn't "because 100% of the cars we make are ****"
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Can you imagine in the 80's saying, "Thank God for Cadillac!"??
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Ahem... SOmeone forgot to mention that the "Big 3" are profitable outside North America (especially China). Btw did you know that the Chinese love Buick LaCrosse:)
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They no ruv Caderrac???
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OH! So sweet!
(http://seattleautoshow.com/2006/cadillac_xlr-v_b.jpg)
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The only American Car divisions i respect are Cadillac and maybe Chevrolet/Ford. Other US car divisions within the GM should go to hell!
GM should kill...
Pontiac (downright POS brand)
Buick (we already have Cadillac for luxury segment)
Saturn (who the **** came out with this ****ty brand?!?!?!)
Oldsmobile (the name speaks for itself)
The big 3 should restructure their pension system. The current pension system is wrecking the Big 3 big time.
Also the Big 3 cars generally have sucky interior except for Cadillac.
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Originally posted by DiabloTX
They no ruv Caderrac???
LMAO.
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Originally posted by xrtoronto
OH! So sweet!
(http://seattleautoshow.com/2006/cadillac_xlr-v_b.jpg)
Geesh thats a nice car. Haven't seen those ever. But man 100K? WOW!!!!
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Originally posted by DiabloTX
They no ruv Caderrac???
Only japs would say that;) Japs have dificulty with letter L and the Chinese have hard time with letter R.
If the Chinese think Buick is the equivalent of Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus then Caddy to them will be the equivalent of RRs and Bentleys. Caddy is just out of their range (unless you live in Hong Kong :))
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Originally posted by RedTop
Geesh thats a nice car. Haven't seen those ever. But man 100K? WOW!!!!
Isnt that the one with V-16 engine???
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Catering to the whims of urban and suburban drives thirsty for a taste of machismo caused the big three automakers to ruin pickups.
Is there anything more ridiculous than the sight of a vehicle originally designed for heavy work being tricked out with leather seats, surround sound music systems, and tons of utterly useless bells and whistles.
Well-equipped trucks that could be purchased for 5500 dollars in the late seventies cost nearly thirty thousand in 2004.
The oil crisis has seen the bottom fall out of the girlie man (love that term) truck market. Fully equipped trucks are regularly advertised for less than twelve thousand dollars, after factory and dealer rebates.
Now....if I could only afford the gas for one.
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Quick! Blame declining US Auto sales on lack of oil and not the mother****ing UNIONS! QUICK!
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Originally posted by lasersailor184
Quick! Blame declining US Auto sales on lack of oil and not the mother****ing UNIONS! QUICK!
Are there not labor unions at Toyota, Honda, and Nissan plants in the United States?
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Originally posted by 1K3
GM should kill...
Oldsmobile (the name speaks for itself)
Glad you agree with them: they killed it last year (or maybe two years ago...)
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Originally posted by Sandman
Are there not labor unions at Toyota, Honda, and Nissan plants in the United States?
Not to the economically choking affect of the US Automaker Unions.
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Originally posted by Sandman
Are there not labor unions at Toyota, Honda, and Nissan plants in the United States?
honda has no unions, also honda's plant management wears white jump suits just like the line worker, there are no "executive" offices at honda plants.
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I doubt any of the engineers designing these cars and the management deciding on designs/features/reducing cost are union.
You can blame a % of the proffit issues on the UAW, but the revenue issues fall squarely on non-union shoulders. The big 3 have lost their way... I'd say cadillac was their only bright spot but they only have one car I'd consider with an overpriced SL500 clone and an oversized SUV dragging them down.
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Fact of the matter is the big 3 were in big trouble last year. Got out of some of it by dumping the price in order to move cars. But they still don't have a car on the market that competes well with whats really selling.
Gas prices are only going to go up from here. So Big 3, think 50 mpg minimum. Cut the fancy crap, 90 % of this country just needs good reliable transportation. Lower the sticker price. I'm sorry but I wouldn't even look at a car thats listed over 15 grand.
Go back to a solid 10 year product with a garrentee to back it up and make it STICK! Quit makeing disposable cars that you KNOW will break in less than 7 years. Look at Kia, 10 year warantee, you think they believe in their cars?
