Luxury Territory on the way?? (to compete with Lexus RX330 and alike)

[#Russ#Es#]

I'm sorry if this has been posted elsewhere on AFF. Article from Carsales.com.au (the pic in the link below is interesting...its an artists impression)


Ford looks to a luxurious 4WD to counterbalance struggling Fairlane sales

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS and MARTON PETTENDY 1 April 2005
http://editorial.carsales.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/B44B3AA294575E70CA256FD6000122D7/$file/2005.04.01_Ford_Territory.jpg?OpenElement



FORD Australia is believed to be working on a luxurious, brand-leading version of its Territory 4WD wagon to counter diminishing sales of its Fairlane and LTD flagships and to continue feeding the market’s voracious appetite for big, brazen 4WDs.

Having achieved commercial and critical acclaim with mainstream models of its Broadmeadows-built 4WD, Ford is now understood to be working on several variations on the theme to broaden its appeal, particularly with a slick new medium 4WD rival expected from Holden in 2006.

A senior Ford Australia executive told GoAuto that a high-series Territory would be an “interesting” addition to the market and that the value proposition inherent in the vehicle should enable it to win custom from successful overseas rivals such as the Lexus RX330 and BMW X5.

Ford Australia president Tom Gorman has also confirmed at least three Territory derivatives are under consideration, including a high-performance iteration, a turbo-diesel and a high-riding, fair-dinkum bush-basher.

“We have other Territory developments we’re working on at the moment that we’re not in a position to talk about,” Mr Gorman told GoAuto last month. “The three I’m always asked about are: where are we on a performance vehicle, where are we on diesel and where are we on the off-road?”

Mr Gorman said that which version came first, and when, would depend largely on a buyer/rejector study, the results of which are expected soon. However, the first new Territory model is not likely to appear before next year.

Exactly how a brand-leading version will eventually fit into an expanded Territory range is also still unclear, but given the current-generation Territory was not designed to take a V8, the most obvious engine for a premium entrant would be a version of Ford’s turbocharged 4.0-litre inline-six, as used in the Falcon XR6-T sedan.

Meantime, photographs published in an Australian motoring magazine earlier this month showed a low-riding, rear-drive Territory test mule with unique wheels and a bonnet scoop which could indicate either a turbo-diesel or turbo-petrol engine underneath.

While it is unlikely a turbocharged (petrol) Territory production model would match the 240kW output of the XR6-T engine – around 220kW of peak power is expected – a “Territory LTD” could be sold alongside a lighter, more spartan and less expensive “Territory XR”, complete with the same engine, a higher specification and a 70kg-heavier all-wheel drivetrain.

This would create a suitable power buffer of around 40kW over the current 182kW Barra engine used in Territory Ghia and lesser models, and would also leave Ford Performance Vehicles with the means to produce its own knockdown-drag-out version using the 270kW F6 engine mated to an automatic transmission.

This latter engine/transmission combination is known to be in development at FPV/Ford, with an insider revealing to GoAuto last October that testing had been undertaken with a Falcon sedan at Winton racetrack in regional Victoria.

For the luxury Territory to be a convincing proposition above the current and well-equipped $53,290 Ghia AWD, considerable work in the cabin would also be required.

In order to subscribe to the SUV school of salubriousness, the model would need niceties such as second-row bucket seats, a double sunroof, premium-grade audio, DVD GPS with television, a larger wheel/rubber combination, reversing camera and an electric tailgate.

There are some obvious references here to the RX330, though even with that sort of gear it is understood Ford would still be able to undercut the Lexus and price a top-shelf Territory below $70,000.

Meantime, the hotly anticipated turbo-diesel Territory could comprise a reworked version of the 2.7-litre unit Ford has created with Peugeot and which is found in vehicles of Ford-owned brands such as Jaguar (S-Type) and Land Rover (Discovery).

The harder-core Territory variant is expected to include items like a long-range fuel tank, more under-body protection, extra ride height and more off-road–oriented tyres.

