Wow.. being 6 years since I was last here, I had forgotten just how
popular Lexus is here in South Florida. The most popular luxury car
here is the ES350 - I've seen hundreds. These photos should sum up
the popularity here...

In this shot there are 5 Lexus LS460s parked in a row. An indication
of just how popular they are. 35,000 each year are sold here,
compared to only 250 in Australia, on average.

[url]http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6846/dsc01093resized.jpg[/url]

An endless line of luxury cars along the main road. Again, mostly
Lexus (including a rare GS!):

[url]http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4756/dsc01088resized.jpg[/url]

In this shot, Lexus outnumber Mercedes 2 to 1:

[url]http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/7114/dsc01100resized.jpg[/url]

Here's a CL 65 AMG... the most expensive Merc available (500k in
Australia). And, of course, another LS460:
[url]http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7091/dsc01096resized.jpg[/url]

(apologies for the high resolution of this one - it is only so that
the CL65 badge is visible)

(if that wasn't impressive enough though, I have seen a Rolls Phantom
driving through the club, and at the local mall, in the space of 5
minutes, I saw 2 Maybachs, 2 Bentley Continentals, and a CL63 AMG). I
have photos of them all.

Of course, we can't forget the ES350... in this shot you can see 3
ES350s and 1 ES330 (oh, and another LS460):

[url]http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/7796/dsc01091resized.jpg[/url]

Here's another, but you already get the picture:

[url]http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8884/dsc01092resized.jpg[/url]

Of course, the kids here are spoiled senseless too. If you think I
was spoiled with a CR-V for my first car at 18, have a look at what
cars are parked in the school car park here, with kids being able to
drive at just 16. These photos are from the senior's parking lot,
though (meaning year 12 students, who get their own car park with no
less than 500 available spaces):

[url]http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/7222/dsc01070cropped.jpg[/url]

As you can see, BMW, Lexus, Volkwagen, Acura, you name it, they drive
it. The Jetta is extremely popular as is the Nissan Altima. Most
cars are practically brand-new. Hatchbacks are virtually unseen. I
did see a Commodore (G8) though!

Another shot of the school car park - a Toyota Tundra dwarfs a
Corvette:

[url]http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/2133/dsc01076resized.jpg[/url]

I have more but that'll do for now

Oh, and Noddy - most cars here have rear indicators that blink red
(and are colored red). This includes Honda, Hyundai, BMW, even Mini!
They seem to have made a big comeback. About 10 years ago, most
Japanese branded cars used orange indicators, but they seem to be
swinging the other way now. I think red is more elegant and
simplifies the rear tail-light clusters greatly.

On Apr 22, 1:11*pm, mrdavidzoftoo...@gmail.com wrote:
> Wow.. being 6 years since I was last here, I had forgotten just how
> popular Lexus is here in South Florida. *The most popular luxury car
> here is the ES350 - I've seen hundreds. *These photos should sum up
> the popularity here...
>
> In this shot there are 5 Lexus LS460s parked in a row. *An indication
> of just how popular they are. *35,000 each year are sold here,
> compared to only 250 in Australia, on average.
>
> [url]http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6846/dsc01093resized.jpg[/url]
>
> An endless line of luxury cars along the main road. *Again, mostly
> Lexus (including a rare GS!):
>
> [url]http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4756/dsc01088resized.jpg[/url]
>
> In this shot, Lexus outnumber Mercedes 2 to 1:
>
> [url]http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/7114/dsc01100resized.jpg[/url]
>
> Here's a CL 65 AMG... *the most expensive Merc available (500k in
> Australia). *And, of course, another LS460:[url]http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7091/dsc01096resized.jpg[/url]
>
> (apologies for the high resolution of this one - it is only so that
> the CL65 badge is visible)
>
> (if that wasn't impressive enough though, I have seen a Rolls Phantom
> driving through the club, and at the local mall, in the space of 5
> minutes, I saw 2 Maybachs, 2 Bentley Continentals, and a CL63 AMG). *I
> have photos of them all.
>
> Of course, we can't forget the ES350... *in this shot you can see 3
> ES350s and 1 ES330 (oh, and another LS460):
>
> [url]http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/7796/dsc01091resized.jpg[/url]
>
> Here's another, but you already get the picture:
>
> [url]http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8884/dsc01092resized.jpg[/url]
>
> Of course, the kids here are spoiled senseless too. *If you think I
> was spoiled with a CR-V for my first car at 18, have a look at what
> cars are parked in the school car park here, with kids being able to
> drive at just 16. *These photos are from the senior's parking lot,
> though (meaning year 12 students, who get their own car park with no
> less than 500 available spaces):
>
> [url]http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/7222/dsc01070cropped.jpg[/url]
>
> As you can see, BMW, Lexus, Volkwagen, Acura, you name it, they drive
> it. *The Jetta is extremely popular as is the Nissan Altima. *Most
> cars are practically brand-new. *Hatchbacks are virtually unseen. *I
> did see a Commodore (G8) though!
>
> Another shot of the school car park - a Toyota Tundra dwarfs a
> Corvette:
>
> [url]http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/2133/dsc01076resized.jpg[/url]
>
> I have more but that'll do for now
>
> Oh, and Noddy - most cars here have rear indicators that blink red
> (and are colored red). *This includes Honda, Hyundai, BMW, even Mini!
> They seem to have made a big comeback. *About 10 years ago, most
> Japanese branded cars used orange indicators, but they seem to be
> swinging the other way now. *I think red is more elegant and
> simplifies the rear tail-light clusters greatly.

