Of course for an increment of $625 over the base price of a "joke", yeah I have the same opinion as BB, one could do a lot of performance upgrades to any car. But you are correct, to a oil price $650K is pocket change.

I also read it handles like crap, so I guess there is a difference opinion of what consititutes "good" handling.

I wouldn't get one, because I have overall safety concerns and the car is ugly. Clearly not meant for the baby boomers. I wouldn't let my kids drive one either.

 

What market share has Honda/ Acura carved out with the TL and RL. Acura makes it by on the MDX/RDX/TSX. I personally would only buy an Accord from Honda, don't like the Acura line up.

The IS 350 is a joke, no room in the thing. The premium car manufacturers are trying to be all things to all people.

The only two premium manufacturers I like cars from at this point is BMW and Infiniti. Audi can't stand the grill. If I had to buy a non-premium car, it would be a Camry or maybe Accord. Although the new ES350 could be in the running.

 

guy01, You wouldn't consider the Maxima? How about the new Buick LaCrosse. Agreed on the ES350 or maybe the GS350, but those are In the premium Brand category for mucho bucks. I don't know: the Audi A6 3.0T Quattro looks pretty SWEET to me. It's definitely on my "Short List" for June lease turnover on my 2010 G37X. Premium Brand, Yes it is... It has a much better rated AT tranny too. Acknowledged : it is in the M category, but at 61 I'm headed in that direction. Need more room.

 

Exactly. I had a Nissan P/U for 13 years. Loved that little truck. Had 2 G's now with great reliability as well.

 

Too bad they didn't killoff infiniti! Then maybe the Skyline could get back its identity and boxy styling.

 

This happened in 2002 as well, launch the G or shut down Infiniti. Will be no different this time around. But if you read through the article it firms up what a lot of issues are. Pricing. People won't pay luxury money for an Infiniti. "well if we add all these cool and good features and its better than a bimmer, we could just buy a bimmer..." The consumer is who controls that market for pricing. I have honestly had people tell me the Infiniti was a better car, but they always wanted a BMW, makes no sense. In any case, Infiniti will be around for quite some time.

 

The reason those people still choose the BMW is because of brand recognition and prestige. Most Americans will choose a BMW because they see it as a high level luxury vehicle with class that will establish the driver as a member of a highly egocentric club. The key here is brand prestige and image. If Infiniti had a high performance sports car or supercar then it will attract the attention of everyone. Infiniti is still viewed as a luxury car maker but not in a sense like its competitive rivals (BMW, Audi, MB) by some. The LFA gave Lexus huge brand awareness. Being featured in videogames, magazines, etc. allows people to be more exposed to the brand and therefore more comfortable and accepting of it. Its a shame that Infiniti didnt go ahead with the Emerge-e concept even though it was praised by practically everyone.

 

Or people chose BMW because THEY consider it to be best in class as opposed to what magazine reviewers like. As compared to belonging to some egocentric club. I know I preferred my BMW to the g. But taking value into the equation is another story.

 

^^ Quite opposite, majority people buy BMW because it is a BMW, this is why 90% are bare bone 328s running with halogen headlight and plastic seat. And they say "I have a BMW" when asked. You are probably in the minority. Audi is now making better cars.

 

The same could be said about Mercedes.

 

Yeah but those '90%' still have cars that run smoother than my g. That's what makes a BMW.

It doesn't matter that I'm in the minority. Just ask Toyota, who is laughing all the way to the bank with their Camry sales. Btw, BMW is also laughing all the way to the bank.

 

I'm also laughing all the way to the bank by buying my G.

 

No CVTs. While the Maxima has come a long way, I rented a 2012 Altima for three weeks while a car was in the body shop. I "hated", hate is a strong word....I actually would only buy this car if it was the only model being sold in the world, which thankfully it isn't. Coming from the G (G wasn't in the body shop), it was day and night, but still.

When I go on vacation, I usually rent a Camry because I really like driving them. I never thought about a Buick...the last one the family owned was a 1968 LeSabre...lol.

But I digress...
Audi...I can't get past the grill, which I dislike. If I'm spending all of this money for a vehicle, I don't to feel I don't like a specific aspect of the vehicle. (I know every vehicle purchase is a compromise, but you pick the items that matter to you on your short list) To some people it's the 0 to 60, to others gas mileage, to still others it's the sound system....

I'm in the same territory as you, and as such, a lot of what drives a vehicle purchase is different than what I see on todays boards. So many won't buy a BMW because their neighboor has one or they like their vehicle to be unique....etc. Or they have proof positive the only reason buy a BMW is because people are egocentric and want to show off their money..etc. I like a BMW simply because it's smooth all the way around, something my G isn't.

The decision between the M or G is boils down to of course money but which direction the luxury/sport needed is headed in. If I were looking at an M I might also look at the 535 or GS350.

 

People who don't like the size of the G or Is350 are guys with fat wife's! Can't get there fat wife into the car!

The new IS350 is one beautiful car and the new G is just out right mean and sick looking!

 

LOL, you know you are in big trouble when the seller is laughing all the way to the bank.