Which makes the rumour I've heard that the Focus cabrio (convertible) is headed here sooner rather than later all the more ridculous to me.
The thing with a convertible hardtop will be more than a Mustang convertable, nobody who wants a drop top is going to pay that unless they're desperate to own one (Looks away whistling innocently)
NefCanuck
naz,Feb 11 2008, 11:26 PM Wrote:FocusGuy7476,Feb 12 2008, 02:34 AM Wrote:Mercedes B Class is a hatch.
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WTF is a 'b class' ?! :blink:
time to google...
![[Image: 2007-mercedes-benz-b200-i0008.jpg]](http://www.auto123.com/ArtImages/87481/2007-mercedes-benz-b200-i0008.jpg)
OMFG are you kidding me :o 134hp.. fwd... CDN 31k+ ??!?!?!?!?!
they sell that in canada?! do ppl actually buy them? it looks like a yaris with a MB badge slapped on it. can't believe that would bring that sucker over to north america. seems like it would totally dilute the brand image..
wow i still can't believe they would allow that econoshoe box to be associated with the MB brand... and more amazed anyone would purchase it
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You've obviously never been to Europe..........Canadians want small cars unlike americans that want big cars that burn like small cars.
Unique did a b-class on the show...
still ugly.
naz,Feb 11 2008, 10:26 PM Wrote:OMFG are you kidding meÃÂ :oÃÂ ÃÂ 134hp.. fwd... CDN 31k+ ??!?!?!?!?![right][snapback]257816[/snapback][/right]
Which proves my point -- if you wouldn't pay $31k for a Mercedes, would you pay it for a Ford ?
D-Dub,Feb 12 2008, 06: Wrote:You've obviously never been to Europe..........Canadians want small cars unlike americans that want big cars that burn like small cars.
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Sorta.
Canadians want small cars with the power of big cars that cost nothing.
Europe's had small cars for so long it's engrained into the culture. Even when I was in Scotland back in '77 the average car was the size of an Escort. We rented a Fiesta Ghia when we were there; the few American cars we saw there looked like Frieghtliners in comparison.
OAC_Sparky,Feb 13 2008, 12:55 AM Wrote:Which proves my point -- if you wouldn't pay $31k for a Mercedes, would you pay it for a Ford ?
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yea i would think about it for sure if it could blow the doors off a WRX/STi on my favorite road course (and if i could be sure it would hold together...)
i loved my early build '00 zx3, i thought it was the best driving new car for $15k. hated how often little stuff broke though
re my earlier comment about the $31k b class... key reason i think its silly is that you could get a lightly used E class in the US $31k.. (or a lightly used LS430 for $25k for that matter) ... like.. i feel like ppl who want the brand should smarten up and drop $ on the used E class or LS430 instead of a yaris with MB badge stuck on it
given the way cars are priced right now in US used car mkt versus CDN new car market i feel like every person in canada thinking of buying a new car should be importing in from the US
naz,Feb 12 2008, 10:39 PM Wrote:re my earlier comment about the $31k b class... key reason i think its silly is that you could get a lightly used E class in the US $31k.. (or a lightly used LS430 for $25k for that matter) ... like.. i feel like ppl who want the brand should smarten up and drop $ on the used E class or LS430 instead of a yaris with MB badge stuck on it
given the way cars are priced right now in US used car mkt versus CDN new car market i feel like every person in canada thinking of buying a new car should be importing in from the US
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That may be true -- however, the topic at hand really is about new cars -- and why no hatches.
The reason that Mercedes can ask $31k is because people are willing to pay it -- whether the value is real or perceived. Even if the Mercedes is overrated (IMO), it undeniably still carries cachet it its name and people are willing to pay for that distinction even if it's actually an inferior product. What handcuffs a company like Ford is that to put out a truly good product, it needs to charge for it accordingly, but people won't because a Ford doesn't carry the same cachet as Mercedes even if the real value in product IS there.
OAC_Sparky,Feb 13 2008, 06:38 AM Wrote:The reason that Mercedes can ask $31k is because people are willing to pay it -- whether the value is real or perceived.
.....
What handcuffs a company like Ford is that to put out a truly good product, it needs to charge for it accordingly, but people won't because a Ford doesn't carry the same cachet as Mercedes even if the real value in product IS there.
