travelguy_73

Hondas don't usually photograph well, but that and the Acura ZDX were not hit, they were beat senseless with the ugly stick. I feel bad for the Honda fanboys out there...need to head to VTEC.net to see how they are excusing this one.

Backend, from this shot, looks a bit like the now-generic Subaru Tribeca.

Not bad at all! Funny that here I am complimenting a Hyundai and thinking that Honda has a lot of work to do on their styling to get back into the game. There isn't a single current Honda/Acura product, save for the MDX, I think is attractive.

I would argue that the prior generation A8 looks just as bland, yet did markedly better attracting buyers. I recall a Top Gear or Fifth Gear episode, I think, where they drove the Phaeton in Germany and had multiple bits and pieces break on them. Quality control issues, for sure.

Ultimately it came down to the back seat. I love the feel of the IS350 (felt at home in it after owning an 02 Acura TL-S for a few years), and the interior materials were great. Dealer experience would have been great as well, but that back seat is just so small.

Will this be Hyundai's Phaeton? I think so. You can go upmarket to a certain extent, but at that price point, people want status, status, status. Be it flashy BMW or MB, or understated Audi, it's just degrees of status. Hyundai has nothing to pull people into their dealership. A generic looking luxury sedan isn't going to do it. Oh, wait a minute, If this was 1985, I could be substituting Hyundai for Lexus. Well, what do I know...I like the Phaeton.

Well, signed the papers tonight on a new CC VR6 with an incredible touch-screen navigation system and an even better price than I tought I would get (thanks Recession!). Very excited to pick it up tomorrow, though I'm dreading trying to keep the black paint clean!

LOL, you may very well be right. I have had very good reliability with my 2006 GLI, only a couple of warranty issues. That body style came out in 2005, so in theory they had some time to fix design issues (I hadn't heard of any during my research at the time). However, at the same time, I have a friend who just got rid of his 06 Passat 3.6L and had a terrible experience with it, but then of course he bought a MB that has been less-than-reliable as well. So it's a chance--a sterile but reliable Japanese drive, or an emotional but unknown European drive? I have been following people's experiences on the VW forums, and so far so good, though only a few have more than 20k miles on theirs. I am taking that uncertainty into account in the price I would be willing to pay for the car (and the extended warranty I will likely buy later on through my credit union).

Finally got to drive the Volkswagen CC (VR6), and I have to say it's a fantastic car. It's big, at least for me, but the ride is great--softer than the BMW, and about the same as the Lexus. Controls feel good, and the interior is top quality. The dealer let me take one home for the night, a pleasant surprise, and the extended test drive is having its intended effect! If the price is right, it might be a contender.

I drove another IS350 (this one at Bayway Lincoln of all places), and really liked it. However, my partner was very negative on the tight back seat. I agree that it is small, but is probably about the same as a 3-Series, with the same style wedge back door that makes ingress and egress tough for older people (like my parents). We are going to drive a new 2009 VW CC VR6 this week, and see if I like the feel of a larger car. I also recall how much shopping for a new car is love/hate. I don't like the high-pressure sales feel of the dealerships (prefer Carmax for that reason), and I hate to waste the salesperson's time when we really are still looking at different options. Plus the cars are freakin hot this time of year, which I guess means you can adequately test the a/c!

Speaking of near-luxury Japanese cars, I drove a 2008 Lexus IS350 today. Loaded up with navigation, backup camera, bluetooth, and a luscious 306 HP engine. I wasn't sure what to expect, as Lexus isn't my cup of tea. But in my short test drive, I came away very impressed. For me, it has a nice combination of luxury and sport. Unlike the BMW 335, which is sport, then luxury, the IS350 is more the opposite. The interior materials felt terrific, and the acceleration was strong. Not too firm. The only thing I didn't care for was the back seat. It was very comfortable, but the gun slit rear windows combined with a black interior, makes for some claustrophobia. A tan interior would help. This car has moved up to the top of my list, with the 335i second, and the C350 a distant third.

Don't know about what, that the Focus in Europe is nicer than here? And yes if you are hit by a large SUV, you will certainly have a greater risk of injury, but there is nothing inherently unsafe about small cars, only the differential in size between them and the largest passenger trucks and SUVs.

I totally agree! The Focus we have in the US is just terrible. I had a rental Focus (forget the model, it was a 5-door hatch) in Ireland and it was very pleasant to drive. They have a newer model than we have, though. Another problem is that Americans see small cars as cheap, and so the automakers make them cheap. In Europe, they don't mind small, but want luxury, and so they have all these great little cars.