It sure looks like they do.
Last, while unions had a time & place in this country they are pricing themselves out of a job. Conditions have changed, times have changed Either change with the times, or watch your company's fold.
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don't know if you can blame it all on the unions but... toyota would collapse in America if they had to pay UAW wages and bennies and deal with all the union parts shops here.
The caddy and the vette and the Mustang are 3 cars that are very well thought out and the engineers have kept the costs down making them some of the cheapest performance cars in the industry...
The ecotech 4 banger is probly one of the most advanced 4 cyl around... the modular OHC v8's are the cheapest in the industry.
where American car companies have to cut because of unions is in quality.
engineers try to cut costs to offset labor prices on building the cars and buying the parts and....
things break and fall off.
No way out.. the unions are a cancer that has migrated to every part of the U.S. auto industry.
In the end tho... it won't matter... the cancer will die with the patient.
GM tried to get out from under the union saddle with the saturn and tried to do bussines like the japs do in America... it is too late. the cancer fought em off and took over that experiment too.
If the American auto makers die... maybe a new company can come from the ashes and.. with a clean slate... treat it's workers more like the japs do. We have the best engineers and designers in the world in my opinion..
Toyota has never made a car I would want to drive much less buy.
lazs
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Originally posted by xrtoronto
OH! So sweet!
(http://seattleautoshow.com/2006/cadillac_xlr-v_b.jpg)
Piggies (http://aolsearch.aol.com/aol/redir?src=singingfish&requestId=159a35161844bc58&clickedItemRank=1&userQuery=Beatles+piggies&clickedItemURN=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.delta.ro%2Fbeatles%2Fbeatles%2Fpiggies.ra)
Have you see the little piggies
crawling in the dirt
And for all the little piggies
Life is getting worse
Always having dirt
to play around in
Have you see the bigger piggies
In their starched white shirts
You will find the bigger piggies
Stirring up the dirt
Always have clean shirts
to play around in
In their sties with all their backing
They don't care what goes on around
In their eyes there's something lacking
What they need's a darn good whacking
Everywhere there's lots of piggies
Living piggy lives
You can see them out for dinner
With their piggy wives
Clutching forks and knives
to eat their bacon
one more time
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dred... are yu saying the caddy is a pig or that the UAW are pigs?
lazs
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Originally posted by lazs2
dred... are yu saying the caddy is a pig or that the UAW are pigs?
lazs
More a Commentary on their owners
Gotta remember the slang term of "pig" wasnt originally ment as a discription of police ;)
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So if you like a fine automobile you are a pig? What do you drive? A prius?
lazs
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Originally posted by lazs2
So if you like a fine automobile you are a pig? What do you drive? A prius?
lazs
a"fine automobile" is for rich people with too much money or poor people with champagne dreams, most of us just want basic transportation.
on your put down of the prius, my nephew makes about $110,000 a year and drives a prius to work, his porsche and ford explorer sit in the garage waiting for sunny weekends and a trip to his 36ft boat.
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I've got an '06 STS 4 (all wheel drive capability) its a nice car, although for cars in its class the interior seem s a little lacking. (read cheap). For 66 grand there are alot of nice cars that come into play, but I wanted the all wheel drive capability for Chicago winters and construction sites.
If you look at the vehicle from a lease standpoint(vs Audi, Bmw etc) its a great car! 27 grand for 2 years, 20000 miles a year. Bmw wanted 35 grand and my '02 STS for the same lease for a 545 ,and the 02 and 45 grand for a 750 L ( I leased). List on the 545 was 65 grand and 75 for the 750. Other than interior fit and finnish, the STS4 has all the same if not more goodies.
and it moves very well.:D
The XLR is about 85 grand , if you saw one for a 100 grand it was an XLR-V. its Supercharged. Almost traded in my vette ('01 c5 conv.) until i found out you cant even get one set of golf clubs in the trunk with the top down.
Can get two sets in the vettes trunk! But they are gorgeous! Interiors are great.
mtndog
p.s. ....i guess im a pig...anyone want to wallow with me
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"Can you imagine in the 80's saying, 'Thank God for Cadillac!'??"
