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Cars That Could Have Been Great, But Missed

421 messages,  Last post on Jan 31, 2013 at 2:32 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chrysler, Wagon

Messages Page 41 of 43

#394 of 421 Re: 1970 Riv/Toro [hpmctorque] by fintail

May 08, 2011 (2:48 pm)

Replying to: hpmctorque (May 07, 2011 9:41 pm)
I think he mentioned his dad wanted something softer, as he was getting older. Not many soft BMWs, other than a loaded 7er, and that can be costly.
 
I know I would absolutely hate my E55 if I was 80 years old, ride is too harsh.
 
For brand loyalty, some cars tend to feel the same over the years, and some people simply like a brand and its heritage. That's how it is for me anyway.

#395 of 421 Re: 1970 Riv/Toro [fintail] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

May 08, 2011 (3:37 pm)

Replying to: fintail (May 08, 2011 2:48 pm)
Brand loyalty is pretty much an outdated concept for 95% of american consumers. They shop price, rebates, style. We as a people aren't very loyal to other aspects of our lives (employer, town, even our mates sometimes) so brand loyalty for cars doesn't make much sense in a highly mobile society IMO.
 
Besides, you could argue that cars are now much closer in style and reliability than they've ever been in history.

#396 of 421 Re: 1970 Riv/Toro [Mr_Shiftright] by berri

May 08, 2011 (5:06 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (May 08, 2011 3:37 pm)
I don't think the manufacturer's really show much loyalty to the buyer after purchase either. Same goes for most dealers. As for brands, there are some I'll avoid, but I agree it doesn't usually make sense to just stick with one or two.

#397 of 421 Re: 1970 Riv/Toro [hpmctorque] by oldbearcat

May 08, 2011 (8:24 pm)

Replying to: hpmctorque (May 07, 2011 9:41 pm)
It was a comfort issue. After Dad had his hips replaced, the BMW caused him discomfort when he drove it. That's why he switched over to the big Chryslers - he was comforable in them. The BMW sat in his garage mostly unused for a long time. Finally he decided to sell it outright - I think he got $3K for it.
 
Regards:
Oldbearcat

#398 of 421 Re: 1970 Riv/Toro [oldbearcat] by hpmctorque

May 09, 2011 (12:10 pm)

Replying to: oldbearcat (May 08, 2011 8:24 pm)
Yeah, personal needs change. Your dad's choice is understandable.

#399 of 421 Re: 1970 Riv/Toro [hpmctorque] by texases

May 09, 2011 (12:18 pm)

Replying to: hpmctorque (May 09, 2011 12:10 pm)
As a teenager I couldn't understand how the 50+ year old friend of my dad sold his 240Z to get a 'more comfortable' car. Now I do...

#400 of 421 Re: 1970 Riv/Toro [texases] by oldbearcat

May 09, 2011 (10:00 pm)

Replying to: texases (May 09, 2011 12:18 pm)
That's what happens when your favorite ride literally becomes a "pain in the butt" Those big Chryslers Dad started buying didn't appeal to me, but, the seats were like a big overstuffed couch.
 
Regards:
Oldbearcat

#401 of 421 Audi 5000 by hpmctorque

Oct 01, 2011 (7:45 pm)

The Audi 5000 could arguably be the poster child for '80s cars that could have been great, but missed. It had the makings of a great car. Ground-breaking style and aerodynamics, and excellent driving dynamics made this a favorite for many, until the bogus unintended acceleration episode sunk this model, and almost ended sales of the entire brand in the U.S.
 
Despite its strong attributes, though, the 5000 (and its refreshed and renamed successors, the 100 and 200), had significant counterbalacing negatives. Chief among these were that they were very high maintenance cars.

#402 of 421 Re: Audi 5000 [hpmctorque] by ab348

Oct 02, 2011 (5:11 am)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Oct 01, 2011 7:45 pm)
My boss at the time bought a 5000 around '85 and it is exactly as you say. It was a real maintenance nightmare although how much of that was the dealer I dunno. After that he bought a BMW 635, so he was a glutton for punishment.

#403 of 421 Re: Audi 5000 [hpmctorque] by andre1969

Oct 02, 2011 (12:48 pm)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Oct 01, 2011 7:45 pm)
My 1985 Consumer Guide tested an Audi 5000, and in general they liked it. They scored it 76 out of a possible 100 points. 20 different categories, each ranging from 1-5 points. It scored 76 overall, which was at the high end in that book. A Mercedes 300D scored 77, as did a Volvo GL sedan. Highest scorers were a Toyota Camry and Cressida, both at 78.
 
FWIW, it would be impossible for a car to score a perfect 100, because the categories are so varying. For instance, for a car to score a 5 in acceleration, it would probably score a 1 or 2 in fuel economy.
 
The Audi 5000 got mainly 4's and 5's, got rated 2 for drivability and fuel economy. It was hard to start in cold weather, and got fairly bad fuel economy. It was rated a 3 for heating/ventilation, and 3 for overall value.
 
It got high marks for quality, scoring a 5 for body, 5 for interior, and 4 for paint/exterior. Alas, high initial quality doesn't always make for a good, reliable, long-lasting car.

Messages Page 41 of 43

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