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NO MORE GERMAN CARS - Now What Do YOU DRIVE???

Agent00J submitted on 05/17/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 10:01 AM
from: www.autospies.com

[144] user comments | category: New Cars

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NO MORE GERMAN CARS - Now What Do YOU DRIVE???

A hypothetical question, but still a fun one to consider. Agent 001 asked me a similar question during the interview process, and I couldn't answer.

A world without BMW, Mercedes, Audi or VW. Sure, all you Lexus fans out there are cheering the scenario, but lets face it, were it not for Mercedes and BMW, there probably wouldn't be a Lexus or Infiiniti either. Heck, we wouldn't even have Acura come to think of it.

So the question is this, take the Germans off the market, and for fun remove Lexus and Infiniti as well and tell us and the world:

WHAT WOULD YOU DRIVE???

I will lead off by declaring that without the brands we all love (or hate) I would probably drive the Dodge Charger SRT8 or the Challenger SRT8. Yeah yeah yeah, we can split hairs and say we wouldn't even have those cars seeing as they are based on the older MB E-class chassis, but we lets not get that technical today.

I think the Nissan Altima SE-R and Pontiac G8 GT would get more than a casual glance as well, but for me I think the Dodge vehicles get my nod.

So now you know my choice, now it is your turn to enlighten the rest of us.

WHAT WOULD YOU DRIVE???

NO MORE GERMAN CARS - Now What Do YOU DRIVE???

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Carboy - 5/17/2008 10:13:54 AMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Jaguar XF.

reply to this comment

Agent001 - 5/17/2008 11:56:54 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Well if I had to choose Domestic's or Japanese only which I think is what you wanted everyone to choose (one or two from either), not Ferrari's or other premium marques, I'd be driving the new CTS-V, Escalade or Tahoe Hybrid.

If it was Japanese only, Nissan GT-R or Lexus GS450h.

001

Agent001 - 5/17/2008 11:58:07 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

I like the new Sierra Z71 Pickup's as well...

001

Agent001 - 5/17/2008 12:03:25 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

And FJ Cruiser

001

Agent001 - 5/17/2008 12:08:21 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

EVO ain't bad either

001

Agent001 - 5/17/2008 1:09:49 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I also like the King Ranch F-150's except the mileage is SO much worse (11-12 vs. 15-17) than the new GM's, I'd go GM.

001

EnnNorak - 5/17/2008 2:21:36 PM

-4 Boost

Carboy, Jaguar is Indian now and the Chinese are coming. I'd be content with a Hyundai Santa Fe. My first choice is the FJ Cruiser but I'm the only one in the family who likes it.

ubercool - 5/17/2008 4:14:11 PM

-4 Boost

Jaguar XF is my first choice before the German offerings

Agent004 - 5/17/2008 8:56:48 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

The bus.

Kraut_god - 5/20/2008 4:15:34 PM

0 Boost

why would i want to drive a german car? over priced faulty reliability bland styling.

humperdeath - 5/22/2008 3:19:03 PM

+1 Boost

Is Schwinn german? I'd have to go there, or uncover my '79 280zx.

KZ258 - 5/17/2008 10:14:02 AM

+8 Boost

oh my god...here we go again

reply to this comment

silver1 - 5/17/2008 3:54:17 PM

-5 Boost

I'll drive Acura.......

It drives Good, reliable, excellent styling, and I can fun with the SH-AWD the only alternative to BMW and AUdi's Quattro....

Acura

stone - 5/17/2008 10:29:56 AM

+3 Boost

Mainstream
Coupe: Nissan 350Z
Compact: Mazda 3
Midsize: Nissan Maxima SE
Full Size: Pontiac G8
SUV: Chevy Tahoe

Luxury
Coupe: Corvette Z06
Compact: Volvo S60R
Midsize: Cadillac CTS
SUV: Cadillac Escalade

Full Size: Is there anything decent in this category from anyone but the Japanese/Germans????

reply to this comment

2ndbimmer - 5/17/2008 10:37:05 AM

-1 Boost

If the economy forced us NOT to buy foreign vehicles. I would get the new G8 with the 6.1L and the wrangler unlimited. The new pontiacs are actually REALLY nice! I never thought it, but my friend got a g6 GT and it has everything you would ever need in a vehicle, and for the low $20k range!
The 4 door wrangler is the ultimate utility vehicle. family fun, goes through anything.

reply to this comment

lexusis350 - 5/18/2008 3:34:02 AM

0 Boost

I had a friend buy a G6 too and it started falling apart 7 months later. Personally, I'd stay away from Pontiac.

