2003 Houston Car Show

I almost went to the autoshow this past weekend, but didn't. Did they have the Mazda RX-8? What did you think? I've seen the 6. I think it's a pretty nice car. I don't like the exterior design all that much, but I like the center console layout. Kinda cool.

 

I watched the car show from Detroit on ESPN on Friday. The 2005 Mustang looks interesting. I may have to trade in my current one when that comes out. I think they said the GT has a 400hp engine!

 

I took the family Saturday. I'm one test drive away from trading in the 95 BMW 530ti for a New Mini Cooper S.

 

Holy crap! Make sure to check out the Infiniti M45. That thing has voice controls & a 340hp V8! That new FX45 wasn't too bad either.

 

Seriously, I don't understand why people spend 10k more on the Lexus when the Infiniti is of equal or greater quality & reliability, better performance, & wayyyy more advanced technologically for much less $$.

Did you see the camera on the Q45? When you put it in reverse it shows you whats behind you on the nav screen/tv. Guy at the show said that there's a way you can also run it while driving & watch cars behind you through your navigation screen - Bond style!

Infiniti has really turned things around - maybe they need a better marketing campaign...

 

Basically because a lot of people thing the re-sale value for Lexus', Mercedes' is better than the re-sale value for Infinitis'

 

I can't stand the M45. They're not selling well either. Dealers will probably deal with you on them. That whole body style looks like some Chevy-gone-wrong. Nice engine and fairly nice interior, though.

I still drool over the G35... my next car... woo hoo.

 

Because when they sell them, the resale value is about $15k more...

Infiniti's have terrible resale values in comparison. Also, Infiniti is just now raising the bar on their cars. Their previous iterations were basically re-badged Nissans with some more goodies... all except for the Q45 which looks like a bulbous boat.

... and I'm a Nissan/Infiniti nut.

 

I saw a silver M45 on the road - it looked good to me - a departure from most bland designs Lexus & Acura are throwing out there. The new Lexus LS looks like a box, I don't know why they threw out the last one...

Anyway, the M45 seems like a specialty car, kind of a luxury muscle car. Infiniti seems to be pushing the design envelope these days & if you can get past its looks it's probably the best value out there for a luxury sports sedan.
I know that the resale values are lower but that should change w/ the new designs/demand.

I have a friend who just blew near 40k on a freaking Audi A4. He could have gotten a loaded M45 for 5k more, pretty ridiculous.

 

JD Power would disagree with you. There's a reason Lexus has such great resale. They may be boring, but their quality is probably the best in the world.

 

Having looked at JD Power, Edmunds, & other sites, etc. it seems Infiniti & Acura quality is on par w/ Lexus.

You want to talk about dropping luxury car quality, see Chrysler Benz...

 

Any word on the new 3 series coupe from BMW?

If anyone happened to see it in person, spill the beans.

 

I don't think the shape of the 3 series is going to change much is it? Some of the stuff I heard would be new would be the inclusion of the i-drive system that was introduced in the 7-series. Also the M3 would maybe get a V8. I don't really follow BMW much, so I'm not sure what else is new.

I know they're coming out with their 1-series in a couple of years I think. Should have a starting price in the mid-20's.

 

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