Should the Australian and overseas markets take to such a vehicle, it could force the Fairlane and LTD into retirement. Demand for these cars has been in decline since the late 1990s and in 2004 the two flagship vehicles achieved 2190 sales between them – the sort of numbers Territory achieves in a month.

[johnydep]

That looks very nice.

[akiklovich]

For those who want the link to the page that the above article came from...

http://editorial.carsales.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/B44B3AA294575E70CA256FD6000122D7

[fordless]

No Terri will ever be an RX330 .
FACT !

One is a world wide best seller and realibility / quality leader across the planet. Not to mention soon to be available in hybrid form as well .The technology in the Lexus makes the Terri look like a 1980's Nissan PAtrol.

The Terri will be a tarted up pretender not worth more than a TX at resale time.

No thanks.

[RATT]

No Terri will ever be an RX330 .
FACT !

One is a world wide best seller and realibility / quality leader across the planet. Not to mention soon to be available in hybrid form as well .The technology in the Lexus makes the Terri look like a 1980's Nissan PAtrol.

The Terri will be a tarted up pretender not worth more than a TX at resale time.

No thanks.

You are in serious need of a holiday.... from this forum.
Stick to the topic of the relevent thread FFS.

[fordless]

You are in serious need of a holiday.... from this forum.
Stick to the topic of the relevent thread FFS.


Why ?

I stick to the facts .

[RED_EL_XR8]

Why ?

I stick to the facts .Give it a rest, no one wants to Know! Ratt asked you nicely to stay on topic.

[fordless]

Give it a rest, no one wants to Know! Ratt asked you nicely to stay on topic.


Okay but in order to compete with the likes of the RX330 Ford won't make anything that good for the next 20 years and you know it.

[paulvdb]

FORD Australia is believed to be working on a luxurious, brand-leading version of its Territory 4WD wagon to counter diminishing sales of its Fairlane and LTD flagships and to continue feeding the market’s voracious appetite for big, brazen 4WDs.


This would also be the Explorer replacement for the Aussie market. The Explorer is gornnnnne. That makes it easier to sell a premium Terri. This would also be a better vehicle for targetting the X5 and the new ML.

[paulvdb]

Okay but in order to compete with the likes of the RX330 Ford won't make anything that good for the next 20 years and you know it.
Trying to stay rational - the RX330 and Kluger are essentially the same vehicle. Both are well manufactured white goods for people 5 feet high. They are also for people who love shiny fake wood in wierd colours.

I wouldn't trade my Terri for an RX330 in a million years. If you had that sort of cash you'd look at the X5 or new ML.

[RED_EL_XR8]

Okay but in order to compete with the likes of the RX330 Ford won't make anything that good for the next 20 years and you know it.
Only thing I know for certain is you'll soon be looking for another forum to be a whiney pratt in. This place prides its self on all sides having a say, sorry, I dont think you wanna play that way.

20 years behind a klugger with gold badges, get a life!!

[The Taipan]

Get over your grudge buddy, my Territory has a few problems too, but the design of the vehicle and its delivery of that product for a budget price is fantastic. If you think Toyota have never made a dud vehicle you could be wrong, but when you compare back to back the Territory doesn't sit too badly against the RX330. While it might have advantages with regard to the quality of its gearbox, and maybe NVH. Obviously quality of interior trim is aimed a different class - and therefore is not directly comparable, but in terms of ride/handling, outright grunt (I know one tried to left-lane me in the Territory once), room, versatility, and value the Territory (and even the Klugger errr Kluger) leaves it for dead...

As for your unresolved issues (and mine) they are unfortunate, but this thread - from my understanding regarded something totally different...

Keep the faith brother, stay calm and persistant and your lemon may become lemonade!

SL

[Laminge]

Wouldnt Worry about Fordless he seems a little forumless atm!

[paulvdb]

Wouldnt Worry about Fordless he seems a little forumless atm!
Well deserved too. 12 yo kids shouldn't be writing rubbish like that.