You mean the old one, right? The new one is likely to be a huge hit, and not just with fleets. The SHO, while pricey, will be a sleeper hit. I LOVE the Fors Sync system.

As was noted, the 2.0T CC starts in the upper 30's, and is considered the volume leader. The upmarket VR6 and VR6 model with AWD is getting hit with huge discounts. People are actually reporting picking them up in the very low 30's, which is a great price considering the style and interior amenities. I agree, however, about the practicality of it. Drove a M-B C350 today, and was disappointed. While I like the exterior styling and the engine is terrific, the interior materials left a lot to be desired. I'm not sure I will keep it on my list.

Well, I'm officially in the market for a new car (well, new to me, I'm done with the new car depreciation hit, especially on more expensive cars). I could go test driving new cars all day long, I just love it, but I guess I'm nerdy that way. I'm not sure if I will go the CPO from a dealer, or save some bucks and go private party (knowing that the standard warranty is probably plenty for how long I will own the car). I'm pretty proud of myself, as I kept my 2006 GLI for over three years, some kind of record. What I'm looking at, and y'alls feedback is certainly welcome: 2008/9 BMW 335i sedan: drove a sport/premium yesterday and enjoyed the way it drove (much quieter than my GLI), but not wild about the interior finishes and design (my GLI has a better interior). This one didn't have iDrive. 2008/9 M-B C350: Plan to drive one today (Carmax has one, and is my preferred place to test drive cars). Fewer on the road than the BMW, and it is a newer design. 2008/9 Lexus IS350: Not sure why this one is on the list, I have never really paid attention to them. BUT I do like the look of them, and like the idea of an ultra-reliable car. 2008 Acura TL: Old version, standard or boy racer Type S. 2009 VW CC: Still loving the looks of this one, and the discounts on VR6 models are substantial (this would be the only new car I am considering). Might also consider the 328i sport/premium (sedan or wagon), C300, or IS250 to save a few bucks. Hopefully my current car won't take too long to sell!

Now THAT I could get into. Ever since the M-B AMG wagon came on the scene, I have always had a thing for sporty estates. When we were shopping for a utility-type car back in 2007, I had my heart set on an 07 Volvo V70R...300hp, AWD, a total rocket sled. Settled on an XC70, but one day I will get my way. I'm currently hot and heavy for the 328i Touring with M package. A CTS wagon would be a great niche product for those who want fast, yet need the space and want to buy American. How many people are there like this in the US? Like I said, a niche product, but Cadillac needs those to go along with its bread and butter CTS.

I lean toward high protein snacks, which means very little in the way of fruits...These are all work-friendly assuming you have a fridge handy. Natural peanut butter, but don't go overboard with the scoops!yogurt with Walnuts (I bring a small container of FiberOne yogurt to work each day, and mix in walnuts from a bag I keep in my drawer)Protein shake (I use Optimum Nutrition whey (for post-workout) and casein (for slow release during the day). I have a mixer cup that keeps the powder separate from the milk. It's like a chocolate milkshake!

I think the Crosstour is more like the Toyota Venza, while this Acura model is more like the X6. I still cannot believe that Honda sunk precious resources into this thing. It's ugly from every angle. And they still don't have a V8 luxury sedan to compete with the likes of Lexus and the Germans. They can justify their RL's V6 all day long, but they aren't fooling anyone but themselves.

And the lovely and attractive Acura ZDX has been officially announced. Carpocalypse may now begin. http://www.vtec.net/..._item_id=842420

I had a rental Mazda5 for a drive between DC and Raleigh, and it was very nice. Sunroof, MP3 input, the works. I was so impressed, I tried to convince my partner to get one for his mom (we ended up getting her a RAV4 instead because she didn't want a "minivan"). The 5 is a supremely practical hauler, though I would worry about having people in the third row in the case of a rear end accident. There just isn't much space between the hatch and the seats. Other than that, it's a sporty ride.

During the week, yes

My favorite cheap eatery downtown is Frank's Pizza at market square. They have burgers and sandwiches (and alcohol ) as well as a large selection of pizzas (whole and by the slice).

Question: What is the purpose of the professional building, and who are the tenants? Is it like other professional buildings that are basically just doctors' offices? From a design standpoint, it is an interesting, overwhelming addition. But from a cost standpoint, I see it is completely wasteful.

They definitely have the look and value-for-the-dollar going on, similar to the Lincoln MKS. Not sure if it will lower their average buyer age by much, but it is a step in the right direction.