Thk god it's being discontinued.
I'll take this small car.
I'll take this small car.
Nice choice. I've been eyeing that one myself since back when it was a prototype. Isn't there a Subaru version too?
Scion XB
box car ftw! when i buy this car in the near future, was thinking about getting the lego paint job/design on it and put something that would resemble those little nubs on top of the lego and put it on the roof. it'll be so hood yo.
Oh man, the first version of that car looked so much better. The windows are waaaaaay too small. Looks ridiculous IMO
I'll take this small car.
Nice choice. I've been eyeing that one myself since back when it was a prototype. Isn't there a Subaru version too?
I'll take this small car.
Nice choice. I've been eyeing that one myself since back when it was a prototype. Isn't there a Subaru version too?
Yup, BRZ.
Still on the list to look at is the VW GTI
More like a Korean BRZ but already has the turbo. I'd love to see a Mustang take Nurburgring like that straight off the showroom floor.
Weight ratio is almost same as BRZ which is one of the points everyone always talks about. Add a turbo to the BRZ to get power like the GC and the weight will get closer. Power to weight ratio is almost the same as well. 13:1 and 12:1 in favor of the BRZ. Also the BRZ is barebones with no creature comforts at all.
Not sure how you could think the GC was slow on the track. He's doing well over 200kph on straights, over 150kph while turning and barely squealing the tires. Completely stock doing ~8:20 on Nurburgring. Medium quality street tires, etc. What is the Boss 302's time on that track?
Btw, the Boss 302 Laguna Seca is a $47,000 car. Why is that even being brought up here?
We'll see when I get to actually drive both of these in a couple days.
indeed: unless they let you test-drive on a track, all this Nürburgring talk is not directly relevant - one of the problems with automotive journalism is that it suggests we should be able to drift and race in our quotidian transport... that said, I did have fun with launch control today at a red light on the way to dim sum brunch ;-)
True, but note I wasn't the one to start the attack on the Genesis' track performance. I simply linked a video showing what it was capable of. I'll never drive anywhere near that level, but it's nice to know it can.We'll see when I get to actually drive both of these in a couple days.
indeed: unless they let you test-drive on a track, all this Nürburgring talk is not directly relevant - one of the problems with automotive journalism is that it suggests we should be able to drift and race in our quotidian transport... that said, I did have fun with launch control today at a red light on the way to dim sum brunch ;-)
Didn't know anything about Nurburgring propping up dyno cars, I just saw the video and thought it was interesting so I posted it.indeed: unless they let you test-drive on a track, all this Nürburgring talk is not directly relevant - one of the problems with automotive journalism is that it suggests we should be able to drift and race in our quotidian transport... that said, I did have fun with launch control today at a red light on the way to dim sum brunch ;-)
Exactly, Nurburgring is the new dyno queen phenomenon. Torque at 2K is nice and all but turbo lag isn't at every stoplight and corner especially hooked up to an auto. I've been stalking the development of Borg Warner EFR snails for years now. Maybe build up a new Cosworth 2.5 F4 as well.
True, but note I wasn't the one to start the attack on the Genesis' track performance.
......
More like a Korean BRZ but already has the turbo. I'd love to see a Mustang take Nurburgring like that straight off the showroom floor.
QC, who knows, but I doubt I'd get any better with the GTI knowing VW's past
MK6 production ends this summer in Wolfsburg. VW could stock pile a year's worth of Golfs for the North American market but that's about it. So, I expect the Golf 7 here next September and the GTI a little after that.
Didn't have a lot of time after work today, but went by VW dealer to look at the Golf TDI. Interior is just as nice as the GTI, but with less racey bits. Didn't drive it since I didn't have time, but did start her up and play around a bit. The diesel engine is really quiet, and rev is smooth. The stereo in this one was a touch screen flat panel and the sound was acceptable compared to the GTI's stereo. Mileage is significantly better, and premium gas (GTI) around here is only about a dime cheaper than diesel per gallon. Power and torque is rated very well. I'll go back and drive it, and perhaps the regular Golf also (cheaper option).
Can't take the front fascia seriously.
MS3 is still a pretty large car at 177in long, a full foot longer than the Golf at 165in. I'd have to see the interior, but I'm guessing it's not all that great being a Ford product.Can't take the front fascia seriously.
You could go for a used first generation MS3. There's nothing wrong with the looks of that one. I've driven one a few years back, and wow is it fast, and handles pretty well (once you get past the torque steer).
On vwvortex forums a guy posted a log of an 82 diesel jetta with 500k miles and only regular maintenance. Kinda makes me want to get the TDI golf and keep it for a long time.
After browsing vwvortex for over a month, I've come to the conclusion that buying an Audi out of warranty is not a good idea. Maybe they over-hype the issues people have there, but they seem to have problems all the time and are expensive to repair. This thread in particular scares me from a used Audi. http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5752369-So-I-went-against-advise-of-the-financial-lounge-and-got-me-a-high-mileage-B6-S4-(no-warranty-for-the-kicker) Guy buys a 7 year old S4 for $12k and it needs more than the car is worth to repair after he starts having issues with it almost immediately.
The mechanical stuff can usually be dealt with, though for awhile BMWs with the N54 twin turbo were eating high pressure fuel pumps like popcorn.They still are :P.
I'll probably have to sit in and/or drive an IS350 to really know for sure. The size is better, weight is not much better and fuel is about the same as my current. Reliability of these seems very good, enough to buy one without a warranty. The styling still looks fresh even though it's quite a dated design. The refresh was in 2009 and used 2009s are kinda pushing my budget ($23-24k+) and they are still used.. hard to get my head around paying 22k+ for a used car since I paid $4k for my first and $12k for my second (and current). 50% more hp compared to my current car, while retaining similar fuel economy is significant as well.
The pre-refresh models are definitely easier to swallow with 2006-2008s in the 18k-22k range still in great condition with less than 75k miles. Their styling still looks great.
I actually saw one of these (not sure what year) as I was pulling into the parking lot at work today and while I didn't get to sit there staring at it as they drove past, it looked nice in passing.
Just found one locally on craigslist that is supposed to have been babied with about 90k miles for a 2006 with full options for $15,900. Now I'm really interested...
http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/3159881169.html
How sporty are you trying to get? I was looking at the usual suspects (M3, M5, S4, GS, etc.) before getting my Z06. The newer CTSes (the old ones had really bad interiors; the new ones are pretty nice) are fun, too, but still suffer from the sport-sedan syndrome where it's not quite as comfortable as something like an ES, and still nowhere near as sporty as a Corvette or Porsche.
The G25 doesn't make much sense to me either; it was always going to be a niche thing, and if they wanted economy to be the main selling point a hybrid would have attracted a lot more attention in the States, and a diesel would have posted far better numbers. Going entry-level with a luxury brand devalues the brand, and in the long term seems like a bad move. That's another reason why I don't like seeing turbo 4s in States-bound BMWs but it seems that BMW's priorities have shifted quite a bit.
How are roadsters like S2000 with convertibles for noise level and temperature control (AC/Heat) with the top up? Any options for a car like that but without convertible? Also try to stay under 15k (used of course). Might be able to swing a fun car and a reliable car. If I end up liking the fun car enough I might sell the my current anyways.
You mean an FRS/BRZ. If you want used/cheap then Acura Integra/Miata. I don't know what an old SLK/Chrysler Crossfire goes for but you said reliable too....Yeah something like the FR-S would be great, but they are only new atm. Something like RX-8 is nice, but not as reliable for sure. RX-8 also has pitiful economy at 16/22, heh...
Yeah something like the FR-S would be great, but they are only new atm. Something like RX-8 is nice, but not as reliable for sure. RX-8 also has pitiful economy at 16/22, heh...
IS350 is really growing on me. Audi keeps scaring me. People talking about new cars smoking noticeably. Cruze diesel still holding top spot, I think.
I need to find an IS350 to test.
I enjoyed driving the Cruze more than the IS250 F-Sport somehow...
You had/have a MR-2 Spyder? And yeah the potato shooter is a bit much, and while I normally detest most ground effects kits, the stock body is so uninspiring that it needs SOMETHING. I really love the last 3 but it looks like some of that is custom made or at least more involved. The top picture is nice but I'd pick different wheels. Looks like just ground effects and a hard top. Makes it look good without adding too much weight.
Might have to keep an eye out for one since you have/had one. How is the car? How is durability, etc?
So with those occupied he let me drive a 2011 IS250 with 9k miles that was stickering for somewhere around $33k. This was the F Sport model. I don't know what all that includes except suspension and seats, but paired with the 2.5l V6 and after driving... I wonder why they bother. It was really slow and the auto transmission was slow to downshift. It had paddles but I mostly drove in normal auto. The ride was quiet and refined otherwise. The "sport" seats really didn't hold all that well compared to even the basic Golf seats.
Ignoring the sad engine of the 250 I thought the IS was a good car but somehow didn't measure up. I guess I was expecting more sport and less fluff. The odd thing was the fluff didn't seem all that nice either. Odd car. If I had plenty of money I think I would still pick a Cruze over the IS new vs new considering the price difference. The IS is just not 20k better. I would honestly take a Golf TDI at 27k over a IS350 at 45k even if money were no object. The steering and suspension feel of the Golf is way more fun and while it feels solid it doesn't feel heavy or large like the Lexus did. The Lexus felt like my Grand Prix in size and weight just with stiffer but smoother suspension. I think my car accelerates better than the 250 which is really sad.
The IS350 no doubt is better with the better engine and is a good car, but not for me. This is really the first time I've seen this in my shopping to this degree. I like it but at the same time don't, but can easily see how someone could love it. Odd.
AFAIK the design was originally created by Lotus but they never built it.
started by me. not trolling at all. seriously confused... always have been.I think you got your answer. Big, lazy, comfy, obnoxious, stupid American fun at stoplights. Yeehaw!
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5792586-Pony-cars-high-horsepower-but-high-weight...-what-s-the-draw (http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5792586-Pony-cars-high-horsepower-but-high-weight...-what-s-the-draw)
Still wish I have been able to try a Sunbeam Tiger (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunbeam_Tiger).
started by me. not trolling at all. seriously confused... always have been.
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5792586-Pony-cars-high-horsepower-but-high-weight...-what-s-the-draw
Any truth to those statements?A lot
The MR2 Spyder for whatever reason just didn't do it for me. The ultra lightness was cool, but car makers today still can't get electric steering right, and Toyota certainly couldn't then. It's also just an ugly car. Pushing the wheels to the corners works on the Mini, but it does not on the MR2. It has the same sort of "tub" look as the hideous Lexus SC430. Compared to a recent Miata, the interior looks to be out of a car from the mid '90s.
The Miata is little, but you can still fit a weekend's worth of stuff in it. The MR2 Spyder has room for a t-shirt.
What about the rx8?
By the way sold my 2001 corolla off and got me a 1996 subaru legacy outback 2.5l.
Definitely feel the car is heavier but overall i feel like i upgraded!
My friend got an RX8 brand new when they first came out. That thing ate tons of oil. He probably had to put in a quart every thousand miles or so. After two major issues with his engine that costed him probably over 8K total, he finally gave up on it and sold it. I'd recommend everyone stay away from the RX-8 just based off my friend's experience.
And congrats on the Subaru!
My friend has an RX-8 and when he first got it he had issues with the engine as well. I don't remember if it was eating oil though. They ended up replacing the engine completely and it's been fine ever since. I think it's one of those things where if it was first gen stay away, but they may have worked out the kinks later in the line.
Speaking of rotaries..... The motor in the 787B sounds absolutely demonic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iLyHV4ZwFk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iLyHV4ZwFk)
Didn't they force Mazda to use restrictor plates that severely limited their power instead of banning rotaries outright? I think I heard something to that tune. In race trim the R26B was already limited in power compared to qualifying, I think it made 900+ hp naturally. Pretty crazy specific output for 2.6 liters NA.
Unfortunately, I just don't see a future for rotaries unless they really improve the mileage.
There are some street cars running 4-rotors too, though it's an uber-expensive build for not that much power. The noise, though, is epic.
Didn't they force Mazda to use restrictor plates that severely limited their power instead of banning rotaries outright? I think I heard something to that tune. In race trim the R26B was already limited in power compared to qualifying, I think it made 900+ hp naturally. Pretty crazy specific output for 2.6 liters NA.
Unfortunately, I just don't see a future for rotaries unless they really improve the mileage.
There are some street cars running 4-rotors too, though it's an uber-expensive build for not that much power. The noise, though, is epic.
Didn't they force Mazda to use restrictor plates that severely limited their power instead of banning rotaries outright? I think I heard something to that tune. In race trim the R26B was already limited in power compared to qualifying, I think it made 900+ hp naturally. Pretty crazy specific output for 2.6 liters NA.
Unfortunately, I just don't see a future for rotaries unless they really improve the mileage.
There are some street cars running 4-rotors too, though it's an uber-expensive build for not that much power. The noise, though, is epic.
I guess I'm just missing the point. The free-revving, 9000rpm capability is nice, but it's not all that powerful, and there's no real torque to speak of. A modern, direct injected 2.0L turbo four just seems better in pretty much every way. Oil consumption should be zero, and with an 8-speed auto or DSG these engines can manage real world MPG in the low to mid 30s depending on the weight of the car. They can also match or exceed the RX-8's horsepower, and beat it in torque by 100ft.lbs.
so now am wondering about a Mercedes CLS500, CLS550 dependng on the year and price.
Any comments?
We're getting a Lexus CT Hybrid. Shuffling the kids around in the big SUV that only takes premium gas is like burning $20 bills.
My wife and I looked at the Prius and were shocked how the price has crept up over the years. The cloth seats for the Prius Two suck (we are talking low-end Toyota Yaris quality), and we need to pay $4000 more just to get pleather seats (Prius Four) which aren't even that good. It seems that the Prius has become too trendy and popular, so Toyota knows they can jack up the price.
The Lexus CT is built on the same platform, has a "SPORT" button which makes the throttle more responsive, rides 100 times better, and has super comfy seats. I don't need gizmos, and given that the low-end Lexus CT is almost the same price as a high-end Prius, the CT is a no-brainer.
yeah Dave. was specifically looking at 2006 models.. not anything older.
Alternatively, a VW Phaeton is an option if i can find one with the W12 config instead of the standard V8.
An AUdi S4 is still on the cards..just felt a little cramped in the AUdi A4. can't imagine its any different on the S4.
I borrowed my dad's Prius for the LA meet road trip. Got from my apartment in Daly City to downtown LA on one tank and under $40 in gas. :-00
Not any more. We just grabbed the CT. Could have gotten it for cheaper, but kind of sick of the hour drives to the New Taipei or New Seoul regions of LA.
Buick is GM's number one cash cow in China, they could give a rat's ass about the US market as long as we buy Silverados.
Honda hybrids/IMA can't run on pure electricity.
Buick is GM's number one cash cow in China, they could give a rat's ass about the US market as long as we buy Silverados.
Honda hybrids/IMA can't run on pure electricity.
I meant why Cnet bothered to include it. The GM hybrid system is basically an engine with an AA battery strapped to it. Honda's system for the new Accord is brand new, it's not like their old IMA system that couldn't turn the engine off. Honda now has a CVT, a real hybrid system, and even a direct injected engine! Somebody apparently looked out the window and realized what century it is.
http://wot.motortrend.com/over-100-mpge-2014-honda-accord-phev-in-photos-261751.html (http://wot.motortrend.com/over-100-mpge-2014-honda-accord-phev-in-photos-261751.html)
I decided to get this instead.
I dunno. I would have thought the carbon fiber was a good thing. I don't think a V10 which is no longer used in Formula 1 a bad thing. LOL, I'd take a V10 from the shittiest F1 team any day to put in my car. I also don't see any "design by committee" issues with the LFA. Didn't it set some Nurburgring laptimes with stock tires and stock suspension? Supposedly the driving / handling dynamics are really nice.
We really need to adopt diesel faster. I had a little BMW 118d in Italy which I thrashed all over the place on little mountain roads and on highways at up to 120mph and it still netted over 50mpg. The 320ed is (despite the terrible name) a much more US-friendly car that's faster and even more efficient. I just don't see much point in a gas engine in a car without performance aspirations compared to diesel. Mind you, sulfur emissions are a problem but we can probably fix that.
When it comes to cars like these, I don't really bother with logical arguments. I go with the emotional response that wells up inside me.
Personally, I love the LFA.
Comparing any AWD system to a FR in a drag race is just ridiculous. The LFA owner looking at the idiot in the Shelby reving his V8 at the stop light will think he's a prepubescent tool. I'm sure Kyle Busch was thinking how horrible the LFA was when he got ticketed for doing 128mph in a 45mph zone.
NSX? Please. I have yet to see one that broke 60,000 miles w/o having been towed on the back of a tow truck at least a few times. Go drive an NSX and then an LFA and come back and tell me the NSX is the more rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Let me know when the other 'supercars' you mentioned do 7:14 on the ring too.
This is like comparing speakers and audio gear based solely on one measurement.
In terms of interiors, the LFA is fine, I think it's pretty standard super car stuff, I'm not blown away by it. The one company that knocks my socks off with their interiors is Pagani. Just incredible, I don't think even the Veyron interior is this impressive.
(http://img2.netcarshow.com/Pagani-Huayra_2012_800x600_wallpaper_2c.jpg)
I'm not a hedge fund manager, and the only thing I would ever conceive spending $400K on is a house. Anybody who buys an LFA has more money than sense, so I'm sure they can buy an Aventador and a Ferrari F12 as well, and put them on their car elevator.
(http://img2.netcarshow.com/Pagani-Huayra_2012_800x600_wallpaper_2c.jpg)
Obviously getting into personal preference, but that is gaudy as hell. No thanks.
If acceleration stats mattered, then the best car would be a top fuel dragster, end of story. There's way more to it than that. And if lap times were everything, people would never buy supercars over track-day cars, some of which make the Atom V8 look like a minivan.
In general, supercars are about fulfilling a fantasy. They're not about numbers but about how they make you feel. Whether it's giving you F1 driver fantasies with a Ferrari 458, or pre-war aristocratic fantasies with a Spyker C8, supercar makers sell dreams, essentially, and dreams that are drivable on the street, and are at the very least somewhat livable for the - let's face it, probably quite older - enthusiast that's likely to afford them.
P.S. I love Pagani. Probably the closest thing we have to pre-war French and Italian coach-built exotica. Cars where every component, every nut and bolt is a work of art in of itself. Absolutely stunning and what supercars should be.
I guess I just don't understand what role the LFA is supposed to play. It will never be able to take down mega track cars like Gumperts and Ascaris, it's too polished and civilized for that. It's not an insane hyper car like a Pagani or a Koenigsegg. It's not an ultimate GT like a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, and it's too expensive and its transmission is too clunky to be a grocery getter like a 911 Turbo or R8 V10. If it was $175K and Toyota's answer to the Ford GT it would be brilliant. AT $375K though I just don't get it, there are just too many better options.
The one company that knocks my socks off with their interiors is Pagani. Just incredible, I don't think even the Veyron interior is this impressive.
[pedantic git]Supra is an inline 6[/pedantic git]. Also we're not in the 90s anymore. CAFE regulations are going to hit, which means that for a volume manufacturer it makes a lot more sense to release a sports car along the lines of the BMW i8 prototype than following the classic formula. Besides, where does the classic formula start? Is it a twin turbo 6? Is it a NA6? Fuel Injection? Knight-cycle engines? Steam? The car industry has gone through so many iterations that just because we see the 90s Japanese cars as iconic doesn't mean that they need to repeat themselves.
Too bad the exterior of the Huayra looks kinda derpy. Kind of like a baby baleen whale. Still, I like it. My crazy-ass older brother is thinking about getting a Pagani.
My thoughts on hybrids are kinda mixed. With the conventional hybrid system, you do get to capture a lot of the energy you lose while braking and sitting idle in traffic, but at the same time you're also carrying around two separate power trains, and the fuel savings need to outweigh the increase in mass (pun not intentional), and compared to diesel, I'm not sure if they do. The other system - essentially range-extended electric - is a lot more attractive on paper, but impractical for anyone that doesn't have a garage where they can safely charge their car overnight, which is a pretty small part of the car-buying public. And of course you still have the issue of carrying around the engine/generator, while in order to maximize efficiency you want to not use it. Plus, I'm not sure if our power grid can handle a switch to electric, or if we have the necessary money to expand it. More nuclear power is a pretty sure-fire way to political suicide these days but it's going to be pretty necessary and pretty soon.
Still, as Leno's fond of saying, the last days of an old technology are always better than the first days of a new technology. Though if you think hybrids are new, you should read up on the 1913 Owen Magnetic.
Wow. Impressive. Reminds me of the old "V-Tech just kicked in, yo" meme, only for real.
Iunno tho, hypercars don't seem like they'd be as fun to actually drive as supercars after a while. They're mostly about showing off and looking impossibly cool, and blasting it around a ring would be awesome, but in an actual track with lots of turns and whatnot, am I wrong for thinking the Italia would be a better driver's car? The Koenigseggegegegegeggeg seems like it would be really unwieldy. Like trying to steer an atom bomb.
interesting reads...
whats your take on the Holden Monaro ? specifically the Pontiac GTO which was the export model
interesting reads...
whats your take on the Holden Monaro ? specifically the Pontiac GTO which was the export model
interesting reads...
whats your take on the Holden Monaro ? specifically the Pontiac GTO which was the export model
The G8 is the better car. GTOs are getting up there in age, and finding one that hasn't been messed with probably won't be easy.
Always liked the Audi 4.2.
I don't think it's going anywhere. It's still in the R8. A few tuner houses use it as well.
STaSIS and APR can add another 100hp for under $2K. You just can't do that with a normally aspirated engine.Well....depends.
So... I'm kind of excited over the new F-Type Jag, as I may be looking for a roadster if I end up moving to the Northwest coast. I've also been considering the XKR convertible, but I prefer roadsters.
Then there's the "be really irresponsible and get an Aston" option, like the V6 or upcoming V12 Vantage Roadsters. As nice as the Volantes are, again, I'm just not all the married to the idea of a four-seater (even if it only seats two realistically).
