Just had a client ask me about the new Fiat 500. I'll be very interested to see how this car is received - cute as a button, but who remembers Fiats affectionally?
Maybe I was blind last Friday, but I didn't see any Saabs at the auto show. Maybe they felt that the 10 or 11 they are going to sell in Canada, will sell regardless of who else sees them. The owner of Saab has just sold his sport car business to concentrate on rebuilding Saab - I think he is going to have to concentrate hard, really hard. Nothing wrong with the car, but let's face it, nobody buys them.
There is a new bigger Jetta on the way, that would be the Passat, but boy it sure looks like Jetta's larger identical twin. Kidding aside, it is conservatively attractive.
I'm an Audi fan - feel they are good value and love their style. They nailed it with the new A7 Sportback - just compare it to that very strange BMW 5 series GT. Watch for the new RS models coming later this year.
Did you see the line ups at the Toyota display? Neither did I. Another Hybrid Prius model, which just might sell now that the gas prices are headed upwards. People talk about saving the planet, but you can't sell a hybrid when gas is reasonable - you sure can move big Ford pick ups though!
On another note......did you see the Daytona 500? Great race with an amazingly improbable ending. Great to see the "little guy" win one.
Until next time.
About Me
- Barry (the Carguy) Thomas
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- My passion is also my business, as I am with the Toronto based Hav-A-Kar Auto Group. I sell or lease any make of car, van or truck available in Canada. My interest in all things "car" has helped me with my many clients in Ontario over the past 25+ years. Please give me the opportunity to assist you.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
TO car show
If you are going to the Toronto Auto Show get a map, as I missed the 100 level - the convention centre is very confusing. I find it interesting that on one hand there are lots of new economy cars while at the same time the power ratings are increasing on the performance cars. Some thoughts....
Hyundai - boy talk about a transformation over the years - quality and good looks. The new Elantra blows the Civic and Corolla out of the water. The latter is so boring I'd have to visit Tim Horton's before each drive just to stay awake.
Chrysler - great new interiors and the Charger/Chrysler 300 are worth considering if in market for a full size car (or looking for a spacious daily rental)
GM - new small cars like the upcoming Sonic (loads of room) and Buick Verano - beautiful interior. Caddy CTS coupe is a stunner while the V has enough power to put someone in jail for a very long time.
Ford - new Focus is well done, Explorer is great. Still can't stomach the new Lincoln front ends - who designs these things??
Mercedes - got to figure out a way to get a new CLS, but what is with the matte finish on the display model? That thing would never look clean. Maybe a matte finish on a Lambo, but on a sedan it just looks weird. Funny how a really old hot rodder's trick makes it to the bigtime!
More thoughts on Wednesday.
BWT
Hyundai - boy talk about a transformation over the years - quality and good looks. The new Elantra blows the Civic and Corolla out of the water. The latter is so boring I'd have to visit Tim Horton's before each drive just to stay awake.
Chrysler - great new interiors and the Charger/Chrysler 300 are worth considering if in market for a full size car (or looking for a spacious daily rental)
GM - new small cars like the upcoming Sonic (loads of room) and Buick Verano - beautiful interior. Caddy CTS coupe is a stunner while the V has enough power to put someone in jail for a very long time.
Ford - new Focus is well done, Explorer is great. Still can't stomach the new Lincoln front ends - who designs these things??
Mercedes - got to figure out a way to get a new CLS, but what is with the matte finish on the display model? That thing would never look clean. Maybe a matte finish on a Lambo, but on a sedan it just looks weird. Funny how a really old hot rodder's trick makes it to the bigtime!
More thoughts on Wednesday.
BWT
Friday, February 18, 2011
This weekend
Great long weekend ahead......
1) TO car show this afternoon. I missed Detroit due to winter weather, so TO is a good fall back. It doesn't have the most up to date concepts (they go to Chicago), but there are still enough new models and side exhibits to make it fun.
2) Daytona 500....usually a good show, unpredicatble due to nature of restrictor plate racing. I'm a Jr. fan, but anyone but Kyle Busch or Jimmie J winning would be ok.
3) model building.....finishing up 1968 Dart Hemi drag car - love the old racers from the 60's and have several famous diecast drag cars in my office (the good old days??). Will look good in matte balck paint - tough.
4) also some golf practise and a movie
Back on Tuesday with some impressions from the show.
BWT
1) TO car show this afternoon. I missed Detroit due to winter weather, so TO is a good fall back. It doesn't have the most up to date concepts (they go to Chicago), but there are still enough new models and side exhibits to make it fun.
2) Daytona 500....usually a good show, unpredicatble due to nature of restrictor plate racing. I'm a Jr. fan, but anyone but Kyle Busch or Jimmie J winning would be ok.
3) model building.....finishing up 1968 Dart Hemi drag car - love the old racers from the 60's and have several famous diecast drag cars in my office (the good old days??). Will look good in matte balck paint - tough.
4) also some golf practise and a movie
Back on Tuesday with some impressions from the show.
BWT
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
My Hobby
Hi everyone. I'm rather unusal in that my hobby and my business are the same. Have been in the car business for 18 years and been passionate about cars since I was a kid. I have been making and collecting model cars for over 50 years and still have every one I ever made. I have a car room in my basement displaying my collection and also a small library. My office has about 40 cars on display - everything from drag cars, to classics to hearses - eclectic! I also follow car racing.
I'll blog from time to time about what I'm doing or with news.
Carguy
I'll blog from time to time about what I'm doing or with news.
Carguy
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