WRT the luxury Terri:- If this has serious bling, the turbo and a six speed auto then I can't see any reason why it can't play with the big boys. All it's missing then is the badge. Even if it comes to 70-80k then it's still going to be a good buy vs the V8 Landcruiser, all the lower end X5's and MLs, anything made by Volvo, the MDX and certainly all the Jeeps.

[xr8gn3]

Wouldnt Worry about Fordless he seems a little forumless atm!

:hihi: :hihi: thats funny

[b2tf]

It would be nice as long as it came with some sort of legislation to stop 'Toorak tractor syndrome'. I can just see a little blonde bimbo mother of three rear ending a car because the satnav was playing up.

[#Russ#Es#]

Geez, I need to be careful posting threads around here...look what I caused (fordless being kicked) :sulkoff: :lol:


Moving on, I think a Turbo Luxury Territory would be great. It would be interesting to see how long it would take for someone to pimp one up if it is released.

I would like to see:

Turbo Luxury Tez with:
- 20inch wheels option
- Standard sat/nav and optional TV
- Optional lower/Sports suspension
- Standard (branded) sound system (ie Boston Acoustics Sound System...hey, I'm a fan of BA ok!)
- Standard zenon headlights and LED lights elsewhere
- Standard carbon fibre/brushed alloy highlights

Turbo diesel Luxury Tez (and later on a lower spec version)
- 2.7 twin turbo diesel (mentioned in article)
- Standard adjustable ride height
- Standard sat/nav and optional TV
- Standard hill descent control
- Possibly (leather) seats with heating/cooling
- Optional sub fuel tank
- REAL wood trim highlights (made from an Australian hardwood)
- Optional (attractive) bullbar for rural owners

I know a few of my ideas aren't viable/affordable for Ford to use but a luxury tez would need some pretty attractive features over the regular tez. The Lux.Turbo Tez would be done by FPV but the Turbo Diesel would be done by Ford.

Feel free to add to my list...

[Hawk]

- Standard zenon headlights and LED lights elsewhere


Interesting. Why do you say xenon headlights should be standard? I don't see an issue with the current Falcon headlights which are bloody brilliant...particularly on high beam - an aspect Xenon lights aren't renowned for. In this country you need a strong high beam.

[new2ford]

If you look at the very complimentary letters in this month's Wheels (April) the Territory in its existing form compares well enough to the X5 to make people want to buy the Territory in preference to the X5. As Wheels said originally - an X5 for Falcon bucks. The Ghia already does a good job as the luxury version, maybe needs just a few extra touches. Why spend tens of thousands more for a badge?

[sbutler]

I say good on Ford for having a go at an,
Up market,
Performance,
& off road Terri.
By the look of things Ford are a last looking at what the buyer wants & not what Ford want...Good luck to them I say....

[RATT]

I say good on Ford for having a go at an,
Up market,
Performance,
& off road Terri.
By the look of things Ford are a last looking at what the buyer wants & not what Ford want...Good luck to them I say....

Definately agree on that point.

By adding a luxury variant above the Ghia it will certainly expand the market share, and all for one reason. They are listening.

I can see that the way things are heading there may be almost as many Territory models as there are of Falcon.

[CSV_LS1]

Funny they say the fairlane and LTD market share has been declining for many years. I think it has to do with the fact that it has been getting worse after every update. If they made models that actually looked different to the standrd falcon range and looked good they might pick up in sales. But that's too hard for them.

[Chucky]

Funny they say the fairlane and LTD market share has been declining for many years. I think it has to do with the fact that it has been getting worse after every update. If they made models that actually looked different to the standrd falcon range and looked good they might pick up in sales. But that's too hard for them.
Too true mate. Fairlane was way ahead of Statesman before the AU range wsa launched. Has been all downhill since Fairlane got ugly.
I just hope they can make it look good again with the '07. Otherwise there's bugger all point making them.
RRP is $50k+ but you can negotiate yourself a pretty sweet deal on 'em at the moment because they just aren't selling! Re-sale on these cars is woeful. They'd have to be one of the poorest performing cars from a re-sale point of view in automotive history!