Of course, I may just give up the idea of a ragtop entirely now that the new Vanquish is coming out soon. Despite the gearbox issues on the older one, it's one of my favorites. Have to get it in a subdued, metallic grey-green too.
Have you had the chance to sit an Aston Martin? There is no sports car brand that exudes such quality and refinement from the headliner to the switch gear IME. Pagani certainly doesn't do refinement for me. Saville Row > Gucci. The exterior design of the Vantage is near aesthetic perfection from a designer's standpoint which is why they still look good after more than a decade w/ minimal updates. After more than a decade the Vantage is still a timeless classic inside and out as it was from the day it was introduced. Not to mention Aston has traditionally been the most understated as in lacking go fast bits till ProDrive bought them. In another 40 years, people will still want to buy a Vantage. Nobody will even remember the SLs or how much horsepower they made.
Your XJS sucks. I beat my friend's XJS in a street race in Detroit in the late nineties with SC'd Camaro.
You don't benchmark an Aston. You look, touch, feel and listen. Now I see why you don't get the LFA, you don't get Aston. Let me guess, Range Rover sucks because it can't haul or tow as much as a Dodge Ram? ;) [/size]
I like the R8 too, just saw an R10 again the other day. I'd rather keep saving up for the Aventador. Both of which use sequentials btw. ;D Don't like the R8 convertible, rather fugly half-hearted adaptation to me. The 458 is an awesome convertible.
Ferrari on the other hand has always set me off on an emotional level with plenty of that x-factor. I'd get a Ferrari 458 Spyder or the F12 Berlinetta (sex on wheels) if I were in a position to drive something that impractical around. Ferraris have an air of "lottery win" about them, but oh well, who cares.
I'm still more of a Jag / Aston person at the end of the day.
The Lamborghini angularity is St. Agata's historical middle finger to Enzo/Modena. It's also Lambo being Yang to Ferrari's Yin. It goes back to their history with each other and the different design language/philosophies between Bertone and Pinanfarina. The quintessential examples were the 512TR versus the Countach both of which I loved as a kid. Ferrari is the Italian model in the red designer dress giving you the come hither look. Lamborghini is Lisbeth Salander kicking you in the nutz.
I had the Testarossa and the Countach posters as well. The Ferrari was nice, but the Lambo was the one that is remembered. Really iconic design. It's too bad that Chrysler stepped in and ruined the Diablo, that could've been something on that same level.
My favorite Ferrari of that era, and probably of all time, is the 288 GTO. It just screams "bad ass". The F40 is of course much more technically capable, but the 288 is way cooler.
I always thought the Dino looked like a duck. Now this, this works.
I've got to ask, what do you think of the new Viper MF? I've always hated the Viper before (dumb muscle machine with a truck engine and a trash interior) but I actually think the latest version is kind of sweet. You don't really have to make excuses for it anymore in the way that you still do with the Corvette, and only hyper cars have more power. It also just looks special unlike the ZR-1.
I like your collection MagickMan. Though I did note the conspicuous absence of a Facel Vega. Now I know a man of your tastes would not be so daft as to not have a Facel Vega, so I assume you just forgot to list it p;)
I've got to ask, what do you think of the new Viper MF?
I actually agree w/ Dave about the viper, I was never a fan but the new one is something special but still only 85% there for me. They still need to fix the rear end design and I'd like a more polished mid cycle facelift already. The interior is gorgeous and the car can run. Fiat and SRT did a great job. It's nice the Viper has access to Maser and Ferrari parts bins now. I was actually considering one maybe three years down the line but I think the new Barracuda might make more sense.
My favorite Ferrari of all time. Absolutely one of my favorite sounding engines of all-time along w/ the LFA and a few others. The F333-SP:
http://www.streetfire.net/video/victory-by-design-ferrari-f333-sp_175654.htm (http://www.streetfire.net/video/victory-by-design-ferrari-f333-sp_175654.htm)
Lol, the Viper logo over the center brake light was off-center. Yay, Detroit.
Bring out the brits?
Bring out the brits? Morgan to the rescue...
The Gallardo is another example of a car I like a lot more in convertible form compared to its hard top version. I especially like the thought of the LP 550-2 Spyder with its rear wheel drive. If I could get that in "Mars red" from the Super Trofeo version of the 570-4... that would be perfect.
Based on the evidence I've seen Audi is doing ok, though they could of course do better. The A4 seems about average. The 2012 A6 is doing pretty well so far, but it hasn't been on the market that long yet. Traditionally the A6 is Audi's most reliable model, though. The Q5 definitely had some teething issues but seems to have improved. No lemons reported in True Delta's survey.
I wouldn't recommend a first model year Audi though, and I just wouldn't recommend a VW, period. 3 series BMWs seem to be holding up about as well as the A4, I guess they've finally dealt with all of those fuel pumps as the difference between 328s and 335s seems to have mostly leveled off. The new 5 also seems ok, not great. The E-class was doing very well for awhile, but it seems not anymore. The old adage of German luxury cars being better to rent than own still seems largely true.
Lexus' sterling reputation is not what it once was. The GS350 AWD was the first Lexus to lose a CR recommendation over poor reliability. The last ES also launched with transmission problems. Lexus is probably still better than any of their competition overall, but the days when you could nail the hood shut and drive it forever are over.
Heard some bad/disturbing things from a Audi/VW tech a few days ago. R8 Engine failures and swaps after 200 miles. Bent aluminum frames from hitting potholes. Horrid QC from the factory shipping cars w/ only one half side of a car functional. On and on.....
So i'v been looking at cars lately and so far the following jump to mind:
G35 coupe 2005 and up
Pontiac GTO 2006
merc CLK500 2004-2005
Subaru WRX 2008 hatchback
Audi S4 2004-2005
BMW 330 series 2005-2006
Recommend me any other RWD cars and i am all ears... 20k and under used.
Addendum.. needs to have 2 seats in the rear..so a 2+2 config...mandatory. don't care if its made for spaghetti children or not but needs to have it.
So i'v been looking at cars lately and so far the following jump to mind:
G35 coupe 2005 and up
Pontiac GTO 2006
merc CLK500 2004-2005
Subaru WRX 2008 hatchback
Audi S4 2004-2005
BMW 330 series 2005-2006
Recommend me any other RWD cars and i am all ears... 20k and under used.
Addendum.. needs to have 2 seats in the rear..so a 2+2 config...mandatory. don't care if its made for spaghetti children or not but needs to have it.
I'm not a fan of the first generation G35. They're fun, but also crude. The interior is from a Nissan that barely escaped bankruptcy, and it shows. They were so cheap with the first few years that they didn't even bother to create different dashes for the left and right hand drive versions, they just covered the unused keyhole. I also thought the seat adjustments by the driver's right thigh made the seat uncomfortable. I'm glad Nissan saw through the error of that. Those years were not the best at Mercedes Benz. That's not to say that you shouldn't buy a CLK under any circumstances if you love it, but a *spotless* service record is an absolute must. Any holes in the history or a bunch of repair trips, and walk away. They'll only get worse.
The V8 B6/B7 S4 is a hoot. It doesn't handle like the current car with its torque shifting diff, but it's got a great engine. Audi guys will probably tell you to put in something like Koni FSD dampers and maybe different sways to improve the ride/handling balance. If you're after a 3 series, you need to decide which one you want. The 2005 and the 2006 are totally different cars. Personally I wouldn't recommend the '06, first MY Audi, BMW, or Mercedes is asking for it.
My pick of the group is probably the S4. As with the Mercedes a perfect service record is a must. The nice thing about them is that you can just swap in Audi's 2012 NAV system (runs about $1200) with the appropriate face plate for the S4, and you get the SD card slots and latest NAV setup, Bluetooth and everything else. The first gen G35 and 2005 3 series can't be modernized like that, the CLK I'm not sure about.
(http://img2.netcarshow.com/Audi-S4_2005_800x600_wallpaper_0b.jpg)
Price of diesel and gas is separating a bit. We'll see how it is by the time the Cruze diesel is out in early 2013. The premium for the diesel bits and higher cost of diesel might put me in a 2013 Cruze Eco MT since I can run on regular which is running about 70-75 cents cheaper.
I do really like the diesel feel, but the numbers aren't adding up.
I have never driven a worse trans than what's in the Hummer H2. Unfreaking believable that thing.
Not too surprised..was bound to happen..am sure a TRD package on the FR-S is probably on its way too.
So what year Legacy GT you got Anax? What sorta mods you got on it so far?
This seems interesting..
http://salem.craigslist.org/cto/3306146199.html (http://salem.craigslist.org/cto/3306146199.html)
I would be wary of buying tuner cars. The probability they fucked it up is exponential. I'd also want to see proof they passed smog/emissions testing. Make sure you will. He's likely selling because he's out of the smog exemption window and wants to pass on the future pain to someone else.
Jetta isn't my type. A3 also not my type.Price of diesel and gas is separating a bit. We'll see how it is by the time the Cruze diesel is out in early 2013. The premium for the diesel bits and higher cost of diesel might put me in a 2013 Cruze Eco MT since I can run on regular which is running about 70-75 cents cheaper.
I do really like the diesel feel, but the numbers aren't adding up.
If you're even halfway considering a diesel, a Jetta TDI is a must-try. I love mine, and the price difference between a Jetta TDI and an A3 TDI will pay for Stax 009s and a LL.
Jetta isn't my type. A3 also not my type.Price of diesel and gas is separating a bit. We'll see how it is by the time the Cruze diesel is out in early 2013. The premium for the diesel bits and higher cost of diesel might put me in a 2013 Cruze Eco MT since I can run on regular which is running about 70-75 cents cheaper.
I do really like the diesel feel, but the numbers aren't adding up.
If you're even halfway considering a diesel, a Jetta TDI is a must-try. I love mine, and the price difference between a Jetta TDI and an A3 TDI will pay for Stax 009s and a LL.
Damage to my car ended up being about $3000 so the insurance is fixing it. Diesel here is 3.95 a gallon. At the same station regular gas is 3.05. Hm...
Ah, good ole BMW.
http://www.insideline.com/bmw/7-series/2005-07-bmw-7-series-recalled-because-doors-may-inadvertently-open.html (http://www.insideline.com/bmw/7-series/2005-07-bmw-7-series-recalled-because-doors-may-inadvertently-open.html)
BMW is recalling 7,485 2005-'07 BMW 7 Series cars because a software problem may cause the doors to inadvertently open, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Yeah actually my mileage is so little that it makes no difference really. Not sure why I brought it up again. Just never seen the difference that high before. Even at a dollar difference the diesel will come out slightly ahead in fuel cost only. The difference in initial cost for the diesel is really not going to be paid back though, so it's a driving experience choice at that point.Jetta isn't my type. A3 also not my type.Price of diesel and gas is separating a bit. We'll see how it is by the time the Cruze diesel is out in early 2013. The premium for the diesel bits and higher cost of diesel might put me in a 2013 Cruze Eco MT since I can run on regular which is running about 70-75 cents cheaper.
I do really like the diesel feel, but the numbers aren't adding up.
If you're even halfway considering a diesel, a Jetta TDI is a must-try. I love mine, and the price difference between a Jetta TDI and an A3 TDI will pay for Stax 009s and a LL.
Damage to my car ended up being about $3000 so the insurance is fixing it. Diesel here is 3.95 a gallon. At the same station regular gas is 3.05. Hm...
I don't think price per gallon is the right metric for this comparison. Diesels will almost certainly look better on price per mile.
How bad of an idea is it to get a 996 911? There are plenty base 996s running around that are well within budget (2001-2002 or so), I just don't know what something like that may be like to live with. A Cayman S may be an option either, that's just barely depreciated to where I can start thinking about it. Either way, I know absolutely nothing about Porsche reliability.
Obviously I care nothing for mileage and practicality. I want something that can be a comfortable daily driver for when I just want to get somewhere, and something that can go absolutely nuts when I want to. Plus, I want something iconic that's more than just a car. Except that I'm don't have any money, and that puts a damper on things.
Eeek, and I thought Porsche would have the Boxer figured out better than Subaru.... :-00
German cars and electrical issues are like Peanut butter and Jelly it seems.
Analixus, I totally agree with the your comments on GM's focus these days. They should have brought Caddy back to its luxury roots and put the racing-spec' stuff into Dodge where it belongs! I mean, what is the rationale behind pitting two of your own brands against each other?
Dodge? Wuh? You know Dodge is Chrysler/Fiat, right? The new Dart is a Fiat.
I dunno. Shiny relatively new BMW and Mercedes (unless you are Asian) to me means "underwater mortgage poster boy / girl".
I dunno. Shiny relatively new BMW and Mercedes (unless you are Asian) to me means "underwater mortgage poster boy / girl".
Thought I'd pop in here because I had some car changes in the past few days.
Over the weekend we got a '09 CTS. I was really set on a 3-series, but after reading about how unreliable the latest ones are (prompted by comments in this thread) I decided to steer clear. So far, no complaints. It feels bigger than what I'd like, and the steering is a bit vague, but the car is handsome and feels well-built.
Yesterday, I traded in the 350Z for a '11 Prius. Obviously drives like a shit box. Less of a car, and more an appliance for transportation -- but will love the MPG for a commute car. My inner geek loves the techie-ness of it, and my car wasn't even optioned with the crazy solar panel sunroof or radar cruise control.
Both cars are iPod-compatible, so I feeling myself being sucked back in to the clutches of the Apple ecosystem....
What is the main difference between the BRZ and FRS? I've always wondered. Is it just Flat-4 vs. I-4?
Actually a bit surprised the BRZ isn't AWD, since I thought that was part of Subaru's brand identity or wahtever.
This thing is a fucking monstrosity.
(http://www.autospectator.com/cars/files/images/2011-Subaru-Outback-021.jpg)
I think the newer corrolas and Accord are ridiculously big too. They're like SUV's with car styling.
Yeah, I don't think Corolla buyers have given up on life, they just don't care about cars. Let's face it, if you want a cheap, reliable appliance for getting from point a to point b, and you neither know nor care one whit about cars, the Corolla will be at the top of your list. A friend of mine had one, and he certainly falls into that category, though he's trading it in for a Scion iQ. Don't ask.
Ditto on the new Accord, it's seems to be a whole lot better than the last one. And the old Accords are still nowhere near as hideous as the monstrosities Acura has been putting out lately. Yikes. Talk about completely going off your rocker and losing touch with your customers.
Also, it's very annoying to finally convince yourself that you don't want a 335 (with n54), and then driving one for a while and realizing that all your self-rationalization was totally pointless, and that you still want one to the point where nothing else will do.
Historically and presently speaking by comparison. Fords catch fire, sync is shit, Hyundais have crap wiring and electrical, Mazda is not the most reliable fo japanese brands either (the Ford years were terrible). The Corolla is the number one selling car in the world and the most popular car used in Afghanistan. FOR A REASON. As a whole, they don't stop working! That's most people's number one priority in a car, getting from point A > B. Especially if people are shooting at you w/ AK47s in the middle of the desert. After only a year or two where GM and Ford moved up in the relaibility rankings to near the top 5, they've dropped down again to Chrysler standards out of the top 10.
So people can enjoy their drive to the shop all they like. That's what German cars are for afterall.
I like the bottom picture best actually. It's less glitzy and cheap-boombox-looking, it's understated, and looks like it might be easier to use. I like big knobs.
Long live the Hachiroku!
(http://www.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/AE86meet09-102_1qeg_0.jpg)
Beautiful!Correct.
a Rolls Royce Phantom 1 "Jonckheere" coupé, model year: 1925, I believe?
I personally don't like those either. I guess I don't want the interior to be stylized like that. The interior of a car, to me, is about functionality. I want things simple, easy to find and use, and I want them to not distract me from the road. Any more than that has a kind of ultrasone feel to me. I mean fake wood? Put the sex on the outside of the car, once you're inside who cares. It's kind of like wearing sexy underwear I don't really see the point. Sexy clothes, yes, but once someone has taken off your clothes and sees your underwear it's too late, they've already made up their minds about you. Anyone who is turned off by plain underwear isn't worth it anyways. You know, at some point you have to stop trying to sell yourself and get real.
Beautiful!Correct.
a Rolls Royce Phantom 1 "Jonckheere" coupé, model year: 1925, I believe?
The new LS is pretty nice blend of older classic/conservative and new me thinks.
The dash controls are just one big ipad? :0Yes, sort of looks that way.
The Tesla is pretty bad ass. I'd get one if they can get to 400miles on a charge before Audi or Lexus do. Audi might be out after the E-Tron got axed.They were claiming about 230 miles with their 60kWh battery ($57k - site says $60k), and 300 miles with their 85 kWh battery (site says $70k.) The longest I usually drive is to El Paso from Irvine. I stop in Phoenix which is roughly $300-$400 miles. Their Model-X SUV also looks interesting.
Anyone else immediately think of the new Tesla's interior as being a awesome fusion of old and new?That type of styling can return because there is less stuff in the cabin. No center console at all because there is no shifter. Consolidating the controls to a single touchscreen panel helps a lot as well. Simple and clean.
and so begins modern art-deco...
The Tesla is pretty bad ass. I'd get one if they can get to 400miles on a charge before Audi or Lexus do. Audi might be out after the E-Tron got axed.They were claiming about 230 miles with their 60kWh battery ($57k - site says $60k), and 300 miles with their 85 kWh battery (site says $70k.) The longest I usually drive is to El Paso from Irvine. I stop in Phoenix which is roughly $300-$400 miles. Their Model-X SUV also looks interesting.
Thanks. I'll keep an eye on them. My wife and I got pretty excited mainly because we thought they were going to be way above $50k only to find out that they are becoming more affordable now.
Bear in mind too that the real advantage of electric vehicles is being able to plug into someone else's outlet, not your own.
I'm pretty sure Tesla's Supercharger stations are free to use for owners. The EPA rating for the top battery pack is somewhere around 265 miles if I recall, amazing that it took this long for electric cars to finally beat the ranges of 100 year old rolling phone booths with Edison lead acid batteries.
Those phone booths didn't safety features, creature comforts or other regulations and performance requirements to worry about. Top speed one hundred years ago was slower than a horse. That's helps extend range quite a bit.
Hopefully some day the steering wheel will just be a big ipad too.
That doesn't have AC does it?
The 2007 Lexus LS460 had everything capable of driving itself. In fact, Lexus was asked about this fact and if they would seize upon the technology in the car to do so, they replied their legal counsel thought it would be a bad idea to 'implement' it.
That doesn't have AC does it?
The 2007 Lexus LS460 had everything capable of driving itself. In fact, Lexus was asked about this fact and if they would seize upon the technology in the car to do so, they replied their legal counsel thought it would be a bad idea to 'implement' it.
That's probably going to be the biggest hurdle to truly self driving cars - regulatory approval. Who's at fault in an accident? The owner? The car company? Google?
Hopefully some day the steering wheel will just be a big ipad too.
We're not that far off. Cars with lane keep assist and radar cruise can pretty much drive themselves now, they just awkwardly bounce back and forth between the lane markers. In another few decades, most cars will probably be able to do this on major roads.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9kepmwrH5o (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9kepmwrH5o)
Corolla drivers ftw! :DI have a Corolla based Rav-4. It would have been the best thing evar... but no iPad controls, so no cigar.
ooh.. the BMW 135i is looking pretty good to my eyes..An 08 with about 50k can set me back by 22-24k..not bad for a 300HP machine. Might have to go take a test drive
Tiff Needell finished 3d at 24 Hours Le Mans in 1990. I don't think "Parkinson's victim with Tourettes" applies.
Also, Top Gear is about as factual as, well, they said it themselves - there hasn't been a fact on the show in years. It's pretty well known that a lot of their lap times are outright fabrications - the Stig, for instance, was instructed to spin the Hawk Stratos replica on his lap and recover it, and their portrayal of the car as a constantly breaking kit car had little to do with reality.
It's all spin. Bullshit is everywhere. Car mags are mostly just entertainment.
So its down between the 2006/2007 Lexus iS350 and 2006 Infiniti G35 coupe. Keeping it below 20 grand and japanese.
THe 2009 WRX is still a dark horse. Going to take my time with this decision.
Theoretically, if I made $10 and hour, worked 40 hours a week, would a 1999ish BMW M3 (~100,000 miles) be a feasible choice for daily driver?
-Pathetic recluse
-Live with parents with no dependents
-Almost ten year driving record, clean. Currently with Metlife, Massachusetts, (99)
-Hopes to learn to do basic maintenance by oneself, has PC building knowledge
-Does not plan on using car to attract women, or men, or animals
Oh GAWD! p:3
please convince me not to buy a near-mint-condition Nissan 300ZX Turbo (anniversary edition) with less than 15k miles on it... My wallet might finally go jump off a cliff if I add that on top of audio equipment!
all original parts :-0
~$9k
local seller too p:0
...If it was an R32 Skyline or something absolutely, but an old mid-period Z car from the bad days? I don't get the enthusiasm.I used to have an old Datsun 280z, and while it was nothing special, I still have a lot of memories associated with those old nissans...
I'm getting conflicting info from here and bimmerforums/bimmerfest. Must keep researching, I really want an e36, but if it's gonna eat me out of house and home, I'll move on. There just doesn't seem to be a car that's a balanced mix of good aesthetics/reliability/performance/cost efficiency, least not on my budget. :(
The next FRS will embarrass the S2000 even as the current one keeps up w/ and is even better in the twisties. The old S2000 was > $40K for 240hp/2800 lbs. The supercharged FRS will easily come under that all with better physics. The 2000 will have better weight distribution and VTEC but the FRS will be better at everything else w/ more power and torque available instantly.
GTR is a nice looker in a Gundam sense. I think though it has a face only a mother could love. The rear 3/4s is very engaging.
Got my car into the shop this morning, rental place only had a choice of Versa, Festiva, and Camry. I went Camry.. feels like I'm driving a box.
...Why is a high hood safer for pedestrians?I do wonder... maybe to prevent those who get hit from being thrown onto the windshield or over the car entirely??? Something about center of gravity is all I can remember...
