I re-read the quote war with Jules and I see what you're getting at. Presumably anyone shopping for a 300 isn't going to be cross-shopping a Civic for the higher fuel economy.
Now, if BMW were able to make a 5-series that got 30 MPG in the city while still having excellent handling, comfort, and power on tap, that would change the equation somewhat. It's one thing to spend money on gas because you can afford it, but it's another to spend money on gas because you're driving old tech.
Yeah now you got it, if you look at the luxo car brands 17-28mpg is about the average across the board. Driving a civic myself, I get about 31 combined (about 35.5 on the highway). In a 300S V6/8spd I get 31 highway and about 24-25 combined, a well worth it drop in fuel economy to me.
I agree 100% with your second statement. Right now their Activehybrids are about 14-20k more than their equivocal base models. That buys *alot* of gas. Especially when a base 528 gets 34mpg highway. Right now high end hybrid drive trains that are inspiring are just really pricey. Sure a camry hybrid isn't too much of a eco tax, but it's also very weak in comparison. High end drive trains like in use by Mercedes and BMW are very expensive, and then of course their's Tesla . If they can get high performance hybrids that make more sense, the game (equation) will change and I think we'll see more high end hybrids on the road than we do now.
I'm not sure I understand this. The richest guy I know personally drives a 1980's-era Diesel dually. Oh, and he also has an old Indian that he can't ride anymore. He could buy a stable full of exotics if he wanted, but he simply doesn't care.
That's why I said discretionary income. We're not holding the hands of the buyers here. They have to want a car with certain niceties. As you said, he simply doesn't care, and those people don't factor into this conversation. He could love planes, or horses, houses, wine, or nothing. Maybe he's just adverse to spending money at all. That's his prerogative and means nothing about being able to afford a nice car with all its required maintenance ect. "Being able to afford" also includes being able to allow yourself to do so.
Get the v6 with the 8-speed and your combined milage will be 25 easily.
Exactly! :thumbsup: Not 40mpg, but a much nicer car and way more powerful.