Vehicle Wish List: Some New Cars I'd Like If I Had the Dough
My job keeps me so concerned with the practical aspects of buying and owning a car that sometimes I forget how much fun it is to fantasize about cars I wish I could have. But we've got a couple of new road tests that have reactviated my salivary glands. First and foremost, the 2008 BMW X6. Nothing I could hope to drive soon, due to family and budget constraints, but I can dream, can't I? The hybrid version of this, when it arrives, will also be very exciting.
The 2009 Honda Pilot. Not exactly a "dream car," but for those with families, it's more butch and more practical, with increased off-road ability. Lots of great cargo space and towing ability. Still a winner. Of course, there are really great deals now on the outgoing Pilot, if you're interested.
Then there's the 2009 Audi A4 Avant. Holly has written about the A4 (she loved it, of course). I'll be attending an all-women A4 event at Audi's Infineon Raceway near San Francisco in the beginning of May, where I'll talk with the female design team from Audi's Santa Monica Design Center. I'll report back on it then. I did drive the 2008 Audi A6 for about 10 minutes the other day, and I was really impressed -- even driving around the parking lot at 15 MPG was a pleasure. So I'm looking forward to learning more about all things Audi.
What do you think about these -- or other -- new vehicles? What makes it onto your wish list?
Posted by Joanne Apr 15, 2008 4:02 pm
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Categories: What Women Want in a Car | Car Design and Car Shows
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My wish list is too long:
BMW 335i
Cadillac CTS
Mitsubishi Evo
Range Rover
Audi RS6 Wagon
Audi RS4
Mercedes S-Class (maybe one of the AMG models)
E36 BMW M3 (The Euro version with 320 hp)
The first VW Golf/Rabbit GTI ('75-'83)
'80s Mercedes 300E
Many more I can't think of right now.........
Of course, this wish list is a "money no object" wishlist.....
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opfreak
- Apr 16, 2008 1:44 pm
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I'm a member of the I hate the x6 club, Its a BMW aztec in my eyes, with a strain of the amc Eagle built it. I call it the Stupid A_ Car.
Just outside my budget though these cars on my wish list:
STI, bmw135.
up higher: GT-R, IS-F, vette
somewhere in land of never going to happen. I'd like to drive an R8
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ewilfong
- Apr 16, 2008 2:33 pm
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The part of me that tries to be both practical and cool dad wants something like an S6 Avant. I'd consider an S4 Avant, but I don't know how comfortably my 6'4" frame will fit. An M5 might satisfy that urge as well, but I'm definitely into the wagon/hot hatch trend. I like the 535iT as well, but I prefer the Audi's styling.
The more selfish side wants an M3 coupe, a GT-R, an R8, a Cayman S, nothing groundbreaking.
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brn
- Apr 17, 2008 7:04 am
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I think it's interesting that as price becomes no object, reliability becomes a non-concern.
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opfreak
- Apr 17, 2008 10:19 am
(#5 Total: 10)
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brn - lol, I dont get it ethier.
top gear had the road ready f1 car, the thing broke after a few laps. And they want like 600k for it?
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Brn and opfreak, it's easy to explain, actually. A rich person is likely to have at least several cars. So if that Range Rover breaks down today, he'll simply drive the Lexus to work.
Secondly, for a rich person the cost of repairs is a minor annoyance at worst.
Contrast that to a regular person who can afford only one car. If it breaks down, it's a big problem. And a car that frequently breaks down or need parts replaced also becomes an financial liability and not just an annoyance.
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ewilfong
- Apr 17, 2008 2:47 pm
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Brn and opfreak, you're right to an extent. But I also wonder how many reliability problems reported in newer luxury cars are minor complaints versus true breakdowns. Luxury cars certainly have more things on them that can go wrong in the first place.
Blackadder, I'm not sure your view of the average luxury car buyer as a "rich person" is entirely accurate. I think quite a few people stretch to lease or buy luxury brands across the spectrum. And regardless, I don't know that every person with an above average income has a bevy of luxury vehicles waiting in his or her driveway. One car per working adult is still the norm in this country, whether that car's a BMW or a Ford.
If we're generalizing here, remember that rich folks often want a new car very few years, so they won't have to worry about the cost of repairs. Plus, warranties are generally longer for premium brands. Lease a bimmer for three years, and you'll have almost no expenses during the rental period due to covered maintenance.
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brn
- Apr 18, 2008 5:42 am
(#8 Total: 10)
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blackadder, I agree. I understand why it's not important to them. I still find it interesting that something the rest of us treasure (reliability) is of lesser importance when money is a non-issue. Me? I'd buy a Veron and a Maybach for bragging rights. Toss in an AWD Taurus for daily driving.
ewifong, there may be something to that for some cars. However, many of the cars people are listing, would likely have a higher percentage of serious problems.
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I'm younger than many of the other posters so my dream cara aren't as expensive as many other cars on lists... But I have a rather long list...
Vw Jetta 2.5 SE or TDI
Vw Rabbit 2.5 or TDI 5door
Vw GTI 3door (even R32)
Scion xB
Vw Passat TDI (or 2.0T)
Mazda 3GT
Acura TL
Acura TSX (old) I-CTDI
Saab 9-3
Volvo S40 T5
Honda Cr-V I-CTDI
Honda Accord I-CTDI
Mini Cooper S
VW Tiguan
Heck even a chance to drive Mom's z4 would do it for me...
But A 3door Rabbit TDI or 2.5 with leatherette, Vision Alloys, and a panoramic sunroof is my perfect car!!! Sadly, VW won't comply...
-Cj
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Here, there and everywhere in sunny, Southern California... Usually found going at Warp Factor 10. |
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here's my short list:
- GT-R
- CTC (Cadillac CTS Coupe)
- Lotus Exige S240
- Porsche Cayman S
- Volvo C30
- Audi R8
- Pagani Zonda R
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