[#Russ#Es#]

Interesting. Why do you say xenon headlights should be standard? I don't see an issue with the current Falcon headlights which are bloody brilliant...particularly on high beam - an aspect Xenon lights aren't renowned for. In this country you need a strong high beam.Maybe not for high beam but for low beam only!...Anyway, who said they have to be better? Having them standard on a lux. territory would definately change people's perception of Ford Aust even if they were just a gimmick and performed the same as regular headlights (hey, I'm a marketing student- I'm meant to say that! :wink: )

Alot of territories would be sold/driven in capital cities in Aust. so an even better high beam isn't as important. The high beam on Territory and BA are pretty good now anyway.

[johnydep]

Funny they say the fairlane and LTD market share has been declining for many years. I think it has to do with the fact that it has been getting worse after every update. If they made models that actually looked different to the standrd falcon range and looked good they might pick up in sales. But that's too hard for them.

They need more than looking different to the Falcon, they need style.
GM-H could teach them a trick or two, the Stateman & Caprice are classy looking luxury vehicles that look a milion $.

Who ever has control of the design team on both these models, have no idea on how to make a good looking luxury car. The only people I know that actually like & own a standard factory Fairlane or LTD are either retired, semi-retired or have no passion for cars.

I just hope they don't do the same to a LTD Territory, could make us all the laughing stock of other luxury vehicle manufacturers.

It's funny, until the 80's Ford built luxury cars that were classy and Holden had no idea.

[RED_EL_XR8]

Maybe not for high beam but for low beam only!...Anyway, who said they have to be better? Having them standard on a lux. territory would definately change people's perception of Ford Aust even if they were just a gimmick and performed the same as regular headlights (hey, I'm a marketing student- I'm meant to say that! . Whats the point in that? Fitting something to that does not perform as well as the cheaper item just to try and look euro is try-hard. Thats what Lexus screams its an umpmarket Toyota tring to be a BMW.
And the only thing Xenons are going to make more luxury class in the Territory is the price tag.

Territory is good at what it is, its not trying to be something else and its superb value for money, it doesn't need do-dads and gold badges.

[new2ford]

Territory is good at what it is, its not trying to be something else and its superb value for money, it doesn't need do-dads and gold badges.

This is exactly the point - the incredible value for money. You get a BMW for a Falcon price (well near-enough!). What I'd suggest as a good compromise is to bring out a limited edition special now and then like Land Rover and some others do. And maybe in the longer term some specialist companies might do that if Ford doesn't.

[XR6 Martin]

Will be sad to see the Fairlane go, its the longest continuous running model name in history!

[#Russ#Es#]

Whats the point in that? Fitting something to that does not perform as well as the cheaper item just to try and look euro is try-hard. Thats what Lexus screams its an umpmarket Toyota tring to be a BMW.
And the only thing Xenons are going to make more luxury class in the Territory is the price tag.

Territory is good at what it is, its not trying to be something else and its superb value for money, it doesn't need do-dads and gold badges.Ahem, did you read EXACTLY what I said? I said it didn't have to outperform...that means they (Xenon lights) could EQUAL the performance of current low beam lights.

Not sure if all Lexus' are upmarket Toyota's. Yes, many originate from Toyota, but then Toyota don't have the 4.3 V8 in camry's :notworthy ...Sorry, this is getting off-topic.

I'm not saying Ford should use just 'do-dads and gold badges' but they need to use something NEW in their cars...there's nothing really exciting in a BA/Tez at the moment (ie tech-wise)...oh sorry, theres premium sound! Now thats exciting :lol:

Its not like Ford/FPV don't use do-dads in any of its current range...hehe...starter button anyone? (yes, thats VERY try-hard, but it sells cars...although I'm sure people don't buy a FPV car for a little starter button, but you never know!)