Personally, a higher body wouldn't be terrible, so long as the performance and handling isn't screwed in the process.
Drove a 07 CLK63 AMG. Holy shit is that a nice car. This one did have an effects kit which I normally don't care for, but it looked stunning as well. If MBZ brought that car back in a couple of years...
I think BMW just wants to be Audi. Not quite sure as to the logic of that, since they earned their success being BMW. I like the looks of the new coupe - really like - but I'm kinda dreading the drive, what with the new electric power steering and the supposedly more isolated overall feel in the new 3. Hopefully they'll tune the coupe to be a bit sharper.
It's not the power - the F12 Berlinetta has more power and a dual-clutch box - it's the weight. A dual-clutch box that can handle the power would have been over 100lbs heavier. That's also why the Huayra has a single-clutch box. The LFA, strangely, started out with a dual-clutch box and then went to a single-clutch because the engineers wanted a more abrupt gearshift feel. Or so Clarkson says anyway.
Incidentally, Clarkson on the LFA (http://www.topgear.com/uk/jeremy-clarkson/Jeremy-on-the-Lexus-LFA-2012-12-05).
Here's a group of photographs loosely related to cars on the Boston Globe's website. There are some pretty cool images- 1, 2, 16, 17, 18
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2012/12/the_automobile.html (http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2012/12/the_automobile.html)
Didn't BMW send 335s with higher output than what was sold to the public for testing? I'm pretty sure that sending in ringers is quite commonplace, Lincoln were just sloppy with it. Also, I'm doubly confused by what they're doing since Ford has been doing quite well lately, making what seem like quality cars and what has so far turned out to be smart decisions. It's possible that Lincoln is in even more dire financial straits than I had guessed, and re-badged under-engineered cars is all that they can do with the resources they have at the moment.
Acura is another example of a manufacturer that just makes me want to beat my head against the wall. I like my old CL Type S, it's one of the better front wheel drive cars I've driven and is still going pretty strong after 12 years. The TL from around that era is, if anything, even better. Then you had absolute gems like the Integra and the old Legend, wonderful cars that I miss still. And what have you got now? The best car they make is the MDX. It's sad really. The TL has a lot of interesting technologies but the drive is bland, and that's something I would never have associated with Acura 10 years ago. Their solution seems to be to slap a hideous mutant corporate beak on all of their cars while ignoring nearly unilateral criticism from all direction. It smells of hubris, and I worry about their long-term success.
My parents are considering trading-in our 2000 Xterra, since it's getting too costly to repair at this point. The trade won't likely occur in the next year. I personally like the Honda Fit, but dad is adamant on all-wheel drive since we're in Mass. Another SUV would just be a waste, I've never gone off-roading in this mother.
My parents are considering trading-in our 2000 Xterra, since it's getting too costly to repair at this point. The trade won't likely occur in the next year. I personally like the Honda Fit, but dad is adamant on all-wheel drive since we're in Mass. Another SUV would just be a waste, I've never gone off-roading in this mother.
Hell, a light first rain on well oiled and rubbered roads is enough to warrant AWD IME.
Hell, a light first rain on well oiled and rubbered roads is enough to warrant AWD IME.
If you grew up in New Jersey and went to undergrad in upstate New York, as I did, it was a real revelation to move to SoCal and realize that there are millions of people who have no earthly clue how to drive in even mildly adverse conditions. I'd like to send them all to Syracuse in February and see how many survive.
The road conditions aren't the problem. The idiots are the problem.
Then you have most of Europe w/ no passing on the right?! Whatever, eat a d**k you weak a** Socialists. (I mean that in the nicest way possible :)p13 :wheel: ). Have a Heineken. :money:
I know they won't be, that would require infrastructure spending. *Government* infrastructure spending. OOOooooOOOOO scary. I was just talking hypothetically.
Yes, I'm sure the public highways would be smooth as glass. There's absolutely no way they'd ever cut any corners. Governments just don't do that. They aren't interested in budgets, it's all about public service! Public roads are also always super duper successful. Oh wait.FTFU
Anyway, the new Corvette looks like shit.
Speaking of toll roads, what's with this FastTrack stuff on the 110 now? They turned a lane into a toll lane, how's that work?
Isn't it still just spy shots and renderings at this point?
Only passing on the left would be like only being able to turn left.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XTB9swM2P0Q/TZNRkHK059I/AAAAAAAABME/phWRP3E5K1o/s200/NASCAR+4C%2528PRT%2529.jpg)
I guess the AC is not gong to qualify as American made... but Carroll Shelby was as American as they come so I'm still putting it up as my ultimate #1!...
The 2014 Lexus IS has to be the most cartoonishly ugly car I've seen since the Aztek. Seriously. I mean those light clusters. WHAT THE FUCK?????
(http://img2.netcarshow.com/Lexus-IS_2014_800x600_wallpaper_01.jpg)
(http://img2.netcarshow.com/Lexus-IS_2014_800x600_wallpaper_07.jpg)
"None of the cars in the entry lux segment are particularly attractive"
Must respectfully disagree.
Audi A5/S5 is gorgeous.
A5/S5 is 'entry lux'? I thought that was the A4. I wouldn't consider the GS or 5 series 'entry'.
Introducing the Chevrolet Skyline GTR.
(http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/chevrolet/corvette/2014/as/13/de/2014_chevrolet_corvette_f34_13-de-as_113132_717.jpg)
(http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/chevrolet/corvette/2014/as/13/de/2014_chevrolet_corvette_r34_13-de-as_113132_717.jpg)
Introducing the Chevrolet Skyline GTR.
(http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/chevrolet/corvette/2014/as/13/de/2014_chevrolet_corvette_f34_13-de-as_113132_717.jpg)
(http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/chevrolet/corvette/2014/as/13/de/2014_chevrolet_corvette_r34_13-de-as_113132_717.jpg)
I can't get over the front of the new Lexii. Looks like a bad photoshop.
(http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/7059/rmjvobxp.jpg)
I can't get over the front of the new Lexii. Looks like a bad photoshop.
(http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/7059/rmjvobxp.jpg)
I saw one of these on the road the other day and thought it was one of the nicer looking new cars in a while. Not as big a fan of the pictures though so maybe I didn't get a very good look. It was in passing on the freeway.
So Tesla no longer makes the sports car? It's not on their website. Just this and an SUV.
(http://www.teslamotors.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/galleriffic_slide_960x640/model-s-sigred-front3qtr_960x640_0.jpg)
Well that's Toyota's over aggressive nanny tronics to prevent old and blind people stepping on the gas pedal when trying to brake. :P TC is supposed to find the optimal level of grip based on slip to prevent exactly what happened to that 4S which no doubt is heavily biased to the rear mechanically.
Did your old Lexus have a mechanical diff or was it perhaps trying to e-diff it?
Next time I buy a used car I'm driving it to your house first for a looks-y. :)
Sony PS3 drivers too fast! http://www.leftlanenews.com/british-gt-rejects-sony-ps3-gt-academy-drivers-from-2013-series.html
Sony PS3 drivers too fast! http://www.leftlanenews.com/british-gt-rejects-sony-ps3-gt-academy-drivers-from-2013-series.html
Standard Acura fare.
Wake me up when the NSX fixes it's rear end or they make that hybrid MR2 clone. Honda is all about robots and airplanes these days. Heart's not into cars atm.
I am however, enjoying journalists and the NY Times being called out for the liars they are:
http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/tesla-publishes-vehicle-logs-in-disputed-test-drive-calls-for-probe.html (http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/tesla-publishes-vehicle-logs-in-disputed-test-drive-calls-for-probe.html)
Hoping to cash in on growing diesel demand in the U.S. market, Chevrolet debuted the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel today in Chicago.
Aimed squarely at the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, Chevrolet will offer the car in its higher end 2LT trim for $25,695 including delivery. That’s $1,845 more than the starting price for a Volkswagen, but Chevrolet says the more premium 2LT trim will still represent a compelling value to customers.
In other words, the diesel Cruze will come with heated leather seats standard along with a seven-inch touch screen display. An available driver convenience package also adds an auto-dimming mirror, power side mirrors, a rear view camera and more.
Roughly the first two months of sales, starting in May, will be restricted to specific markets Chevrolet expects to be more open to a diesel compact passenger sedan. After that, the car will be available in dealers nationwide.
Official fuel mileage is still unreleased, but Chevrolet expects the car to get 42 mpg on the highway. That’s right in line with the gas-burning Cruze Eco model, which accounted for 15 percent of the car’s U.S. sales, according to the brand.
But Chevrolet isn’t forecasting the Eco and diesel models to attract the same buyers despite the common efficiencies. Instead, it expects to attract current diesel drivers. This is GM’s first diesel passenger car since the 1987 Chevette, which means the brand hopes to poach customers from other makers. The U.S. diesel pool is a small one, though, and that doesn’t leave much to the imagination. Volkswagen is in the crosshairs.
That raises the question of whether or not Volkswagen drivers would consider switching to a Chevrolet. Base price comparisons make Chevrolet the more expensive option, but that also isn’t a fair comparison because the diesel Cruze is only offered with a six-speed automatic.
VIEW COMPLETE 2013 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW COVERAGE
Volkswagen, on the other hand, sells the Jetta with a six-speed manual or dual-clutch gearbox. Chevy’s automatic isn’t the same unit as you would find with the gasoline engines — the unit found here is built to deal with the diesel engine’s 148 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. In fact, torque can be temporarily increased via an overboost function for about 10 seconds to 280 lb-ft.
Chevrolet promises that will all add up to an engine that feels closer to a V6, and it’s tough to argue. Despite that, it remains to be seen if the new transmission can really stack up to Volkswagen’s DSG which would seem to be the likely winner.
Look for the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel to roll out nationwide by mid-summer. A fixed date hasn’t been announced, but based on Chevrolet’s announcement that its smaller initial debut will last about two months starting in May, July seems like a safe bet.
So, info on the tax credit is looking far less likely to be true.
This leads me back to the Eco, but (!) then I see someone mention the Mazda Skyactive-D is coming later this year (sooner than I expected). It will be interesting to see where it is priced and what options and trim packages it will come with. The base Mazda 6 is $22k with auto and a 184hp I-4, then there is a touring model at $24.5k that is probably similarly equipped to the 2LT package the Cruze-D is coming with, then a grand touring model at $30k that's loaded with stuff. It's a bigger car (still about 10" shorter than my current, though), which I don't want really, but it does look quite nice from all angles, especially the front, and it's actually about 200-300 lbs lighter than the Cruze 2LT (3475 lbs vs 3232 lbs) despite being about 7" longer. At first glance through some videos and the Mazda site, it looks to be more car for the money, assuming the diesel will be priced around $22-26k. The other really nice thing about the Skyactive-D is it uses no fluids or special after-burn techniques to meet emission standards, so people are expecting it to be priced very similarly to the standard gas model. It will just depend on which trim level they will offer the diesel with. Interior looks nicer all around and has more room. I'll be checking this car out in more detail and perhaps look at a gas model at a local Mazda dealer since they apparently already have this latest 6 released as of January.
I love the new york times! )(
Yes the nav screen is pretty bad. I'll have to see what it looks like in person, but I don't think it will be bad enough to sway me if everything else is good.
Interestingly, you brought up the V6 and the turbo 4. There is actually talk of the Mazdaspeed becoming a diesel drivetrain. Mazda took 3 400hp diesels with half stock parts from the 2.2L I4 diesel and raced them in some race, Lemans or something and did well until their engines failed on all 3, something they said they expected and were using as an experiment and learning experience. This 2.2L I4 diesel coming in the US 6 is 173hp @ 4500rpm and 310lb/ft at 2000rpm with a 2 stage turbo and weighs ~3200 lbs. That's no joking matter.
Yes the nav screen is pretty bad. I'll have to see what it looks like in person, but I don't think it will be bad enough to sway me if everything else is good.
Interestingly, you brought up the V6 and the turbo 4. There is actually talk of the Mazdaspeed becoming a diesel drivetrain. Mazda took 3 400hp diesels with half stock parts from the 2.2L I4 diesel and raced them in some race, Lemans or something and did well until their engines failed on all 3, something they said they expected and were using as an experiment and learning experience. This 2.2L I4 diesel coming in the US 6 is 173hp @ 4500rpm and 310lb/ft at 2000rpm with a 2 stage turbo and weighs ~3200 lbs. That's no joking matter.
It could still be a good passenger car though. I have a bit of a personal barrier to their reliability though having seen two broken down (new) Mazdas being pushed around as a kid and a Miata driving backwards down the street because it was stuck in reverse. Was a long time ago though.
The cave is to mitigate glare from the sun washing out the screen.
Get the car w/o the nav. Put this in instead. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/GPS-Navigation/AVIC-Z150BH (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/GPS-Navigation/AVIC-Z150BH) Or use your phone for gps and just put in a better dedicated source and/or screen w/ a static back facing camera.How does aftermarket stereo work with built in backup cameras? I really want a backup camera, and luckily the cars I'm looking at have them. One of the main times I drive is near sunset most of the year and this makes the rear glass almost useless with glare (at the right angles) and side mirrors are only so good. I have backed into someone before even after trying to look through my rear glass and mirrors. It was their fault since they literally parked less than 1 car length behind my car (next to a curb, not an actual parking place) so they could run into a store, but how the laws work it had to be my fault as I was the moving vehicle. They could have pulled into the spot right next to me, but then they would have had to walk a whole extra 10-15 feet! God forbid.
Meh, depending on gearing it's gonna be 0-62 in about 7 secs, give or take. Assuming they put a manual on it and not a CVT (then revise to 8.5-9 secs).
Le Mans racing isn't really about ultimate speed, but managing reliabilty and pit stops. Diesel and Hybrid means less time in the pits compared to faster cars that blow through fuel. Of course you mentioned it already failed in the reliability part.
I swear, all the Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Infiniti, Hyundai, rear ends are starting to look alike if not straight rip each other off. New Lexus language is unique except that all their cars look the same now.
I like the new Lexus, I'm not gonna lie. It's different. I like the grille too, I just wish they had more diversity across their lineup. In the end though, it's the drive that matters. I've seen an interview with the lead engineer on the IS team that Motor Trend put up, and it was not especially encouraging. I'm not sure if these guys really get it, but that doesn't mean I won't try out the car if I have the chance. I want Toyota to stop making generic family appliances and start making exciting cars, and it seems like Akio Toyoda wants that too.
What do you think of the 128i? They're so affordable right now, especially used, and I did drive a 118d in Europe that I really liked. The 135i sounds like fun, but it's 200 pounds heavier and most of those pounds are on the front, so complaints of understeer from car rags seem pretty credible. Besides, I think the 128i is the only way to get BMW's NA 6 now?
I hope they bring the M135i to the States, or the M235i as it's probably going to be called in a few years. The whole M*** stuff seems to be more purist and old-school than the actual M cars, which have gone down the techno-gadgetry route.
I don't want 20 settings for my gearbox. I want a straight 6 at the front, 6 speeds on a stick in the middle, and driven wheels at the back, with a well-sorted chassis to hold it all.
Thanks guys. Dave, out of curiosity, where are you getting your reliability stats? I don't really know what's actually trustworthy as far as reliability stats go and generally just look over owner forums for reports on potential trouble spots.
Seems like most cars that fulfill what I want are either too expensive, too ostentatious, or come with a whole backlog of potential issues.
Thanks Dave, seems like a legit site. Looks like they're lumping the 128 and 135 together, and a lot of those reports are HPFP issues. With the 128 there seem to be issues with taillights cracking, and faulty tire pressure sensors. In other words, typical BMW bullshit and long-term signs of cost-cutting. At least the mechanicals on the 128 look like they're holding up. We've had HPFP issues on one car and TPS issues on another, so we know all about BMW bullshit :(
Toyota should have brought the GT86 under the Toyota brand. Scion is the red headed step child of Toyota and it shows in the abysmal resale value of their cars. The marketing/branding exxxtreme/tuner and other non-sense targeting teenagers doesn't help either. Go through the brochure of any Scion car and this will be readily apparent.
So people can't just buy the car they want based on performance and need? If a 911 was badged 'Daihatsu' that would be the nail in the coffin? I tend to think of people that fester on this stuff to not be serious buyers anyway, and that a car company shouldn't give a shit about such nonsense. Like the, "I would have bought the GTR if it was an Infinity and not a Nissan." Yeah right.... ::)
So people can't just buy the car they want based on performance and need? If a 911 was badged 'Daihatsu' that would be the nail in the coffin? I tend to think of people that fester on this stuff to not be serious buyers anyway, and that a car company shouldn't give a shit about such nonsense. Like the, "I would have bought the GTR if it was an Infinity and not a Nissan." Yeah right.... ::)
Skeeon is one of my least favorite car companies. Its always struck me as nothing but BS brainchilded by a marketing team and run by a marketing team like everything else these days. Its nothing but an exercise in branding. They wanted to appeal to a new demographic they thought was lacking in their sales numbers so they create a new brand with a bunch of fluff. All you have to do to create meaning these days is advertising and a new shiny exterior.
So you're saying people would buy $90K Hyundai Cayenne Turbos? I don't think so. This isn't Europe, where people debadge their cars to make them less ostentatious. This is America, where people put fake AMG badges on their E320s. People don't stretch themselves into C250 leases they can barely afford because it's always been their dream to have a small, slow car with MB-Tex seats. They want the badge.
So you're saying people would buy $90K Hyundai Cayenne Turbos? I don't think so. This isn't Europe, where people debadge their cars to make them less ostentatious. This is America, where people put fake AMG badges on their E320s. People don't stretch themselves into C250 leases they can barely afford because it's always been their dream to have a small, slow car with MB-Tex seats. They want the badge.
Oh really? Don't get out of your state much?
I was talking about the FRS/GT86. I don't know what you are talking about by shifting the argument to fast and furious ricers. Then by your logic they can badge a Scion w/ a freaking Toyota logo and be happy as a clam can't they? Thanks for reinforcing my point.
_________
So what you're saying omega is that those cars are sitting there because they are Scions, but would be sold already if they were Toyotas? Things like snow on the ground wouldn't have anything to do with impacting sales of a lightweight RWD sports coupe in New England during winter?
Premium buyers are affected by irrelevant BS like badges because they are fickle and can afford to be stupid and superficial. Toyota/Scion/Subaru buyers don't fall into that category which is why they could give a shit. There will be a special GT86 version w/ leather, power and a Lexus badge for double to triple the price of the FRS. People with more money than brains can rejoice and empty their wallets there.
And yes, people would buy a 911 w/ a Daihatsu badge if it was the same car and there was no Porsche 911 to compete with. In fact, I guarantee a Daihatsu 911 would win car of the year awards up the wazoo.
IF Porsche didn't have 50 year history of building 911s and the Daihatsu 911 was either a) a new model or b) always made the 911 sure they would be selling fine. If tomorrow all 911s became Daihatsus and they were still charging $90k+ for them their sales would hurt even if they won car of the year at multiple pubs. If they halted down production and created a shortage then you could say they'd be selling out and demand was high. Or if they lowered the price enough that more performance oriented buyers felt they were getting a good value.
IF Porsche didn't have 50 year history of building 911s and the Daihatsu 911 was either a) a new model or b) always made the 911 sure they would be selling fine. If tomorrow all 911s became Daihatsus and they were still charging $90k+ for them their sales would hurt even if they won car of the year at multiple pubs. If they halted down production and created a shortage then you could say they'd be selling out and demand was high. Or if they lowered the price enough that more performance oriented buyers felt they were getting a good value.
There are different Porsche buyers.
On a different note, because TG UK is done for the season, I'm waiting for TG USA to come out. Still a pretty good show, I just find it unfair to compare it to TG USA
I was really impressed with the VW diesel I drove, and have basically decided I will go with one no matter how long it takes to find what I want.
On a different note, because TG UK is done for the season, I'm waiting for TG USA to come out. Still a pretty good show, I just find it unfair to compare it to TG USA
You also won't see Clarkson, Hammond, and May putting helmets full of rats on their heads.
F1 starts this weekend, on NBC!! So even normal left-turn only folk can watch it.I've never watched a full season of F1.. not really doing much these days I might try to catch it. When will it be on NBC? I looked over at nbc.com and of course could not find any reference to there being a race, or a formula one.. in existence.
The German challenge was awesome when they flew over w/ Spitfires!
The figures are impressive, but I'm not too sure if this will come to Canada. If it does, I don't think it will be able to outsell the Subaru STi, mostly because the STi is the go-to car here as a fun DD.
The figures are impressive, but I'm not too sure if this will come to Canada. If it does, I don't think it will be able to outsell the Subaru STi, mostly because the STi is the go-to car here as a fun DD.
At least you guys got the B-class. We'll never see the A or the B in the USA, because they're inconsistent with the market positioning that M-B wants in this market (same reason we never get any BMWs with reasonably small engines).
Finally might have a successor for my Legacy GT.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/photos/subaru-wrx-concept-picture-2-0.html (http://www.leftlanenews.com/photos/subaru-wrx-concept-picture-2-0.html)
(http://cdn4.leftlanenews.com/photos/content/january2013/thumbnailsnew/me-subaru-wrx-concept-8_653.jpg)
This is either the most ridiculous car I've ever seen, or an act of sheer bloody marketing genius, I'm not sure which.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/burnspbesq/cygnet_zps6fe184c5.png)
I like the front end on that WRX but think the rest looks like shit. WTF is up with the rear? And the hideous pinch down the side. bleh. Looks like they took a Camry or Accord and thought it looked too boring so they just riced it up with some ninja pinches.
Also seems like they just released another SUV. Unbelievable. Good luck pandering to a market that doesn't want to own Subarus while betraying all the customers they built for the last couple decades. What the market really needed was another hybrid SUV car wannabe. ::) And they could have released a completely unique AWD hybrid off road wagon like Subaru is supposed to make. Which would actually appeal to their customer base.
Maybe krispy kream should start selling salads.
You gain about two mpg for your trouble, much like the laughable previous generation Lexus GS hybrid that was probably the dumbest luxury car on sale at the time.
You have a LGT Anax? What year?
