[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by Shawn 507

Jim / FlyXwire -
I'm just waiting for some pinko commie L-word to say my avatar is offensive and that I'll have to change it. I don't get the idol worship of this idiot, but then most who have the t-shirt probably don't know the whole story. Victims of a public education I guess!

If you're looking for some Commandante Che Guevara fans, look no further from the makers of the film "The Motorcycle Diaries" - a bunch of commie-loving losers who should know better than to make such garbage films like that...

[Rush104]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

If you're looking for some Commandante Che Guevara fans, look no further from the makers of the film "The Motorcycle Diaries" - a bunch of commie-loving losers who should know better than to make such garbage films like that...

Didn't watch the movie- the book was boring enough. I'd like to get the few hours of my life I wasted reading that back...

[PH-LKK]

Originally Posted by Raven

As far a Defender goes - most european manufactures have learned that they cannot produce a sub $35K vehicle and sell it successfully in the USA (BMW 318, Saab 9-2X, MB C-coupe, Volvo S40 and C30, Freelander 1, Audi A3) - the margins are just too small. Also, American consumers won't pay big $$ for a small or non "premium feel" vehicle (only the BMW 3 series bucks the trend).

Well, BMW is about to test that thesis pretty heavily with the 1-series. Time will tell.

[Shawn 507]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

If you're looking for some Commandante Che Guevara fans, look no further from the makers of the film "The Motorcycle Diaries" - a bunch of commie-loving losers who should know better than to make such garbage films like that...

Didn't someone post a pic of those guys with the rainbow flag off the tail of the bike earlier? I don't care to waste my time reading about Che or any other banana republic revolutionary out there.

[parsig9]

Originally Posted by Raven

The company made a huge profit under Ford last year and looking forward, the product pipeline should remain very competitive.

Good thing they sold it then! Last thing we need here in MI is Ford to be making money.
capitalist pigs! Sell all the parts that make money Mr. Ford. Dumb

And put the money from the sales into the Lions' defense!

[Raven]

Originally Posted by PH-LKK

Well, BMW is about to test that thesis pretty heavily with the 1-series. Time will tell.

I agree, a basic (and small) coupe with a manual transmission and Leatherette seats for $29,000 will surely test the strength of the brand. The base convertable starts at $33K!

For that kind of money, I'd stretch for a 3-Series (a steal at $33K).

Actually, BMW heavily subsidises leases here in the USA on the lower level models (up to $10K on X3) so the 1-Series may actually have a pretty affordable lease (after 6-8 months of a failed product launch).

[parsig9]

Or a new Acura TL or Nissan Maxima. Bang for the buck ya know...

I checked out a friends 3 series a few months ago. Pretty, but I sat in the back seat. Not so pretty for $35,000
My Acura and my wife's Lexus, both bought lightly used, didn't cost that together.

The Civic I had in college had more room I think and that was with all the cans on the floor.


Now back to TATA and how they'll make a killing like BMW

[Raven]

For $30K+ there are a lot of great vehicles to choose from (that used to be $20K, then $25K, now $30K).

Again, its the old value for the dollar debate - is percieved status, world-class engineering, leading edge technology and great driving dynamics more important than say, vehicle size, engine HP, back seat room or trunk size. For a certain number of folks, the answer is yes. BMW has done a great job of marketing here in the USA over the last 25 years (remember the yuppie craze) and people still veiw it as "The ultimate driving machine". Some folks are willing to pay top dollar for not just a well made vehicle but also the social status and perception of wealth that go along with owning it.

Heck, every day people walk into Land Rover Centres and pay $95K+ for Supercharged Range Rovers (a steal vs. UK pricing) and I am very thankful that they do!

Me, I spend all my extra money on Lego (for the kids) and diecast airplanes...

[timbo]

Originally Posted by Raven

For $30K+ there are a lot of great vehicles to choose from (that used to be $20K, then $25K, now $30K).

Again, its the old value for the dollar debate - is percieved status, world-class engineering, leading edge technology and great driving dynamics more important than say, vehicle size, engine HP, back seat room or trunk size. For a certain number of folks, the answer is yes. BMW has done a great job of marketing here in the USA over the last 25 years (remember the yuppie craze) and people still veiw it as "The ultimate driving machine". Some folks are willing to pay top dollar for not just a well made vehicle but also the social status and perception of wealth that go along with owning it.

Heck, every day people walk into Land Rover Centres and pay $95K+ for Supercharged Range Rovers (a steal vs. UK pricing) and I am very thankful that they do!

Me, I spend all my extra money on Lego (for the kids) and diecast airplanes...

If the 1 series is as good as the 3 then they will have a star on their hands - It looks absolutely gorgeous, and they've proved with the Mini that they can develop and market a successful small car.

It may be marketing but BMW really do understand their market niche well. They practically invented the small sports saloon(sedan).

I bought one of the last generation 328i's (E46) when they were first released back in 99. Still got it and will still have it for the foreseeable future. Yes I paid a lot for it, but I have to say it's the best car I've ever owned and a pleasure to drive every day.

IMHO there is nothing Detroit make now that could even compare with the way they put the 3 seres together (Both the current and the last models). They have cars that are quick, but I like to go round corners thank-you very much!!!!

[jim]

Originally Posted by Shawn 507

Jim / FlyXwire -
. Victims of a public education I guess!

Lack of education more like.