- #377 of 411
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Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [bumpy]
by lemmer
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May 20, 2009 (11:46 am)
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Replying to: bumpy (May 20, 2009 8:25 am)
I've tried the IS300. Although it ranks pretty high on the handling meter, the engine is kind of a dud and the interior is economy car level (other than the great seats). If I was to drop down a class to a less luxurious but "zippier" car, I'd much rather have an Acura TSX. The TSX manages to better the IS in almost every possible way (despite its front wheel drive layout).
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- #378 of 411
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Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [lemmer]
by hpmctorque
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May 20, 2009 (1:09 pm)
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Replying to: lemmer (May 20, 2009 5:41 am)
I think the previous generation Acura TL ('04-08) would come closer to a BMW 3 and 5-Series than the Lexus ES300, and you wouldn't have to modify it. It's also more refined than the Infiniti G35, although the G35 is rear wheel drive, while the TL isn't.
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- #379 of 411
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Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [fintail]
by hpmctorque
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May 20, 2009 (1:16 pm)
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Replying to: fintail (May 19, 2009 7:27 pm)
All true. Too bad, though.
One way around the image issue might be to offer decontented models for one year only, to satisfy the demand. Then, return to the fully optioned business model they've been following for a few years and, if it worked well the first time, repeat the exercise.
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- #380 of 411
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Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [lemko]
by hpmctorque
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May 20, 2009 (1:24 pm)
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Replying to: lemko (May 20, 2009 10:18 am)
I agree with your first sentence. As for your second sentence, I wouldn't worry about the dependability or durability of either a Buick or a decontented Mercedes.
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- #381 of 411
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Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [hpmctorque]
by fintail
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May 20, 2009 (1:31 pm)
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Replying to: hpmctorque (May 20, 2009 1:16 pm)
I like to think if the models were made special order, aimed at real enthusiasts, no harm would be done. Marketing costs would be negligible and volumes would be low, as not to impact overall image. But what do I know...
A manual diesel C or E class with a tex interior and no airmatic or COMAND etc would be interesting.
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- #382 of 411
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Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [lemmer]
by circlew
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May 20, 2009 (2:44 pm)
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Replying to: lemmer (May 20, 2009 5:41 am)
I wonder if an ES300 with a great set of tires really feels significantly worse than a BMW in my daily drive to work.
Not worse just very different and do not expect performance handling.
Regards,
OW
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- #383 of 411
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Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [fintail]
by hpmctorque
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May 20, 2009 (5:09 pm)
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Replying to: fintail (May 20, 2009 1:31 pm)
The effect on image might even be enhanced if the impact on maintenance and repair, and reliability were positive enough. Consider the image hit Mercedes suffered with the problematic late '80s-early '00s models.
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- #384 of 411
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Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [hpmctorque]
by fintail
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May 20, 2009 (7:46 pm)
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Replying to: hpmctorque (May 20, 2009 5:09 pm)
It would have to be a resurrection of the values that were seen in the 123 124 and 126 series cars - durability and longevity over bling. However, as people are more materialistic and image-conscious than ever, I don't know if the simple models would attract anything more than the established fan base. Maybe if public opinion changes and values quality over show, as it did for some at one time.
I've been reading a lot of good about the new E-class, but it will still be too fancy in the form sold here.
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- #385 of 411
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Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [fintail]
by Mr_Shiftright HOST
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May 20, 2009 (7:52 pm)
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Replying to: fintail (May 20, 2009 7:46 pm)
It's easier for a modest car company to go UP (toyota to Lexus) than for a prestigious one to go DOWN, IMO.
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- #386 of 411
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Re: #325 of 360 Why? by hpmctorque [Mr_Shiftright]
by fintail
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May 20, 2009 (8:05 pm)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (May 20, 2009 7:52 pm)
It takes longer, that's for sure. It took awhile for Caddy to reach humiliation, and with any luck MBs recent hiccups will be nothing more than a speedbump. New models in the past 2 or 3 years have shown a lot of promise to regain some of the old quality.
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