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Audi, BMW or Mercedes
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Apr 2000
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Just wondering what the readership here chooses.
I personally, group Audis, BMWs and Mercedes in the same "class" cause they seem to be so similar from a customer perspective (yes there are differences in the detail). I find the biggest difference being the design.
So what do you own ?
2003 Audi A4 here.
Cheers
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Hong Kong
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I should say I have had one of each of these before, but do not own anything now as such. (public transport here is inexpensive and convenient)
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: The Intertube
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I've had all three. It really depends on which model segment.
Models that i like.
Audi - R8 (super car look/performance with a price tag that actually makes sense.)
Mercedes - S500 (best car to be chauffeured to and from work.)
BMW - 535i (the upcoming F10, great looking and should be an excellent all-rounder.)
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Berkshire, UK
Status:
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I currently own an Audi, but my last car was a BMW. Overall, the BMW was, I think, a better car. Better built, nicer drive and less expensive to maintain.
The Audi was less expensive to buy (both were bought used), although I think it will end up costing me quite a bit more in the long run. It is, however, more appropriate to my lifestyle and I very happy with it. They are both good cars.
I've never owned a Mercedes, but of those I've driven and ridden in they seem quite nice, if a bit dull (at least the affordable ones).
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Banned
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Indy.
Status:
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Where's the "Chevy" option?
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Clinically Insane
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Vacation.
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Correct answer: They're all poop these days. How I long for the good old days of ten years ago when cars actually looked nice and didn't have a Playstation controller in them just to work the heating.
Audi wins at the moment. S6 is least hideous.
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Been inclined to wander... off the beaten track.
That's where there's thunder... and the wind shouts back.
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Automatic
Status:
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Mercedes-Benz > BMW > Audi
Even Schumacher knows it.
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: sic semper tyrannis
Status:
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Originally Posted by Hawkeye_a
Just wondering what the readership here chooses.
of the three, i'd probably choose 1.bmw, 2.mercedes, 3.audi
2008 infiniti g35x
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one post closer to five stars
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Nashua NH, USA
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I've driven two Audi's as loaners from the dealership and the front seats were very flat and unyielding. Reminded me of the benches in a school bus.
If I needed a sedan I'd probably look at BMW before the others but it wouldn't be my first choice of brand.
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Standing on the shoulders of giants
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They did a comparison of Audi and BMW on one of the French car shows recently. Bearing in mind that the French like their diesels, the Audis are seen as the better cars atm. They seem to be on the crest of a wave as well. I always wondered why people spent loads of money on an Audi or even a VW, when Seat or Skoda share so much tech from their mother company. The Seat Exeo is just an older version of the A4 for example. The Skoda Superb is a Passat.
Still, I always thought that the BMW M5 would be my first purchase after winning the lottery.
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Isle of Manhattan
Status:
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MB a Benz SLR722 or SLK55. I'd prefer a Bentley Continental GT.
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"Faster, faster! 'Till the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death." - HST
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Southern, NJ (near Philly YO!)
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While driving on the many Autobahns and talking to a variety of German people they seem to prefer Audi over any other domestic car. The Mercs. and BMW's always pull off the fast lane for the Audi's to come by. I would pick an Audi TDI. Hope more are to come here in the states.
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MacBook Pro 15" i7 ~ Snow Leopard ~ iPhone 4 - 16Gb
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Posting Junkie
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado
Status:
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None of the current Benzes interest me at all. I don't like BMW's interiors, they are look too normal (except the new Z4). I think Audi has a much nicer product overall.
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Denver, CO
Status:
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I'm a fan of Audi and their affiliates...
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: UKland
Status:
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I'd buy a Citroen C6. Yum
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This space for Hire! Reasonable rates. Reach an audience of literally dozens!
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Clinically Insane
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: planning a comeback !
Status:
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Originally Posted by Doc HM
I'd buy a Citroen C6. Yum
Yaah, like, wrong thread
-t
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Posting Junkie
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado
Status:
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Originally Posted by Doc HM
I'd buy a Citroen C6. Yum
I'd rather walk. Public transportation would be better, even though some school children have written NICK IS A GAYLORD in the fog on the window.
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Clinically Insane
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: planning a comeback !