But sorry, my post is getting off-topic (again). Good luck to Ford IF they are in fact considering this.

[Laminge]

I can order in Gold Badges for my Kluger!

Dont see that option on the territory!

But I tell you what would be a winner, is the intergrated display that the kluger has in that the territoy doesnt and I truely think that Ford should look hard at this option for the M3.

[Polyal]

It would be nice as long as it came with some sort of legislation to stop 'Toorak tractor syndrome'. I can just see a little blonde bimbo mother of three rear ending a car because the satnav was playing up.

FFS, who cares who buys the thing, as long as they sell on its merits. I hope the bimbo chick buys one. Because the hubby will then realise that his $120k merc or bmw isn't overally thaaaat much better than a GT that costs half as much.

[#Russ#Es#]

I'll second that!

[Cobra]

Ahem, did you read EXACTLY what I said? I said it didn't have to outperform...that means they (Xenon lights) could EQUAL the performance of current low beam lights.

Not sure if all Lexus' are upmarket Toyota's. Yes, many originate from Toyota, but then Toyota don't have the 4.3 V8 in camry's :notworthy ...Sorry, this is getting off-topic.

I'm not saying Ford should use just 'do-dads and gold badges' but they need to use something NEW in their cars...there's nothing really exciting in a BA/Tez at the moment (ie tech-wise)...oh sorry, theres premium sound! Now thats exciting :lol:

Its not like Ford/FPV don't use do-dads in any of its current range...hehe...starter button anyone? (yes, thats VERY try-hard, but it sells cars...although I'm sure people don't buy a FPV car for a little starter button, but you never know!)

But sorry, my post is getting off-topic (again). Good luck to Ford IF they are in fact considering this.
All Lexus are upmarket toyotas. Theres no such thing as Lexus in japan. Lexus stands for Luxury Export US. Toyota didn't think they'd be able to crack the luxury market in the states while still being called Toyota, hence LEXUS. I guess the name and seccess followed suit into other countries.

[Chucky]

Will be sad to see the Fairlane go, its the longest continuous running model name in history!
Nothing saying that the badge can't be moved across to a Territory derived luxo model...

[Bossxr8]

All Lexus are upmarket toyotas. Theres no such thing as Lexus in japan. Lexus stands for Luxury Export US. Toyota didn't think they'd be able to crack the luxury market in the states while still being called Toyota, hence LEXUS. I guess the name and seccess followed suit into other countries.
There is now, Lexus are setting up shop in Japan and are moving away from using rebadged and slightly different Toyota's to models unique to them.

[johnydep]

All Lexus are upmarket toyotas. Theres no such thing as Lexus in japan. Lexus stands for Luxury Export US. Toyota didn't think they'd be able to crack the luxury market in the states while still being called Toyota, hence LEXUS. I guess the name and seccess followed suit into other countries.

I know this is off topic, but I can't let this go.

The Lexus was a Toyota idea to produce a luxury car that was not a Toyota. I know it sounds silly & confusing, but they decided to make two companies from one, instead of doing what everyone else is doing, buying a luxury car company.
Ford purchased Jaguar, GM purchased Saab, etc.