993Turbo - 5/19/2008 8:30:45 AM

0 Boost

Jeeps are total crap. Fact, not opinion.

Porschinator - 5/19/2008 7:37:29 PM

+2 Boost

A firend of mine recently got a G6 and she loves it. I have had friends buy new Camry's, last gen Camaro, and RR that had problems and does not mean the whole line is screwed.

You can go to any Forum for any car and there are always people that have issues. Cars comps just have to lessen the potential issues or get bad press similar to above...

ThierryHenry14 - 5/17/2008 10:39:43 AM

-2 Boost

probably a Bentley GT...

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Agent00J - 5/17/2008 10:41:39 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

I assume you already drive a German car on par with the Bentley GT which would put you in a MB S65 or CL65.

Of course, the point is in a real world situation what would you drive???

ricer - 5/17/2008 10:52:30 AM

-8 Boost

drive your mother! u suck ooj, this is lame

KZ258 - 5/17/2008 11:40:42 AM

+1 Boost

LOL!!

CLK63BlackSeries - 5/17/2008 12:15:51 PMView My AgentSpace

-5 Boost

The Bently GT is crap compared to a CL65

answer - 5/17/2008 12:32:45 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Agent J,

Assumptions based upon your own arrogance makes you look like an ass.

What the hell is happening to this place?

Agent00J - 5/17/2008 12:39:46 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

What arrogance might I ask?

I could have thrown out the Ferrari or Bentley as the car of choice if no German cars existed but I didn't. I chose cars that fit the bill that I think would be a good alternative given the question at hand.

While we all wish we could afford cars like the Bentley GT, the fact is most of us can't, myself included.

answer - 5/17/2008 1:10:29 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Arrogance =

"I assume you already drive a German car on par with the Bentley GT which would put you in a MB S65 or CL65."

ThierryHenry14 - 5/17/2008 2:51:07 PM

0 Boost

No, I drive an A4, but I also have a GT3, so if there were no Porsche, then a Bentley...

Agent00J - 5/17/2008 4:07:08 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

ThierryHenry14 - How about setting up your AgentSpace page and show us some pictures of your GT3 for the rest of us to lust after???

Agent009 - 5/19/2008 11:39:04 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

"ThierryHenry14 - How about setting up your AgentSpace page and show us some pictures of your GT3 for the rest of us to lust after???"

Now that would be too easy! Easy to talk the talk, but difficult to walk the walk.

CLK63BlackSeries - 5/20/2008 3:16:30 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

a Bently GT is still at least 50k more than a gt3

1evlaudi - 5/17/2008 11:02:46 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

that's easy; Pontiac G8 if I need a sedan. Buick SUV if I need a SUV, Corvete if I need a sports car, Dodge Magnum if I need a station Wagon, Ford Escape Hybrid if I need something practical and good on gas, Dodge Challenger or Camaro convertible (when they come out) if I need a nice convertible.

reply to this comment

toolatetorace - 5/17/2008 2:31:01 PM

-1 Boost

Station Wagon ?!?! this sure is a term the auto makers cringe when they hear that word . They for some reasons are trying to sweep that name under the carpet , Now , it is, compact ultility vehicle , or Caddy would use the name , performance utility vehicle . What a hoot . why dont' they call them what they are . Now GM is talking about making thier line of SUV's more car like .Looks like they are going back to where they when they did make wagons . Sorry for being of topic but, I couldn't resist

_43LE - 5/17/2008 11:07:29 AM

+9 Boost

"Sure, all you Lexus fans out there are cheering the scenario"

Typical adversarial fanboy comment. Does everyone here assume that if you like Lexus you hate the German brands? I like Japanese and German cars.

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answer - 5/17/2008 12:34:32 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

"Does everyone here assume that if you like Lexus you hate the German brands? I like Japanese and German cars."