Looks interesting but all I can see are a lot of toyota camrys there.

On Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:09:08 -0700 (PDT), [email]marty.wcfly@gmail.com[/email] wrote:


>
>Looks interesting but all I can see are a lot of toyota camrys there.

Then you need a new monitor...or glasses.




OzOne of the three twins

I welcome you to Crackerbox Palace.

<marty.wcfly@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:c96a8b79-9add-496d-80b4-b63b74fcc81c@u39g2000pru.googlegroups.com...

> Of course, the kids here are spoiled senseless too. If you think I
> was spoiled with a CR-V for my first car at 18,

ROTFL

Most people wouldn't think you were spoiled by having a CR-V as your first
car David. Most would think that your parents were catering to your
homosexual needs

> Oh, and Noddy - most cars here have rear indicators that blink red
> (and are colored red). This includes Honda, Hyundai, BMW, even Mini!
> They seem to have made a big comeback. About 10 years ago, most
> Japanese branded cars used orange indicators, but they seem to be
> swinging the other way now. I think red is more elegant and
> simplifies the rear tail-light clusters greatly.

Nice of you to share all this mundane shit with us David, but I think you'll
most likely find that no one could give a crap what a wannabee yank
perennial loser such as your fine self thinks.

--
Regards,
Noddy.

On Apr 22, 12:22*am, Oz...@Crackerbox-Palace.com wrote:
> On Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:09:08 -0700 (PDT), marty.wc...@gmail.com wrote:
>
> >Looks interesting but all I can see are a lot of toyota camrys there.
>
> Then you need a new monitor...or glasses.
>
> OzOne of the three twins
>
> I welcome you to Crackerbox Palace.

The ES350 is based on the Camry, and that is actually the car I have
been driving while over here. It's amazing - a 3.5L V6 with 6 speed
auto (as on the Aurion), keyless entry and start button, electric
adjustment on the steering column, memory seats, sunroof. It's the
little touches I like such as the auto-dimming mirror, with built-in
digital compass, auto up/down on all 4 windows, and the keyless entry
is great. You just walk near the car and it opens automatically.
Disappointments: foot-operated handbrake!! fuel economy could be
better (averaging 20 mpg or 11.8L/100km), no reverse sensors and no
GPS. Then again, it is Lexus's entry level model. It's excellent
value at only US$34,000 (A$48k).

The LS460, however, is NOT based on any Toyota model. It is a true
luxury car and it's the best-seller in it's class, outselling the S-
Class and 7-Series (it has ever since it was introduced).