Status:
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Originally Posted by imitchellg5
I'd rather walk.
I'd even refuse to have my casket transported in that
-t
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Apr 2000
Status:
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I'm probably not the best person for an unbiased opinion here, but personally i prefer the design(curves, lines, grill, etc) of the Audis. The one thing i noticed about Audis that stands out to me is the sound inside the car with the windows up, i can barely hear the engine at all.... which is not always a good thing. And on the outside when an Audi goes by.... it purrs. The BMWs seem to have a very metallic tinny sound imo.
As far as design, im not a fan of the direction that Mercedes has gone in...too many lines and too "busy". I've sort of aways been indifferent to the style of the BMWs. When i got my current car one of the main factor was the design, and i loved the smooth curves on the Audis.
Performance-wise, i think the BMWs squeeze a bit more out.
Have you guys seen the new A5 sportsback ? it seems like the G4-Cube of Audis to me...neither here nor there, and the pictures make it look like a station-wagon, but then i watched the promo on Youtube and actually liked what i saw.
Cheers
(
Last edited by Hawkeye_a; Jan 22, 2010 at 02:25 PM.
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Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status:
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I have an `07 M3. I love the car, it's really amazing. Not "twist your head off" fast, but very quick. Lots of gadgets and toys in it, you could get lost in the computer for hours just tinkering.
All that aside, I really want a Merc AMG Black. Really, really want. That would take more coaxing and begging than I can muster, however.
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"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Oct 2000
Status:
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(
Last edited by Jim Paradise; Feb 28, 2010 at 07:17 AM.
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: San Diego
Status:
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Originally Posted by Shaddim
Lots of gadgets and toys in it, you could get lost in the computer for hours just tinkering.
Personally, that is the one and only turn off for me when it comes to BMW. I was really interested in the 6 series, but just too much going on in the cockpit. Even the sales person was going in circles with the computer.
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Mar 2002
Status:
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My Mercedes consists of a 5 cylinder Diesel in my Sprinter 3500 Chassis.
The Sprinter Chassis is part of my Winnebago View RV.
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Status:
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I have a 2002 M3 convertible. Still love driving it.
As some one alluded to earlier, not the fastest car on the block, but handles extremely well.
I'm not a big fan of the new 3-series look (although the M3 version looks pretty nice).
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"It's weird the way 'finger puppets' sounds ok as a noun..."
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Status:
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I can't stand the Christmas lights they put into the new Audis. Looks terrible.
I currently drive a Mercedes B200. Great little city car, comfortable, well made and easy on the gas.
I bought mine off lease, with 25k miles on the clock and 2 years warrantee remaining for about half the price it was when it was new.
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Clinically Insane
Join Date: Dec 1999
Status:
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BMW has iDrive, so it's disqualified.
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"…I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than
you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods,
you will understand why I dismiss yours." - Stephen F. Roberts
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Oakland, CA
Status:
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Originally Posted by cjrivera
I have a 2002 M3 convertible. Still love driving it.
As some one alluded to earlier, not the fastest car on the block, but handles extremely well.
I'm not a big fan of the new 3-series look (although the M3 version looks pretty nice).
Great car, there. The E46 was the best BMW design to me by far. I don't like ANY of the E92 BMW styling. The design took a turn for the worse and they all look like tanks now.
This is a damn near perfect car though...
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Status:
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Originally Posted by exca1ibur
Love that car.
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"It's weird the way 'finger puppets' sounds ok as a noun..."
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Automatic
Status:
Offline
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The Mercs. and BMW's always pull off the fast lane for the Audi's to come by.
We are all grownups, aren't we all?.
And on the outside when an Audi goes by.... it purrs
Is yours Diesel or petrol?.
As far as design, im not a fan of the direction that Mercedes has gone in...too many lines and too "busy". When i got my current car one of the main factor was the design, and i loved the smooth curves on the Audis.
Someone has been brainwashed by Stefan Sielaff thinking.
I've sort of aways been indifferent to the style of the BMWs
Indifferent?. Now that's something brave to say !!
I can't stand the Christmas lights they put into the new Audis. Looks terrible.
Couldn't agree more.
I currently drive a Mercedes B200. Great little city car, comfortable, well made and easy on the gas.