Only the narrow-minded think that way. Unfortunately most posters here, and now agents, seem to follow that belief.

SteedPub - 5/17/2008 11:07:30 AM

0 Boost

Mini Cooper S :)

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mwrmmg - 5/17/2008 1:16:47 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

That's German made in the UK!!

SteedPub - 5/17/2008 6:12:29 PM

0 Boost

Dammit. You caught me.

mark06902 - 5/17/2008 11:16:26 AM

+3 Boost

a Maserati....duhhhh

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TurboSpyder - 5/17/2008 11:19:50 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

<a href="http://turbospyder.myautospies.com/users/217/Sample-Gallery/Ferrari599.jpg" class="highslide" onclick="return hs.expand(this, {captionId: ''})"><img src="http://turbospyder.myautospies.com/users/217/Sample-Gallery/Ferrari599.jpg" style="width: 540px; border: solid 1px #000000;" alt="" /></a>

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1995e34 - 5/17/2008 11:25:15 AM

-2 Boost

without the germans, volvo would be king of the hill and probably never have cheapened themselves with that mickey mouse fwd crap. so, a rwd s60.

reply to this comment

TurboSpyder - 5/17/2008 11:27:35 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Ahh screw it! A Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.

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AlexTx - 5/17/2008 11:28:11 AM

-1 Boost

Renault Clio RS Cup.

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enthusiastx11 - 5/17/2008 11:40:57 AM

0 Boost

well that would really suck.

but i'd switch from a 335i to a cadillac CTS.

reply to this comment

BimmerGuyFL78 - 5/17/2008 11:44:53 AM

+9 Boost

Hyundai Genesis

:)

reply to this comment

Agent001 - 5/17/2008 12:24:07 PMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

LOL!!!!!!

001

answer - 5/17/2008 12:30:36 PMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

I see agent001 continues his "I know more than everyone else" parade against the Genesis.

Dude, it's not going to win LeMans or get you a prime spot at the Bellagio's valet, but it sure ain't the rolling pile of crap you'd have us all beleive.

lexusis350 - 5/17/2008 12:55:35 PM

-6 Boost

Prove that it's not. How many 10, 15, or 20 year old Hyundais do you see on the road? Huh? Not many. Hyundai hasn't proven that they're a decent brand. Even if they do manage to become a good car, I will never own one. They've permanently damaged their reputation with me.

Agent001 - 5/17/2008 1:06:11 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

The Genesis is a better Avalon.

Nothin more.

So it's a very good car, just not even close to being a true competitor to the upper echelon.

End of story.

001

answer - 5/17/2008 1:12:45 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

I really don't think the Genesis was supposed to be competing with the Rolls or Maseratis of the world as you seem to think.

TurboSpyder - 5/17/2008 1:52:46 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

A Korean car magazine gave the Genesis a pretty poor review:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=I8GEz6ioGTI

Bored - 5/17/2008 3:36:26 PM

+4 Boost

@ TurboSpyder,

That review is actually misleading. The car tested was based on Korean market specs with the 3.8 V6. Apparently, Koreans like their cars to ride soft (think Buick). The US and European specs Genesis will be more to that reviewers liking and probably to yours as well.

olscuul - 5/17/2008 9:37:25 PM

+2 Boost

i asked what a 1990 ls400 with 190k that has been sitting in a garage for 4 years was worth.
the answer was 'nothing' as in no money.

auto001 - 5/17/2008 10:17:20 PM

+2 Boost

He drove the base 3.3 V6 model with softer suspension and narrow tires, he seems to like the sound and the response of the engine. Then he makes a idiotic statement about how this car doesn't quite "feel" like a rwd car and that, turning off the VDC doesn't quite turn it off completely, then he goes on saying even if the VDC is "on", he detects the rear trying to "step out" huh? you just said this doesn't feel like a rwd car! what an idiot!

Personally, I'm very surprised how good this car looks, I even like the Aston Martin like double wing logo :) This truly will bring luxury for the common masses, and as Hyundais of late, it will be dead realiable.

TehShibbs - 5/19/2008 7:00:38 PM

+1 Boost

To quote 001:
"The Genesis is a better Avalon.

