I've noticed that Chinese motorcycles are probably the most expensive motorcycle purchase you can possibly make. You buy in low, but parts cost quickly mount.
Better to buy a battered old Virago. It'll run longer and you won't be in such a hot hurry to move up to a bigger bike.
Also: Kudos to Bumbeck devising a way to safely drop the turkey into the grease. My way is to get my brother in law to do it.
Also: Knoxville TN cops are screening crazy hard - go five miles over the limit and you'll get flagged. I don't think there'd be more cops on the roads if they thought we were being invade by the Taliban.
Also in Knoxville: Jim Cogdill Dodge is trying to sell brand new, never sold, 2008 Dodge and Chrysler products at $13,000. Still got the whole warranty, it's still a brand-new car at a used car price. It might be a better deal, assuming Chrysler's still around in five years for parts support.
@dragon:ONE: And you'll notice that of all of the local Chinese delivery restaurants (here in the NYC at least), not a single one uses anything "off-label".
I need a little help with understanding the AWD Dodge problem. Why is it less desirable? Poorer fuel economy? Fewer engine choices? For a family looking for a affordable big sedan that is good in the snow, this might be appealing.
@YankBoffin: It gets poorer fuel economy and doesn't corner as well but most importantly, there are much better AWD cars for the price. Most people looking at the Charger in the first place want a RWD muscle car. People looking for an AWD family sedan don't immediately think of a Charger.
@yachius: Just checked the website, [www.dodge.com] and looking at the prices Sam quotes, the deal would be to get an AWD SXT for the price of the stripper SE base model. So, that doesn't just get you AWD, you as get the bigger V6, 5-spd auto, TC, ESP, "performance brakes", and more. Nobody wants the wimpy underpowered base model, even if it does have more mpg.
@YankBoffin: I didn't look at the deal but what you've quoted is correct then it sounds like Dodge is trying very hard to move an unpopular model that is sitting on their lots. There aren't many other reasons to lower the price of a premium model so drastically.
@YankBoffin: When I'm thinking AWD, Dodge isn't the first thing that jumps to mind. "Affordable big sedan that is good in the snow" just screams Legacy to me.
@Elhigh: Maybe they aren't the first, but they're making an effort and I commend that. I was thinking a Legacy was a price step up from the charger. However, a visit to subaru.com tells me otherwise (starting at $19,995!).
Subaru does build cars I want (and even bought) ... it's the image and segmentation I could do without. I am not a lefty, lesbian, tree hugger or whirled peaser by any stretch. I just want a reasonably reliable, fast, AWD wagon.
@Alfisted: it's fairly sad that you would be more concerned with what your friends and neighbors think about the car you drive than driving the car you think you want to drive.
I mean, seriously, if you're concerned they'll confuse you for a tree-hugging lesbian, you've got more problems than just choosing a car can solve (or create).
@Sportwagons, haulin' stuff and haulin' balls: It's not what others think of my car. It's that I think Subaru could more successfully attain their objectives (the Legacy GT was intended to rival the 3-series and A4) if they would ease up on running promotions and advertising that play to a stereotype.
@Alfisted: My question was purely rhetorical, not directed at anyone in particular, just kinda "who cares?".
I'd wager that Subaru is giving in to the natural inclinations of a large part of their buyers. In other words, the preferences of their buyers are driving their marketing, not the other way around. When my 2005 GT wagon was introduced, they had Lance Armstrong in the commercials touting the performance ("quicker than a Porsche Boxter"). But that clearly didn't shift the perception of the brand away from AWD+safety+practicality.
@Alfisted: I would hazard a guess that their marketing budget is seperate from their R&D budget, and whether or not they target niche markets has little or nothing to do with whether or not the boys and girls in product direction think they should shoot for BMW territory.
And in any event, Subaru has been steadily gaining market share and one of the only brands increasing sales over previous years, so something is working - prob in both marketing AND development.
Now relax and buy a flannel shirt and some Birkenstocks.