You have a LGT Anax? What year?
2005, the best looking model and generation of Subies ever made IMHO.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8518/8407447658_af4fc49940_b.jpg)
You gain about two mpg for your trouble, much like the laughable previous generation Lexus GS hybrid that was probably the dumbest luxury car on sale at the time.
How so? The performance gain from the Hybrid GS was quite noticeable and enjoyable. Lexus largely tunes their hybrids for performance, not mpg. That's what Toyota is for.
NiMH is pathetic?
Nope, not mine but the model and color is right. Looks like that w/o the big spoiler, tow hook, splitter, blue painter's tape and pink aftermarket STI 'Pleiades' badge and no holes drilled in the front bumper.
I decided not to touch the suspension to preserve the cushy ride for cruising though it floats more. Want the extra ground clearance too for daily obstacles. I might see about an adjustable Tein suspension that I can tweak electronically from inside the car but will not touch the sway bars and compromise the independent suspension for daily use. Sway bars really need to just die and go away tbh. I do have upgraded Hawk Blue HPS pads that scare away animals and young children due to brake squeal. I made a young girl cry who was crossing the street once, it was awesome! They actually bite so hard I sprung an oil leak due to the motor mounts being too soft and the block shifting around. They aren't even the track pads either!
You gain about two mpg for your trouble, much like the laughable previous generation Lexus GS hybrid that was probably the dumbest luxury car on sale at the time.
How so? The performance gain from the Hybrid GS was quite noticeable and enjoyable. Lexus largely tunes their hybrids for performance, not mpg. That's what Toyota is for.
NiMH is pathetic?
Lol ok. Let's breakdown some numbers here. The original 450h was $10,000 more expensive than the 350. Trunk space was cut almost in half, from a terrible 12.5-ish cu.ft. to a "you've got to be kidding" 7.5 - about what a typical rag top convertible has. So.. as say a car to take more than two people anywhere, it was completely useless. I guess you could ask your rear seat passengers to hold their suitcases on their knees in your elegant luxury automobile. Beyond that, it was 400lbs or so heavier than the 350, which blunted almost all of the acceleration advantage over the standard V6, and it would get smoked by a BMW V8.
So it's hyper expensive, has laughable practicality, is way heavier so handling will suffer (over the already very blah handling of the last gen GS), and oh yeah, you gain about 2mpg over the GS350. OMG sign me up!!! I mean how could you not? You'd be better off just burning the $10,000 instead of heating oil for your home. The first gen 450h was just a stupid, useless car. I have to imagine that European shoppers that have access to 535ds and A6 3.0TDis would die laughing at it.
Introducing a car for the 2014 MY with NiMH batteries is kinda pathetic, yes, just like anybody who is still selling a car with a 4-speed automatic.
Maybe some people prefer a reliable form of transportation that isn't a German or Hungarian PoS that has to be traded in every 2-3 years, or will last more than 150k miles? Maybe people care about arriving at a destination more than being a dyno queen, or maybe they might even prefer how it looks? I know I did. Maybe people would want a car that can pass its own manufacturer's pre-delivery checklist? Or how about a car that doesn't have iDrive lock you in and suffocate you to near death w/o a manual release like happened to a pair of Singaporean govt. ministers? Maybe someone really liked a GS350 but then liked the 450 performance and features even more! Maybe most people that own sedans usually travel with only two people rather four adults so they don't care how many golf bags can fit? Maybe some people think a Lexus is a more comfortable drive on a long commute than being shackled to a Teutonic butt raper for 500 miles while gazing at a Bavarian interior inspired by Ikea. Just a thought.
Oh btw, you forgot to figure in the cost of saving on brake jobs every 10k miles due to regenerative braking (a common Hybrid math mistake). Our Prius has not had one brake job performed in 150K miles! Pretty common for Toyota hybrids actually. I do not drive lightly either. So take the cost of an average rotor turning/replacement w/ pads for the non shade tree mechanic that must go to BMW's service dept and multiply that $$ by 10-15. :'( Plus the 450h was 0-60 in 5.2 which is faster and more fuel efficient than both the V-6 and V-8 GS models, and the trunk went from 15 to 10.5 cu ft.
God, do you compare everything based on spec sheets? Don't be a dyno queen. ;) :-*
Actually most customers in the midsize lux category lease, these aren't the same people that are desperately trying to find ways to afford a 328i, so I think the prospect of lasting past 150K miles is entirely meaningless to them. By the time a 535i or E350 is at 150K miles it's probably on its 3rd owner, a smart CPO buyer would've gotten out at 100K.
Lexus type buyers tend to be buyers, not lease swappers by comparison. German car buyers tend to be very different fin frame of mind from Japanese buyers. That's why it's not so simple to make basic comparisons. People who buy German have low reliability expectations and tend to be higher rollers that can consider a German luxury car as disposable. LExus/Toyota buyers have very different expectations, often ludicrous expectations of build perfection for less money. Oh, your land rover has a leaking dome light? normal. Your AMG blew its $100,000 motor? Common swap. Half of your electronics fail on a BMW? Typical. Hearing a gnat fart from the left rear 1/4 panel after running over a crater on the 405? OMG, my Lexus is broken, I need a new one!!
Where are you getting your numbers for space? For what I'm seeing for the 2006 gen car, it was 12.7 for the V6, 7.5 for the hybrid.
Edmunds:
http://www.edmunds.com/lexus/gs-450h/2011/ (http://www.edmunds.com/lexus/gs-450h/2011/)
You lost me on "comfortable on a long drive." My mom has owned an RX300 forever, some of the absolute worst seats I've ever experienced. Lower back in good shape? Sit in an RX300 for about an hour, and it won't be anymore.The seats in my very own SC300 were similarly horrendous. The seats in my A6 are not a match for a good Volvo seat, but compared to Lexus' torture thrones, they are fabulous.
First, you need to realize the RX300 and SC300 were not Lexus products but rebadged Toyotas. Second, I've driven a friends RX300 for more than two hours w/o problems. Was more comfy than the 2014 Porsche Cayman I was just in. The RX350 is definitely more comfy as I've taken that to Yosemite and Vegas w/o issues over 4-7 hours drives. The most uncomfortable car seats ever IME were the last 2 gens of rear seats in the BMW 7series! Why is there something like an Alien chest burster trying to jump through my ass?! Most Merc seats feel like a concrete park bench and have for the past forever.
The last GS had no interior inspiration, and yet that was somehow better than the '98 before it, which had the worst interior in the history of the Lexus brand. The IS300's was awful but it at least matched the "grown up Lancer Evo" design of the car, the gen 2 GS300/400 was just a soulless blob with a soulless blob of an interior.
I really liked the last gen interior too more than an S-class, though Iv'e usually been fond of the CLS interior even if it has a coffin like feel due to the high belt line. I like the first more than the second. I even like my 7 year old Subaru interior better than the Bimmer which does not exude luxury to me but Volkwagen.
(http://www.bebo.com/new-cars/car-images/2011-lexus-gs-450h--4.jpg)
(http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-5-Series_Touring_2011_photo_85.jpg)
BMW pays for your pads and rotors. The cost for brake service for the first owner during the warranty period is $0. Lexus makes you pay for that :)
You won't have to if you get the hybrid. ;) Warranty period is 30/60k, not 150k. But almost nobody is going to do 150k in a BMW right? ;D
I'm sure that's what LS owners tell themselves when a CLS550 flys by them, what a dyno queen, gaawwwd.
Nope, they say, "What a dickhead" as the Benz driver straddles lanes, fails to use blinkers, rolls through stops and makes up whatever fucking rule Benz drivers do during their self-absorbed and incompetent and arrogant display of bad driver behavior. MB drivers are the highest proportion of cocksuckers per capita on the road here in So Cal. The LS has zero problems with high speed and is infinitely more comfortable and quiet than perhaps even a Maybach.
That E is sexy. Even the seats 'look' better, butt I won't know till I try them. I've always been a fan of triple clusters and especially with center mounted tachs.
The new GS also has that oddly deliberately stepped panel gap on the wood below the center console. I wish the krauts would drop the freaking numberpad already, who still uses that? The center console could use more wood trim on the borders to connect the top and bottom. Too much empty beige. A touch of wood on the steering wheel would be nice too, they don't have to always worry about putting it on the ring's control surface.
The new MKVII Golf is looking great, but will be delayed til 2015 model year. Good news is we'll probably get the GTD finally, and according to the UK site, it's priced about the same as the GTI which is interesting, since the GTI here is cheaper than the TDI and the GTD is better than the TDI. Unfortunately the GTD will arrive here even later than the MKVII Golf, about 6 months later making it FOREVER until it finally arrives. So.. really not an option, unless I lease something for a couple years then buy the GTD if possible, or keep my current car that long. A lot of this will be decided when the Mazda 6 diesel pricing is announced, I think.
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-vw-golf-gtd.jpg)
PLEASE, Do NOT purchase ANY Mazda Diesel Engine car 'if' you only do short distance driving of less than 20 minutes...
Mazda's revolutionary Skyactiv Diesel Engines use a self cleaning or renewal DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) which burns off diesel particulates rather than storing in a replaceable DP Filter or urea add like many other makes.
The Mazda DPF system requires a hot engine (@ full operating temperature) and is also clean cycle controlled by cars ECU or PCM.
Fuel Wash can also occur and give a high Oil Level readings as engines are not getting hot enough (with less than 20 minutes driving or use) and can in some cases add unburnt Diesel Fuel with Engines Oil resulting in a higher Oil Level on Dip Stick and Dash Warning Light or CEL.
ALL Mazda Skyactiv Diesel Engine are what is called a CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE.
IF you drive less than 20 minutes from turnkey each time, then re-think a purchase of a Diesel Engine Mazda, go for their brilliant Skyactiv Gasoline (Petrol) Engines, which are equally high tech and revolutionary.
NO DIESEL ENGINE should EVER be used for short distance driving.
Do not purchase a Mazda Diesel car IF you do less than a 15 minute trip.
A Diesel (or Rotary) are not, repeat not for short distance driving.
Like all those Leaf owners that sold their cars back to Nissan?
So..
After doing more research, it's not ideal for gas cars to do short trips either, but they do better than diesel/rotary. I guess it's go gas and hope the short range driving doesn't do any real damage. I'd say hybrid is the only answer, but that still involves a gas motor, perhaps that is what I'm down to though since I can't afford an EV. The only one close is a Leaf and I'd have to do some creative work to get the bank to cover the incentive until tax return (if it works how I hope, still need to look into that). The lease pricing isn't too bad on them atm, $2k down and $200 a month, but I'm not really a leaser. $9200 for 3 years of gas free driving and rent a car for long trips, only 3 per year atm. Spending near $1000 a year on gas, about $150-200 of that would be put into rental cars so really only saving ~$800 a year. $6800 for 3 years after gas reduction, also should be completely maintenance free so no oil changes 2-3 times a year and none of the fluid services I still need to do on my current car totaling around $600. Hmm..
I'd say fuck it and keep my car for longer trips and get a bicycle for work commuting (only 2.6 miles away), but there is no biking culture here in OK. People have no clue how to drive around them and I would really be risking my life. I'd be crossing an expressway that is pretty wide.
Well if anyone is in need of some laughs or something to eat popcorn with.. here it is: http://www.rx8club.com/general-automotive-49/mazda-diesel-skyactiv-engine-oil-level-issues-help-here-241177/page2/#post4457851
I summarized my plight, asked a simple question that was not (as he later states) answered in the thread previously, received jibberish for an answer, and in the end I've crossed Mazda off my list of future purchases.
edit: LOL he even closed the thread now. Must be nice to be a super moderator to get the last word in. Poor guy needs it since he can't remember what was said in the post he is replying to.
Looked at the Energi version a bit ago and it looked nice and was well reviewed by Csaba Csere of C&D. I'll look into the Hybrid version, but it starts of right at the tip of my budget.
I've seen Prius' in person though while the dealership was closed so I could only look through windows. The Prius C is a good size, but the interior is really bad. Starting at just under $19k is nice though, especially for a hybrid (of any kind). If it does the rubber bandy effect like the CR-Z did, I might disqualify it right there. Will do some more research on this too. About the same price point as a Cruze Eco manual that is once again relevant to my interests.
edit: Just noticed the Honda Insight is similarly priced. Will check that too.
What? A Prius on two wheels is hella fun! :)p1 You should try the FR-S seats, better than Porsche in every way aside from the materials. If one wants luxury, that's what god created the LS for. If you could stand the effeminate looks, the SC430 was quite comfy as well. Seats are only part of comfort though. Wheel rate is just as important if not more so. Next time you see and LS or SC430 running down the freeway at speed, check out the wheels and suspension working as the car glides over the pavement like the Queen Mary.
I don't dislike my current Pontiac Grand Prix (201"/V6 200hp/3500lbs), but it does feel like it lumbers around everywhere. I'm sure the suspension is quite soft. Something like the Accord (191"/I4 189hp/3300lbs) would give me a smaller (than current) size, but with similar power in a lighter car with likely far superior suspension setup. Something that could feel at least a little fun on roads within legal limits, not feeling like the car was rolling over on it's side in a high speed on/off ramp like my GP. It's a car that fits my actual needs and wants, however disappointing it might be to my online ego. As much as it would be cool to buy a Fiesta ST or a Miata or something awesome like that, it would be a mistake.
Still working through the hybrid part, though they are losing ground since I don't drive much. The mental battle of efficiency vs ride quality/space is still going on. It's hard for me to justify rolling around in a big car when it's usually just me and an empty back seat and trunk, but the money doesn't really argue in the hybrid's favor.
So that's where I stand currently.
I was referring to the '13 Accord Sport which posted better acceleration, better skidpad, and better braking than the Mazda 6. Though, just because it has better stats, it doesn't mean it's a better handling car, but it means it's something they worked on and one should look at if it's a priority.
As far as weight, that's unfortunately here to stay on just about all cars. Even the mpg minded Prius (regular) weighs over 3000 lbs. A VW Golf that's only ~155" long is over 3000. A Fiat 500 for as small as it is still weighs a bit over 2500lbs in US trim. My 90 Accord was 185" long and only 2700lbs. Cars are certainly safer now than before, but the more they add in safety the harder they are to stop.
I actually like the looks of that body style Fusion, especially the rear. The new one, IMO, is ugly. I'm not really an Aston fan though so that's no surprise. The problem with the Fusion is the dated tech and bland dash/gauges. Also seems to be lacking in availability. Searched all 3 models and found none (save new '13 MKZ) with 100 miles on a few auto listing sites.
SC430 comfortable? :)p13 Your TMC fanboyism is showing. Especially in the early years when they were on run-flats, the SC ride quality was atrocious. I was in one of the ones that had those hideous manhole cover wheels. It was god awful, bone shattering and yet absolutely no handling or body control to speak of. Clarkson and May called the SC430 the worst car ever made in their last special, and they were right. Lexus trying to compete with the SL and the XK was an absolute FAIL. I remember reading on auto forums in those first few years when they actually sold some cars, people were dumping the run-flats literally the minute they pulled off the lot. If you got a flat you were screwed, but at least your spine would be intact.
CPO 528i looks to be selling around $27-35k. Where are you seeing them for $20k? Also, I have to go back to like 2008-2009 models to even crack $30k. 2008 is only 2 years newer than my current car.. I kind of want something new-ish.
Oh and Mike - Are you saying turbo cars heat up quicker than NA? I did some research after you posted that. Looks like you may be right about the engine, but people suggest giving the turbo a few minutes before you drive anywhere so that oil will get to it.
Around here you can get a CPO '10 528i for around $25, regular ones are closer to $20. A '10 would still be under factory warranty, and sometimes you can get dealers to add on the extended warranty. Combine that with a thorough inspection and you've basically got the equivalent of a CPO car.
I have twin turbos in my A6 (2.7T). There's an engine coolant gauge and an oil temp gauge. The engine coolant reaches normal range after a few minutes. The oil temp gauge takes longer to come off the cold peg.. maybe about 8-12 minutes, it varies hugely by the temperature outside. The general advice from the Audi intelligentsia is that driving the car around normally and turning the engine off after a short trip is perfectly fine, you just don't want to really boot it (5,000RPM+) until that oil temp needle starts to move.
At the other end, you don't want to run the car hard and then immediately stop and turn the engine off. For a < 1 hour typical drive the time spent mostly idling around a parking lot or residential street and driveway is enough time for the turbos to cool off safely. For 2+ hour drives its a good idea to let the engine idle for a couple of minutes in park. What I usually do after a long drive is park, put everything away, get the suitcases or bags out, then shut off the engine.
This is pretty good practice, and I follow similar procedures just because I like to take care of my stuff.
That said, with modern central water cooled turbo cases you're not going to get any oil coking from heat soak unless you've really been pushing hard; think track temerperatures, not a long drive.
I think if I'm going to go bigger than a hatchback, it will be for the less sporty mid-size option. I'm not interested in a Civic Si (180" 3000lbs) or similar where the bigger car sacrifices quality and utility for performance because of what Mike described. You can't enjoy a car like those on streets like you can a MR-2 or GTI or Miata. If you can't enjoy a sporty car on the street and you have no intention of tracking it, it's useless, especially if there were sacrifices to quality or utility. I think I will have to narrow down both the small sporty and the mid-size less sporty to one car each and then have a showdown to see what is most important.
I need to go to a dealer to check out the Accord and also run through the mid-size class for alternatives other than Mazda. I've already narrowed the small sporty class down to 3, of which I've tested 2.
I've looked at the Z4 in the past. I'll give it another look when I get home tonight. BMW reliability is not so good, though perhaps a little better than Mini.
Honestly I don't like convertibles. I don't even like moonroof/sunroofs in cars. Only way to get this sort of flickable car, though, seems to be in roadster form, or compromise with a hatchback based on an economy car platform.
It's all a question of priorities. The MR2 is a toy, useless for carrying more than one person or any amount of stuff whatsoever.
What's wrong w/ the passenger seat? The MR-S has more leg room and space than any Z3/Z4/Boxster/Miata/Lotus whatever roadster is out there.
I just don't find them particularly compelling.
I find all 2000lb cars more than compelling!
There are no looks to speak of (which is at least some of the point of a 2-seat car)
Pft, your opinion. If you think a ghey looking Z3/Z4 or Miata is better, more power to you. I do like the new retractable hardtop Miata designs but they are fat and heavy.
and you don't get the telepathic steering or precision of a Boxster.
Precision, not as much w/ Aluminum chassis braces (mine is fully Carbing'd out front, middle, rear), telepathic steering yes! I don't know where you get a portly Boxster being more responsive than a 2000lb MR2. You have to get a Lotus Elise to have more telepathic steering than a MR-S. Minis, Bimmers, Miatas, all pale by comparison. Maybe you are confusing steering feel from the electro-hydraulic PS.
Obviously this guy at nearly 1,000lbs more won't be nearly as flickable, but it doesn't look like a bug-eye Sprite, and you get that sweet 255hp straight six which will sound a heck of a lot better than the 138hp four in the MR. You can also actually put stuff in the trunk. It's still plenty enjoyable as a street car as well, unlike say a Z4 M which WAS mostly useless when not on the track.
Half a ton more weight, weeee! $10K more to buy? Awesome! Higher cost of maintenance and ownership? Woohoo!! Crappier mileage? (18/26 v. 26/33) YES!! Etc..
138hp w/ Janspeed exhaust: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyk3CTkKNgY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyk3CTkKNgY) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5Ny-QDVS2s (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5Ny-QDVS2s)
2zz-ge w/ Lotus exhaust: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68q3fS6VnvE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68q3fS6VnvE)
V-6 MR-S: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALTdmf2yqqQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALTdmf2yqqQ)
The problem with making an extremely small, lightweight car with a hardtop is you get something like the Exige, and try getting in an out of one of those with any sort of dignity.
On my way back from shipping out the Gungnir, I almost got the opportunity to replace my car tonight at someone else's expense when a big Ford truck signaled to change lanes with me directly next to them and instantly started moving over from inside to outside lane. I mashed the brakes and moved as close to the curb as I thought I could and I have no idea how we didn't trade paint. If I hadn't noticed him changing lanes I would likely have ended up face first into some road hugging trees at 50mph. Arkansas plate.. always bad drivers. Guess companies putting in those blind spot warning systems will help those people. I was clearly visible (my roof was above his window line) and was almost matched with his front axle so I had to clear the entire length of my car to avoid impact.
That's another reason why I'm not particularly interested in 2,000lb toys. If I get T-boned in my A6 at an intersection, most likely nbd. Probably some bruises and a stiff neck. An MR-2 in the same situation? They'd be scraping you out of the car with a shovel.
There's a counter argument to that though that myself and UncleErik used to agree on. The smaller sports car keeps you more focused and engaged (alert). Plus it reacts much quicker to impending idiocy and can get you out of trouble. In an MR-S or other MR, you don't hang out next to trucks, you just zip around them because the car makes you want to. Seizing initiative on the road is a huge factor for safety. Hanging out next to morons at the same speed in a clusterfuck while people are zoning out or texting is a recipe for disaster.
But yes, be dummer than the car or the road and you will pay the price.
I don't agree with his choices either. If I had that kind of money and had to spend it on cars, I'd be making something like the MR-S pictured above (light, rigid, fast, but controllable) and hiring a great instructor. Course I'd have to move somewhere that actually has a track... not here.
There's only 5 cars that could replace my MR-S. An unknown vaporware Lotus (or future MR2) and these three. Sadly I'll likely have to wait another 3 years at least for the Alfa I'd want in particular. I'd really like to go open wheel (or semi-open) before I get grey. And for the love of god, please don't bring up a Caterham or Ariel Atom.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RxcowDdxJzg/ToxrggZbGqI/AAAAAAAACCw/vzqx02DaAFI/s1600/BAC-Mono.jpg)
That Alpha looks nice are they bringing it here?