The First lexus, LS400, had more development time spent on making sure the doors closed with the right sound, than was spent on the whole development of a Corolla. Only a slight exaggeration :evillaugh
http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/Lexus1stGen/Lexus1stGen.htm
The first-generation Lexus LS400 (1990-1994) is quite possibly one of the top five best cars in the world......... the automotive press thought it didn't have a chance against the likes of Mercedes and BMW........ it took less then a year for everyone in the automotive industry to change their attitude and give this car the respect it deserved. Lexus became the standard by which other cars are judged.........This car exudes quality from its fit and finish to the materials chosen both inside and out. Look around the interior and you won’t find a single exposed screw and very few seams in the trim. All the controls, from the radio knobs to the directional lever feel like they will last forever. The same goes for the glove compartment door, the cup holders, the ash tray, and everything else you can touch, see or hear. The steering wheel has a nice feel to it with a thick rim that allows a good sense of control. The entire center pad of the wheel serves as a horn switch. I found it to be bit too easy to accidentally blow the horn while twirling the wheel with one finger during parking maneuvers. The instruments are illuminated both day and night while the ignition is on. The numbers on the gauges seem to float in space with the needles in front of them and any warning lights floating about an inch or so behind. When the ignition is off, the panel goes dark and you can’t see the gauges at all.......
http://carsguide.news.com.au/news/story_page/0,8269,12646068%255E27286,00.html
IT'S GAME on at Lexus. The born-from-nothing Japanese luxury brand is finally getting serious about style, performance and personality.

Back on topic: I don't think I could handle the name Territory Fairlane or Fairlane Territory, it gives me visions of a boring, fat, semi-retired executives vehicle.

Leave the model range as it is with the addition of an LTD to compete against all those other manufacturers top SUV's.

[Ouzo]

..... boring, fat, semi-retired executives vehicle.
Describes me perfectly.

[johnydep]

Describes me perfectly.

Can't be true.

You drive a Territory :toocool:

[#Russ#Es#]

Back on topic: I don't think I could handle the name Territory Fairlane or Fairlane Territory, it gives me visions of a boring, fat, semi-retired executives vehicle.
It doesn't have to be called Territory Fairlane or Fairlane Territory! I'm sure we could come up with some good names...

[b2tf]

Ferritory?
Terrifory?

[johnydep]

Ferritory?
Terrifory?

What about;
Fairtory or Terrilane? :evil_laug

[LSD]

Funny they say the fairlane and LTD market share has been declining for many years. I think it has to do with the fact that it has been getting worse after every update. If they made models that actually looked different to the standrd falcon range and looked good they might pick up in sales. But that's too hard for them.

It's not hard, they've made a Fairlane that looks nothing like its Falcon progenitor in the past (the ZH, which was in direct response to such criticism), they just realised that it's cheaper and easier to simply supply a slightly lengthened Fairmont Ghia.

[I AM FORDLESS!]

Good on Ford for giving it a go .

I do however think they have some very stiff competition in that segment from some excellent vehicles that Ford will never be able to match build quality wise unfortunately.

[I AM FORDLESS!]

I know this is off topic, but I can't let this go.

The Lexus was a Toyota idea to produce a luxury car that was not a Toyota. I know it sounds silly & confusing, but they decided to make two companies from one, instead of doing what everyone else is doing, buying a luxury car company.
Ford purchased Jaguar, GM purchased Saab, etc.

The First lexus, LS400, had more development time spent on making sure the doors closed with the right sound, than was spent on the whole development of a Corolla. Only a slight exaggeration :evillaugh
http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/Lexus1stGen/Lexus1stGen.htm

http://carsguide.news.com.au/news/story_page/0,8269,12646068%255E27286,00.html


Back on topic: I don't think I could handle the name Territory Fairlane or Fairlane Territory, it gives me visions of a boring, fat, semi-retired executives vehicle.

Leave the model range as it is with the addition of an LTD to compete against all those other manufacturers top SUV's.


The big difference here is that Toyota were already making the best built vehicles in the world before they attempted the Lexus brand which stands for Luxury Export US for thos ewho don't know. This year will be the first time the Japanese can buy Lexus in their own country as they were previosly all badged
Toyota but were the identical vehicle to that that is exported around the world.

Whilst they are certainly an amazingly well built vehicle the brand has suffered
with a perception of "boring and bland " in comparison the the MB and BMW marques and this has affected resale in this country dramatically.

If they can knock that on the head they will be unstoppable !