Good Deal #6 What: Keeping my '92 Town Car Where: My driveway Regular Price: Gift from my elderly mother-in-law. Black Friday Price: The cost of fixing the electric windows and recharging the A/C whenever I have the cash and get around to it—probably next spring with my tax refund. Why It's A Good Deal: Zero down, zero interest, zero monthly payments, zero for comprehensive insurance, forever.
@drewdrawshashtags: The fastest way out of a recession would be to get everyone spending again. People panic about it in the beginning and hoard their money. This only makes it worse than it would have been originally
@Straight6er: Great in theory, but overspending on a car because it's a "good deal" is a big part of what got us here in the first place.
I, and most Americans, don't have the cash to buy a $40K car, they borrow to the hilt for it. Then you lose your job or house value goes down and you've got nothing but debt and cool shit you have to sell off.
I'll keep looking at 2 year-old off-lease 3 Series for $25K, thanks.
@drewdrawshashtags: This is very true. I hadn't really thought about the borrowing aspect, i was more in line with skulldriveshaft's thinking: spend it if you got it.
Also i like your choice of vehicle, depreciation can sure be handy :P
@mr_dude: or for another brand of ass-kicking, Ion is having a "FEastwood" marathon; a whole slew of Clint Eastwood movies. Holiday couch-surfing bonus QOTD: Who would win, Dirty Harry or the various generations of Bond?
Diesel fuel prices ought to be back in line with gas at some point (as historically dictated).
So all the concern about payback period might be a little shortsighted. Time will tell.
This thing would have to be priced a little lower than the 335i to sell in any decent numbers. I'd also expect real-world highway economy to top 40mpg. Combine that with "rolling start" speeds similar to the 335i (40-60, 60-80), and you've got a great package. Note that I've including a lot of supposition and speculation in that opinion. I'm hopeful that the right combination of stats is achieved.
Because even though diesel is not THE answer, we all stand to gain when the option gains a foothold here in North America.
BMW has never released a car "for the masses", at least not in the United States during my lifetime.
That said, I love this car, and I do love me some diesel, but not for 45k. All that torque, and it still takes six seconds to sixty? I'm sure it handles amazingly and all, but all I need is straight line acceleration from hell and a Judas Priest CD to make me happy, and a five thousand dollar used Mustang will give me that. Plus, the Mustang badge really impresses everyone down at the firm.
Still, I applaud anyone who buys one of these, because torque is love.
@eggwich del fiero: Depending on where you work, the BMW might impress your cow-orkers, too.
Also, you can get perfectly wonderful handling, too, in plenty of old cars. I'd suggest a five-speed Contour/Mystique, for decent handling and economy, almost no cash, four-door practicality, and near-complete sleeperism.
Oy, just like the love for stattions wagons here, I don't understand this facination with oil burners... Yea, a shit-ton of torque and good mileage, but it's slower than a 335i and only a hair quicker than the 328i and will cost more than both. And diesel fuel costs more.
Yep, the payback for the diesel is FAR greater than most BMW owners will hang on to one for. And I agree, torque is great, but its slower still than the gasser.
Also, what's the weight penalty over the 335i and how's it affect the handling?
I guess I just prefer gas, and don't do enough miles to justify diesel, and having just bought a Silverado 2500 with no Duramax, I'm putting my money where my mouth is I guess.
I would tend to use one of these to ferry the family around in, so the torque is actually better for me than top end speed with HP. People who haul family, dogs, and the occasional dead body appreciate things like that.
11/26/09
Better to buy a battered old Virago. It'll run longer and you won't be in such a hot hurry to move up to a bigger bike.
Also: Kudos to Bumbeck devising a way to safely drop the turkey into the grease. My way is to get my brother in law to do it.
Also: Knoxville TN cops are screening crazy hard - go five miles over the limit and you'll get flagged. I don't think there'd be more cops on the roads if they thought we were being invade by the Taliban.
Also in Knoxville: Jim Cogdill Dodge is trying to sell brand new, never sold, 2008 Dodge and Chrysler products at $13,000. Still got the whole warranty, it's still a brand-new car at a used car price. It might be a better deal, assuming Chrysler's still around in five years for parts support.
11/24/09
I'd rather spend $3-4000 on a Vespa than $2200 on a Chinese scooter.
