Pictures, Likes and (yes) Dislikes - Page 2

Spin9k · 2003-07-19 22:09:24

Quick note on the AC: I've driven my car almost 400 miles this weekend, and it definitely improved over that time. I think it will be part of the break-in process. Maybe the computer that controlls when the compressor shuts off (during high-rev situations to stop sucking power) takes a while to calibrate to your own driving style, and the default isn't that useful. Quick note on the heat: A source inside Mazda (he's on the forum, I'm sure he knows I'm talking about him - don't know if he wants to respond) told me that it's most likely a factor of the heat of the engine being funnelled (my word) back as you're driving, so as it passes along the center console it's not shielded enough and you can feel the heat. I wonder if Mazdatrix or someone who plays with their car a bit could try adding insulation / heat shielding inside there and see if that provides a noticable effect...

07-21-2003, 09:56 AM

#27

IIIseries

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Quote:

Originally posted by pelucidor

In May 2000 I put down a deposit for a new 330i fully loaded (MSRP about $42k) about two months before it first went on sale as a 2001 model. I went to Kelly Blue Book to see how much that car is now worth in Excellent condition. They say $28,735 which is a loss of about $14k.

Instead of the 330i I bought a 2001 Lexus IS300 (fully loaded of course inc. LSD etc) for about $34k which is now worth about $22,365 according to KBB, a loss of about $12k. Now you have to understand the IS300 did not do as well in the market as predicted, so residuals are much worse than they were expected to be 3 years ago. I expect the G35 to be a lot better than the IS300 and it will probably lose $8k-$10k after three years, still a lot better than the $14k loss for the BMW 330i from MSRP. I admit the G35 interior doesn't look great, but at least for $30k MSRP you get real (good quality) leather and not 'leatherette' in a 325i Sport at a similar $30k MSRP.

I am editing this post to say that I don't dislike BMW by any means - I used to have a 320i back in England many years ago and loved it, and a Saab 900i before that and an A4 after that so I am not a 'Japanese car fanboy' by any means. Even today I think BMW is the only large car company that instills driving enjoyment into every vehicle they make. However 5-10 years ago they had no real competition, and today they have a lot of it, and some of that competition is very good and relatively good value for money. Some people will say that money is not a concern and that the 'best' costs more, but to them I say go ahead and buy a 911 Turbo or 360 Modena instead, or at least an M3, they are obviously better. To me value for money is very important as I am far from wealthy, and the RX-8 and G35 (and M3s and Corvettes IMO) have good value and performance for the money, more so than my IS300 or most BMWs.

Blah blah blah.

Again, whatever. I stand behind the G's value falling like a rock because it's from the worst of all the so-called Japanese luxury makers.

And as for that crack about quality leather, come down to CA and check out my wife's seats. Notice all the cracks and lines from a car not even a year old, from a chick with no fat on her anywhere. Then look at mine and notice no cracks at all, though I outweigh her by a good 90 lbs. Hmmmm...

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