[Paxton]

My Wife has a Lexus Is200. I rarely drive it, but when I do, I still believe it drives no better than the Corolla I had as a P Plater 13 years ago. They are nothing more than a glorified Toyota and with the price tag to match. I would rather a Territory (for the same money) than a Is200, or for $20,000 more, the RX330 (a glorified Klugger). They may offer innovation, but does that really justify the extra dough to take you from a Camry to a Es300? The answer is no.

I would be all for a Fairlane Territory, but the car MUST have a decent gearbox (sick to death of mine) and it must have some of the things that makes the X5 sell so well, like better leather, and real wood. I would have to see how it stacks up against the Range Rover and the X5 before considering one though.

[I AM FORDLESS!]

My Wife has a Lexus Is200. I rarely drive it, but when I do, I still believe it drives no better than the Corolla I had as a P Plater 13 years ago. They are nothing more than a glorified Toyota and with the price tag to match. I would rather a Territory (for the same money) than a Is200, or for $20,000 more, the Gs330 (a glorified Klugger). They may offer innovation, but does that really justify the extra dough to take you from a Camry to a Es300? The answer is no.

I would be all for a Fairlane Territory, but the car MUST have a decent gearbox (sick to death of mine) and it must have some of the things that makes the X5 sell so well, like better leather, and real wood. I would have to see how it stacks up against the Range Rover and the X5 before considering one though.


Get your models right mate ..its RX330 ;).

Your comment on the IS200 shows you have never driven one or don't know what you are talking about.

The ES300 is nowhere I agree and sales show this.

[XA-Coupe]

The big difference here is that Toyota were already making the best built vehicles in the world before they attempted the Lexus brand which stands for Luxury Export US for thos ewho don't know. This year will be the first time the Japanese can buy Lexus in their own country as they were previosly all badged
Toyota but were the identical vehicle to that that is exported around the world.

Whilst they are certainly an amazingly well built vehicle the brand has suffered
with a perception of "boring and bland " in comparison the the MB and BMW marques and this has affected resale in this country dramatically.

If they can knock that on the head they will be unstoppable !

too bad they are automotive appliances with the soul of a kelvinator hey

[I AM FORDLESS!]

too bad they are automotive appliances with the soul of a kelvinator hey


Yeh !!

Nothing like a Territory to get the pulse going hey ?

:lol:

[MAD]

So whats your actual argument that the lexus is better...All I am seeing is a little boy saying what he thinks with nothing to back up his views.

[Laminge]

Get your models right mate ..its RX330 ;).

Your comment on the IS200 shows you have never driven one or don't know what you are talking about.

The ES300 is nowhere I agree and sales show this.

Can you please quote a website link to prove this I am having trouble acknowledging your expertise on the forums without links

[I AM FORDLESS!]

Can you please quote a website link to prove this I am having trouble acknowledging your expertise on the forums without links


to prove what ?

[MAD]

Problems with finding your actual argument points or are you just avoiding the question?

[XA-Coupe]

to prove what ?

To prove that you have enough brain power to do more than spew drivel from one forum to another.... Which is highly doubtful. :puke:

[Paxton]

Your comment on the IS200 shows you have never driven one or don't know what you are talking about.


If you read what I said, it will read that I rarely drive the car. It is my Wife's car, with me having the Territory. :owned:

I believe the Lexus to be a boring drive. It has a small amount of power, and for a 2 Litre 6 cylinder, it is the opposite of what I personally like in a car. In its defense, it is a Rear Wheel Drive. The Automatic Gearbox speaks for itself. There is no real excitement when you put the accelerator down.

Where Foes Fordless get his facts from? I know the ES300 does not sell, but accusing me of not having a clue about one of my cars, that just takes the cake.

[I AM FORDLESS!]

If you read what I said, it will read that I rarely drive the car. It is my Wife's car, with me having the Territory. :owned:

I believe the Lexus to be a boring drive. It has a small amount of power, and for a 2 Litre 6 cylinder, it is the opposite of what I personally like in a car. In its defense, it is a Rear Wheel Drive. The Automatic Gearbox speaks for itself. There is no real excitement when you put the accelerator down.