On Apr 22, 12:48*am, "Noddy" <m...@home.com> wrote:
> <marty.wc...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:c96a8b79-9add-496d-80b4-b63b74fcc81c@u39g2000pru.googlegroups.com...
>
> > Of course, the kids here are spoiled senseless too. If you think I
> > was spoiled with a CR-V for my first car at 18,
>
> ROTFL
>
> Most people wouldn't think you were spoiled by having a CR-V as your first
> car David. Most would think that your parents were catering to your
> homosexual needs
>
> > Oh, and Noddy - most cars here have rear indicators that blink red
> > (and are colored red). This includes Honda, Hyundai, BMW, even Mini!
> > They seem to have made a big comeback. About 10 years ago, most
> > Japanese branded cars used orange indicators, but they seem to be
> > swinging the other way now. I think red is more elegant and
> > simplifies the rear tail-light clusters greatly.
>
> Nice of you to share all this mundane shit with us David, but I think you'll
> most likely find that no one could give a crap what a wannabee yank
> perennial loser such as your fine self thinks.
>
> --
> Regards,
> Noddy.

Other interesting observations on the roads:
- cars over 30 years of age (pre-1979) are considered antiques and
have unique license plates that read 'antique'
- very few motorcyclists wear helmets - probably fewer than 50%.
there's no law that requires it. might have something to do with the
heat and humidity
- nobody here uses a handbrake! they thought I was crazy the first
time I asked about it - "florida's flat, why would you need it?" was
the answer I got. The highest point in florida is 5 metres above
ground, so... I couldn't argue.
- vinyl roofs continue to be popular with seniors, and you see them on
camries, accords, sonatas, avalons, etc.
- you can use a mobile phone while driving- there's no law against
it. nor is there any law requiring rear passengers to buckle up. go
through a stop sign without stopping, though, and it's a US$150 fine.
- you can legally carry a firearm in your car, without having a
license. You don't need any kind of permit, just a 3 day waiting
period before buying.

On Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:07:59 -0700 (PDT), [email]mrdavidzoftoorak@gmail.com[/email]
wrote:


>Other interesting observations on the roads:
>- cars over 30 years of age (pre-1979) are considered antiques and
>have unique license plates that read 'antique'
>- very few motorcyclists wear helmets - probably fewer than 50%.
>there's no law that requires it. might have something to do with the
>heat and humidity
>- nobody here uses a handbrake! they thought I was crazy the first
>time I asked about it - "florida's flat, why would you need it?" was
>the answer I got. The highest point in florida is 5 metres above
>ground, so... I couldn't argue.
>- vinyl roofs continue to be popular with seniors, and you see them on
>camries, accords, sonatas, avalons, etc.
>- you can use a mobile phone while driving- there's no law against
>it. nor is there any law requiring rear passengers to buckle up. go
>through a stop sign without stopping, though, and it's a US$150 fine.
>- you can legally carry a firearm in your car, without having a
>license. You don't need any kind of permit, just a 3 day waiting
>period before buying.

I've been cautioned twice in the US, both times for doing the
Australian stop and have been told that I'm very lucky not to have
been booked as it's regarded as a serious offence.

The police there actually watch the wheels to ensure that they come to
a complete stop.

And IIRC the carrying of the unlicenced firearm is on the condition
that it's on view, not in a glovebox.




OzOne of the three twins

I welcome you to Crackerbox Palace.

On Apr 22, 1:37*am, Oz...@Crackerbox-Palace.com wrote:
> On Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:07:59 -0700 (PDT), mrdavidzoftoo...@gmail.com
> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> >Other interesting observations on the roads:
> >- cars over 30 years of age (pre-1979) are considered antiques and
> >have unique license plates that read 'antique'
> >- very few motorcyclists wear helmets - probably fewer than 50%.
> >there's no law that requires it. *might have something to do with the
> >heat and humidity
> >- nobody here uses a handbrake! *they thought I was crazy the first
> >time I asked about it - "florida's flat, why would you need it?" was
> >the answer I got. *The highest point in florida is 5 metres above
> >ground, so... I couldn't argue.
> >- vinyl roofs continue to be popular with seniors, and you see them on
> >camries, accords, sonatas, avalons, etc.
> >- you can use a mobile phone while driving- there's no law against
> >it. *nor is there any law requiring rear passengers to buckle up. *go
> >through a stop sign without stopping, though, and it's a US$150 fine.
> >- you can legally carry a firearm in your car, without having a
> >license. *You don't need any kind of permit, just a 3 day waiting
> >period before buying.
>
> I've been cautioned twice in the US, both times for doing the
> Australian stop and have been told that I'm very lucky not to have
> been booked as it's regarded as a serious offence.
>
> The police there actually watch the wheels to ensure that they come to
> a complete stop.
>
> And IIRC the carrying of the unlicenced firearm is on the condition
> that it's on view, not in a glovebox.
>
> OzOne of the three twins
>
> I welcome you to Crackerbox Palace.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

