Edmunds: Taurus SHO vs. G8 GT
#16
#17
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FWIW,
I just built a loaded SHO (nav, camera, cruise) for $45,200. I went over to Lexus and built a GS 350 AWD with Nav and backup camera for $51,400. Add ML and it brings you to $53,200.
To be honest...that is a no brainer for me. Even if you went up to a loaded GS 350 AWD with Nav, ML, backup camera, xenons, AFS, wood and leather steering wheel...that is only $8,000 difference. I am not saying $8K is pocket change, but when you get up into the $45K mark, I have a feeling that most people will be willing to splurge to get the Lexus name, quality, service experience, etc.
If you live in a warmer climate and want the GS 350 RWD, there is only a $7K price difference between a loaded version and the Taurus SHO. If you forego the ML, the price difference between a GS 350 and the SHO is less than $5K.
IMO, this car is too expensive.
I just built a loaded SHO (nav, camera, cruise) for $45,200. I went over to Lexus and built a GS 350 AWD with Nav and backup camera for $51,400. Add ML and it brings you to $53,200.
To be honest...that is a no brainer for me. Even if you went up to a loaded GS 350 AWD with Nav, ML, backup camera, xenons, AFS, wood and leather steering wheel...that is only $8,000 difference. I am not saying $8K is pocket change, but when you get up into the $45K mark, I have a feeling that most people will be willing to splurge to get the Lexus name, quality, service experience, etc.
If you live in a warmer climate and want the GS 350 RWD, there is only a $7K price difference between a loaded version and the Taurus SHO. If you forego the ML, the price difference between a GS 350 and the SHO is less than $5K.
IMO, this car is too expensive.
Ford poses another problem to less established brands where their badge doesn't hold half as much weight.
Whats funny if you can get a loaded F-sport IS 250 for the price of a Taurus SHO. Its amazing how today so many vehicles now cross paths.
We also both know it won't go for MSRP. Unless Ford sticks to its guns, there will be discounts on this vehicle.
#18
Lexus Fanatic
#19
Pole Position
Plus, the huge price difference. The Taurus does seem awfully expensive. 45k is swimming in some pretty serious performance sedan territory. A 5 series starts at 45,800. The G8 GT cleaned its clock. Imagine what the GXP could do, and it still costs less than the Taurus. Although, I'm sure the Taurus is much better equipped.
#21
FYI the SHO starts at $37k.
$45k gets you heated and cooled seats, moonroof, rear sunshade, 12 speak Sony system, auto high beams, blind spot warning, rain sensing wipers, adjustable pedals.
$45k gets you heated and cooled seats, moonroof, rear sunshade, 12 speak Sony system, auto high beams, blind spot warning, rain sensing wipers, adjustable pedals.
#22
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FWIW,
I just built a loaded SHO (nav, camera, cruise) for $45,200. I went over to Lexus and built a GS 350 AWD with Nav and backup camera for $51,400. Add ML and it brings you to $53,200.
To be honest...that is a no brainer for me. Even if you went up to a loaded GS 350 AWD with Nav, ML, backup camera, xenons, AFS, wood and leather steering wheel...that is only $8,000 difference. I am not saying $8K is pocket change, but when you get up into the $45K mark, I have a feeling that most people will be willing to splurge to get the Lexus name, quality, service experience, etc.
If you live in a warmer climate and want the GS 350 RWD, there is only a $7K price difference between a loaded version and the Taurus SHO. If you forego the ML, the price difference between a GS 350 and the SHO is less than $5K.
IMO, this car is too expensive.
I just built a loaded SHO (nav, camera, cruise) for $45,200. I went over to Lexus and built a GS 350 AWD with Nav and backup camera for $51,400. Add ML and it brings you to $53,200.
To be honest...that is a no brainer for me. Even if you went up to a loaded GS 350 AWD with Nav, ML, backup camera, xenons, AFS, wood and leather steering wheel...that is only $8,000 difference. I am not saying $8K is pocket change, but when you get up into the $45K mark, I have a feeling that most people will be willing to splurge to get the Lexus name, quality, service experience, etc.
If you live in a warmer climate and want the GS 350 RWD, there is only a $7K price difference between a loaded version and the Taurus SHO. If you forego the ML, the price difference between a GS 350 and the SHO is less than $5K.
IMO, this car is too expensive.
#23
I understand and sympathize with some of what you are saying but to think that Ford needs to compete with Audi, Lexus, and BMW to be competitive is pretty unrealistic...for several reasons.
Until the last year or so, Ford wasn't even competitive with Toyota or Honda, so Lexus and Audi are a clear long shot past that.
Second, luxury marques have never been Ford's target or competitors so I don't really think they need to try to benchmark the 5 series or GS- it's irrelevant. Shoot high? Yes. That high? No, IMO. Gunning for Toyota and Honda is high enough right now.
They are making great strides none the less...very impressive!
Until the last year or so, Ford wasn't even competitive with Toyota or Honda, so Lexus and Audi are a clear long shot past that.
Second, luxury marques have never been Ford's target or competitors so I don't really think they need to try to benchmark the 5 series or GS- it's irrelevant. Shoot high? Yes. That high? No, IMO. Gunning for Toyota and Honda is high enough right now.
They are making great strides none the less...very impressive!
#24
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I understand and sympathize with some of what you are saying but to think that Ford needs to compete with Audi, Lexus, and BMW to be competitive is pretty unrealistic...for several reasons.
Until the last year or so, Ford wasn't even competitive with Toyota or Honda, so Lexus and Audi are a clear long shot past that.
Second, luxury marques have never been Ford's target or competitors so I don't really think they need to try to benchmark the 5 series or GS- it's irrelevant. Shoot high? Yes. That high? No, IMO. Gunning for Toyota and Honda is high enough right now.
They are making great strides none the less...very impressive!
Until the last year or so, Ford wasn't even competitive with Toyota or Honda, so Lexus and Audi are a clear long shot past that.
Second, luxury marques have never been Ford's target or competitors so I don't really think they need to try to benchmark the 5 series or GS- it's irrelevant. Shoot high? Yes. That high? No, IMO. Gunning for Toyota and Honda is high enough right now.
They are making great strides none the less...very impressive!
#25
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^VWoA has since lamented that it was a mistake to drop the car from the American market after only two years. The face lifted Phaeton that dropped in Europe last year actually significantly boosted sales. The car wasn't a completely flop across the spectrum as VW is going to build a second generation of the car but I can clearly see what you are trying to say - that Americans were not ready for an executive luxury saloon from VW that approached $100K, even IF the vehicle was essentially a toned down Bentley Continental; it didn't matter. I fear the pricy Taurus may fall victim to the same trap as the $38K REGULAR VW Passat VR6 had in 2006-2008. The car was pretty much competitive with the similarly sized Acura TL and Lexus ES ( I'd argue better), but it was often overlooked simply for being a VW and a Passat. The CC has stood a much better chance given that it actually has a very striking design, but Ford is going to face the same wind the Passat had. The car may help it gain respect in the industry and showcase what the company IS capable of, but it may have been better off leaving the $45K top trim model to Lincoln.
Last edited by FKL; 06-26-09 at 08:40 PM.
#26
Lexus Fanatic
Ford may (?) have set the SHO price where it is because they know that, with Pontiac likely going out of buisness, the G8 GT will be only temporary competition for the first year. And new-car-fever often allows first-year, high-performance cars to get top dollar.
#27
Lexus Fanatic
You mean the limited-production, W8-powered Passats, don't you? VW only sold those for a year or two. They generally sold for 40K and up....more, of course, than most people were willing to pay for a Passat.
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