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Old 06-09-2008, 10:15 PM   #1
wdc330i
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vehicle options I'd like to see

in no particular order:

Honda Odysessy AWD Hybrid
Honda CRV Hybrid
Civic Hybrid Hatchback
Acura MDX Hybrid
X3 Hybrid
330iT
335iT regular style
335iT diesel
535iT
Mini Cooper S Hybrid Convertible

Really, I just don't feel like there are enough family/practical/fun options out there right now. I'm sure 5 years will change all of that. But of course, you have to factor in the wait-for-a year-after-the-model-is-introduced safety margin. And that's forever for a carmudgeon.
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Old 06-09-2008, 10:45 PM   #2
equ
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Honda/acura something, less than 3400lbs, awd, no worse than 55/45 weight dist, manual
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Old 06-10-2008, 04:07 AM   #3
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Originally Posted by equ View Post
Honda/acura something, less than 3400lbs, awd, no worse than 55/45 weight dist, manual
Just get a Legacy GT Limited.
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Old 06-10-2008, 09:51 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by armaq View Post
Just get a Legacy GT Limited.
I've had a on/off obsession with the LGT for years. I test drove them when they first came out in 2004 but went for a sweet 330Ci zhp lease. It was the better, sportier car (not same msrp but my deal was good).

Now with the cayman around, I keep thinking of it. The 07 LGT Spec.B was the runner-up last year this time, when I bought the s4 avant instead. I'm still thinking about getting one... A few issues: seats are not great, throttle response is not very linear & overall build doesn't feel as good as honda/bmw. I do think they have a better awd/suspension than the xi's.
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Old 06-09-2008, 11:43 PM   #5
Biggins
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Not all are ones I'd buy, but I feel like they could flourish in the current market?

120/123d 5-door M-Sport in the USA (for me)

Updated versions of the:
Honda/Acura Integra
Honda S2000 coupe
Nissan 240SX
Toyota Celica
Dodge Neon
Any stationwagon
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Old 06-10-2008, 12:26 AM   #6
Sharp11
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I wish automakers would quit with the horsepower obsession, do we really need our family sedans and SUVs to rocket to 60mph in 6 seconds or less?

Our Infiniti would be just as nice a car with 50 fewer HP, a 6 or a 7 speed automatic (instead of the jack-rabbit geared 5 speed) and of course, beat-a-dead-horse, less weight.

Just as nice, but much more efficient.

Unfortunately, you can't buy the car this way - it only comes in two flavors; lead foot one (the M35) and lead foot one hundred (the M45).
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Old 06-10-2008, 08:57 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharp11 View Post
do we really need our family sedans and SUVs to rocket to 60mph in 6 seconds or less?
yes

Quote:
Our Infiniti would be just as nice a car with 50 fewer HP
no
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Old 06-10-2008, 09:21 AM   #8
JST
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharp11 View Post
I wish automakers would quit with the horsepower obsession, do we really need our family sedans and SUVs to rocket to 60mph in 6 seconds or less?

Our Infiniti would be just as nice a car with 50 fewer HP, a 6 or a 7 speed automatic (instead of the jack-rabbit geared 5 speed) and of course, beat-a-dead-horse, less weight.

Just as nice, but much more efficient.

Unfortunately, you can't buy the car this way - it only comes in two flavors; lead foot one (the M35) and lead foot one hundred (the M45).
But there are plenty of slow cars to choose from. May I guide you over to the four cylinder section of the aisle?

Anyway, the current horsepower obsession is the result of product decisions made when gas was $2/gal. You will get your wish; car companies will move as rapidly toward fuel efficiency as they can, to the extent that their customers demand it. If gas stays at or above $4/gal, people will demand more efficiency and will tolerate less power. But with product lead times being what they are, we won't see the real fruits of that for three years or so, at least.

I just hope that someone still makes gas guzzling family sedans for Neandertals like me to buy.
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Old 06-10-2008, 09:52 AM   #9
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I just hope that someone still makes gas guzzling family sedans for Neandertals like me to buy.
Unless you make a condition of buying new, there will be a wide selection of the mid-00's guzzlers available, used and low miles in a few years.
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Old 06-10-2008, 11:51 AM   #10
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But there are plenty of slow cars to choose from. May I guide you over to the four cylinder section of the aisle?
Zero to sixty in, say, 8 seconds isn't slow - IMO.

The problem with the four cylinder side of the aisle is you can't get the options and comfort packages available in the larger sedans - I just wish we had the engine options the europeans get - you could still have your "neanderthal" set-ups while "sensible" people could buy the "slow" cars

Ed
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