The Cadillacs designed in the '80's were damn good vehicles. My 1990 model had a massive amount of interior space and weighed only 3400 pounds. If those cars had modern engines, they'd be some of the very best in the world. The newer Cadillacs (such as the sedan pictured above) are remarkably ugly and uninspired. For $55,000, why buy Cadillac's copy of a Lexus when you can just buy the real thing instead?
GM shouldn't get rid of Buick or Pontiac, and I think getting rid of Oldsmobile was a mistake. Their problem is they have too many models competing with each other. Each name needs its own identity--and they need models that don't suck, too. Buick *still* doesn't make a single model that can perform as well as my decade-old Buick does. Worse products for ever-increasing prices don't sell well....a 1st-grade child can understand that, why can't the execs?
I agree with the statement someone said above that the US automakers have "lost their way". GM has a long history of cancelling every popular vehicle they produce and replacing them with failures. Ford seems to enjoy designing vehicles that seem like little more than cheap uglified copies of what the other companies are doing. Chrysler has done well with the new 300's, but one model won't save the company. They need to apply that inspiration to the rest of their lineup. Unfortunately, their Dodge name is typically hit with the ugly stick, so they cancel out their own success.
Pickup trucks shouldn't be $35,000 yuppiemobiles. I agree with that, too.
I'm one of those people who has no desire to ever drive a car built by a non-US name. Neither GM nor Ford builds a single model that I'd think about buying. If they can't even appeal to diehards like me, it's no wonder that people who don't care what brand their car is buy something else!
"the modular OHC v8's are the cheapest in the industry."
Lazs, if you're talking about Ford's modular V-8, that engine is a piece of crap. I've driven plenty of cars with that engine (not to mention my wife owns one). The Ford modular V-8 is a pain in the neck to work on, it makes less power than my Buick's LT-1, and it gets *worse* fuel mileage despite being in a lighter car. It particularly lacks low-end torque. They should have stayed with the 302.
Small cars are flimsy and unsafe. I don't care if it gets 50 MPG if it's just going to be a coffin. Nonetheless, the US automakers need to build the best small cars they can for the idiots who value a few dollars more than their lives.
J_A_B
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As a co-owner of a new Ford vehicle ('05 Mustang) let me tell you as an owner of a fine german automobile that there is no comparison in fit-and-finish and handling when it comes to American autos. My wife Mustang is a heavy, swaying pig around corners. When the doors are shut, it sound like there are marbles in the doors. The log axle style is a relic left over from the original Model T fords, and its time that the Big 3 get with the program and start producing a car that can complete with offshore automobiles.
Trucks are another story, I like my truck handling "heavy", and it needs to in order to do heavy duty work....a car on the other hand, should NOT handle like a truck...and our mustang does. (She likes it though...I can't stand to drive it...)
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Originally posted by Mini D
You can blame a % of the proffit issues on the UAW, but the revenue issues fall squarely on non-union shoulders. The big 3 have lost their way... I'd say cadillac was their only bright spot but they only have one car I'd consider with an overpriced SL500 clone and an oversized SUV dragging them down.
I can blame the entire problem on the unions and I can do it without batting an eye.
If it were not for these bull**** union policies that are costing the US automakers BILLIONS (not millions) of dollars a year, they could pump out better cars for less money then any import coming in.
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Originally posted by 1K3
Isnt that the one with V-16 engine???
No I don't think so...I looked it up and the web...V8 pushin 443 horses.
That thing is beautiful tho.....Just a bit outta ole RedTops range tho. :lol
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Not to stir anyone's pot, but I just cannot find anything attractive about those new Caddies. When I see one on the road, I invariably ask myself, "Who in thier right mind would spend money on such an ugly automobile?".
Of course, I find myself asking the same thing about the Chrysler 300.
Not trying to offend anyone. I just do not get what can be found attractive about these cars. I know folks have different tastes, but there were always cars most people would have a consensous about. Like the Pontiac Aztec. I put the Caddy and 300 in that same boat.
OT: It does not surprise me the Amercian car companies are struggling. It would not surprise me to see one or more go into bankruptcy in the next 2 years.
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Piggies and thus the term "pig"
refers to the rich wallowing around in their wealth like so many pigs in the dirt
Most Caddy owners dont buy them because of their quality.
Same as they dont buy Benz for its quality.
they buy them to show off how much money they have.
Like so many piggies wallowing in the dirt
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Originally posted by Skuzzy
Of course, I find myself asking the same thing about the Chrysler 300.
Is like there were trying to make it look like nice benz, but screwed up bad. Never ridden in one, but pretty sure doesn't handle like a benz too.
An yes, I think one or more of big 3 will be in bankrupcy, and it probably will happen sooner than 2 years. Bleeding money at the seams. Unions are killing their golden goose, greedy & they will get what they deserve end of day. Next thing you will see is whining and wailing because they lost to high paid union job to some offshore manufacturing. If they are smart, they will start retooling their skills now. Manufacturing based jobs in US has very gloomy outlook. Choose to keep head buried in sand and ignore the changing world around you, and at end of day you will get what you deserve. Pension, health care costs and labor costs, coupled with always being about 5 years behind what consumers want...will kill them off.
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Originally posted by DREDIOCK
Most Caddy owners dont buy them because of their quality.
Same as they dont buy Benz for its quality.
Don't buy for quality? You got to be kidding. Quality of a Benz surpasses and Ford product. Some of what you say may have truth to it, but to discount quality out of the choice is stupid.
I guess at end of the day I would rather be a rich pig playing in the mud than union manufacturer that is gonna be unemployed & poor because of greed & putting head in the sand.
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Actually, the taxpayer is in for the screw job. You can bet the government will step in and bail out any auto manufacturer. They will do it because the unions will threaten to pull the plug on political funding if they don't.
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not really fair to compare anything to this:
(http://www.wheels24.co.za/Images/Photos/20060215173957SL500-2006.jpg)
^^this is one place where art & function meet
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Actually, I find the new SL's a bit ugly, as compared to previous year models.
EDIT: Ugly may be the wrong word. They just seem to have lost that classic look. Not sure how to explain it. I just do not find them attractive, given thier heritage.
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I've been thinking about replacing the Stratus with something else.
To its credit, after living at the dealership for weeks on end, sorting out a rotor issue...it still gives me 29-31 MPG with its 2.7L V-6.
The Nissan's really look sharp to me. I know the Honda's are great cars...but everyone has one. I cant imagine trying to find my own Accord in the local parking lot...it would be a treasure hunt.
I've said it before, I'll say it again...I've bought my last domestic.
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Originally posted by Skuzzy
Actually, the taxpayer is in for the screw job. You can bet the government will step in and bail out any auto manufacturer. They will do it because the unions will threaten to pull the plug on political funding if they don't.
Probably truth in that...makes me sick.
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Originally posted by Skuzzy
Actually, I find the new SL's a bit ugly, as compared to previous year models.
EDIT: Ugly may be the wrong word. They just seem to have lost that classic look. Not sure how to explain it. I just do not find them attractive, given thier heritage.
I know exactly what you mean. It took awhile for me...but I'm there now:)
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Originally posted by BigGun
Don't buy for quality? You got to be kidding. Quality of a Benz surpasses and Ford product. Some of what you say may have truth to it, but to discount quality out of the choice is stupid.
I guess at end of the day I would rather be a rich pig playing in the mud than union manufacturer that is gonna be unemployed & poor because of greed & putting head in the sand.
Im not saying they arent quality vehicles.
Just that most people who do buy them buy them for the quality.
they buy them to show off how much money they have. They buy the name
I deal with alot of rich folk. and I can tell you straight up that if YUGO came out with a rock solid vehicle that never broke down and had a billion mile unlimited warrenty.
Most of these people would still buy Caddy, Benz, and Jaguar.
Because of the name. and Image
They also buy these POS supersized SUVs fully loaded and vastly overpriced. Not because of their quality. but to show off.
Quality doesnt matter a hoot to most of these people. Its the image.
And nor does quality matter cause they trade the friggen things in damn near every year for a brand new one.
Its all about showing off their wealth
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Originally posted by Skuzzy
Actually, I find the new SL's a bit ugly, as compared to previous year models.
EDIT: Ugly may be the wrong word. They just seem to have lost that classic look. Not sure how to explain it. I just do not find them attractive, given thier heritage.
I agree 100% and have said that about BMW and Merc over the last 3 years! But alas, "eyeball appeal" is lower on the list for me than other factors when looking at new cars...my wife, OTOH...she bought the Stang cause she liked the way it looked. POS suspension be damned!
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Originally posted by eureka101
SUV popularity on the wane?
Not really... lots of people are dreaming to own these... :D
(http://ahinosvemos.com/post-images/anzio-escalade.jpg)
(http://www.carbuyersnotebook.com/archives/Escalade_2007.jpg)
(btw) 日本人ですか？
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The sad part is, that SUV looks like any other GM SUV, except beaten with an ugly stick.
They all look like jacked-up station wagons to my eyes.
J_A_B
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Originally posted by 1K3
Not really... lots of people are dreaming to own these... :D
(http://ahinosvemos.com/post-images/anzio-escalade.jpg)
I always crack up when I see a pimp wagon like that on the road. First, that has got to be the worst ride ever with tires that thin...and Second, any bigger rims and he/she would have to use the railroad tracks to commute on!
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SUVs are still as popular as ever.
(http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/5883/hug3ls.jpg)
I haven't bought a new Ford cause my '95 model still PWNS!
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Originally posted by Ripsnort
I agree 100% and have said that about BMW and Merc over the last 3 years! But alas, "eyeball appeal" is lower on the list for me than other factors when looking at new cars...my wife, OTOH...she bought the Stang cause she liked the way it looked. POS suspension be damned!
I know what you mean. When I was looking for a new car, I went between the Lexus IS250 and the BM330Ci.
I think the exterior of the BMW is better looking than the Lexus. The deciding factors were the gas mileage and the interior of the Lexus. Better gas mileage without giving up performance is always a good deal.
The interior was really what got me into the Lexus. I much prefer the exterior of the BMW, but the interior reminded me of the 70's. It just looked dated to me.
If you could take the interior of the Lexus, put it inside the BMW, you would have one helluva car.
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Originally posted by Skuzzy
I know what you mean. When I was looking for a new car, I went between the Lexus IS250 and the BM330Ci.
I think the exterior of the BMW is better looking than the Lexus. The deciding factors were the gas mileage and the interior of the Lexus. Better gas mileage without giving up performance is always a good deal.
The interior was really what got me into the Lexus. I much prefer the exterior of the BMW, but the interior reminded me of the 70's. It just looked dated to me.
If you could take the interior of the Lexus, put it inside the BMW, you would have one helluva car.
By interior i trust you also mean the electronics?
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I'll take function over form for $100 Alex.
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Originally posted by Nilsen
By interior i trust you also mean the electronics?
The entire layout, materials, textures, and colors. Difficult to quantify this, but the interior of the Lexus does not make itself known.
When I was test driving the BMW, I found the interior to require more attention.
The interaction between the dash and the driver was more cumbersome in the BMW. That is not to say it is a bad layout. For me, the Lexus just had everything right. Was really wierd actually.
To add clarity, I am the kind of driver who does not like a busy dash. The simpler the better. I want to drive, not spend time farting around with controls on the dash board. For me, the Lexus has an edge over the BMW in this department.
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Originally posted by Skuzzy
The entire layout, materials, textures, and colors. Difficult to quantify this, but the interior of the Lexus does not make itself known.
When I was test driving the BMW, I found the interior to require more attention.
The interaction between the dash and the driver was more cumbersome in the BMW. That is not to say it is a bad layout. For me, the Lexus just had everything right. Was really wierd actually.
To add clarity, I am the kind of driver who does not like a busy dash. The simpler the better. I want to drive, not spend time farting around with controls on the dash board. For me, the Lexus has an edge over the BMW in this department.
I agree with your assessment, though I never test drove a Lexus. They are certainly appealing to me and I will test drive one once I wear this bimmer out.
All my controls are on the steering wheel, my computer read out for the temp, fuel mpg, gallons to go, time, etc. are on the end of the left turn signal but thats within my pinky's reach with both hands on the wheel. My radio station, CD controls, cell phone and autopilot (;) ) are all on the steering wheel. The only time I look at the dash is to determine what RPM I'm at (although I primarily shift by sound of RPM) and speed.
