Luxury Lounge

Replying to: louiswei (May 02, 2008 7:06 am)

I am pretty sure by 2010 (that's when the new S4 is coming out) I'll be able to pick up a M3 sedan at MSRP.
 
But who in their right mind would want a bare-bones M3? Just like all M3s before it, it's standard with nothing. Your neighbor's daughter, with her $300/mo leased 328i, would probably have more features in hers.
 
Sure, a loaded 335xi can easily have a MSRP over $50k but with a little negotiation one can easily have a loaded 335i for around $45k.
 
1. I don't think so.
 
2. If that is true, how does it not apply to a similarly-priced S4?
 
Sounds like you're still an Audi hater
 
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet

Replies to this message:
• louiswei (May 05, 2008 7:59 am)
  • esf (May 05, 2008 4:12 pm)
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Replying to: louiswei (May 02, 2008 11:35 am)

I am confident that the next GS is going to be a real 5-series fighter unlike the current gen.
 
You're probably right.
 
Given that the next ES will be moving to its own platform (no longer sharing with the Camry) Lexus can finally be more aggressively with the GS.
 
What has been stopping them since then? There is no model overlap; what does the Camry platform have to do with anything?
 
Both the ES and GS will be midsize RWD (also AWD for GS)
 
BIG no-no. If anything, it's the ES that should have AWD. A RWD ES will alienate all the people that have bought it over, and over, and over in the past. They buy their cars for the comfort and safety, not for the driving experience. Also, a RWD ES would serve no purpose in the lineup; IS and GS have the RWD markets covered and there is no room for one in between.
 
I agree with you about the LS. It looks like a true upscale sedan now, especially with the hybrid's wheels. If it came with AWD, I would definitely consider it.
 
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet

Replies to this message:
• louiswei (May 05, 2008 8:06 am)
  • circlew (May 05, 2008 8:44 am)
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Replying to: tagman (May 02, 2008 9:57 pm)

I'm so glad you're not gone.
 
Thanks much for the comprehensive review. I hung onto every last word, of course. Sounds like a fantastic vehicle; now I'm beginning to imagine getting that as my next convertible instead of something more grandiose like your Porsche or a Jag. Good mileage, fantastic performance, somewhat useful rear seats (more useful than the 911 and XK, at least), reasonable price.
  
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet

Replying to: madrad (May 03, 2008 6:46 am)

Replying to: houdini1 (May 03, 2008 7:59 am)

Replies to this message:
• esf (May 04, 2008 7:04 pm)

Replying to: circlew (May 04, 2008 6:39 am)

The two are so different that it's hard to compare, but they are also quite similar. Here are their major differences that sets the M3 apart, IMO:
 
-M3's more upscale look
-Incredible V8
-Luxurious interior
-Rear seat space
-M suspension
-Adjustability
-Exclusivity (although you won't see a ridiculous amount of 1's either)
 
That's about it. Whether it's worth the $22,000 extra is your decision. I have personally gotten very excited about the prospect of a 1 Series over the past day because of Tag's review. A 135i convertible might be the perfect fit, as long as I have an Audi S6 on the side of course.
 
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet

Replying to: tagman (May 02, 2008 9:57 pm)

Replies to this message:
• circlew (May 05, 2008 2:58 am)
  • houdini1 (May 05, 2008 6:23 am)

Replying to: tx_buzzard (May 04, 2008 7:35 pm)

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• houdini1 (May 05, 2008 6:23 am)

Replying to: circlew (May 05, 2008 2:58 am)

Ditto
 
Now about cars. There are some real bargains available on new and nearly new luxury cars now and probably more on the way. Car companies are hurting. All of them. Good time to find a bargain!!