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Recent Comments:
Videos: Ford hires wisecracking, handsy puppet to promote 2012 Focus {Autoblog}
Mar 21st 2011 1:57PM Wow, lots of brilliant marketing experts commenting here. These are funny, attention-getting, and memorable. I predict success. I'm pretty sure the puppet is voiced by comedian Paul Tompkins. I would guess that he writes what he says, it seems to be his style, which I personally find quite funny. So many folks here love to trash everything.
GM unveils next-gen Chevrolet Colorado ahead of Bangkok debut {Autoblog}
Mar 21st 2011 12:10PM Those idiots put the steering wheel on the WRONG SIDE! Man, GM engineers can't do anything right.
First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R {Autoblog}
Mar 7th 2011 12:54PM I've driven a 2011 GTI DSG, absolutely loved it and would buy one today if it weren't for this pesky unemployment. On the other hand, I also drove a manual and the shift action and feel wasn't nearly as good as my old '96 Civic. Wouldn't even consider that car (even at about $1100 cheaper). I love the look of this new "R", but for a lot less money I'd still rather have a lightly-optioned GTI DSG. If you feel you need more performance, it's easy to come by from the aftermarket with these cars. You don't even have to void your warranty.
Review: 2011 Ford Explorer Limited {Autoblog}
Feb 11th 2011 12:50PM I've sat in a couple of these and really just thought the plastic dash looked and felt low-rent. The design, both inside and out, is good-looking but the interior materials are a let down. Also agree that both of the upper-level touch control systems are a fail. The Grand Cherokee is a much more complete vehicle, IMO. Even better looking inside and out, but better materials and more upscale atmosphere. Considerably better-priced, too, even with the optional hemi. But this Explorer will still sell like hot-cakes. The old Explorer was a crude POS with a log-wagon ride and it still sold like crazy. This one is definitely a step-up, but still doesn't quite cut it for me.
Fiat 500 to have no-haggle sticker pricing? {Autoblog}
Jan 29th 2011 12:50PM @mitlov: You are mistaken in thinking that no-haggle pricing always has a lower profit margin than sticker price at another dealership. Saturn's dealer margins were exactly the same as other GM divisions, making their pricing policy arrogant at best. I have no idea about Scion. I've never had enough interest in any Scion to look into them.
As far as that Chevy dealer with a one-price policy, since they did, in fact, have a 3-5% discount off the sticker, I would have no problem with that and would encourage others who are not comfortable with negotiating to buy there. I would use their discounted price as a jumping-off point to negotiate a lower price with another dealer.
No-haggle pricing never benefits anyone unless there is an actual discount built into the price. Otherwise, it is truly just paying sticker, which you can already do. There are LOTS of sources to find out dealer margins these days, including hold-backs, etc. Dealers absolutely have to make a profit, but they don't have to make a killing.
Review: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT {Autoblog}
Dec 14th 2010 1:05PM Somebody better get ready to eat their hat, 'cause I guarantee you that the new Focus will outsell this. I had high hopes for the Cruze, but after seeing one in person, reading in the mainstream automotive media about how slow it has turned out to be, and seeing what they are charging for a nicely equipped version, I've lost interest. The market for this car will primarily be middle-aged and older folks who need better mileage and/or want a smaller car. Most folks will like other offerings better, whether that's the new Focus or upcoming new Civics or Corollas.
Video: Race-Star ConverTTable may be the coolest coffee table we've ever seen {Autoblog}
Dec 3rd 2010 4:45PM One of you enterprising guys should figure out a similar design that could undercut this price by about half (shouldn't be that hard). There's definitely a market for this.
2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid to start at $60,565 {Autoblog}
Nov 1st 2010 4:42PM To be fair, I believe the Touareg Hybrid only comes more or less fully loaded. I know it only comes in the top trim level. A comparably equipped Cayenne would likely run about $30K or so more at least. Since they're really the same vehicle, the price doesn't seem that ridiculous. Or at least, it's less ridiculous than the Cayenne. I would still probably prefer the TDI, though. The regular gas version would be the cheapest to own, despite the mileage gains, when you factor in the price of diesel fuel. Also, I'm not sure VW is the company you'd want to buy such cutting-edge hybrid technology from until they've had a few years to work the bugs out.
Villa Taj, Estate of the Day {Luxist}
Jul 16th 2009 6:52PM This "developer" is out of his freakin' mind. I have never seen a house with more limited appeal. He is looking for a buyer that:
1. Is probably on the Forbes 400 list.
2. Wants a house that looks like a mausoleum.
3. Has extremely eastern tastes.
4. Wants a home in Illinois.
This house will sit empty for a very long time, eventually selling for a fraction of what it cost to build. Either that or the builder will move into it, if he can afford to. I hope the builder is loaded because he just lost a ton of money.
Why Bob Lutz is the wrong guy to lead GM's turnaround {BloggingStocks}
Jul 16th 2009 2:01PM To paraphrase a favorite old SNL sketch; Zac, you ignorant slut. Lutz is THE best car guy at ANY car company. More than anything, GM needs to build desirable cars and Lutz is the guy to make sure that happens. His denial of global warming is ancient history. He came around to acceptance of that a good while ago. As for selling his stock, are you saying that you would have just stuck your head in the sand and pretended that you weren't about to lose a fortune when it was preventable? What a maroon! All car companies need someone like Lutz who has the "gravitas" to stand up to the the pencil pushers that have been giving us the crap we've been getting for the last 30 or 40 years. To be direct about it, Lutz has the nutz.
P.S. You better hope he doesn't find out you called him an old man, 'cause he just might kick your ass!