Nothin more.

So it's a very good car, just not even close to being a true competitor to the upper echelon.

End of story.

001"

If the Genesis is nothing more than a refined Avalon, what about the ES350 with is nothing more than a refined CAMRY?!? How does that compete with anything?

-Shibbs

TauronB2G - 5/17/2008 11:47:22 AM

0 Boost

I would probably go back to driving Fords. I can't do GM cars and am not a big fan of Chryslers. So for me it'd be a Mustang or maybe a Fusion or something.
T

reply to this comment

Htay7500 - 5/17/2008 11:59:04 AM

+2 Boost

I'd stick to mazdas and subarus and maybe GMs new offerings. Infiniti I'd get over a lexus.

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CLK63BlackSeries - 5/17/2008 12:16:39 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

GTR.

reply to this comment

garythepowers - 5/17/2008 12:21:11 PM

0 Boost

A Pontiac G8 GXP
or
A Mitsubishi Evo

reply to this comment

answer - 5/17/2008 12:24:15 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Ah, our new agent seems to be fitting in well.

Posting a story with a built in bait for the crazy Lexus fanboys in hopes of a battle royale with the German only badge whores. Nice.

It is possible to have discussion without arguments.

And don't let your zeal for posting yet another "mine's better than yours" piece get in the way of old fashioned proof reading ("Acure"?).

reply to this comment

Agent00J - 5/17/2008 12:44:05 PMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

May I ask what part of the article poised the "mine's better than yours" comment?

The question is not asked to start arguments, but rather to invoke thoughtful conversation and ideas.

In terms of my own personal zeal, it only proves that I am human, and excitable as well in my own mis-spelling of Acura. Please note it has been corrected.

In terms of the "crazy Lexus fanboys" I was warned on day on of them, and for the most part they tend to be as passionate about their marque, as the German fan boys are of theirs. That is what makes this site so much fun, and so entertaining.

I'll poise the question directly at you ANSWER, what would you drive???

answer - 5/17/2008 1:18:34 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

mine is better than yours :

"Sure, all you Lexus fans out there are cheering the scenario, but lets face it, were it not for Mercedes and BMW, there probably wouldn't be a Lexus or Infiiniti either."

You're either blatantly trying to start a war/debate/futile exercise or are just supremely naive to the history and relative nature of this place.

That said, were American vehciles the only available choice, I would be happy owning a Caddy CTS or Lincoln's 2009 MKS. Both offer nice design and some nice tech bits.

TurboSpyder - 5/17/2008 2:02:06 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Let the man have his preferences. Sheesh.

vonbeeler - 5/17/2008 3:20:35 PM

-1 Boost

Answer finally gives his input of prefering the MKS and CTS after 6 posts judging and crying with all his insecurities!! If you don't like others input maybe you should get back to mamas lap or in your crib. You sound like a spoiled only child that hasn't spent anytime around other people. Get off the computer and go outside. Try to make some friends.

I would go for CTS, G8, Corvette. Ford Flex looks pretty cool.

Agent00J - 5/17/2008 3:32:41 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

The fact that I note that were it not for Mercedes and BMW, there wouldn't be Lexus or Infiniti does not make me a fan boy or anything else. Whether you like it or not, read the literature both Lexus and Infiniti put out in 89-90 when TOYOTA and NISSAN launched the brands. The target at that point in time was MERCEDES BENZ and BMW.

So for me to make a statement that is based in fact does not make me a fan boy or bias or anything else. What is does is let you know that at least I have a modest handle on some automotive history.

Just for the record, I used to want a Lexus LS400 in the worst of ways, and at that time I was driving a BMW. So what kind of bias does that show???

answer - 5/17/2008 3:48:49 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

vonbeeler,

At no point was I discussing my insecurities. I was merely mentioning the fact that this otherwise interesting post was marred by needless flame-baiting.

agentj,

Everyone knows that were it not for the Germans, much of what the automotive industry is today would far different. It is your need to mention that well known fact (for no relevant reason) that makes it either a biased or argument-inducing post.

If you don't like people acknowledging what you do, don't do it.