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i agree with you and to support your 2nd statement.. i think its actually a GOOD play by ford.. since it has the mazda3 warm hatch, mazdaspeed3 hot hatch, volvo c30 luxo hatch.. so rather than waste money trying to salvage ford's image in north america its cutting loses and placing product in appropriate brands that ppl are willing to pay money for (ie instead of $24k focus RS that no one but a few gearheads will buy it has $24k mazdaspeed3 that many import brand leghumpers would love to own)
and in support of my orig statement about hatches.. hatches will sell in the US but they need to bring the goods.. the presence of the MS3 is proof that hardcore euro ford tech CAN be sold profitably at north american prices and ppl will buy em... the absence of the focus hatch is proof that it did not bring the goods (170hp for 19k in 2005.. c'mon.. no chance THAT would sell)
Naz I think you have never heard of 0% financing ......not many people in North America have 30k saved up, so they fianance. You could go to the bank and get a loan, but you'll be paying 9.9%. I think Ive written this like 20 times....
D-Dub,Feb 13 2008, 05: Wrote:Naz I think you have never heard of 0% financing ......not many people in North America have 30k saved up, so they fianance. You could go to the bank and get a loan, but you'll be paying 9.9%. I think Ive written this like 20 times....
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have you checked out the price differential on US vs canadian cars? depending on the model its sufficient to make it worthwhile to go thru the trouble of importing
9,9% ? geez. thats like 4% higher than US rates you sure you can't shop around for better rates?
but seriously.. that many ppl rely on aggressive financing to get into cars? that actually IS news to me
naz,Feb 13 2008, 01:27 PM Wrote:D-Dub,Feb 13 2008, 05: Wrote:Naz I think you have never heard of 0% financing ......not many people in North America have 30k saved up, so they fianance. You could go to the bank and get a loan, but you'll be paying 9.9%. I think Ive written this like 20 times....
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have you checked out the price differential on US vs canadian cars? depending on the model its sufficient to make it worthwhile to go thru the trouble of importing
9,9% ? geez. thats like 4% higher than US rates you sure you can't shop around for better rates?
but seriously.. that many ppl rely on aggressive financing to get into cars? that actually IS news to me
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Well, you hang out with guys that have lambos and s***, so not surprised its news to you. :P
But yeah, d-dub is exactly on the mark - not many at all have 30K saved up to buy a new car, I know if I had 30K to spend on anything, it would be a downpayment on a rental property of some sort. Not a new car.
And yes you can find better rates, I got 7.5% on the subie, but had quite a bit of cash as a downpayment too....
Flofocus,Feb 13 2008, 05:38 PM Wrote:I know if I had 30K to spend on anything, it would be a downpayment on a rental property of some sort. Not a new car.
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30k is a sufficient downpayment on a condo in toronto? that ALSO is news to me.
i've think of 30k as a 5% downpayment.. the mortage and other carry costs would be ok if you are living in it, but no way you can be cash flow positive off renting with those financing terms
oooor maybe that's just NYC/SF market thinking....
wow. canada sure is a different place
speaking of lambos.. over the weekend i tore around the mountains in that superleggera i took pics of a while ago. 3000lb 530hp Rcomps and AWD sure are fun :ph34r: i will post pics / vids soon
anyway back on topic
so about them hatches....
naz,Feb 13 2008, 02:29 PM Wrote:Flofocus,Feb 13 2008, 05:38 PM Wrote:I know if I had 30K to spend on anything, it would be a downpayment on a rental property of some sort.ÃÂ Not a new car.
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30k is a sufficient downpayment on a condo in toronto?
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No it isn't, Good thing I dont live near toronto ;)
I live in a place that still has 1800sq/ft home for under 200K and is 20-30 minutes outisde of the city of Ottawa.
Flofocus,Feb 13 2008, 06:39 PM Wrote:I live in a place that still has 1800sq/ft home for under 200K and is 20-30 minutes outisde of the city of Ottawa.
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damn good deal!!! buy 4!
"30k is a sufficient downpayment on a condo in toronto? that ALSO is news to me. "
It is, but its borderline nothing......
D-Dub,Feb 14 2008, 06: Wrote:"30k is a sufficient downpayment on a condo in toronto? that ALSO is news to me. "
It is, but its borderline nothing......
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Heck, these days $30K barely gets you 5% anymore on new units, unless you're willing to take a mousehole <_< Damn glad I bought when I did, 1,000sq ft condo only $160K. Getting the same thing now? Try double :ph34r:
NefCanuck