Where Foes Fordless get his facts from? I know the ES300 does not sell, but accusing me of not having a clue about one of my cars, that just takes the cake.


I agree they are gutless but the handling is superb and they are built like a brick.

IS300 for extra fun and refinement.

New IS200/300 looks like a beaut !!

[I AM FORDLESS!]

Problems with finding your actual argument points or are you just avoiding the question?


Next time I post a link try following it. You may learn something.

[XA-Coupe]

Next time I post a link try following it. You may learn something.

hahahahahahaha ... all we have learned from you is how to be a fool.
I hope you enjoy your little message soon :hippy:

[paulvdb]

I agree they are gutless but the handling is superb and they are built like a brick.

IS300 for extra fun and refinement.

New IS200/300 looks like a beaut !!
I think the IS and ES are completely pointless. The IS300 aint half bad (if it was cheap) but for that sort of cash you can buy a substantially better car. Lexus agree - there's a new version coming soon. The ES makes sense only to those with one foot in the grave. It looks AWFUL.

I can't understand why a schoolboy likes these cars. They're ultra boring. I think it's funny that the Aust GM at Toyota doens't understand why people don't like his cars. Yes they sell heaps but much of that is due to saturation - having 10 different cars in every segment :-)

If the Terri was made in Kluger quantities it would S&*T all over it, not just in sales (like it does now) but also build quality. Only 34 Technical Service Bulletins so far for the Highlander :-) http://www.alldata.com/TSB/60/026071A8.html.

Individually Toyota's cars could easily be outsold. If either GM or Ford had the same qty of products in every segment then Toyota would be in trouble.

[XA-Coupe]

Don't worry.. he is gone for the time being .. no doubt he will appear again .. just like herpes

[MAD]

Next time I post a link try following it. You may learn something.

Thats some really good points there. I guess I will have to bow to your prowess and knowledge of the world and everything contained within. :doh: :fewl:

Try putting up some supporting facts for a change.

[Chucky]

Next time I post a link try following it. You may learn something.
Don't mean to be harsh.. but I don't have the patience or the time for bullshyte like this.
If you want to contribute to these forums in future you will need to do the following...

1. Get a new user name as this one is banned.
2. Grow up a little
3. Learn to be a conversationalist.. not a confrontationalist.

If you can't do all three of the above, piss off & don't come back!

Kind regards,

Chucky Hutchison
Forum Director
FordForums.com.au

[Bossxr8]

I agree they are gutless but the handling is superb and they are built like a brick.

IS300 for extra fun and refinement.

New IS200/300 looks like a beaut !!
He obviously doesn't have much of a clue about Toyotas or Lexus's either as the new IS is called the IS250, and the bigger engine version will supposedly be called the IS350.

[Paxton]

He obviously doesn't have much of a clue about Toyotas or Lexus's either as the new IS is called the IS250, and the bigger engine version will supposedly be called the IS350.


He just decided to pick a fight with somebody that was talking bad about his dream car. His XA Falcon must be getting on a bit in years. :shootout:

The new 250 and 350's are going to be more like the big brother GS, in styling and interior, and the speedo/dashboard designed by Tag Heuer is going, in favor of the standard Speedo/Tacho/Fuel/Temperature. I like looking at the Tag Speedo better, but Lexus needs to move forwards (a 5 or 6 speed auto would be nice, but the Falcon will have one before my IS will.

[Paxton]

Where do you get your info from ?

They are 5 speed fool.


This is only in the IS300. My IS200 has only got a 4 Speed Auto. I drove it today and counted the ratios. It Says 4 Speed about 3/4 of the way down the page. (http://lexus.com.au/models/specification.asp?model=IS200&view=specifications&specid=2&variant=3)

I do know what I am talking about, I have only owned the car for 3 years. :owned:

I would appreciate it if you read what I have been saying, I have an IS200, not 300. Read first then post with some answer.