Drew Dowdell

I really think some of you need to drive a modern EV first. I know you're all about the sound and "feel" of a V8 gas engine, but the full thrust of something like a Tesla Roadster is nothing to shake a stick at. Even the Volt in sport mode can go with gusto for what is essentially a 4-door family hatchback.

They do when it's the Mercedes S-class. Problem is Cadillac needs credibility, which could be gained with a successful flagship, however, the flagship probably won't sell because of their brand image. They are sort of in a lose-lose. The S-class pays the bills by being a Taxi, Rental car fleet, and business airport car fleet whore..... the same way the Towncar does.

once you are firmly comfortable in your new position (i.e. after your 30-60-90 probationary period) move it into a growth plan either with your employer or just an IRA. My employer (not always a good example because they treat us exceptionally well) will allow us to open an IRA in addition to our 401k through our existing 401k plan. Any fees that are normally charged by the IRA get covered by the 401k plan. Basically a two-fer deal, but over time it adds up to a substantial savings.

Where? Chevy - Sonic, Cruze, Malibu are all new and more fuel efficient than their predecessors; we know a new Impala is coming and the Camaro will head over to the Alpha soon Buick - Verano, Regal, LaCrosse (especially with the e-assist) are new fuel efficient offerings; we know the Enclave is getting the 3.0L and a smaller CUV is planned Cadillac - ATS is on the way to be the fuel efficient Cadillac model If anything, GM needs to concentrate on the truck line again... the compact offerings - GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado - need updating, and hopefully the new Colorado concept shown in Thailand will come here. A small diesel engine for 1500/half ton pickups would do wonders for the pickups. Something to compete with the Ford Transit Connect would be good too. How about the Granite to open up fuel efficiency for GMC? Seems to be a lot of holes in the truck line if you ask me... Less than 25% of what you just listed is actually on the road today. Which can also imply sales in calendar year 2012 too And even if they wait until 2013, 16 months is not a long time either (now if they pushed it back to 2015, then there's an issue as both Ford and Ram will be newer that GM's offerings). That is what I was implying. Model year 2013 can start as early as Calendar year 2012.

Model year 2013...... so as soon as 16 months from now.

I just have nothing to add to the investment advice. I'm adding to the "saving money on the purchase" advice. Feel free to continue the 401k advice.

The G20 was Infiniti's entry for the "entry lux" market.... yet you don't hear a peep about it when there is a G35/7 review The Catera (or Cimmeron 25 years earlier) were Cadillac's entry into the "entry lux" market, yet we still hear about at least one or the other in any given CTS review. The original Odyssey was a terrible mini-van entry and failed like it deserved, no mention of that in reviews of the current model. No Lambda review is complete without mentioning out hard GM failed in the minivan market even though it's not a minivan.

Why is it that there is such a good memory for a J-body from 30 years ago yet the sales of the Odyssey or G37 aren't affected by it's first generation abomination?

Back to the actual cars, I'd have no fear of a granny car. If you're fine driving an H-body or W-body, I'd just look for a new one of those to beat around in for now.

So... no chopping competition then?

Wait.... another new platform?

What do you think guys, a contest to chop up some inspiration for Buick?

Why no to the wax?

That ION is showroom clean. but... dust?

I couldn't buy a subcompact. They just don't have the ride I like.

They still have many holes in their car lineup. Other than compact trucks, they don't really have any holes in their truck lineup.

I'm also assuming you're going to be moving to a new apartment soon and will need the requisite upgrade in furniture and appointments for that. Save up some cash now and buy something older... like another LSS as previously suggested, or a Bonneville, or Park Ave, or Fleetwood. It sounds like cosmetic issues aside, the LSS starts and runs every day. Fix any outstanding mechanical issues. A replacement mirror for an LSS is $24 on ebay plus shipping. and just keep driving it until you have the cash for some super sweet Ebay or Craigslist deal near you.

2012 Opel Astra GTC Rendered Today, GM took the wraps off the new 2012 Opel Astra GTC sport hatch through virtual renderings. Slated for a full reveal on June 7th, this gives us an early look at what to expect beyond the concept version shown at the Paris Motor Show previously. Follow the jump for more: 2012 Opel Astra GTC Renderings Released

Can you say Buick Skylark?

I wouldn't buy new. I would buy certified pre-owned. Let someone else take the depreciation hit.

Ford Reports $2.6 Billion 2011 First Quarter Net Income Ford Reports $2.6 Billion 2011 First Quarter Net Income

Perhaps, but using which platform? Kappa was based on the Corvette's Y-body (at least conceptually) making it extremely inflexible. GM would require a) to develop or redevelop such a platform, or b) adapt the smaller RWD architecture (Alpha) for such a vehicle. I think that dynamically both solutions would work equally well, so the choice comes down to cost: where does GM get the biggest margin from? A small sporty coupe needs to be light, though...I doubt if Alpha (if it ever sees production) will be very light..(maybe at least 3500lbs?) The lower end of the Alpha size range is supposed to be very light.

As soon as Toyota kills the XD it will be fixed. It's not our fault that Toyota named a car after an emoticon.

Yaris, Versa, Fit, Fiesta, Sonic, Accent, xD, Rio... what am I missing

and I thought I was a masochist.