Such an amazing car.
This is a damn near perfect car though...
Why does it come with a Jawbone earphone?
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Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: San Antonio TX USA
Status:
Offline
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I would have a BMW Z4 if I could afford the maintenance and tires. Not scheduled maintenance; they cover that with their latest warranty. It's the unexpected stuff, plus the tires, that would make the car unaffordable. It was bad enough buying tires for a Honda S2000; nearly $1500 for a Japanese brand I have only peripherally heard of. They're nice tires, but holy cow they're dear! (My Civic's new Michelins were about $900, so I really shouldn't complain too much...)
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Glenn -----OTR/L, MOT, Tx
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Posting Junkie
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Status:
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2003 BMW M3 (E46)
Going to a two day event at H2R this weekend.
Originally Posted by ghporter
I would have a BMW Z4 if I could afford the maintenance and tires. Not scheduled maintenance; they cover that with their latest warranty. It's the unexpected stuff, plus the tires, that would make the car unaffordable. It was bad enough buying tires for a Honda S2000; nearly $1500 for a Japanese brand I have only peripherally heard of. They're nice tires, but holy cow they're dear! (My Civic's new Michelins were about $900, so I really shouldn't complain too much...)
Are those US dollars? $900 for tires on a Civic?!
A set of RE11 for your S2k or a Z4 is only $700(+installation), even the 18/19s are only $1000(+installation).
(
Last edited by mduell; Jan 22, 2010 at 08:00 PM.
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Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Nobletucky
Status:
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I owned a BMW back in my self-absorbed yuppie days. I'd love to have that car back, now.
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Mac Enthusiast
Join Date: May 2001
Status:
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Way too much front overhang on (front engine) Audi's, the R8 is like a new NSX, a bit boring for me.
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Posting Junkie
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado
Status:
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Originally Posted by ghporter
(My Civic's new Michelins were about $900, so I really shouldn't complain too much...)
$900??? I got very nice Continentals on my Accord for $495.
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Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: San Antonio TX USA
Status:
Offline
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Originally Posted by mduell
2003 BMW M3 (E46)
Going to a two day event at H2R this weekend.
Are those US dollars? $900 for tires on a Civic?!
A set of RE11 for your S2k or a Z4 is only $700(+installation), even the 18/19s are only $1000(+installation).
Michelins on a Civic Sedan with 16" wheels was about $800; I forgot I had the battery replaced at the same time. Not cheap tires, and it was about the amount we had planned on paying. The S200 with 17" wheels got Sumitomo tires (and a new battery-both cars were bought on the same day). We got the "salon" deal with free rotation, repairs, even roadside service, on both cars too. We were expecting to spend about that much when the time came, but we got surprised by "the time" coming at the same time for both cars.
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Glenn -----OTR/L, MOT, Tx
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Forum Regular
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: The Capital of Silicon Valley
Status:
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VW CC :
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All of this has happened before and all of it will happen again.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: The Intertube
Status:
Offline
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Originally Posted by exca1ibur
Great car, there. The E46 was the best BMW design to me by far. I don't like ANY of the E92 BMW styling. The design took a turn for the worse and they all look like tanks now.
I agree. I hate chris bangle.
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Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 46 & 2
Status:
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Originally Posted by iMOTOR
Personally, that is the one and only turn off for me when it comes to BMW. I was really interested in the 6 series, but just too much going on in the cockpit. Even the sales person was going in circles with the computer.
Humbug, it's not that bad. If Jeremy Clarkson can figure it out, anyone can.
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"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine
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Clinically Insane
Join Date: Dec 1999
Status:
Offline
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Originally Posted by Shaddim
Humbug, it's not that bad. If Jeremy Clarkson can figure it out, anyone can.
(paraphrasing) Suppose you're navigating a series of complex turns and streets. You bring up your satnav. This'll be easy! Oh, but it's chilly. I think I'll turn heater on... WHERE'D THE SATNAV GO?! I'M LOST!
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"…I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than
you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods,
you will understand why I dismiss yours." - Stephen F. Roberts
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Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: San Antonio TX USA
Status:
Offline
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Originally Posted by olePigeon
(paraphrasing) Suppose you're navigating a series of complex turns and streets. You bring up your satnav. This'll be easy! Oh, but it's chilly. I think I'll turn heater on... WHERE'D THE SATNAV GO?! I'M LOST!