Did some searching and apparently you can't tell about the LSD on the MR2 Spyder by the VIN number. You have to open up a plug and look inside or try some traction tricks via burnout or wet pavement on one tire and dry on the other. There doesn't seem to be a consensus other than peeking into the plug hole.
http://spyderchat.com/forums/showthread.php?55203-How-to-check-and-see-if-you-have-an-LSD-or-not (http://spyderchat.com/forums/showthread.php?55203-How-to-check-and-see-if-you-have-an-LSD-or-not)
Sent an email asking about that MR-2 that is sort of local. Asked about the LSD and timing belt which was not listed on CarFax, but should have been changed at 80k and it has 96k. The pics show the top sections on the doors are falling out so I asked if that was due to be fixed.
This dealer is the one who sold the car when it was new so they should have accurate info on the LSD.
As far as I know the CarFax report is correct. As to the timing belt change I would have to check on that. I'm going to assume until then that it has not been changed. I can check that out later today when service isn't so busy. It does not have the limited slip differential. As you have seen on the CarFax report it does have an excellent service history. The door panel portion you speak of is coming a little loose at the top on both sides and we plan to sell it that way since it is a 2005. I think this car presents well for it's age and represents a good value. A nice convertible for the money. Let me know if you have any other questions or when you might like to look at it.
The current gen A4 is very blah. Probably the best bang for the buck Audi right now is the S4 with the QuattroSport diff. Unlike the A4 it has proper seats, and APR can give it about 365HP with a reflash, or around 400HP with reflash and pulley upgrade. Or you can just buy the Stasis with the work already done. And as the last video proved, the guy in the M3 or RS5 will be mighty surprised.
Same goes for an APR tuned S6, that will eat M5s for breakfast.. at least in a straight line anyway. It's still not the most track focused car.
Any thoughts on a Saturn Sky or Pontiac Solstice? Uses the ecoboost 2.4 NA 177hp or 2.0 dual scroll turbo 260hp or 290hp (optional OEM tune), with LSD standard and Aisin 5 speed manual in a roadster weighing ~2850lbs. Lots more selection around here and seeing similar or just slightly higher prices than the MR-2 Spyder. Mileage is a little worse than the Spyder at 20/28 for 260hp version and 22/30 for 177hp version.
edit: Nevermind. Seems to have big time reliability issues, though many of the links said it was across all Pontiac cars from that time, but my 2006 Grand Prix hasn't had a hint of mechanical trouble.
I'm still confused as to why companies ride a formula to success, but then at the peak of that success they change the formula. Is it hubris, perhaps? Cost-cutting? Not understanding the needs of the market? Said needs are at least partially driven by the marketing in the market, and you can go a long way towards convincing people that they want something, as long as the product in question has some substance to back it up. But riding the wave of brand reputation and prestige and then undermining said reputation doesn't seem like a good long-term strategy.
The "two personalities" thing in a car is something that I discovered early on and something that's mandatory, especially if it's going to be your only car. That's why things like the GTI, G35/37, 3-series, and so on, are so popular - they can do the fast stuff, but they are also a normal car when you need them to be, and they're also fun at normal speeds where it matters the most.
Here's the thing about the EVO. Yes it's insanely fast. But it's also a Mitsubishi Lancer, which is a TERRIBLE car. There's a reason why the EVO is so fast for so little money spent. Mitsubishi spent about $1 on refinement, and it was $1 wasted. If you think the MazdaSpeed3 is too civilized and too nice to live with day to day, buy an EVO. Stock up on headache medicine, you're gonna need it thanks to all the NVAH.
Also, the "0-60 in 4.5" is a bit bullshit, only attained with brutal hard launching. If somebody with a blown 6 or V8 catches you off guard in the wrong gear, you're toast. Under about 3,000rpm or so the engine is basically dead. You can see the man behind the curtain when you look at 5-60mph "street start" tests, the "4.5 second" EVO becomes a 6.5 second+ car.
As for the 0-62 being a bit BS. That's BS. It has electronic launch control, not some random d-bag dropping the clutch. Plus it uses a DSG so what gear are you going to miss or get caught off guard by? I don't know where you are seeing a Evo X w/ DSG doing anything more than high 4's. 6.5 sec is ridiculous, my MR-S does that and that's even slower than my Legacy GT. It's impossible for an Evo to do 6.5 secs unless you start in reverse!
___________
Q50 best looking? That's just a Mazda 6 clone. :-Z
Also, a lot of the cars you listed are hardly going to be affordable. My point was that it's not a good time to be an everyman enthusiast. Yes, there are a lot of exciting cars coming out over the 40k pricepoint but they're not for everybody.
The one thing that concerns me about the Leaf is that (as far as I know) there's no advanced thermal management for the battery as on more expensive EVs like Teslas. I guess if you live in a moderate climate area that wouldn't be much of an issue, but I remember reading about people in the sunbelt getting their range cut in half in a pretty short period of time.A three year Leaf owner in Texas has reported he still has 89% capacity. Getting a new lease every three years should mean you retain 85%+ of your battery life.
And reliability/safety. Leasing should be fine, but the prospect of owning a car whose battery pack has more seals and ancillary parts than the rest of the car combined is off putting to me.That's one reason I would recommend anyone adopting electrics now to not buy but to continually lease. The main reason to do that though is because tech is getting better rapidly and you don't want to invest in something that might be obsoleted overnight and ruin your resale.
The extended range of the Volt doesn't make up for my complaints and the premium price in comparison to the Leaf. Also the Volt apparently is not in production currently and the only Volt's they had were new 2012 models and they could not offer a lease on them because of that. Chevy missed the mark, it's too cramped, too expensive, and doesn't handle well. Nissan however seems to have hit a home run now that they are making them in the US and can thus drop the price to current levels. Saying that, though, I would go with the Leaf even if price were no object. It's a better car, period.
I don't agree that the future is generator driven EVs. I think those will continue to be too much of a compromise to be affordable, and too weighty to drive well. 100 mile range pure EV is the future of inexpensive transportation. Hybrids will be similarly priced and offer good enough efficiency to steal range anxious customers from the lower priced generator EVs. Generator EVs could thrive in the luxury market, though. Dress it up as a Cadillac, which already weigh close to a Volt, and they will sell quite well. I would certainly rather have a generator EV Cadillac than a V8. The interior of the Volt was really nice, near luxury standard, it was just too small. Something that would certainly be improved if put on a luxury platform. The level of sound deadening in a high end luxury car would mesh extremely well with an EV. Driving down the highway with just a whisper of wind noise and very little tire noise... Who cares if it handles like a tour bus, it's for older people to be transported in comfort.
Mike, how often do you go more than 100 miles round trip before having a period of 4 hours at home to recharge? I understand the Tesla is a sports EV and there is a draw to that, but I'm hoping they will offer cheaper models with less range that could come close to competing with a top trim Leaf at around $35-40k. It's just wasteful for me to have a Model S with 250 mile range when I would never use it. Even with 250 mile range, that still would not be enough for me. Round trip to Dallas is 426 miles, round trip to Austin is around 850 miles. My maximum daily round trip is about 80 miles worst case scenario, my typical daily round trip is about 10 miles, so any EV with a range beyond 100 is waste. I'd have to rent a gas car for my trips anyway.
I disagree. Even the absolute lowest cost car on the market, most likely a poverty spec Nissan Versa, can drive from NY to LA. Of course you wouldn't want to actually do that IN a poverty spec Nissan Versa, the point is you can. Everybody replacing their cars with 100 mile or even 150 mile EVs is just not going to happen, because nobody is going to accept even a best case scenario 3 hour recharge on the chance that they have to drive 151 miles, not when you can refill an ICE car in about 2 minutes. That's just too much of a step backwards in terms of what people expect out of a car.I think you may be misunderstanding me. I am not expecting everyone to only use a 100 mile EV. I expect them to use a 100 mile EV and rent a gas car (or hybrid/turbine) for distances greater than that. If it is a multicar family I expect there to be one hybrid/turbine capable of hauling a family of 4-5 and all others would be 100 mile EVs. A pure gas car will soon be in the minority. Trucks will continue burning fuel for a while, but we may see hybrid trucks soon to increase efficiency and help with low end torque. Semi trucks will always be 100% fuel unless we somehow get power installed in the roads.
I think you may be misunderstanding me. I am not expecting everyone to only use a 100 mile EV. I expect them to use a 100 mile EV and rent a gas car (or hybrid/turbine) for distances greater than that. If it is a multicar family I expect there to be one hybrid/turbine capable of hauling a family of 4-5 and all others would be 100 mile EVs. A pure gas car will soon be in the minority. Trucks will continue burning fuel for a while, but we may see hybrid trucks soon to increase efficiency and help with low end torque. Semi trucks will always be 100% fuel unless we somehow get power installed in the roads.
Every trip to LA (50 one way) and then you have semi regular jaunts to Vegas (300 one way). I'd love to never plug a car in at home, that should fall on wherever I park it. Solar celled car ports are getting more popular which are nicer than normal charging stations. Keeps the elements and bird crap off your car.Grats on beating the odds then. I don't think an EV (even a model S) would ever work for you if your Vegas trips are semi regular. There would need to be more infrastructure to support that. Currently you would have to make sure hotel you stay at has a plug in and then hope they aren't all taken. Perhaps in the future a higher percentage of parking lots will have them, and they will have more spots per parking lot. Home charged EV makes the most sense though. If your EV doesn't have range for that, you go hybrid/turbine, but the vast majority (95% actual stat, not made up) of people drive 37 miles per day or less. I think putting chargers everywhere is a waste. Put that money towards that turbine research. Let EV handle short commutes, hybrid/turbine for everything else.
Yeah, reducing range will never put a Tesla w/ luxury amenities and other advantages going from 0-62 in 4.2 secs at the price level of Leaf. I mean, really.... :-ZOnly reason they are compared is just lack of selection. It is natural to compare the handful of EVs regardless of the price because there are so few. The other reason I bring up Tesla is because they are supposedly already working on exactly what I describe, though my price point is likely lower than what they have in mind. Leafs will continue to get cheaper while maintaining range or slightly increasing. By the time Tesla comes out with a shorter range smaller sporty but cheaper car, perhaps a top level leaf is more like $30-32k instead of $35-37k. A Tesla that is $40-45k with 100-150 mile range would be similar to stepping from a VW to an Audi. Sportier, more luxurious, more comfortable, better support/service, and more ego stroking, though still gets you from the same point A to point B, not further.
Why are you comparing a luxury GT sedan to a city car? What's next, Kia Soul versus Rolls Royce Phantom?
I think you're seriously overestimating the desire that people will have to rent cars when they otherwise wouldn't have to, as well as the importance most people would place on weight savings and handling. Let's say Honda can sell you an EV Pilot with a 100 mile range, or an ER hybrid version that can run for 50 miles on battery before the generator has to turn on. The choice is obvious. Nobody is going to care if the EV version is a bit lighter or handles a bit better.People tend to have a negative attitude towards rental but often once you get in the car, that negativity is largely forgotten. The mindset would have to change, but if I can do it anyone can. My recent rental was completely seamless and even if I had paid for it myself reduced to 2-3 days instead of over a week it wouldn't have been expensive at all. They picked me up and delivered me back when I wanted. The car was a Camry so it felt like driving a box, but it was comfortable, reliable, and got the job done. I could certainly handle 3 trips a year in a Camry.
In order for the EV version to make any sense at all it would have to be massively less expensive, and that seems unlikely. A purpose built generator with an extremely simple transmission as opposed to an adapted piston engine just wouldn't add that much cost.
For sports cars, hot hatchbacks and cars like that, yes pure electric will probably replace the ICE in those cars. For mainstream cars though, and especially SUVs and crossovers, I think the ER hybrid is far more likely.
(http://gas2.org/files/2012/11/Tesla-C-Concept-1.jpg)
I agree that it seems silly, but the Model X is being produced with those gull wings so who knows.
I didn't know aftermarket wheels were so inexpensive. I might give that some thought. Did you buy that locally or through a catalog/website? By the way, Konig Heliums are 4 lug.
When you suggested the Konigs I looked at google images and the first page has 2 pictures broken wheels. Not the best of introductions.So this page bothers you? http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=konig+heliums&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=konig+heliums&sc=8-13&sp=-1&sk (http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=konig+heliums&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=konig+heliums&sc=8-13&sp=-1&sk)=#
I just signed a lease deal in Orlando (no down payment). I think I got a really good deal. It appears the MF was 0.00145 (I thought the lowest available was 0.00168).
This was an S model with the charger option, mats & mudguards, 2-year, 15k mile/year lease.
Gross Cap Cost $28,250
Adjusted Cap Cost $22,003
Residual $18,133.70
Depreciation $3869
Rent $1,396.78
Total Payments $5608.56 (w/ 6.5% tax)
They mistakenly computed 6.5% tax on lease when it is actually 6% (based on county I live in versus location of dealership). That's only an overcharge of $26.33 on my payments and $37.50 on the $7500 rebate. Is there some way to get this credited back that anyone knows of?
I checked the monthly gas cost based on today's premium (required) gas price $246.71 (19 mpg). While my home electrical cost for the leaf is $29.61. So moving from a 17 year old car that is barely running to a new leaf cost less than $20/month. Throw my current maintenance costs and I'm making money every month by driving a new car. I've never done a lease before but the numbers were irresistible.
Thanks to all contributors on this forum. I was able to lease S+QC for ~186/month (Zero down, VPP discount). Includes all taxes and fees. The lease was done in Last week of April.=====
Two year cost 4278 (186 x 23) + 395 (Disposition Fee)
Selling Price ~27615 ( S+QC+Splash Guard+Mats)
Residual ~19351
Money Factor .00168
CA Tax rate 9%
Dealer information:
Boardwalk Nissan, Redwood City
Melina Hristova
Internet Sales Manager
mhristova@bwalkauto.com
650-745-5226
Can we add a poll to this thread to take bets on whether Max will buy a car in 2013? Odds are currently 237:1 that he won't. ;)
These odds will go up now. Went to Nissan place again and the guy corrected his employee on pricing. The best they can do now is $297 x 24. This is almost $100 more than I expected when I first looked at the Leaf.Can we add a poll to this thread to take bets on whether Max will buy a car in 2013? Odds are currently 237:1 that he won't. ;)
We are now at 230:1... any takers? :P
I'm not really stuck on hybrids or EVs, it's just interesting tech and I could make EVs work with my lifestyle. I don't drive enough for a hybrid or EV to pay for itself or I would have gone with the Leaf even at the higher than expected price. The Leaf it still not a terrible deal because of the tax credit, but going from a $200 a month expectation to $300 a month killed it for me. I can purchase a 1 year old $20k car for $13-15k and pay $2500-3000 per year after 5 years including everything compared to $3800 a year for the Leaf at the higher price. If I had gotten my expected Leaf price it would have been about $2800 per year including the rental, so in that case the Leaf is a no brainer.
Yay for starting over again. I'm having irrational urges to look at a Kia Soul despite the fact that I hate SUVs, it has mediocre gas mileage, and I didn't like the Kia Rio when I drove it and the Soul is based on the Rio platform. It's an interesting vehicle, but I probably will not like it when I see it in person. The new 2014 version comes out this fall with a so-so exterior but much improved interior.
Will it ever end...?
For tires, I went a Conti extremecontact DWS as I wanted a pretty good A/S tire in the snow and it's a pretty low-rolling tire and it lasts decently long. Grips like hell as well
No thanks, I'll stick to the Conti DWs:http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=MP (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=MP)
I have to say too, the new BMW M5 is right in my design wheelhouse. Pretty sharp looking. Clean and Mean, no nonsense : http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2014-bmw-m5-debuts-with-new-575-hp-competition-package.html (http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2014-bmw-m5-debuts-with-new-575-hp-competition-package.html)
(http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/bmw/m5/2014/ns/2014_bmw_m5_det_ns_52013_600.jpg)
Btw Max, you picked a hell of a day to go for a test drive in Oklahoma!!
Can we add a poll to this thread to take bets on whether Max will buy a car in 2013? Odds are currently 237:1 that he won't. ;)
We are now at 230:1... any takers? :P
Also, the fact that they had to resort to playing "V8 noises" through the speakers is just fucking pathetic.
Also, the fact that they had to resort to playing "V8 noises" through the speakers is just fucking pathetic.
Tell me that's defeatable by the dealer.....
Remind me to never custom order a car from BMW.
Can we add a poll to this thread to take bets on whether Max will buy a car in 2013? Odds are currently 237:1 that he won't. ;)
We are now at 230:1... any takers? :P
224:1 today. Odds makers are expecting a swing in the opposite direction soon!
In the realm of the unattainable, some cool stuff in the works. Makes me wish I had $80k burning a hole in my pocket.
http://insideevs.com/tesla-model-s-supercharger-network-to-triple-by-end-of-june-charge-rate-kicked-up-to-120-kw-this-summer-wvideo/
By 2015-2016 98% of the US will be covered with Supercharger stations. 3-4 hours of driving recharged in 20-25 minutes.
214:1 today!Can we add a poll to this thread to take bets on whether Max will buy a car in 2013? Odds are currently 237:1 that he won't. ;)
We are now at 230:1... any takers? :P
224:1 today. Odds makers are expecting a swing in the opposite direction soon!
We're at 201:1...214:1 today!Can we add a poll to this thread to take bets on whether Max will buy a car in 2013? Odds are currently 237:1 that he won't. ;)
We are now at 230:1... any takers? :P
224:1 today. Odds makers are expecting a swing in the opposite direction soon!
"While Volkswagen claimed to have had a business case for the car, it wasn’t quite a done deal for the 7th generation Golf. VW is on track to sell 100,000 TDI cars this year, and thinks that the $27,000 GTD could account for 5-10 percent of diesel Golf sales. The GTD will go on sale in the summer of 2014."Can't do diesel. Drives are too short.
Odds now? ;)
Awesome! Makes me want an 86 baddddd now.
Being a huge Subaru fan, I've always worried about the "Subaru-ness" of the 86. Stock, it sounds pretty far off from a typical Subaru boxer. It sounds more like an inline engine than a boxer which worries me a little. I've heard that UEL headers can solve this, but until I hear it for myself, I'll remain a little skeptical.
Most of them were "meh" for me. They weren't bad (i liked the ASR muffler delete one the best), but I guess it's difficult to produce that iconic boxer rumble with the FR-S.
BMW has lost it's way.
BMW has lost it's way. It's going toward old fogey golfers. Watch Chris Harris' review of the new '4' series. At this rate, BMW will have a hard time keep ing pace w/ Lexus if the latest GS/5 series and IS/3 series comparos areany indication. The only interesting thing from BMW coming is the new 1 series IMHO. Or is that the 2 series which is really a 3 series. I can't tell anymore. I held my breath when the 1-series was first rumoured and gave up on them after I found out how heavy it was and shitty all the BMW interiors had become over the last 5+ years.
I'm not sure it's the end of the world just yet. Electric steering seems to be salvageable, at least say the reports about the 991 911 GT3. BMW just has to figure out how to do it. The IS350 F-sport is also hardly a model for steering feedback, and supposedly the stability system steps in and shuts things down at the first hint of oversteer even with it "off" so I don't think Lexus will become the "ultimate driving machine" brand any time soon. By every account I've read, if you want a drivers car in the compact luxury segment you buy the Cadillac(!) not the Lexus.
They also seem to have gone way too far in making soft, roly-poly suspensions for traditional luxury customers, to the point that "Sport+" is barely sporty at all. That's a problem, but it's also one that they can solve, at least with the 3/4, if they want to. With the 5 being based on 7 series bones, that's gonna be harder.
BMW finally screwing up though does at least making this segment interesting. It used to be that the E46 and E39 would always win, with everyone else squabbling over second place. The E90 still mostly won everything, but the other guys were obviously starting to catch up. Now the F30 and the F10 seem to be regularly losing. The question is what does BMW do about it, do they still care enough about what magazine writers think or are they just after sales. Is there still some of this left in them?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCCHHvzdztM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCCHHvzdztM)
Which IS350 F-sport? 2013 or 2014? Plus w/ Lexus, there is 'off' and then there is 'OFF'.
Getting back to BMW. I think renaming the 3 series a 4, tells you what you need to know. Being that some people need to get fired.
Renault/Infinity is using MB engines? 3.0 V6?? Why would the company that makes the GTR's VQ twin turbo V6 and competes against MB in F1 ever uses a MB engine unless it was a big diesel? Honestly, I could get 330hp slapping a couple turbos on any 20 year old 3.0. Better be ULEV and get 30+MPG or at least make espressos.
As somebody that actually owned a VQ engine instead of just reading about them (mind you that was a VQ35 in a G35) I'll submit that the hoarseness was at the bottom of the rev range, not the top. Between 4k and 6k it was pretty much fine. The torque characteristics weren't great with not much going on below 3.5k, or so it felt. I wonder if being an extremely oversquare engine had anything to do with that. Either way I liked the G35 a lot for what it was, which is an entry-level sport-luxury car instead of a straight up sports car.
Though I'm guessing emissions and economy regulations have as much to do with BMW's change of direction as any management upheavals that we may or may not know about.
The new Infinitis have steering-by-wire systems, and I'm not going to be trusting my life to those, even if that trust is irrational. I like to keep cars around for a long time, and the thought of a drive by wire system in a 12 year old rustbucket is not comforting nor would be good for its resale value. Infiniti's new focus on driver assist technology, as well as their restructuring of the model lineup, also points to marketing taking more of a hand in vehicle design. I don't see them becoming the new de-facto driver's car in the segment any time soon.
I generally don't like forced-induction engines for the lousy throttle response, and even the N54/N55 feel less responsive than the J32A2 in my Acura. Which, incidentally, is a wonderful engine.
I should also add, the original Acura NSX had electric steering. That car is now 23 years old, and I haven't heard any stories about it killing anybody from steering failure. Same with the S2000, another e-steering car. I think you're gonna be ok.
Don't confuse electric steering with steer-by-wire.
The NSX did not have steer-by-wire and a failure in the system reverted to manual steering without electrical assist.
I'm pretty sure that the Honda used electronic power steering as well.
I should also add, the original Acura NSX had electric steering. That car is now 23 years old, and I haven't heard any stories about it killing anybody from steering failure. Same with the S2000, another e-steering car. I think you're gonna be ok.
I can't think of a dumber way to spend $100K+. Well, unless Ray starts making cars or something.
Now there's rumours VW wants to turn the XL1 in to a XR1 which is a German 4C killer getting 70mpg. Of course this means VW will never build it cuz they are a bunch of pussy bitches that say 'drivers wanted' cuz they build shit for fun.
Nice! Is that Argento or Whiteout? You referring to the Cusco e-brake button for the drift knob? I'm getting ever closer to pulling the trigger on a 10 series FRS myself. Eyeballing the Innovate Lysholm twin screw SC and perhaps a set of Ohlins coilovers. That should get 250 crank easy w/ tons more flat torque, just waiting on CARB finalization. Wish the Ohlins had both adjustable rebound and damping but should be fine for a daily beater. Probably top them off w/ Swift springs. Grab some TRD door stabilizers, JDM under panels, Seibon CF trunk w/ integrated duck tail spoiler, new wheels, rubber and brakes too.
Seems I was mistaken about the AT responsiveness also, VSC sport only was disabled w/o engaging the trans in sport as well. Two different sport modes, ugh. Forgot about this Subie feature as my Legacy is always in sport.
Too bad about the turbo... but good riddance to a heavy, flexible convertible. I'm just not a fan.
RE:Turbo... no knowing sh_t about these cars, any change the aftermarket comes to the part with a bolt on?
Interesting. You're always a good source for information Anax, especially when it comes to the 86 for me haha.
What would be your "ideal" spring rates if you were to choose? Can be either for track, street, or a mix of both.
To be honest, I would be guessing most of the figures if I had to choose the spring rates myself, just like how I do in GT5 haha. Mostly a trail/error thing on the PS3, but IRL, things can get expensive with trial/error.
Fan shot footage from the end of tonight's Top Gear. The episode itself was beyond mediocre, but there is some serious iron at the end, including a land speed record car. They should've spent a lot more time with these cars rather than showing you 15 minutes of James driving a fucking city bus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjZ8rdUfhs4
Might want to hold off on the FR-S there Mike... http://jalopnik.com/the-subaru-brz-sti-just-leaked-1024198473 (http://jalopnik.com/the-subaru-brz-sti-just-leaked-1024198473)
Spoiler warning:
Richard's review was much better than the boring/awkward Evoque review, but do they need to do literally every single car RR makes, every time they come out with a new one?
Lol, I didn't recommend those brakes. I don't think you should be using those for mountain biking tbh, look like street rotors for skinny tires/rims. Knobbies are too much size and weight for those little fellas. I only mentioned it in relation to Audi's choice for the RS6 in the rear. The fronts are still round for surface area, they just shed weight off the rear due to reduced bias to save weight and increase performance. Honestly I've always hated the feel of Shimano brakes when I used to ride. That's okay, my cars don't use Shimano or AVID lol. I'd be going w/ AP Racing and Carbotech. ;)
Happened to go to 86Fest this weekend at Fontana Speedway. Ran into the guy that designed the clover/convoluted rotors twenty years ago. Ironic since we were just talking about them a few days ago. Found some pics of the original deal designed in 1993.
(http://www.streettunedmotorsports.com/parts/b/brake_man_subaru_front.jpg)
First true modern Supercar was not the F40, it was the Porsche 959. That car revolutionized all modern cars on the road today.
Evo - "We need more cars that are lightweight and keep the driver at the center of involvement." Thought you didn't believe in that mantra Dave? :P
This vid makes me proud to be an American. Yeehaw!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtEw2mrIKQk
Isn't BMW a private company? I think they're owned by some family named Quant or something. Somebody less lazy than I should go check some sources on that for the good of the community.
The problem is expensive hatchbacks just don't do that well here. Audi A3 sales are a tiny fraction of the A4, and I think the next A3 we get will be the sedan version only.
Can we add a poll to this thread to take bets on whether Max will buy a car in 2013? Odds are currently 237:1 that he won't. ;)
We are now at 230:1... any takers? :P
224:1 today. Odds makers are expecting a swing in the opposite direction soon!
The problem is expensive hatchbacks just don't do that well here. Audi A3 sales are a tiny fraction of the A4, and I think the next A3 we get will be the sedan version only.
As a current-gen A3 owner this makes me very sad. The new A3 sportback looks really freaking good. The sedan looks nice as well, but I am a fan of hatchbacks.
http://jalopnik.com/what-happens-when-a-turbo-toyota-gt86-races-a-mclaren-1-1209904249 (http://jalopnik.com/what-happens-when-a-turbo-toyota-gt86-races-a-mclaren-1-1209904249)
Even though the McLaren wasn't being driven to it's full potential, love the sound of the race 86. Finally sounds like a Subaru
But the sound. Your opinion on the sound?
Looks great Mike!
Aww....Dave, your new Infiniti Q50 got pwn'd by a Toyota appliance. :'( :-*
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1308_2014_infiniti_q50s_vs_lexus_is350_f_sport_comparison/viewall.html
I picked up a lightly used '13 Golf R about a month ago...
Congrats Mike on the new ride. How are you liking it so far?
Maybe pick-up some leather seats offered in the BRZ and the BRZ tS? If I were to get a BRZ, I would definitely pay more for the leather option.
Haha everyone has their own way. The tS seats are definitely on my list! The Recaros look like they have way too much bolstering and not enough padding, especially as a DD. The tS looks like it has best of both worlds. Functional adjustment and mildly aggressive bolsters for hard driving.
I picked up a lightly used '13 Golf R about a month ago...
Congrats Mike on the new ride. How are you liking it so far?
Gratz man! How do u like it? Good to see again btw.
Like it a lot more than my first test drive which was fubar'd by the idiot salesman who knew nothing about it. Keeping chirping the tires in second gear w/ the AT makes me giggle. I enjoyed picking it up and doing aggressive break-in right away w/ a bunch of wide-open runs. Ended up putting 60 miles on the car the first night back from the dealer and quite a bit of fun. She's not as sharp as my MR but definitely sharp enough to be very involving in a different way. There's something engaging about the balance that begs to keep it on the road messing around. Combination of comfort, composure, response, engagement seems close to spot on. First car for me w/ true keyless entry/exit, push start and hd radio standard, lovin' it. Just get 50 more hp and 50lb/ft and subtract 150 lbs off the chassis she'll be just spot on for me (easy peesy to do). Drop the CoG another .5-1" too, whatever the worst speed bumps and parking ramps will allow.
With the MR, it's get in and go from A-B as fast and as quickly as possible, pretty much everytime. She just doesn't want to mess about and really likes to just get serious asap. MR really doesn't feel like just cruising about and maybe being an occasional hooligan. Just too focused and sharp to be silly with. The 86 is a fun balance and I can't wait to take her to Vegas or some other long roadtrip. Lots of cargo room w/ the seats down, track and helmet ready as is, and some crazies are managing low to mid 40's for MPG.
I do like the suppleness, AWD and boost of my Legacy but it really can't keep up w/ my driving style w/o a pretty complete overhaul. I've already blown out the rear brakes, taken chunks out of the asphalt, sprung a transmission leak, opened up another oil leak around the valve cover turbo side. All pretty much from 'abusive' driving. It just has a lot of mass that wasn't meant to be chucked around hard in stock form. I think an AWD Tesla S and/or Raptor is next unless Toyota can come up w/ a Lexus or Tundra to compete. It ocurred to me the FRS might be the last Subaru or Toyota purchase I ever make. I don't see anything in the pipeline to compete w/ other choices I have slotted atm.
Things I don't like: Red trim and stitching, faux CF dash (really Toyota 'T' emblems), rather meager glovebox, blindspots from C-pillar (Broadway mirror not wide enough to compensate, back to over the shoulder driving for now), wish it was a hatch to haul even taller boxes, non functional side ports, removal of the JDM flat bottom aero panels, not knowing what the 2015 engine is and whether it will be a straight swap and whether they will make any mechanical changes to the AT.
Cool tidbits: One touch windows for driver and passenger, driver adjustable headlight leveling, well thought out ergonomics, locator badges to find the car in a dark and crammed lot, reversible headrests to conform with a helmet, top mounted oil filter for easy spill free changes even w/o draining, user defined rev limit light, high chance of Scion folding as a brand increasing rarity (hehe).
As of now, I take a peep in the garage to stare at the FRS 2-3 times a day. The anniversary paint and JDM DRLs/HIDs are the shit.
AWD is great, love it, so no problem w/it conceptually. The Legacy is even biased 45/55 front to rear. It was simply a matter weight and mass. My first daily driver was 2450lbs and I just missed the everyday joy of not caring around an extra 1000lbs.
Btw, picked up some laser fit Weathertech mats. They fit perfectly and look better than OE. Highly recommended unless you really prefer carpet.
Out of curiosity, has anyone driven a RWD BMW x1?
My lease on my 2011 Jetta diesel wagon runs out in December, and I was planning to just buy it. However, Commonwealth wants it, badly, as inventory for their CPO program, and they've offered me a nice deal on a 2014. At the same time, BMW is being very aggressive on lease deals for the x1 (as little as $319/mo for 36 months with $3500 due at signing). I'm going to go drive the x1 this weekend, but I figured I'd ask around and see if anyone can provide impressions.
Was at the car show this past weekend btw. Couple of observations/impressions.
Typical VW interior quality is completely overhyped. The new Cadillac ATS/CTS interiors were even better than VW. Point GM.
Porsche paddle shifters also feel like utter shit. Too much free play and lack of positive feel and response. On par w/ Logitech. Cadillac and my FRS are loads better w/ the paddles. Lame. I keep trying to find angles to justify adding one to my stable but Porsche keeps arguing against it w/ a new argument everytime.
As a fan of the F-Type concept coupe, I was disappointed in the F-type production car. Personally, I like the ergonomics but the materials and switch gear were extremely dated and cheap. The car attacked me on my way out by bashing my right knee w/ the lower dash panels. Not good. I haven't been hurt getting out of a car since the BMW Alpina 4 coupe, whatever that monstrosity was. Damn thing smashed my head and strained my neck exiting out of the back seats.
Infiniti Q50 interior cluster is straight Lexus CT200H rip off. Switches and knobs are also copies from a 10 year old Lexus. Sadly this is improvement for Infiniti. They are definitely sharing the same Lexus OE now for some interior bits. It's okay, Hyundai did the same thing two years ago. Oh btw, you can't adjust both sides of the climate control independently!! Each side has to wait for the other. So much for 'dual' zone 'control'.
Audi S4, much nicer interior now on the lower end models. Can left foot brake thankfully. WTF is up w/ the $55K price?
I also wonder about how soft the 370Z chassis is. The immense size of the rear strut brace hogging up the trunk really makes you go 'Hmmm...'. Corvette and GT86 seem more self-confident structurally.
PDK is worse than S-Tronic? Got any links? First I heard of that.
I currently own a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix which I bought in late 2007 through an auction buyer that was a pretty good deal, $14,000 at the time. It's been paid off for a while now and I still really like the car, but I'm feeling it's time for a change.
One thing I don't like about my car is the fuel efficiency. Being a 6 cylinder it loves it's gas. I only get about 17mpg city and 20mpg hwy despite it being at 19 city 23 hwy. I drive every day but everything I drive to is close by. In 5 years I've put 17,000 miles on my car making it a 7 year old car with 35,000 miles. I've started to experience some age related failures including a broken window mechanism that was not cheap to fix, interior armrests showing wear and some other things. Also I've been putting off my 30k maintenance which will cost about $1000.
When I bought it I lived in an apartment and it was hit three times in the parking lot within a month of buying it. The damage is fairly minor but repairs were quoted at $1500 at the body shop so I decided against fixing it. I've since moved into a house and its been garage kept. It's been a bit since I looked it up but I think the blue book on the car is around $9500 in great condition. Discounting for the exterior cosmetic damage I could probably get $8500 or so selling it myself or a bit less on a trade in.
I've been interested for a while in these very compact cars like the Honda CR-Z, Fiat 500, VW GTI, and the like, most of which get 35mpg or better plus are small but well made cars. If you guys have suggestions is love to hear them. I haven't even remotely narrowed the choice yet, these are just examples of what I think I want.
The main question I'd like input on is leasing vs buying new. Leasing gets hammered on most of the searches I've done and quite frankly a lot of it comes across with more religious zeal than a fire and brimstone service so I can't really tell if its as bad as they say or if I should trust the pages that say leasing can be good as long as you know you are paying a slight premium to always be driving something new.
The other hitch to leasing with my situation is the mileage. Most leases are 12-15k per year and I drive about 1/3 of that. I've seen some luxury cars advertise 5000 mile leases but is that low of a mileage negotiable on a normal car? On a 3 year lease I doubt I'd have more that 12-15k on the car so the depreciation would be significantly less than a normal person who has put 36-45k on the car.
Or should I forget leasing and go through the hassle of buying? If so I would be 50/50 on new vs 1-2 years old.
Another thing I should mention is I prefer comprehensive insurance even when I fully own so that won't make any difference between buying and leasing perpetually.
Or should I just shut up and keep what I have? LOL
BTW public transportation is nonexistent here so a car is a must unfortunately despite the small mileage.
I have an Accord from 2002 still, and I'm having genuine trouble finding a better all-around car. I've driven Lexus cars, Ford cars, Porche cars, BMWs, and many other even higher-priced cars, but I always find myself coming back to my run-down Accord.
What is it that makes this car so fun to drive? It's a jack of all trades. It's good at everything and great at nothing--and that's exactly how I like my cars. It finds that smooth zen between a Porche's twitch and a BMW's almost boat-like smooth and quick response.
If it was a pair of headphones, it'd be the HD600. It's a good foil to the enjoyment of the BMW's LCD-2 and the precision the Porche's HD800
I've driven significantly better cars, but it isn't performance that attracts me; it's balance.
I have an Accord from 2002 still, and I'm having genuine trouble finding a better all-around car. I've driven Lexus cars, Ford cars, Porche cars, BMWs, and many other even higher-priced cars, but I always find myself coming back to my run-down Accord
I have an Accord from 2002 still, and I'm having genuine trouble finding a better all-around car. I've driven Lexus cars, Ford cars, Porche cars, BMWs, and many other even higher-priced cars, but I always find myself coming back to my run-down Accord
The 1998-2002 Accord was the best one. The 2003 was worse, and the one after that was a Honda Avalon. I haven't driven the latest version, but I seriously doubt even the Sport version drives as well as the '02. The late '90s was the golden age of the Japanese motor industry. While Germany was beginning its slide to rock bottom, Japan was churning out cars with insane build quality and refinement. Sadly, those days are completely over at Toyota who has been building lazy, cheap ass shit for at least the last 5+ years.
Honda was just wandering around aimlessly, to the point that they delivered a new Civic where the only new "feature" was it was worse than the car it replaced. Something seems to have lit a fire under them though, the emergency refresh Civic proves that. The new Accord hybrid is also a kick straight in Toyota's teeth which I didn't see coming. Honda has been sucking at hybrids since the original Insight, so they were the last one I expected to deliver a world beater.
That said, Acura is still a total disaster.
Nissan still is hit and miss. They can deliver either a really solid, if not necessarily outstanding entry, or the worst car in the segment, seemingly depending on what day it is. Infiniti needs to worry alot less about being the first with a steering wheel that's not attached to anything (except for the emergency back up system, saving them....what, exactly?) and their asinine, incomprehensible naming scheme, and a lot more about chassis and suspension design. Lexus isn't fucking around anymore, so the old rock hard suspensions and snap oversteer are no longer going to cut it.
In any case, I suspect the B9 S4 will make both the IS and Q50 rather moot.
When you talk about balance, there isn't a more balanced car than the S4, other than that forbidden Alpina fruit. The ATS likely handles better, but the S4 has year round, all weather ability and electronics that are actually usable. I so want to like the CTS V-sport, but the "it like iPad!!!" derpy controls are just too maddening.
What is this shit you keep talking about the RX? Two of my friends have the ones around 2005-2009. I have spent a lot of time in both and have never run into these 'cheap shiny plastics' or sharp edges? Where are these sharp edges? Are you humping the fender well? There are no shiny plastics on the dash.
(http://www.jbcarpages.com/lexus/rx/2009/pictures/images/2009_lexus_rx_picture%20%2838%29.jpg)
I actually like Audi more than the other German brands but I keep seeing mixed reports of reliability and long term owner satisfaction. So I'm not quite sure yet. Especially if VW is pulling the strings. At least unlike VW and Porsche, you CAN left foot brake an Audi and the steering paddles don't feel like Logitech. I think I might be more inclined to take a chance on Tesla's upcoming AWD S unless Lexus produces a homerun type F-sport Hydrogen vehicle beyond 2016. Till then I'm content to use my Legacy GT as a beater when I don't want to expose my other cars to harsher environments.
For some reason, the S7/RS7 seems to speak more to me than the S4. Don't like the farty exhaust note though.
No way I'd put BMW or Cadillac interiors up w/ Lexus, not a chance. IS, GS, LS slaughter the Caddy, BMW competitors in luxury. Many reviewers consider the new Lexi better than many current Audis which have become rather pedestrian. Cadillac is better but still has a ways to go. Ill fitting seems, cheap plastic, noxious paint fumes from the cheap leather, poor stitching. BMW is on par w/ Acura now, finally, again.
I currently own a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix which I bought in late 2007 through an auction buyer that was a pretty good deal, $14,000 at the time. It's been paid off for a while now and I still really like the car, but I'm feeling it's time for a change.
One thing I don't like about my car is the fuel efficiency. Being a 6 cylinder it loves it's gas. I only get about 17mpg city and 20mpg hwy despite it being at 19 city 23 hwy. I drive every day but everything I drive to is close by. In 5 years I've put 17,000 miles on my car making it a 7 year old car with 35,000 miles. I've started to experience some age related failures including a broken window mechanism that was not cheap to fix, interior armrests showing wear and some other things. Also I've been putting off my 30k maintenance which will cost about $1000.
When I bought it I lived in an apartment and it was hit three times in the parking lot within a month of buying it. The damage is fairly minor but repairs were quoted at $1500 at the body shop so I decided against fixing it. I've since moved into a house and its been garage kept. It's been a bit since I looked it up but I think the blue book on the car is around $9500 in great condition. Discounting for the exterior cosmetic damage I could probably get $8500 or so selling it myself or a bit less on a trade in.
I've been interested for a while in these very compact cars like the Honda CR-Z, Fiat 500, VW GTI, and the like, most of which get 35mpg or better plus are small but well made cars. If you guys have suggestions is love to hear them. I haven't even remotely narrowed the choice yet, these are just examples of what I think I want.
The main question I'd like input on is leasing vs buying new. Leasing gets hammered on most of the searches I've done and quite frankly a lot of it comes across with more religious zeal than a fire and brimstone service so I can't really tell if its as bad as they say or if I should trust the pages that say leasing can be good as long as you know you are paying a slight premium to always be driving something new.
The other hitch to leasing with my situation is the mileage. Most leases are 12-15k per year and I drive about 1/3 of that. I've seen some luxury cars advertise 5000 mile leases but is that low of a mileage negotiable on a normal car? On a 3 year lease I doubt I'd have more that 12-15k on the car so the depreciation would be significantly less than a normal person who has put 36-45k on the car.
Or should I forget leasing and go through the hassle of buying? If so I would be 50/50 on new vs 1-2 years old.
Another thing I should mention is I prefer comprehensive insurance even when I fully own so that won't make any difference between buying and leasing perpetually.
Or should I just shut up and keep what I have? LOL
BTW public transportation is nonexistent here so a car is a must unfortunately despite the small mileage.
Wow, the new Genesis is an EPIC FAIL on the inside. The exterior styling is fine, just as anonymous as the previous car, but now it's an anonymous Audi knock off instead of an anonymous Infiniti knock off. The interior styling though, WTF happened? There is no styling. They just shoved some bits against the firewall and called it a day. Those center air vents, yeeggghhh. It's like a Town Car or a Crown Vic or something.
Where do you go to measure your drag coefficient?
If you get down to .25 I'll buy you a drink.
So, where's the main focus gonna be? Tires, tail, or something else? I remember that Lexus got down into that territory on their LS (a decade ago or more) primarily by changing the wind deflection around the tires with little aeroblades hanging on the undercarriage.
Audi's laser light tech is definitely cool though. These days it seems that Audi comes up with a new lighting system, and just as everybody else down to Kia copies it, it's time to do something else.
So, what do you guys think of the Lexus RCF? Looks like an FR-S with a bit of GTR thrown in. I like it.
So, what do you guys think of the Lexus RCF? Looks like an FR-S with a bit of GTR thrown in. I like it.
Much better looking than the IS, but still not what I would call attractive. The tucked in "L" shaped LED lights are also a giant bag of fail. They make the car look like it has brain damage.
(http://img2.netcarshow.com/Lexus-RC_2015_800x600_wallpaper_0c.jpg)
Well, I guess every athlete that wears eyeblack looks like they have brain damage to you. Btw, cars are meant to be viewed in 3/4s. Just buy the right color paint and they look great.
Well, I guess every athlete that wears eyeblack looks like they have brain damage to you. Btw, cars are meant to be viewed in 3/4s. Just buy the right color paint and they look great.
Oh I see what you mean, though I think it's hardly remotely close to as bad as the Morgan. The cross eyes are the first thing I notice on the Morgan and it drives me batshit crazy, can't say I've ever noticed it on any IS I've seen in person.
I'm not talking about the Nike checks. What I mean is the car looks cross-eyed, like a Morgan. The gaping maw doesn't help either, you expect drool to be coming out of the corner. The M4 is just so much better than Lexus' Optimus Predator look.
(http://img2.netcarshow.com/BMW-M4_Coupe_2015_800x600_wallpaper_04.jpg)
It looks like BMW didn't want to take any chances. Screw BMW anyways. It went downhill in terms of design and performance after the E46 and some say the E36.
So, what do you guys think of the Lexus RCF? Looks like an FR-S with a bit of GTR thrown in. I like it.
Much better looking than the IS, but still not what I would call attractive. The tucked in "L" shaped LED lights are also a giant bag of fail. They make the car look like it has brain damage.
(http://img2.netcarshow.com/Lexus-RC_2015_800x600_wallpaper_0c.jpg)
Those jaggy lighting accents are right out of some hard rock chick's 80's fantasies.
Yeah that is pretty damn gorgeous. I don't mind the Jaguar F-type coupe either. That has one of the best asses in the whole auto world.
You have an auto?
Electronics on my A6 have gone tango uniform.
Thinking about a 320i xDrive lease. Any thoughts, gents?
Manual modes on automatic transmissions (and just automatics in general) are getting so crazy good that the days of manuals may be numbered.
Sorry to hear that, good to hear feedback from an actual user. I was thinking you might have got a diamond in the ruff w/ your unit. I have a lot of complaints with BMW that go away if you decide to lease and are happy w/ the vehicle for your needs.
I've driven a bunch of the "newer" beemers as rentals over the past two years and in general I feel like I could be happy with a BMW product. That's just my gut feeling from driving them...
In case you might consider buying after a lease, do VERIFY work which is included in the scheduled maintenance is actually performed. At the very least check for fresh amber on the dipstick. This is a known issue w/ many BMW stealerships here.
Interesting. I never expected that from you with an FRS. I have to agree with the turntable analogy, though I'd say tape is a better analogy. The ultimate in performance while the annoyance is more machine. Tape's big drawback is all the winding/rewinding and loading/feeding and trying to find stops between tracks. Vinyl is mostly about the storage and cleaning. Perhaps vinyl is more like exotic cars that barely get driven.You have an auto?
Yup! Better mileage, better commutability, better left foot braking, better power handling than the manual (more robust stock versus stock). My left foot has been for braking now for many years, not clutch pedals. Like I said many times, the FRS is my entertaining daily driver, I don't consider it my true sports car though I expect it to thrash quite a few comparable class cars on the street and track once I'm done w/ it. Hopefully all while maintaining or improving it's MPG advantage. Honestly, for me now dealing with a clutch pedal again would be like driving a Packard w/a choke. Unnecessary vestigial distraction that actually hurts function and performance. I guess it feels like driving the equivalent of a turntable for me. Time to move on. I'd really like a HUD in my next car too, might look at adding one.
My MR and maybe a BAC mono will be my 'sports' cars. Though the Supra concept has my head spinning which is not good. I expected to be done w/ Toyota and Subaru after this last car.
Interesting. I never expected that from you with an FRS.
Supposedly the M235i is the spiritual successor to the old E46. We'll see. The last several Ms have all been such disappointments that they are getting beaten by AMGs, so I'm curious how the M4 turns out. Will it have anything left of the old E92, or will it be a snoozer like the M5? The 235 is hardly the prettiest car in the world, but at least its a huge improvement over the pig ugly 1 series.
(http://img2.netcarshow.com/BMW-M235i_Coupe_2014_800x600_wallpaper_02.jpg)
The issue comes in when you're not flogging it around a track but just trying to go to work, THEN which car would you rather be in.
Review is from the June 2014 issue of MT. Why do people buy the magazines if they publish stuff on the web 3 months early?
Did you read about the GM debacle regarding the car-key-ignitions?
1 Dollar for a safety feature was too expensive? I hope the news article are not correct on that one for GM's sake.
Seriously, 1 Dollar...
Did you read about the GM debacle regarding the car-key-ignitions?
1 Dollar for a safety feature was too expensive? I hope the news article are not correct on that one for GM's sake.
Seriously, 1 Dollar...
Volvo is pretty much the only company that designs their cars for every real world crash scenario they can think of, rather than to pass in the specific way the tests are conducted.
That's BS Volvo mythology. Volvo absolutely failed their crash test using adaptive cruise control. Vulva has been up and down over the past couple decades compared to the competition. Mercedes is the only company who has consistently led and innovated in safety above all others. Subaru has consistently been solid as have most Scandinavian car companies.
Let's see how that $4M in recalls if they actually get penalized in the Billions like Toyota did for what was essentially user error. Oh, and the timing of appointing a new female CEO right as this comes to light. Yeah...
Toyota is recalling millions of cars worldwide. What happened to the famous total quality management?
Steering wheels fall off at high speeds? I mean really p:8
Believe me, for a car that's reliable with a low cost of ownership I still would pick Toyota over any other brand. Just pick the right Toyota made in the right place by the right people.
Believe me, for a car that's reliable with a low cost of ownership I still would pick Toyota over any other brand. Just pick the right Toyota made in the right place by the right people.
Toyota and Honda definitely still dominate things like the JD LDS studies. Both companies have made mistakes here and there (Toyota's 3.0L V6 engine sludge, Honda's self immolating early 5-speed autobox, etc) but on the whole, one of those two is the strongest bet you can make. It's also not just a "made in Japan" thing either, plenty of Japanese built Nissans are crap, and Japanese built Mazdas have frequently rusted to pieces. A few years back, Japanese built Subarus would eat piston rings and burn oil like it was going out of style.
All that being said, it is still very possible to get screwed. My SC300 munched on O2 sensors every few months, every piece of interior trim cracked, split, or broke, and eventually it just became a complete basket case that would barely start. My Audi was actually a fair bit more reliable than the Lexus it replaced, right up until its melt down.
These days, unless your looking at a 7+ year ownership, reliability is just not that critical, at which point Toyotas and Hondas start to become less attractive. The vast majority of new cars are just unlikely to have any sort of catastrophic failure. It's things like MyFordTouch problems that are causing most of the headaches for people now.
I get too attached to my automotive choices to flip them. They tend to be very deliberate long term choices with very specific roles. The last car I got rid of I had for almost 20 years. It actually bothers me that the shorter term of ownership these days means manufacturers can build cars to just die at 100-150,000 miles and nobody cares. I miss the days when cars could go 300-400K miles. The economics of the world has changed. I really don't care about the end of life mileage but that the quality of such a car usually means you can beat the sh1t out of it and it'll keep ticking.
So what did you end up getting?
I'm not sure that the average car easily hitting 300-400K miles was ever really a thing, short of perhaps the 1st generation LS400 and Acura Legend from the golden age of Japanese build quality, and maybe a few pickup trucks.
How have I missed this thread!
I have been obsessing on the luxury compact segment the past few months and actually just bought a new 2015 Volvo S60 Drive-E model this morning. I am a big volvo fan, from the 1980s 240 I drove well into college to the recent, briefly owned 2011 T5 C30, I keep finding myself drawn to the brand. The c30 was a great car and had all the power and performance I would need for (non road rage induced)daily driving. However, the slushbox transmission was a big turnoff.
After heading in a different direction and deciding between the Audi A3 or waiting for the pending C-Class refresh, an offhand discussion with a friend brought up the new drive-e models and their new 8-speed transmission. I had always been a huge fan of the Volvo S60's design, it looks like the car you would take to Rylos to become the last starfighter, and with the new updates to the engine and tranny, it was sort of a no brainer for me.
That being said, if anyone is in the market for a european luxury compact sedan here's what I found in the "around 50k" mark.
2015 Mercedes c300: If you can get over the "bolted ipad on the dash" look, this car is looking like a great all around winner. The c300 has the apparently industry standard(in this segment) turbo-4 with about 240ish horsepower, all wheel drive, a burmester sound system option for us audiophiles, a forward looking design, and apparently a new level of refinement for the c-class. Also, the variable suspension tuning is really cool as I always want more performance, but don't want to deal with a permanent sport suspension when doing the 99% of daily driving that doesn't require it. Where I live, I see more c and e classes than I do toyotas and hondas. I know it shouldn't matter... but it kinda does.
Audi A3: This car was a blast to drive. Though simple, the build and material quality was outstanding. I actually got very close to getting one of these(or maybe waiting for the s3), but ultimately the road noise and stiffer ride, unavoidable costs of the bigger tires and tighter suspensions that come with performance minded offerings, would grate on me in daily driving scenarios.
Audi A4: Refresh eminent, doesn't make sense to buy. Plus for me, this car was much more in the S60 territory of "refinement" vs "performance" and I would rather get the volvo.
BMW 3 series: Save $20K more and get an m3.
So glad Porsche doesn't make anything that makes me lust after.
Another installment for my rental car reviews: The 2014 Ford Fusion, Titanium. Had it for a week of city driving in and around Houston.
I have to admit the looks are not horrible. I'd go so far as to say, OK. The interior, at first pass, seems like it's going to work fine. It's fairly plain, with a sort of plastic meets industrial look. Plenty of gadgets for geeks that worked just fine and were not hard to operate. The seats were pretty comfy, but felt a tad cheap... I didn't have any long drives so can't say how they would be for a long sit.
Soo,
picked this up after much deliberation
2006 Acura TL Sport with Tech package
single owner (well now two!)
82k miles 6 speed manual transmission
A-Spec wheels
That bladeglider looks cool but it will be $40k+.
Btw, not to rain on your parade or anything, but you realize if you get hit by a real car while driving that $6400 PoS you are going to die. You realize where they are skimping right?
You asking a technical question or a ricer question? I'm afraid only you can answer the latter.
You asking a technical question or a ricer question? I'm afraid only you can answer the latter.
But would putting this on (or any other catback system on) make me a ricer?!
Seems like a lot of money for 15-20 hp, but if you're after the sound I suppose it may be worth it. I tend to stick to either suspension upgrades or ECU reflashes on FI cars. An extra 50hp and 100ft.lbs from a $600 reflash is pretty damn hard to beat.
I bought waht they call a J-pipe to go along with it and it supposedly is good for 12-15 WHP gains and then the Greddy catback is another 8-10 based on dynos i have seen so far.
So I've been talking to some friends in the industry that work at Toyota/Lexus, MB, Kia, Chrysler. It seems independent verification from each supports the case that the proliferation of many of the latest recalls has been a concerted effort by some manufacturers to comp dealers with struggling service centers. It's been increasing foot traffic to stealerships where they can upsell other services while staying ahead of NHTSA and the feds. The recalls seem to have had little impact where it matters to them which is JD Power rankings so they could really care less as long as the business model supports the increase.
So I've been talking to some friends in the industry that work at Toyota/Lexus, MB, Kia, Chrysler. It seems independent verification from each supports the case that the proliferation of many of the latest recalls has been a concerted effort by some manufacturers to comp dealers with struggling service centers. It's been increasing foot traffic to stealerships where they can upsell other services while staying ahead of NHTSA and the feds. The recalls seem to have had little impact where it matters to them which is JD Power rankings so they could really care less as long as the business model supports the increase.
Nissan service centers must be in some real trouble then. The Altima is often fighting with the Camry for the top spot, so you'd think with such an important car, they'd want to get it right. Nope. The new '13 redesign has been such an absolute piece of garbage that it's shocking. Faulty airbag sensors and broken seat heaters galore. Much worse than that is some sort of problem with the CVT belt tensioner that causes the car to shake like an old washing machine below 2,000rpm. Good stuff.
Yeah, well all recalls aren't done for that reason. Obviously Nissan didn't forget to weld the Leaf to increase dealer revenues. They've always been the bastard child of the big Jap 3 wrt reliability.
Still in wait mode for Golf information. GTI is out and some people have them. Globally the MKVII has had some odd problems including wipers that are awful, cracks in the paint all the way to the metal leading to rust, and the over-eager emergency stop system when large vehicles are in adjacent lanes which could ironically CAUSE an accident by your car slamming on the brakes and the person behind you rear-ending you. This is defeatable, but shouldn't have to be... it is a feature, you know, something that sells the car!
I feel bad any time I get the 'ahh fvck it' notion and start searching the first FR-S or similar car that comes to mind, knowing I'm not a race car driver, and my average speed is about 20mph since beyond 3 trips a year, 95% of my driving is city where the gas burning during lights and lost braking energy just feels wasteful. The Golf is supposed to be a compromise assuming the mileage is up to par. I think people are expecting around 28-30 city and 35-38 highway. Something a bit more on the 'fun' side than economical, but with the stop/start system helps minimize waste.
I got up close and personal with an i8 today, but couldn't pull off a test drive.
I like the looks! It's smaller, in a good way, than I expected. The blue accents still look look out of place to me, but in general the car has a cool look and feels like it means business. 0-100 in something like 4.4 seconds, let me try some of that.
i need to get rid of my POS car. it's a target for cops in my area of town. i just got pulled over a block from my house over after a 12hrs shift and effin' tired. between my wife and i, we've been pulled over four times for petty crap in the last three years since moving in.
But, anyway, what I've been very surprised with is the stereo system in the car. I believe I have the basic stereo, though this does include tweeters on the front doors. Even when driving on the interstate, it has a surprising amount of resolving ability at fairly low volumes. Overall balance and is fairly neutral with a touch of tweaking, though the bass/mid-bass isn't perfectly clean, and the treble can be a touch harsh at times. But I think it offers a genuinely good and enjoyable listening experience. I had come from a '95 Civic with a DIY stereo, so I had planned on eventually upgrading what was in the Fusion. It's good enough stock that I'm really not sure I care enough to do so.
...
1. Yes I'm aware prototypes have been running around California for years. See next point for why I posted it now.
2. I know it's been out as a concept since last year, but just recently (1 month ago) it was announced it was beyond the concept stage and nearing production ready. They still haven't actually named the model yet.
3. It's not a concept anymore, sorry. Deliveries start in Japan in Q2 2015.
4. Never said anything about their safety. Fuel cells are pretty safe by design.
5. The price is expected to be $70k as a production vehicle, reduced by $20k by Japanese government subsidies to $50k. (announced today)
http://insideevs.com/toyota-reveals-70000-fuel-cell-sedan-sales-japan-april-2015-shortly-after-in-europe-us/
http://insideevs.com/japanese-government-offer-20000-subsidy-fuel-cell-vehicle-purchases/
One thing I've been wondering lately... where are the hybrid minivans? We have cars, CUVs, and SUVs, but no minivans. Seems like that would be an easy place to pick up sales on a vehicle class that is not exactly fuel efficient. Tops of the list is Honda Odyssey at 19/28. You'd think there is plenty of room, but perhaps people are too pre-occupied with seats that fold into the floor and built in vacuum cleaners to sacrifice that for battery storage.
Closest thing we have to a hybrid minivan would be the Prius V, I suppose.
As a result of metal filings from a cheapass filter screwing up the a rod bearing? At least that is the story. Sounds like GM. Make great motor. Have "AC Delco" filter destroy it.
Audi S3 interior is utter cheap VW. Didn't last more than 20 secs. No likey. S6/S7/8 are much better.
I liked the E-class interior and cockpit. I liked how the MB E cockpit felt more airy and open with better visibility than the Audis or Caddies. The back seat is still a bit too stiff for my liking per the usual Teutonic MB masochism. S-class wasn't even there. S-coupe was there and quite pretty. Interior was mixed bag for my tastes due to the massive dash screens.
New Impreza WRX facelift is much uglier in person than the pictures show. I thought it was passable in photos. It is pretty bad...I totally agree, I have the hatchback model prior to this one and enjoy it. I saw a Macon yesterday and it's not bad looking, it's growing on me. I also like that new Lincoln MKC but have yet to see it in person. The ATS is cool looking too!
So, I guess the Supra is no longer a sporty car at the price that will have to command, but reaching into exotic territory.
Carbon composite makes a big difference. I was expecting a barely 6 figure price tag. Still, $65k for a Supra... I equate a Supra with a more polished Mustang/Camaro, which can certainly reach and surpass $65k with special sauce added, that starts for half that.
Nice BMW! 0-60 in 30 secs!!Lol you could probably run alongside it
http://www.leftlanenews.com/bmw-promises-to-look-into-i3-acceleration-problem.html
Just saw a review by Matt Farah of the new Ecoboost Mustang. Some notable quotes, lol:
"This would be a good car for a 16 year old."
"Yeah it's better than the last generation Mustang but that was pretty much a rental car."
"Oh my god, is that the front of the hood shaking?"
:)p13
Just saw a review by Matt Farah of the new Ecoboost Mustang. Some notable quotes, lol:
"This would be a good car for a 16 year old."
"Yeah it's better than the last generation Mustang but that was pretty much a rental car."
"Oh my god, is that the front of the hood shaking?"
:)p13
Matt Farah's channel is pretty good. I have been watching some of his episodes.
By the way, apparently the new Mustang GT V8 is pretty good. His Corvette C7 impressions are interesting. He fell in love with the C7...
Speaking of the new vettes, has anyone else noticed the black on the tailpipes is only on the two outer pipes? Four pipes was bad enough, now it looks like the inner two are fake the way the black is settling.
What are you referring to? Do you mean the soot from the exhaust deposits? If so, that's normal based on the pulse cycles and behavior based on RPM and usage. They are certainly not fake and quite necessary based on the massive displacement and performance from the C7.I know they aren't fake. That's why I said they look fake.
I know they aren't fake. That's why I said they look fake.
OMG, do Euros really think like this?
Question: "What do you think about the weight savings on the new Miata?"
Answer: "I suppose it should make the car greener."
WTF?!? facepalm
There is a generation of drivers in Europe who have grown up with politically correct beliefs that are not always consistent with car technology.
If an older guy gave this answer, he must have been in marketing. Schiphol now has "green" taxis.
Not what I would consider a "typical" Brit answer to that question...
I'd also like to apologize to any Brits for calling them Euros. :P
Hoping to finally take the plunge and get a swank car next year. Something sporty, but also something I can put groceries into on occasion.
Too many buttons, dials, etc.
You don't want to drive a Tardis?I hear they can turn on a dime.
However no one has actually been hurt by a Takata airbag to my knowledge as of yet.
Takata is definitely bad and seems they deliberately withheld knowledge of known dangers and failed to act, ergo negligent.
Say what? Takata airbags are basically a claymore in your steering wheel pointed right at your face. You want to roll the dice with that?
Max!! $19,999
VW GX3 reborn (rather than stillborn)! God bless America. I might have to pick one up eventually.
Looks like the KTM X-Bow minus one wheel. Personally, if I were in the market for this type of street/track-car and had a truckload of cash, I'd still take the BAC Mono (and switch the crap Korean tyres for a brand with actual racetrack heritage like Michelin or Bridgestone), or an Ariel Atom (because I like sexy scaffolding). If it were just a pure track-car, then probably a Radical of some sort, because neck-aches from actual downforce are great when dick-measuring at the pub. I'm more of a bike guy though, so what do I know.
(http://i.imgur.com/Z5ZGDX2.jpg)
Thinking about getting one sometime next year. Still debating between that and a 435i. M4 is still on the table if I end up making a lot of money next year too (unlikely).
No love for BMW? Leasing is better than buying?
well, aside from 3 high pressure fuel pumps and 2 sets of turbos. And glitchy electrics all over the place.
220,000 on my 05 325i and still going strong. I put 108 miles round trip a work day on it. Best car I ever owned along with the 90 VW Corrado.
Just oil changes right? ;)
And tires, fluids a few bushing and gaskets. Nothing major. It's been a low mantenance vehicle. I hope to get at least 450,000 before thinking of buying another.
I don't buy any autos new any longer. I let others absorb the depreciation for the first 2 years. Buying a 3 year old car with low miles has always been the sweet spot for me. Bought my 05 in 08 with 38k. That's the same approach I'll take should I go for another Bimmer down the road. Buying 3 years old, there will also be plenty of historical maintenance and repair data on the models I'll be looking at. That data will tell the story I need to know before making a choice.
I take it you watched the race too?
RIP Top Gear
Talk is Netflix will rejuvenate the Phoenix.
Oh, I think the Top Gear crew will be back, under a different name and a different network, but they'll be back. There's no way that a rival network can ignore the kind of views that Top Gear was generating, especially when you don't have to deal with the costs of the kind of byzantine bureaucratic overhead that the BBC has. The real question right now is whether or not the BBC can tempt Andy Wilman, Hammond, or May to stay with the network now that Clarkson is gone. I fully expect them to pack up and go as a unit.
The BBC has a clear political agenda, they've been axing everything that isn't a part of that agenda, and Top Gear was the last of that. They seem like they've been after an excuse to sack Clarkson for some time now. Sure, his behavior is inexcusable, but when you're dealing with high-profile talent, that sort of thing happens all the time. If they wanted to hold on to Top Gear, they would have resolved everything quietly and internally without making a public fuss. As it stands, the BBC loses its biggest claim to relevance, enough fans to sign a million-plus signature petition are left without a show to watch, and everybody loses but Clarkson, who's now the entertainment industry's most employable free agent.
Interesting discussion.
Anyone else find the new Audi design language absolutely bland and boring as f*ck?
Not really. Look closer. There's less nuance to some of the newer models. I think that new R8 looks god awful tbh. I suppose if one would prefer a lego version of a swimsuit model over the real thing I would understand. I mean, WTH is this? The new Hyundai?
Yeah, Cadillac has work to do. I think they are headed in the right direction under Johan de Nysschen who wants to re-establish the brand as a benchmark. He did well for Audi and finally got Infiniti interiors to match up to a 10 year old Lexus finally. Would be smart if they started rolling out new tech dev under the Cadillac name plate rather than GM.
Horrific performance by Nissan btw:
When you first get in a car, there's usually a learning curve where you're getting comfortable with how it brakes, steers, etc. That didn't exist in the 135i. It was just perfect.
I'm probably buying a 135i. I should come $5-10k under budget depending on what year and options I end up having, so I'll have some money for the inevitable maintenance costs. It'll also be cheaper to insure than the Mustang, so I'll have some extra money from that. I'll try to drive a new WRX, newer 335i, and Golf R this week as well just to do my due diligence. The WRX seems to be a little too much of a track car, though, with a crap interior and too little refinement. I probably wouldn't go for a brand new Golf, but if I like it more than the 135 I might hold off a while and pick it up CPO. But by that point some M235i's or S3's will be coming off lease, so the situation gets more complicated.
Car shopping is fun.
If you're going to get a 135i, it should definitely be an '11+. Prior to that year the car used the old N54 TT motor, which is notorious for munching on high pressure fuel pumps like candy. You also need at least an '11 for the DCT I believe.
I don't think you're going to be happy with a WRX as compared to an Audi or BMW. A fast, great handling econobox is still an econobox at the end of the day. The Golf R is a much better middle ground between the WRX and something like an S4. The interior looks and feels like it costs $20K more than the Subaru, and while the AWD system is a FWD biased Haldex setup instead of the "real" AWD systems in the Audi and Subaru, it's good enough if you're not going to be doing track work.
APR can also turn the Golf R into an absolute beast, and probably the ultimate sleeper car since you can barely tell it apart from a run of the mill Golf 1.8T. That being said, APR can also turn the S4 into a road rocket. If you thought it was fast before, after they're done with it you'll be effectively even Steven with a $70K+ RS5. That's really what the S4 is best at. Massive speed, and loads of grip no matter the weather. Short of the R8, Audis are rarely as fun as the equivalent BMW, although the S4 is probably more fun than a new F30 gen 335i xDrive. BMW is promising to make the upcoming 340i less bland, we'll see.
If I go German, I think I'll try to squeeze the Audi dealer for some kind of extended warranty on the S4. The more I think about it, the more I want AWD. I really do love the way they handle, especially with how terrible the weather can be in Michigan. Otherwise, I'll go with the WRX. It's such an incredible package for the money.
Doesn't matter. Most are leased anyways. In fact, don't bother changing the oil during the lease period.
Lol, they call it 'Ultimate Service'? LOLOL!!
Meet the new oil, same as the old oil. :)p13
So accurate did you find this video to your own experience?
http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,263.msg66211.html#msg66211
Yeah, they took the cooler from Lexus. Does Equus have the reclining rear massage seats too? Not sure why more don't have reclining rear seats. I think a Scion even had those at one time (normal seats).Actually never drove a Lexus. I didn't sit in the back of the Equus, drove it and have seen it in the showroom, but don't know anything about the massage seats. I Googled and it seems that it depends on the model (http://www.cars.com/hyundai/equus/2014/expert-reviews) though.
Bentleys, Rolls, and Aston are much nicer unfortunately. Whole other level of refinement.
Why do you (americans and canadians) don't care for hatchs?
I looked on some websites and there's no hatch A3, A1, no BMW 1xx hatch, no Imprenza, Mercedez Class A...
If RR and Bently are that much more refined then I totally get why people buy them. I can't figure out why people buy Mercedes over the Equus, in my experience, other than name though.
Why do you (americans and canadians) don't care for hatchs?
I looked on some websites and there's no hatch A3, A1, no BMW 1xx hatch, no Imprenza, Mercedez Class A...
Why do you (americans and canadians) don't care for hatchs?
I looked on some websites and there's no hatch A3, A1, no BMW 1xx hatch, no Imprenza, Mercedez Class A...
Americans tend to equate hatchbacks with cheap car. We do buy them, just rarely outside of B and C-segment models from mainstream brands. The previous A3 hatch was largely unsellable in the US outside of coastal cities, which is why we now get it as a compact sedan. Same reason BMW only gives us the 2-series and Mercedes only gives us the CLA and GLA. Buyers of German luxury brands are usually seeking status, and a cheapie hatch just doesn't bring that.
We like hatchbacks here. We just have a different name for them.
One could say American style hatchbacks are the number one selling type of vehicle in the US.
FWD "retardation" can only be spoken by someone living in fair weather conditions. I'm 100% okay with my FWD "retardation" with 2 feet of snow on the ground and plenty of rain through the year.
Guess I'm "retarded" though, I mean fuck me for living in a state that has 4 seasons where RWD is "retarded" 1/4+ of the time.
Wish it didn't have as much turbo lag a from a stop and the brakes were better. Can fix the latter with pads, maybe fix the former with a tune.
If you've got something with more power you might want an extra set of rims and separate winter tires though.
Yeah, sorry I was really drunk and pissed off that I lost my keys. Sorry about that.
isn't the Focus Rs supposed to be AWD though??
Then there is talk about the GT86 being modelled on the Miata platform in the future.
But heck, I LOVE driving my GT86.
Took a girl for a spin, literally the other day.
Got her all worked up after. SOO easy to do a 360 turn with this car.
^This. Tires almost greater than everything else. Have a problem you want resolved? Look at your tires first then elsewhere.
in other news, I am considering seriously to get rid of my 1996 Subaru outback. nearing 200k (240k on the motor, an EJ22)
Possible replacements include Honda Element, Honda Ridgeline and on the other spectrum a Prius )(
Almost. Getting off the line, AWD on all-seasons will still beat RWD on snows. Otherwise AWD only has an advantage when on the power, for obvious reasons. Even then, implementation is key. There's a great video that Matt Farah did driving an M235xi around a soaking wet track, and it's handling is complete and utter dog shit. An S4 would NOT be totally out of shape like that.
Why not the Focus?
I am burning through 250-300$ in gas every month. The way I drive, both my current cars don't do any better than 20MPG for the outback and 24 for the GT86. Main downside of the prius, well other than being a prius is you can't tow anything with it (insurance won't cover if you get into an accident towing it). I need to be able to transport a dirt bike or a street bike every so often.
yeah, but i already have one fun car.
i don't want to end up with 3 vehicles, a truck, a fun car and a commuter :P
Implementation IS key. That's why I caveated my post a bit. I've seen videos of FWD on snow and ice tires embarass some AWD setup on all seasons. The problem with AWD is it can give an ignorant and risky driver a false sense of confidence.
My Perceived Value
1. WRX
2. S4
3. 135i
4. 335i
5. IS350
6. GTI
7. Mustang
Huh. Weird. Never thought much of the S4, hugely overpriced imho. I owned a GTI and loved it too I switched to BMWs, and I drove everything else on your list except the WRX (I just think it would make me feel old - a young person's car, I mean). I agree the Mustang is no value proposition. But why the 135 over the 3 series?
BMWs should be banned from China. Bad combination.
From some angles the new Continental looks good, but from others it looks like a 300.
"Continental"!?
Does this mean we can finally drop this alphabet soup crap go back to real names?
Yes. Lincoln is trying to make a push in China, and apparently they don't particularly care about MKBlah. As opposed to Americans, who are SUPER enthused by their MKBlahs.
I wonder if that's a sign of the apocalypse. I think it was just after the armored locusts. I need to check Revelation again. :&
Are you like Phil Collins in that you talk to Jesus and Co. directly? If so become a televangelist and go Mercedes S-Class.
I just fake the voice of God.(click to show/hide)
It's 700ish lbs more than the Jag,
makes me curious to drive more aluminum/lighter cars, like the Lotus Elise (2,000ish lbs!).
Drove two big luxury cars this weekend, BMW 750il and a Jag XJ, the super charged version.
The BMW - Quick on the straights, but in reality it's a lumbering tank. You find that out once you go into your first turn at speed, you feel the entire car's weight shift noticeably, and you slow down to avoid understeering. It's 700ish lbs more than the Jag, and sits wide on the road, just like the Jag, but is way less fun to drive.
.... it looks like a urinal.
I'll be borrowing that line in case I ever need to comment on a Prius interior in future. Hope you don't mind.
I've owned a electric car, a 2012 Nissan Leaf. Never going to have electric car again. There's so many electrical cars in Norway now that the benefits are soon to end.
Only reason to get a electric car right now is... Well its none.
1 of the best cars you can buy for the reasonable people today, is really a VW Golf, or something Skoda.
Ive had a Golf 6 aswell. Great car, very spacious, it literally got as much space as a Audi A4. Its excellent to drive, its sticks on the road superbly even in snow.
The cockpit itself is a very nice and spacious place to be aswell. But its increased so much in price that you could consider a A3 aswell. Also a very nice car.
Is the Accord Hybrid over her budget? Its hybrid system definitely isn't the smoothest operator in town compared to Toyota, Ford, or shockingly even Hyundai, but you can't argue with the MPG that Honda was able to get out of their system.
Need greenhouse? Try a Citroen DS 21 Pallas. :-\
(https://atomicyeti.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/wpid-72-citroen-ds21-dv-10-ci_003.jpg?w=640)
If she goes over budget it would likely be for something like a future Lexus RX at which point I'd try to steer/push her to a Porsche Macan instead.
What's funny is she likes boring cars and she's even bored of Toyota atm. Aesthetics will be big for her. She once bought a car because she liked its chromed hubcaps. She already said the Porsche Macan doesn't have enough greenhouse for her. I think she wants to pilot a Tie fighter.
My mom's company is looking at financing 2 large European SUVs. I test drove the new Volvo XC90 T6 and the interior is fantastic. Power isn't bad from a stop but struggles to continue picking up speed. I think it's better than an X5 overall for my mom and her business partner. Wondering to preorder the T8 model with more power. Business partner is slightly interested in audio so must be the Q7.
more older Volvo... than older BMWs on the street and BMW greatly outsells Volvo.
AND WE'RE BACK.
2015 Mustang Ecoboost w/performance package
Looks
Still want to have sex with it.
Interior
Still love the interior.
Drive
Remember everything I complained about with the GT? Yeah, pretty much completely gone. Car feels tighter and more balanced. Torque is available below speeding ticket speeds. Ride quality strikes almost perfect balance for me between stiffness and compliance. Automatic transmission doesn't hold car back. Car doesn't feel as fat/pig-like as before.
This is it.
Ugh no wonder you guys were talking about sound systems. Phone autocorrected "Audi".
Just talking about the cars in general. Though I agree that lease makes more sense, they are leaning on financing with company money though. Sort of works out the same but the reliability factor. Volvo has a good record of being reliable? I see more older Volvos than older BMWs on the street and BMW greatly outsells Volvo.
Lexus GX460. It's an ugly box with a "what decade is this again?" interior
LOL, you have to understand that people who buy cars like that are like my parents. You don't want to freak them out.
The top level audio systems in all of the EU luxury trucks are very good. I would strongly advise against buying either the XC90 or the new Q7 though. These are both brand new models. The XC90 in particular is a clean sheet redesign, with all new electronics. That means lease. Especially for business use, there are all kinds of incentives to lease vs. buy. You don't want to pay to be a beta tester.
car geniuses I need your help. My car has an issue. It's a 2007 Nissan Versa automatic hatchback. When I'm stopped at the exit of my driveway, the car kind of jerks forward 3 or 4 times like an inch forward then back.. as if a giant is pushing it from behind.. it's when I have my foot on the brake.. I also noticed it once when accelerating from a red light. One of my friends says maybe it's torque converter shudder caused by an issue with the clutch or the sensor..
what do you guys think it could be? I'm gonna get a tuneup and mention torque converter shudder to the guy.. anything else I should tell him?
Its 2015 now, not 2005. Sure, it can be problems, but if it is, they are usually repaired very quickly.
People shouldent be scared to buy new cars anymore, not even if its a brand new design with new technology etc.
Its 2015 now, not 2005. Sure, it can be problems, but if it is, they are usually repaired very quickly.
People shouldent be scared to buy new cars anymore, not even if its a brand new design with new technology etc.
Yeah I dont see the problem. Atleast from a personal experience. I guess im just not as reasonable as you guys :D. Who keeps their car for more then 5 years anyway?
Yeah I dont see the problem. Atleast from a personal experience. I guess im just not as reasonable as you guys :D. Who keeps their car for more then 5 years anyway?
I need confirmation on the shocks. Did Ford still go with the non-functional shocks on the Mustang? Limits where always high, but I was never a fan of the waterbed handling characteristics of the Mudstains. Might want to go test drive one, but don't want to waste my time.
You must not have a lot of rush hour traffic or drive very fast to get 210,000 miles on one set of pads with a non hybrid/electrical car. That almost defies physics.
The Volt is the highest reliability Chevy ever made, though. It shares a lot of the reliability characteristics with the Prius drive train, so I'd be willing to risk it. Went back and found my previous comments on the Volt for a refresher. Seems I felt the car was just too small all over. Then again my comments were based on a $44k sticker, not $12k. Still interested.
I'm sorry where are you getting these conclusions? The Volt is only a few years old, how do you know its the most reliable Chevy ever? Do you know how many old Silverados have hundreds of thousands of miles on them? Of all the hybrids available, the Volt is one of the most unlike the Prius. My main concern is you having to replace your battery pack in another 80-100k miles. When are the average changes for packs occurring?Mostly anecdotal, but there is some Consumer Reports and related material.
I don't see why someone driving like 5,000 miles a year would bother with a Volt over a Civic, Fit, Prius, or Mazda 3. What little gas cost advantage you'd have would likely be eaten away by increased repair costs and depreciation.
I don't see why someone driving like 5,000 miles a year would bother with a Volt over a Civic, Fit, Prius, or Mazda 3. What little gas cost advantage you'd have would likely be eaten away by increased repair costs and depreciation.It's more than just fuel cost savings. I'd like to use less gas not only for lower cost, but to use less gas. Another reason I've been interested in diesel and electric in this thread is that they are efficient means for exceptional driving feel. Low end torque makes driving more fun around town and makes the car feel more premium, such as a V8 caddy or 12 cyl rolls or something. These cars also tend to have the latest electronics and more standard features than penalty box cars that are truly the 'lowest cost' vehicles on the road.
I'd like to use less gas not only for lower cost, but to use less gas.
It's more than just fuel cost savings. I'd like to use less gas not only for lower cost, but to use less gas. Another reason I've been interested in diesel and electric in this thread is that they are efficient means for exceptional driving feel. Low end torque makes driving more fun around town and makes the car feel more premium, such as a V8 caddy or 12 cyl rolls or something. These cars also tend to have the latest electronics and more standard features than penalty box cars that are truly the 'lowest cost' vehicles on the road.
I could go buy a 53mpg Prius C right now for say $17k new (or $14-15k used) but it wouldn't be enjoyable and I couldn't carry any passengers with legs. People say even that isn't the cheapest route to go, buy a Versa or something for $12k and get mediocre mileage cause the price difference pays for a lot of gas. It doesn't get much more penalty box than a Versa, I mean, the highlights listed for the car include a 2 speaker am/fm radio.
Or I could buy a Volt like above at $12-14k and fully charge for $1 every 3rd day, get lots of standard features and good driving experience.
Not a single hybrid you're going to look at has anything approaching exceptional driving feel. And you get a lot of features in a Civic, Fit, or Mazda 3 now.Which is why I haven't been looking at any hybrids. The lone exception was the Prius because it is the best at what it does.
Looks like BMW needs to start leasing its CEOs.
http://www.wsj.com/video/bmw-ceo-collapses-on-stage/0BE01E53-B765-4D2F-B158-B6898E84F5BD.html
i really need a fuel efficient vehicle that preferably has 4WD or AWD and can carry atleast one dirt bike on the back (not on a trailer) like using a carrier on a tow hitch.
What are my options?
Other than an FJ cruiser I keep coming up blank.. and it isn't fuel efficient at all.
Maybe a fronty truck or a 4 banger ranger?
Hi guys, can you recommend a mid-sized SUV? I need it large enough to fit two car seats and other kids stuff, so Im going with mid-size (don't want a huge Tahoe/Escalade type of beast).
I was liking the Volvo ohhgourami recommended, but the advice of not picking a brand new design until it provides itself makes sense.
I have no driving/handling requirements, and only want an interior that is comfortable and a car that is reliable. Price range is flexible.
2016... I still don't what it is about the Lexus SUV interiors that make them look (and feel) less impressive than their sedans or one wagon.
I love the new Mercedes C class interiors though, with the exception of the 287 buttons, strange Atari Missile Command controller thing, and Samsung quality tablet (screen - no touch) awkwardly attached in front of the dash just over the vents. The sound system was pretty good after EQ tweaks (my wife volunteers me to do these things for her friends.)
How does lexus sport suspension compare?
Depends which one. The IS and GS F-Sport are reasonably competitive with the F30 and F10 3 and 5 series, but that's mainly because the BMWs have gotten so soft. The RC-F continues to be a step back from the M4 knife edge though. Its suspension is at least properly sorted unlike the first gen IS-F, and some people may actually prefer it purely as a road car. At least Lexus doesn't have to pump in fake engine noises through the speakers.
I'd still take the C-class over everything else though, I don't like the IS/RC interior design at all.
DaveBSC, the XC90 is also the most important car (compared to RX for Lexus) in Volvo's lineup as the rest of the cars for the next coming years will be based on it. They need to make it great.
DaveBSC, the XC90 is also the most important car (compared to RX for Lexus) in Volvo's lineup as the rest of the cars for the next coming years will be based on it. They need to make it great.
Which is why I haven't been looking at any hybrids. The lone exception was the Prius because it is the best at what it does.
Acura MDX
Kind of on the bigger side, but good for growing family and has third row of seats. Good brakes and engine for its size. Wife feels safe. We picked this over the larger Buick Enclave. The Enclave's brake and overall larger sized GM handling and feel didn't give my wife any confidence. Great motor. Latest models have been transmission that don't slog as much as the prior years. Shit mileage.
I thought this was an interesting recall I haven't seen before:Interesting. Blatant fraud. Losers on all sides, resolving this.
Volkswagen Group must recall 500,000 diesel cars for cheating on smog tests
Some models had “defeat devices,” which selectively turned on emissions controls.
http://arstechnica.com/cars/2015/09/volkswagen-group-must-recall-500000-diesel-cars-for-cheating-on-smog-tests/
I thought this was an interesting recall I haven't seen before:
Volkswagen Group must recall 500,000 diesel cars for cheating on smog tests
Some models had “defeat devices,” which selectively turned on emissions controls.
http://arstechnica.com/cars/2015/09/volkswagen-group-must-recall-500000-diesel-cars-for-cheating-on-smog-tests/
VWAG did NOT handle this well. The cars in normal operation were releasing 40X the level of NOx as they were when the special "testing mode" was enabled. Supposedly, they were questioned, lied about it, and then finally fessed up once CARB and EPA had them dead to rights with the emissions data. The maximum allowable fine is $18B.
Actually VW fessed up when the EPA threatened to stop sales of 2016 models. VW obviously didn't care what the data said.
Crazy how bad and how widespread the air quality is in China, but I'm assuming a time adjusted version of Appalachia 100 years ago to be in a similar state.
Turns out NOx is worse than CO2. Oops.
As for China, on my last trip to Beijing, I wore a mask the whole time. People on the bus were asking me why I was wearing a mask as we drove by the huge Lung Cancer Institute. facepalm The govt. over there actually convinced most of the people I met that it was 'fog'. I shit you not. The power of govt. controlled media. What sucks is that crap floats all the way over to California and other places.
Cool impressions! Just a couple points.
1-If you care about the interior you get the BRZ or a limited edition FRS. I think people get generally caught up with the cheap scion center stack which they don't even sell in japan. With the normal/upgraded stack I think it actually has pretty nice interior quality for the price tbh. The padded faux leather and vinyl softness and contours are pretty nice imho. I couldn't buy the standard FRS with that center stack either tbh.
3-Yeah, forget about torque, you just have to downshift and use the gears. That torque dip can also be tuned out but it helps with fuel economy.
Yeah, I was looking at pictures. I'd have a hard time buying the base, too. I'd probably go for a BRZ Limited, and I'd try to find a 2015. Marv's comments on the steering would make me wait until it was at the right price.
Yeah, going from a car that pulls in 6th gear on the highway to the FR-S definitely showed its lack of power. A bump to 250 HP/250 TQ would be amazing. In fact, I'd seriously consider trading in the Stang for one if they actually did it.
2015 Scion FR-S Base Automatic
- It has a new touch screen radio that most people will probably replace in the first month!
- AUTOMATIC HEAD LIGHTS. THANK YOU BASED GOD.
- The 2015 is indeed noticeably stiffer and has slightly better steering. It handles better, but this comes at the expense of ride quality over harsher roads. If I were going to make this a DD, I would lean towards a 14 due to the softer suspension and Michigan's awful roads.
- The 2015 feels faster. Maybe a slightly different ECU tune?
- WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
- My god, I don't think there was any point in the test drive where I didn't thrash on the car. It's more fun at legal speeds than anything else I've ever driven.
- I think the seats were causing me ass pain. They were brand new, though, so I don't know if that would be a real issue once broken in.
- The car really isn't very good on the highway. You have to really wring it out just to do a passing maneuver. It is a hoot to do, though.
- Cabin noise levels are really high. Quieter than you would expect, but still pretty bad.
I don't think I could DD this car. The power deficiency, harsh ride, and cabin noise levels make it less versatile than the Ecostang. But once I have the Stang paid off, I think this would make a really great second car. Used ones are already around $20k, so I wouldn't be surprised if I'll be able to pick one up for $15k or less by then.
Why would anyone buy a VW in the US at least. The reliability sucks and the dealer network sucks even more.
Oh, I forgot they are farfromugen, haha, yes my 78 sirocco was fun to drive.
They deserve every billion dollars worth of fines they get assessed.
But then I re-thought my plans of buying new and eating the depreciation after coming across a Dave Ramsey video about car buying, in which, of course, he recommends buying an old reliable 'Camcord' and paying yourself the car payment you had in mind before into a mutual fund and growing your retirement. Buying old is not going to happen with me, unless it is a special car. Camcord is not out of the question though. I liked the 2013 Accord Sport I test drove, but it was bigger than I wanted. Prices on low mileage 2013s are coming down to $16k now, which is probably the more sound financial decision as I plan to keep my next car for another 9-10 years as I have both of my previous cars. It's hard to get excited about a car that came out 2-3 years ago, I need a news/video time machine to make them all sound fresh and interesting!
That is a good topic to consider. My current car only has driver/passenger airbags. IIHS rates it Good on moderate front overlap, Marginal on side impact, and Poor on head restraint/seats.
The Insight has similar features (ABS/Front airbags/etc) but seems to have a higher rating due to its' stronger but lighter aluminum body.
The late model Accord is rated Good in every test, and according to the LA reveal, the Civic will be better than any other compact on the market in regards to safety.
If an F-150 driver is drunk or not paying attention and plows into you in an old Insight, you're probably dead.
"Lamborghini, part of the VW group, have been quick to come stating they emission test their cars independently and aren't cheating like their parent company."
Yeah, phew!! Would've been catastrophic for Lambo, with all the diesels they sell.
That's probably true in almost any car depending on the speed of the F150.