My grandparent's club actually pays the local sherriff several million
a year to patrol their community (they have private security as well,
but they are not responsible for traffic offenses). So the cops just
sit there all day waiting to catch people running stop signs or
speeding. Stop signs are much more important here. There are no
roundabouts, so 4 way intersections in residential areas simply have
stop signs facing each direction. The person who arrived at the
intersection first has right of way, so you count on the other drivers
coming to a stop to avoid a collision. It was scary at first, but it
works very well. Another thing I find strange is that in a T-
intersection, the 'main' road has stop signs as well. In Australia,
the main road would have right of way and only the intersecting road
would have a stop sign, but here, all 3 directions must stop.

On Apr 22, 2:52*pm, mrdavidzoftoo...@gmail.com wrote:
> On Apr 22, 12:22*am, Oz...@Crackerbox-Palace.com wrote:
>
> > On Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:09:08 -0700 (PDT), marty.wc...@gmail.com wrote:
>
> > >Looks interesting but all I can see are a lot of toyota camrys there.
>
> > Then you need a new monitor...or glasses.
>
> > OzOne of the three twins
>
> > I welcome you to Crackerbox Palace.
>
> The ES350 is based on the Camry, and that is actually the car I have
> been driving while over here. *It's amazing - a 3.5L V6 with 6 speed
> auto (as on the Aurion), keyless entry and start button, electric
> adjustment on the steering column, memory seats, sunroof. *It's the
> little touches I like such as the auto-dimming mirror, with built-in
> digital compass, auto up/down on all 4 windows, and the keyless entry
> is great. *You just walk near the car and it opens automatically.
> Disappointments: foot-operated handbrake!! *fuel economy could be
> better (averaging 20 mpg or 11.8L/100km), no reverse sensors and no
> GPS. *Then again, it is Lexus's entry level model. *It's excellent
> value at only US$34,000 (A$48k).
>
> The LS460, however, is NOT based on any Toyota model. *It is a true
> luxury car and it's the best-seller in it's class, outselling the S-
> Class and 7-Series (it has ever since it was introduced).

I sometimes get to ride in an LS400. Windows have "TOYOTA" marked on
them
which I found a little surprising, or a small oversight.

--
Kipland.

On Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:55:29 -0700 (PDT), [email]mrdavidzoftoorak@gmail.com[/email]
wrote:


>
>My grandparent's club actually pays the local sherriff several million
>a year to patrol their community (they have private security as well,
>but they are not responsible for traffic offenses). So the cops just
>sit there all day waiting to catch people running stop signs or
>speeding. Stop signs are much more important here. There are no
>roundabouts, so 4 way intersections in residential areas simply have
>stop signs facing each direction. The person who arrived at the
>intersection first has right of way, so you count on the other drivers
>coming to a stop to avoid a collision. It was scary at first, but it
>works very well. Another thing I find strange is that in a T-
>intersection, the 'main' road has stop signs as well. In Australia,
>the main road would have right of way and only the intersecting road
>would have a stop sign, but here, all 3 directions must stop.

I was there this year, we drove from San Fran to Vancouver then up to
Whistler BC.

I'm always amazed at how courteous US drivers are compared to
Australians.
The 4 way stop wouldn't work here these days because you'd need to
barge your way out. There, they just wait patiently until you take
your turn..even if you're a bit slow on the uptake, they just wait.

Unfortunately Canada is more like Aus, not as bad, but certainly not
like the US.

I wondered if the propensity to carry a weapon moderated peoples
behaviour.




OzOne of the three twins

I welcome you to Crackerbox Palace.