...even Hammond would figure it out eventually. Probably with Jeremy making fun of him for his method, of course.
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Glenn -----OTR/L, MOT, Tx
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Hong Kong
Status:
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Originally Posted by exca1ibur
This is a damn near perfect car though...
Exactly.
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Professional Poster
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Hampton Roads, VA
Status:
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Technically I own a BMW, but it's a Mini Cooper.
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All glory to the hypnotoad.
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Clinically Insane
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: planning a comeback !
Status:
Offline
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Originally Posted by jokell82
Technically I own a BMW, but it's a Mini Cooper.
Technically, I'm happy for you, but...
-t
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: San Diego
Status:
Offline
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Originally Posted by Shaddim
Humbug, it's not that bad. If Jeremy Clarkson can figure it out, anyone can.
I can figure it out if I want to, that’s not my issue. I just don’t want a car that I feel is unnecessarily complicated or complex. Same reason I use a Mac.
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Posting Junkie
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Status:
Offline
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Originally Posted by ghporter
Michelins on a Civic Sedan with 16" wheels was about $800; I forgot I had the battery replaced at the same time. Not cheap tires, and it was about the amount we had planned on paying. The S200 with 17" wheels got Sumitomo tires (and a new battery-both cars were bought on the same day). We got the "salon" deal with free rotation, repairs, even roadside service, on both cars too. We were expecting to spend about that much when the time came, but we got surprised by "the time" coming at the same time for both cars.
Michelin makes a wide range of tires even for a Civic, but even the priciest ones are $150/tire.
Sumitomo is a low-end brand, their entire lineup for the S2000 runs $70-100/tire.
I think you're getting massively ripped off. Rotation and repairs are standard at Costco/Discount Tire/etc.
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Oakland, CA
Status:
Offline
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I paid about $140/ea for 18" tires with lifetime rotation and repair from Discount Tire. They were Toyo Proxies 4. $800 does seem a bit steep.
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Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: San Antonio TX USA
Status:
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I've gone through the receipts, and aside from an extra charge for mounting the Michelin Primacy tires on the Civic, and a different extra charge for mounting the Sumi HTR Z IIIs on the S2000, everything was pretty much the same as at Discount Tire. We got new batteries, both cars needed alignments (pricey on an S2000), and there were a number of niggly fees. Add the tax rate here (8.25%-yes it sucks), and we wound up paying about $2000.
Now I guarantee that I won't go back there for tires. The process wasn't smooth, the sales guy had us by the short hairs and we all knew it, and we really did need 4 new tires on both cars. We had not expected the extra fees-we had been Discount Tire customers for years, but went to this place because of their battery deal-and those fees will be why we don't go back.
Fancy tires were just an example I used; when BMW factory mechanics are a rare commodity and most work at dealerships, and when BMW authorized parts are priced to reflect the cache of the brand, they can be difficult to afford over time, even if the purchase price is affordable. (How's that for getting things back on the original subject? )
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Glenn -----OTR/L, MOT, Tx
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Apr 2000
Status:
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Originally Posted by angelmb
Is yours Diesel or petrol?.
Petrol. It's not completely silent, just really quiet even when i accelerate. I like it.
As for the R8, i like everything about that car except those "ears" along the side(black in this case), they should have just made it the same color as the rest of the car. i think the new version of the car(V10?) has it.
Audi A5 Sportsback.... general opinions ?
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Southern, NJ (near Philly YO!)
Status:
Offline
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Originally Posted by HackManDan
VW CC :
I saw one of these and OMG it is beautiful!!! Pictures do not do it justice.
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MacBook Pro 15" i7 ~ Snow Leopard ~ iPhone 4 - 16Gb
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Millersville, PA
Status:
Offline
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I love MB. Was in a wrecker 7 years ago and walked out unscathed.
I had an 86 560SEL, similar to this:
YouTube - Mercedes safety
My father will buy one when he retires. But if i move out of the city and buy a car, I don't think I could afford one. Probably get a Subaru or similar compact car.
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F = ma
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