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In some ways they are similar, in others they are very far apart Rip.
Quite frankly, I do not believe one could go wrong with either of them. It all boils down to personal preference. I still think the BMW is the better looking of the two.
When you get ready to get a new car Rip, I should be able to provide a good long term evaluation of this one. It is almost a year old (October) now.
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Originally posted by Skuzzy
In some ways they are similar, in others they are very far apart Rip.
Quite frankly, I do not believe one could go wrong with either of them. It all boils down to personal preference. I still think the BMW is the better looking of the two.
When you get ready to get a new car Rip, I should be able to provide a good long term evaluation of this one. It is almost a year old (October) now.
Thanks. Albeit that may be about 5-10 more years considering I'm getting such good reliability at 82k so far ;) That and the wife wanting an inground pool has about killed my plans for an M3 or Porsche! :(
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That'll work. I will still have this car. I figure to have it until 2015. Of course, they will probably not be making it then, or it will be so different a comparison would be impossible.
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Beet, get some self respect, eh?
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Originally posted by Skuzzy
When I was test driving the BMW, I found the interior to require more attention.
"Dat is becoz de kar is zmartah dan u.
Doo vot de kar sez, alvays.
Here, look, ve put de kontrolz und indikatahs vere you vill be unable to miss dem.
De kar is zmartah dan u."
/
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zOMG, i'd drive a teh Smart Car, but i can't afford the dates with Jeff Gannon rofL!!!!!!!!11 :rofl :rofl :rofl :eek:
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The last car I had that I really liked was my old 78 280Z. It was rather fast, had decent gas mileage for the time and was comfortable to drive in. It was dirt reliable. The only repairs I ever did to it was an alternator, a water pump at 90k miles and several sets of front brake pads. I found I had to replace the pads about each year and had it down to about 45 minutes for the job including jacking up the car.
My current "car" is a Volvo and is a comfortable over the road vehicle. It gets less mileage than my Z did but it tows the house a whole lot better. I use the beemer for local driving and sight seeing.
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Japanese carmakers have certainly been successful over the past 3 decades, but there are some factors in the American market that will affect profitability a few years down the road. Changes in profitability affect retained earnings, R&D and general business practices.
First would be currently having only minimum pension payments, since most Japanese factories and workers in the US haven't been around long enough to have retirees.
Second, US domestic carmakers may create a pension liability crisis campaign to get some form of legislated relief.
The Japanese carmakers continue to reduce labor costs in Japan by creating a working poor class of blue collar, day-labor workers. They have specific job descriptions laid out in such simple, viewable instructions that a person can be assembling something in 15 minutes.
They have completely transformed the labor market. More and more employees without pensions, bonuses, company sponsored health insurance, paid holidays, union representation, work rules, accident insurance, etc. And the hourly rate is at unskilled labor rate.
Some companies have conditions not unlike migrant workers now. Toyota contracts with companies (started by retired executives) that bring in unskilled labor from rural areas and houses them in dormitories. They are bused to the factory everyday for month-long contracts. They have to complete the entire month to get the full wages paid and have to work six days per week with no extra pay for overtime work since they are not covered by law as contractors.
Will the US carmakers do some of this?
It's a grim picture of a future that has white collar compensation absorbing the profit of blue collar loses. You might even call it a return to feudalism.
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weren't the japs the masters of fuedalism? Why would anyone think that their basic personalities would change in a few hundred years?
lazs
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Originally posted by Debonair
zOMG, i'd drive a teh Smart Car, but i can't afford the dates with Jeff Gannon rofL!!!!!!!!11 :rofl :rofl :rofl :eek:
Last edited by Skuzzy on 08-04-2006 at 08:15 AM
OMG that was funny, im proud of that one, but wasn't paying too much attention when i posted it.
i think i was in some sort of comedy ninja trance.
what was edited?
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Rolex... given that fact that the japs do business as they do...
What would you do if you were running American car companies.... Say GM... their resources are still vast.
What would you do?
lazs