11/25/09
11/26/09
11/24/09
11/24/09
11/24/09
11/24/09
11/24/09
11/26/09
11/27/09
For reference, I drive a older wrx.
11/24/09
11/24/09
11/24/09
11/24/09
Problem is, I don't want any of Subaru's current-gen models under my tree. Blech.
11/24/09
#tips
11/24/09
I mean, seriously, if you're concerned they'll confuse you for a tree-hugging lesbian, you've got more problems than just choosing a car can solve (or create).
11/24/09
#tips
11/24/09
11/24/09
#tips
11/24/09
I'd wager that Subaru is giving in to the natural inclinations of a large part of their buyers. In other words, the preferences of their buyers are driving their marketing, not the other way around. When my 2005 GT wagon was introduced, they had Lance Armstrong in the commercials touting the performance ("quicker than a Porsche Boxter"). But that clearly didn't shift the perception of the brand away from AWD+safety+practicality.
11/24/09
And in any event, Subaru has been steadily gaining market share and one of the only brands increasing sales over previous years, so something is working - prob in both marketing AND development.
Now relax and buy a flannel shirt and some Birkenstocks.
11/24/09
#tips
11/24/09
11/24/09
#tips
11/24/09
What: Keeping my '92 Town Car
Where: My driveway
Regular Price: Gift from my elderly mother-in-law.
Black Friday Price: The cost of fixing the electric windows and recharging the A/C whenever I have the cash and get around to it—probably next spring with my tax refund.
Why It's A Good Deal: Zero down, zero interest, zero monthly payments, zero for comprehensive insurance, forever.
11/24/09
11/24/09
... and they can't move my fat ass out of the f**king showroom without this promotion.
11/24/09
11/24/09
What kind of a crazy business model is that?
11/24/09
11/24/09
11/24/09
I need convincing that I should spend $40,000+ in a recession on anything.
11/24/09
11/24/09
I, and most Americans, don't have the cash to buy a $40K car, they borrow to the hilt for it. Then you lose your job or house value goes down and you've got nothing but debt and cool shit you have to sell off.
I'll keep looking at 2 year-old off-lease 3 Series for $25K, thanks.
11/25/09
Also i like your choice of vehicle, depreciation can sure be handy :P
#tips
11/25/09
11/24/09
Never mind. #8 fills that slot, nicely.
11/24/09
11/24/09
11/24/09
11/24/09
11/19/08
So all the concern about payback period might be a little shortsighted. Time will tell.
This thing would have to be priced a little lower than the 335i to sell in any decent numbers. I'd also expect real-world highway economy to top 40mpg. Combine that with "rolling start" speeds similar to the 335i (40-60, 60-80), and you've got a great package. Note that I've including a lot of supposition and speculation in that opinion. I'm hopeful that the right combination of stats is achieved.
Because even though diesel is not THE answer, we all stand to gain when the option gains a foothold here in North America.
11/19/08
That said, I love this car, and I do love me some diesel, but not for 45k. All that torque, and it still takes six seconds to sixty? I'm sure it handles amazingly and all, but all I need is straight line acceleration from hell and a Judas Priest CD to make me happy, and a five thousand dollar used Mustang will give me that. Plus, the Mustang badge really impresses everyone down at the firm.
Still, I applaud anyone who buys one of these, because torque is love.
11/19/08
Also, you can get perfectly wonderful handling, too, in plenty of old cars. I'd suggest a five-speed Contour/Mystique, for decent handling and economy, almost no cash, four-door practicality, and near-complete sleeperism.
11/19/08
11/19/08
Yep, the payback for the diesel is FAR greater than most BMW owners will hang on to one for. And I agree, torque is great, but its slower still than the gasser.
Also, what's the weight penalty over the 335i and how's it affect the handling?
I guess I just prefer gas, and don't do enough miles to justify diesel, and having just bought a Silverado 2500 with no Duramax, I'm putting my money where my mouth is I guess.
11/19/08
I would tend to use one of these to ferry the family around in, so the torque is actually better for me than top end speed with HP. People who haul family, dogs, and the occasional dead body appreciate things like that.