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21417 messages,  Last post on Nov 28, 2009 at 10:55 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Porsche, Jaguar, Audi, Maserati, Maybach, Car Comparisons, Coupe, Convertible, Sedan


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#16993 of 21417
Re: Hope Everyone [rockshocka1] by cdnpinhead
Jan 07, 2009 (7:14 am)
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Replying to: rockshocka1 (Jan 07, 2009 6:10 am)

You & others who got the TSX & TL before the extreme makeover should enjoy them now & remember them fondly.
 
That's exactly the plan.
 
We've got the last "small" Pathfinder (made in Japan, too) also ('04), so now have two "last of their kind" vehicles that have both proven to be totally satisfactory so far.
 
It will be interesting to see what happens to the Accord. It's possible they'll continue to upsize it to compete with the Avalon and let the Civic meet the need for a smaller vehicle. Time will tell.
#16994 of 21417
From what I see... by m4d_cow
Jan 07, 2009 (9:44 am)
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Acura is actually being smart.
 
For starters Honda so far always fails in making a proper v8, or make a v8 at all in this regard. Many customers on midsize segment and up expects v8 or at least RWD. The latter Honda can do properly but only for it's sports cars.
 
Second, Honda's struggling image in the upper luxury class, Acura's failure to redefine itself plus weakening economy makes forcing itself to keep up with competitors a no brainer move.
 
With this decision, I think Acura decides to move down and compete in the near luxury to entry level luxury segment at the highest. Smart move given the current situation, focus on what you do best. I seriously doubt Acura's will become another Dodo like Olds, but if they don't do something about the design theme quickly it may become one soon.
#16995 of 21417
Market watch by cyclone4
Jan 07, 2009 (11:32 am)
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It looks as if a new crude oil meltdown has started today. The oil stocks report released this morning showed a huge build-up just as predicted by Len (ljflx). I am still of the opinion that we will see crude oil futures drop to less than $30 per barrel and gasoline at the pump down into the $1.25-1.30 per gallon level.
 
Unfortunately, the stock market is also taking a dive today. In fact, just about every commodity known to man is on its rear today. This includes gold which is down about $25 as of this moment.
#16996 of 21417
Re: Market watch [cyclone4] by ljflx
Jan 07, 2009 (12:02 pm)
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Replying to: cyclone4 (Jan 07, 2009 11:32 am)

The whole run-up the last two weeks has been pure speculation. Keep in mind that all that after contract oil that is stored in tankers and other storage facilities by the non-trade is not counted in that build-up and in fact ends up being counted as artificial demand. Storage of oil is now at record high levels while demand is dropping. the speculation and the Russia situation plus the Hamas conflict is what has kept oil from collapsing under the $33 figure. There was a funny conversation on WFAN's Boomer and Craton show this morning. Carton is a known sports gambler and wanted to buy oil. He thought it was like buying stock. So he put in to buy 1,000 barrels on Nymex and they in turn wanted to know where he would store the oil if he din't sell out before the end of the contract period. He ran away faster than Dewey's BMW can motor.
#16997 of 21417
Re: Market watch [ljflx] by circlew
Jan 07, 2009 (1:21 pm)
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Replying to: ljflx (Jan 07, 2009 12:02 pm)

Some say the speculation has no legs as it had in the prior 12 months due to hedge fund capitulation. I wonder how the future trading mechanisms will control the price going forward in the market considering supposed calls for transparency. The facts you mentioned and the buy to fill the SPR show that the short term top collapsed (like the residuals of BMW's!) despite the usual market concerns. It seems to me the natural market forces are back for the present moment.
 
Regards,
OW
#16998 of 21417
Re: I'm back, too [garyh1] by ljflx
Jan 07, 2009 (1:50 pm)
Reply

Replying to: garyh1 (Jan 06, 2009 9:17 pm)

Personally, I also decided I really don't want that "AMG Sport package", which is basically some extra fender skirts (which are fine) and the oversize 19" wheels (which look fine but IMHO mess up the ride on bumpy roads and are easily bent).
 
Gary, thanks for that heads-up. I'd certainly consider the S-class again, especally if this GL proves to be reliable. I'm very impressed with the GL build quality and I expect it to be reliable. The S, just like the LS460L is a dream machine for luxury and a plush ride. I wouldn't want anything to interfere with that attribute. I had the S550 for the bulk of a day in test driving and was very impressed with it.
#16999 of 21417
Re: From what I see... [m4d_cow] by lexusguy
Jan 07, 2009 (6:07 pm)
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Replying to: m4d_cow (Jan 07, 2009 9:44 am)

Acura is actually being smart.
 
I don't think any of this was Acura's decision. I think if it was up to them, they'd still be full steam ahead with a V8 powered, RWD 7, S, LS competitor. I think Honda HQ came in with a hatchet.
 
If I were in charge, the beaks would be gone - tomorrow. The new electric steering systems in the TSX and TL would be replaced with the old versions that people actually liked. I'd buy new 8-speed transmissions from Aisin or ZF, and dump the 5-speeds that Acura has been using for a decade. I'd offer Type R versions with available manual transmissions for every model, and have Recaro design the seats. I'd steal designers from Audi, and have them redo every Acura interior. Plastic wood, fake aluminum, and fake carbon fiber would be banished from the brand.
 
I'd bring back the RSX, and offer it with SH-AWD and a turbo four for the Type R version, same with the TSX Type R. I'd bring back the CL as a soft top convertible version of the TL, with its own bodywork. I'd eliminate the RL, and have the MDX be the flagship of the brand.
 
Unfortunately I don't think any of the above is likely, and I predict that Acura will be crushed by a combination of Hyundai and Infiniti.
#17000 of 21417
Re: Adolph Merckle [circlew] by ljflx
Jan 07, 2009 (7:34 pm)
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Replying to: circlew (Jan 06, 2009 11:23 am)

Some of the reports today said that the little gifts Madoff asked permission to give out to his friends and family amounted to $1-2mln dollars in value per gift. One person received 13 watches and a large emerald ring. This guy is hiding in plain daylight and making high level judicial system folks look like his pawns. When all the data comes out the greed and lack of compassion of this man is going to disturb people.
#17001 of 21417
Re: Adolph Merckle [ljflx] by circlew
Jan 08, 2009 (3:42 am)
Reply

Replying to: ljflx (Jan 07, 2009 7:34 pm)

Additionally, it is believed he had much help over the years as the scheme developed. When will justice be served? in a multi-million dollar penthouse?
 
Regards,
OW
#17002 of 21417
Confidence by circlew
Jan 08, 2009 (4:00 am)
Reply
It looks like Hyundai has outwitted Detroit again. While they stick to past incentives Hyundai trumps them again. First warranty and now this...
 
"From the capital and credit standpoint, Washington has taken all the right actions," said Dave Zuchowski, vice president of sales for Hyundai of America. "But nobody was doing anything to address confidence. It doesn't matter if you're buying a refrigerator or whatever you're buying -- you're not going to do it if you're concerned about your job and your ability to make payments."
 
And Hyundai has gone a big step further by launching Hyundai Assurance, a new incentive plan that allows buyers to break contracts and return vehicles if they lose their job or income. The program offers to cover up to $7,500 in negative equity on the lease or purchase of one of its cars or trucks.

 
Winning
 
Now one can feel confident to buy a Genesis and give it back if their income goes south. Interesting and effective.
 
Regards,
OW

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