A8German - 5/17/2008 12:45:36 PM

-1 Boost

I think I would probably go for the Grand Cherokee Srt8, or the F-150 Harley Davidson addition. I think that domestic brands generally produce quality trucks and muscle cars more than anything else.

Seeing that until recently jaguars have been Americanized, the new XF supercharged is an incredible car as well.

reply to this comment

lexusis350 - 5/17/2008 12:51:05 PM

0 Boost

Well, nothing would change for me. All of my cars aren't German anyway. But it would be a shame if BMW wasn't around. They're in my top three favorite vehicles.

reply to this comment

mwrmmg - 5/17/2008 1:22:59 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Honda... VTEC - one of the highest production specific output, Efficient, reliable, livable.

But GTR will be ultimate choice

reply to this comment

TurboSpyder - 5/17/2008 2:06:38 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Wilford Brimley on a recumbent bicycle.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/18/automobiles/18AUTO.html?_r=2&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

FerrarisR4me - 5/17/2008 1:53:50 PM

0 Boost

A Gremlin... has anyone taken that one?

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toolatetorace - 5/17/2008 2:33:12 PM

0 Boost

How about a Pacer

IS3andME - 5/17/2008 2:03:13 PM

+2 Boost

Agent00j, why would you say you would drive the Dodge Charger or Challenger, when those are based off the old E class chassis. If there were no German cars, then those Dodges would not exist. Period.

reply to this comment

Agent00J - 5/17/2008 3:37:47 PMView My AgentSpace

-6 Boost

Which is why I also listed the Pontiac and the Nissan. If we really wanted to get technical, we wouldn't have Bentley either as it is owned by VW and no Rolls Royce as BMW owns that one.

We could really split hairs and state that if a car has part made in Germany it doesn't qualify for this list, but that sure takes the fun out of it.

This is supposed to be fun I remind you.

2001W210 - 5/17/2008 2:21:44 PM

+1 Boost

Cadillac.

reply to this comment

VISO - 5/17/2008 2:25:43 PM

-1 Boost

Cadillac (which says alot about Cadillac domestically that it is on the radar of enthusiasts) for luxury sedan, and for a volume sedan the new Nissan Maxima.

reply to this comment

cyco - 5/17/2008 2:27:05 PM

-1 Boost

I bought my G35 sedan in early 06. So with the understanding that if there were no German cars, there would be no Infiniti, I guess I'd probably be in a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP/Impala SS right now.

That would suck compared to the G35 given that those two are wrong wheel drive.

reply to this comment

Bored - 5/17/2008 4:01:35 PM

+2 Boost

That what the G8 is for

cyco - 5/17/2008 7:50:22 PM

-1 Boost

The G8 wasn't available in 2006.. The reason for picking the other two vice that is explained in my post.

mercuryguy - 5/17/2008 2:27:06 PM

-1 Boost

I would restore my 1928 Oakland,
and drive it to church on Sundays!

It has wood spoke wheels.

reply to this comment

Chip - 5/17/2008 2:28:18 PM

+9 Boost

This site is SO going downhill. Im so sick of these stupid little posts. I barely even comment anymore because every article turns into an argument about something not related to the topic at hand and the boost-deboost rating system suggests that one person's opinion is superior or that one brand has more cheerleaders than the other etc. Now with the agent space, this is borderline Automobile MySpace.

What the hell happened to just giving us car news? All this other crap is lame.

reply to this comment

Willis - 5/17/2008 3:44:50 PM

+4 Boost

Agreed.

Why can't everyone just get along? On other boards/forums people respect each other and they most importantly respect other car brands.

Here on Autospies it's all about ______ vs ______ and [add car insult here]...

AE86 - 5/17/2008 2:51:18 PM

0 Boost

2006 Evolution IX MR possibly an Evolution X GSR or maybe even the flappy paddle gearbox X MR.

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no1listensanyway - 5/17/2008 3:05:01 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

CTS or G8. Already have the CTS, so I guess a G8 will do.

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MBKing - 5/17/2008 3:14:33 PM

-1 Boost

Lincoln Towncar...hands down

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theoptimisticpessimist - 5/17/2008 3:21:42 PM

-1 Boost

Walk

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AgentOrange - 5/17/2008 3:31:22 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost