The Car Thread ... !

[bunnspecial]

I take it that most of their cars aren't squishy and comfortable. However, the suspension on older Quattroportes (and possibly newer ones... but I haven't driven in the new generation of QP) is very cushy, while also rigid and sporty. After driving for a while in a P71 Crown Vic, getting back into the Mas felt like being on a waterbed.

Sorry, but comparing a Police Interceptor to another Panther platform car is not really a fair comparison. The PIs have MUCH stiffer suspension because they're actually meant to be driven at high speed and aggressively. The rear end is different from other recent Panthers to give better acceleration, but it also increases engine noise from them(a Town Car turns 1800 rpms at 70mph-a PI is probably doing 2.5K or better).

The Panther platform(in non-PI trim) was the last of its breed in terms of squishy, comfy American sedans and one with standard suspension will show you that.

 

[2298754]

However, I decided to do a full rebuild of the engine. 223k miles had done the job, and since it sat for four years, it burned a bit of oil. So my whole summer, I worked hard and got the heads bored, the surfaces planed, valves set, etc. We put the engine together and back in the car in three weekends. Now the new engine has 500 miles

Nice T4R!

Toyota 4x4s are some of the coolest cars on the road!
[doublepost=1473792001][/doublepost]

I take it that most of their cars aren't squishy and comfortable. However, the suspension on older Quattroportes (and possibly newer ones... but I haven't driven in the new generation of QP) is very cushy, while also rigid and sporty. After driving for a while in a P71 Crown Vic, getting back into the Mas felt like being on a waterbed.

You have no frame of reference. The QP isn't very cushy at all. The Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse and Lexus LS are far more "cushy" and comfortable cars.
[doublepost=1473792063][/doublepost]

The only car I've driven besides a Landcruiser? Sorry, but you're incorrect. The first car I drove was a Chevy Suburban; I've also driven a 1955 Chevy truck, a Peugeot, a couple Hondas, a couple Toyotas, about four Mercedes, a new BMW sedan, Jaguar, motorbikes, golf carts, etc.

Thanks for making my point for me. You lack a proper of reference.

 

[128keaton]

Nice T4R!

Toyota 4x4s are some of the coolest cars on the road!

Thanks! I really enjoy it. I'm not a big fan of squishy cars, I like to feel the road. However, the one 'squishy' car I drove was a 1989 Buick Le Sabre. I have a whole bunch of photos I should dump on Imgur as a progression of me owning the car

 

[2298754]

Thanks! I really enjoy it.

They're great cars. It's unbelievable how expensive they are used. You can't find a clean Land Cruiser for $15-20k around here unless it has 100k+ miles on it.

I really want a N280 TRD Pro (or Taco/GX/LX/LC)

 

[128keaton]

They're great cars. It's unbelievable how expensive they are used. You can't find a clean Land Cruiser for $15-20k around here unless it has 100k+ miles on it.

I really want a N280 TRD Pro (or Taco/GX/LX/LC)

I really like the new T4Rs, but I think it lost most of its charm, but it makes sense in the US, considering how its like a successor to the Land Cruiser over here. Heres a nice album (of mostly nonsense): http://imgur.com/a/2eheE

 

[D.T.]

They're great cars. It's unbelievable how expensive they are used. You can't find a clean Land Cruiser for $15-20k around here unless it has 100k+ miles on it.

I really want a N280 TRD Pro (or Taco/GX/LX/LC)

Yep, love the TRD Pro, as you recall, I've kind of been considering one to replace our '08 It's a bit more off-road capable than we need, I just love how it looks
[doublepost=1473797823][/doublepost]I was just chatting about mileage on another forum, I'm right at about 10-1/2 months of ownership on the GT, and a bit under 5700 miles

 

[0388631]

Don't see many Land Cruisers here. You do see an awful lot of older GXs but those were smaller in those days compared to now. I don't think I've seen a modern LC up close or even sat in one. Matter of fact, I don't think many are available at dealers here. The dry and mild conditions of this part of California don't warranty a heavenly performing off road vehicle. Though at the same time, I do wonder whether at its loaded to the gills MSRP you'd simply better off opting for the Lexus variant. If they brought over the baby LC, the Prado, it would sell like hotcakes. Maybe upmarket it a little. As it stands, the best selling cars from Toyota and Lexus are the Camry, Corolla, Highlander and the RX.

During my trip to the Lexus dealership last week, I did peruse the lot and looked at the LX 570. I was surprised at how good the car looks in person, even the big gaping grill. The interior was lovely too. But at that pricepoint and size, the Q7 makes more sense. It's longer by and inch or two, and shorter in height. Resale wise, the Lexus would come out on top, but good luck selling that car PP if gas prices go up. That's if you don't sell back to a dealer. What I still don't get about Audi is why they haven't refreshed the interior of the Q5 or the A6 with the new digital dash among other things. Or is that purely an option?

 

[D.T.]

Also, just updated the exhaust system on our T4R, was pretty excited, it's a new product on the market, takes a new design direction:

 

[0388631]

Going to install them yourself? Very clean body. Looks freshly polished actually. Do you detail yourself?

 

[PowerMac G4 MDD]

Nice T4R!

Toyota 4x4s are some of the coolest cars on the road!
[doublepost=1473792001][/doublepost]

You have no frame of reference. The QP isn't very cushy at all. The Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse and Lexus LS are far more "cushy" and comfortable cars.
[doublepost=1473792063][/doublepost]

Thanks for making my point for me. You lack a proper of reference.

I'm still waiting to hear if you've been in a QP. The adaptive Skyhook suspension is very comfortable.

 

[2298754]

I'm still waiting to hear if you've been in a QP. The adaptive Skyhook suspension is very comfortable.

I've owned one, but that's beside the point. You still lack the proper experience to compare the QP to *anything*

The fact that it is a "Neiman Marcus" edition doesn't mean anything. Still deserves to be scrapped for parts.

Maybe you pick up your own QP (for cheap) in a few years once you graduate high school!

 

[PowerMac G4 MDD]

I really like the new T4Rs, but I think it lost most of its charm, but it makes sense in the US, considering how its like a successor to the Land Cruiser over here. Heres a nice album (of mostly nonsense): http://imgur.com/a/2eheE

Sorry, but comparing a Police Interceptor to another Panther platform car is not really a fair comparison. The PIs have MUCH stiffer suspension because they're actually meant to be driven at high speed and aggressively. The rear end is different from other recent Panthers to give better acceleration, but it also increases engine noise from them(a Town Car turns 1800 rpms at 70mph-a PI is probably doing 2.5K or better).

The Panther platform(in non-PI trim) was the last of its breed in terms of squishy, comfy American sedans and one with standard suspension will show you that.

Sorry for the misconception; I meant to say that most of *Maseratis* aren't squish and comfy. I was not comparing the P71 to the civilian model or the Town Car. I meant to say that the cushier models of Maserati have rather soft suspension. After riding in our P71 for a while, coming back to the QP was like taking a seat on a waterbed. I can also compare our low-end Range Rover's suspension to the Maserati's. The RR is nowhere as comfortable.

I haven't been in a Town Car in a while; it would be interesting to drive one. From what I remember, my last ride in one was pleasant, comfy (love the soft leather/vinyl), and quiet. I'd also like to compare a civilian CV with a P71. (Yes, the RPMs are higher with the P71, but ours has no tachometer, so I can only listen to it. Our transmission is new, but it's a bit aggressive in its shifting. I also heard that the P71 transmission is modified in a way that allows for greater acceleration from slower speeds. It definitely has punch; although, while doing speeds of 50+MPH, you have to lead-foot it some to go any faster.)

 

[0388631]

I just noticed the new avatar. Hah.

 

[2298754]

I can also compare low-end Range Rover suspension to the Maserati's. The RR is nowhere as comfortable.

WHAT? There is no "low-end" RR suspension. They all come with air suspension. Even the Range Rover Sport.

Range Rovers are much more comfortable day to day. They waft along.

Again, you have no idea what you're talking about.

 

[PowerMac G4 MDD]

WHAT? There is no "low-end" RR suspension. They all come with air suspension. Even the Range Rover Sport.

Range Rovers are much more comfortable day to day. They waft along.

Again, you have no idea what you're talking about.

I was suggesting that it was a low-end Range Rover. Who knows--I'm sure there are suspension packages that one could fit a nicer Range Rover with. I'm obviously no Range Rover expert.

As for comfort, they're only worth getting with the better interior packages. The rear seats especially in our leased RR (base) are horrible. A Honda Accord is more comfortable.

The suspension is great, but it's not 'comfy.' It's only relatively comfy when you consider that it feels better as an off-road vehicle than others.

 

[0388631]

Not the only things that seem to waft along.

 

[PowerMac G4 MDD]

Anyway, I'll personally move on if AutoUnion Zenithal are willing to give up their hostility towards me. They seem to hold some grudge against me; their emotional outbursts are rather childish and somewhat amusing. At the same time, it gives me the impression that, with some people, car conversation can be a very touchy topic.

A couple users here (I won't name names because I don't want to call anyone out, even if in a laudatory fashion) are members of the PowerPC Mac forum and know me pretty well. I'm sure that they could attest to my willingness to help people, provide information that users may find interesting (or may not... whatever), and my harmless and kind intentions. I'm not here to be argued with or cussed at, nor am I here to yell at others. The former has been done to me by you two. Not acceptable. I had no issues with people at the PowerPC forums.

 

[Alphazoid]

What I still don't get about Audi is why they haven't refreshed the interior of the Q5 or the A6 with the new digital dash among other things. Or is that purely an option?

Not an option. A6 is due for an update. Like the 5 series and until recently the E class, its been stagnant. I think big sedans don't sell as well as the compact execs since the target market don't really buy often...with the exception of MBZ and company fleets.

Not sure about the Q5, i don't think its a big seller for them either. I rarely see Q5s here. The Q3/Q7 shift more numbers which might explain why the Q series has been watered down even further with the Q2.

A friend of mine just got one of the remaining limited run RS3s. Dealer chopped off 2 grand and he part exchange a M135i with a dead clutch. Nice car. But if i had the money i'd personally go with the new S4. Kinda bored of hot-hatches.

 

[2298754]

Not an option. A6 is due for an update. Like the 5 series and until recently the E class, its been stagnant. I think big sedans don't sell as well as the compact execs since the target market don't really buy often...with the exception of MBZ and company fleets.

Not sure about the Q5, i don't think its a big seller for them either. I rarely see Q5s here. The Q3/Q7 shift more numbers which might explain why the Q series has been watered down even further with the Q2.

Q5s are dime a dozen here in the US. Probably the best (or second best) selling mid-size SUV in that class.

You are correct though. The Q5 will be all new by the end of the year. The A6 is due to be replaced soon.

 

[0388631]

Not an option. A6 is due for an update. Like the 5 series and until recently the E class, its been stagnant. I think big sedans don't sell as well as the compact execs since the target market don't really buy often...with the exception of MBZ and company fleets.

Not sure about the Q5, i don't think its a big seller for them either. I rarely see Q5s here. The Q3/Q7 shift more numbers which might explain why the Q series has been watered down even further with the Q2.

Thanks. That makes perfect sense. The only Audis I really see are the A4/S4/A5/A6. It's rare to see an S6 let alone an A8/S8. The A7/S7/RS7 sell very well in California, though. It's a "showstopper." Anytime I see one driving, people rubberneck it on the highway/motorway or at intersections. That and I think Audi still carries the stigma of an upmarket VW. I've seen a fair handful of R8s as well. I think the new one is gorgeous.

 

[D.T.]

Going to install them yourself? Very clean body. Looks freshly polished actually. Do you detail yourself?

That's actually my take off exhaust from the GT

It hadn't been washed recently, but it was pretty clean, but yeah, I handle all the car detailing. If I may be allowed to be a bit vulgar for a moment ...

Letting someone else detail your car(s) is like letting someone else **** your wife.

I'm really tempted to just keep the T4R, drop in a new suspension (Bilsteins with Pro springs and a slight lift), refresh the wheels (PC'ed black?), do a couple of interior updates. It's the last V8 model, 4WD, Limited, tow package, Class IV hitch, it's had the 65K mile service (timing belt, water pump, both tensioners), the typically problematic HVAC evap/lines replaced.

 

[0388631]

Q5s are dime a dozen here in the US. Probably the best (or second best) selling mid-size SUV in that class.

Relative to your area, no? I've seen a few Q7s and almost no Q5s. Of the VAG group, the Cayenne is the biggest seller here in California. 10 years ago it was a treat to see one, now they're all over the place. The Macan is the new rarity from Porsche. Apart from their typical line like the 911T/TS or the 911C4/C4S.
[doublepost=1473804508][/doublepost]

That's actually my take off exhaust from the GT

It hadn't been washed recently, but it was pretty clean, but yeah, I handle all the car detailing. If I may be allowed to be a bit vulgar for a moment ...

Letting someone else detail your car(s) is like letting someone else **** your wife.

I'm really tempted to just keep the T4R, drop in a new suspension (Bilsteins with Pro springs and a slight lift), refresh the wheels (PC'ed black?), do a couple of interior updates. It's the last V8 model, 4WD, Limited, tow package, Class IV hitch, it's had the 65K mile service (timing belt, water pump, both tensioners), the typically problematic HVAC evap/lines replaced.

Interesting. What do you use to polish/apply wax? Rotary or a Porter Cable?

 

[PowerMac G4 MDD]

Not the only things that seem to waft along.

Either a fart joke or you're referring to my posts that were obviously replies to replies. xD

 

[2298754]

Anyway, I'll personally move on if AutoUnion Zenithal are willing to give up their hostility towards me. They seem to hold some grudge against me

Hostility is not the correct word.

If you are hilariously wrong, people here will disagree with you. It's simple as that.

You are unwilling to consider other points of views or acknowledge the possibility of a basic chemical reaction happening (which led to the breakdown of the cheap Maserati plastic coating)

 

[PowerMac G4 MDD]

Hostility is not the correct word.

If you are hilariously wrong, people here will disagree with you. It's simple as that.

You are unwilling to consider other points of views or acknowledge the possibility of a basic chemical reaction happening (which led to the breakdown of the cheap Maserati plastic coating)

My argument was that heat and UV exposure caused them to melt, and that the specific plastics that are touched become agitated further and fair even worse (both in feeling and appearance).

The counterargument given to me was that finger oils are the solitary cause of the plastics' coated surfaces melting. How would that make sense when about half the sticky plastics in the car aren't even buttons? They are NEVER touched. I'd consider finger oils being a main cause if the car weren't air-tight and very hot inside and if the only melted plastics were buttons that had been touched by fingers.

And then, of course, you came and told me that nobody cares about my car and that it should be sent to a scrap yard. Sheesh, dude. I find that hostile.