The Car Thread ... !

[D.T.]

After driving the Cayman on a track, I actually prefer their balance to the 911s. For my money, I'd go for a Cayman.

I agree about a Cayman vs. a 911 for track use, where maybe you're driving at 9/10-10/10s but for the other 99% of the time you're on track, a 997TT (TTS) is more sure footed and weather friendly with AWD, and in my mind, 500[+]HP is more fun on the street

I also like the extra room, especially in a GT type vehicle.
[doublepost=1483016628][/doublepost]Finally put on my new [rear] rubber - technically it's still not fully mounted, I jacked/stand'ed my rear end, pulled both wheels and took them and my new tires to the local tire place, dropped them off. I wanted to install the rear splash guards which you need to pull the tires (well, it's way easier), figured two birds/one stone, and it was super cheap for just a tire mount/balance/disposal.

So I'm currently sitting this morning with one wheel mounted and the splash guard on that side done (looks great, and almost factory), just need to do the other side this morning - then a wash

 

[0388631]

I'm rather partial to the 997 Targas, too. The 991 versions aren't as pretty. I think Porsche lost their mind when they made the current Targa. All glass roof > the current crap.

 

[Zendokan]

...Audi makes FWD cars but still makes them gorgeous, so potential buyers don't care...

I don't know what the options are on Audi's in the U.S., but in (Western) Europe their Quattro system (4WD) is an option on all their lower range engine/equipment level models (varying from €1000 to €1800 depending on car model) and on their high range engine/equipment models (top A's, top Q's, all S, all RS) it's standard.

So while Audi officially makes FWD, I haven't seen here any new Audi driving around without 4WD since the last 5 years and this goes from A1 to Q7. Everyone selects the Quattro option here if it isn't already standard.

 

[0388631]

It's the same here in the US. Their FWD is rear focused, though. 40/60 according to Google. Off the lot, most low end models already have the Quattro package.

 

[Zendokan]

It's the same here in the US. Their FWD is rear focused, though. 40/60 according to Google. Off the lot, most low end models already have the Quattro package.

Yes, but with the "Crown Gear" center differential of the Quattro gen VI, up to 70% of the torque can be applied to the front wheels while up to 85% can be applied to the rear wheels if necessary. So dynamic 4WD in all types of situation.

 

[2298754]

And the A7 was sold before I could even view it (one of the client advisors had a customer wanting that exact spec - it was an A7 3.0 prestige with black optic, cold weather and driver assistance packages, low miles, 2014, certified and good price).

DAP was a rare option on A7s until the facelift. That used to be the only way to get HUD. Now the LED headlights and HUD are standard on the Prestige trim.
[doublepost=1483044159][/doublepost]

After driving the Cayman on a track, I actually prefer their balance to the 911s. For my money, I'd go for a Cayman.

Still waiting for Porsche to make that range-topping AWD Cayman...
[doublepost=1483044211][/doublepost]

So while Audi officially makes FWD, I haven't seen here any new Audi driving around without 4WD since the last 5 years and this goes from A1 to Q7. Everyone selects the Quattro option here if it isn't already standard.

Me neither. Non-quattro Audis are super rare.

Frankly, why are you buying an Audi if you don't get quattro? It makes no sense.
[doublepost=1483044470][/doublepost]

I agree about a Cayman vs. a 911 for track use, where maybe you're driving at 9/10-10/10s but for the other 99% of the time you're on track, a 997TT (TTS) is more sure footed and weather friendly with AWD, and in my mind, 500[+]HP is more fun on the street

Between the two, the 911 is far more practical and refined for day-to-day use. I get the argument for preferring a Boxster/Cayman, but they simply aren't as special as a rear-engined 911...

 

[Alphazoid]

A lot of the Audis i see here are the A3 variants, and most don't have Quattro. People select S-Line package and call it a day. If that. Quattro only shows up in the S/RS and higher end models (A5-A8) or in the lower end if the buyer is more considered.

Mostly due to the fact that Audis are more expensive than the competition here, and their financing is much more rigid. So those who go for them settle for lower end options. Either that or you run to BMW who will basically throw a 1er or 3er at you for peanuts.

4 of my friends own Audis and only the RS3 guy has Quattro.

If i were to get a Porsche now, not that i can afford one, it would be a Cayman GTS or Macan GTS/Turbo. Those are the only two models i like in their range.

On another note, i've given up on the dealer i bought my Lexus from. First had to have a back and forth about a Nav update (i know its useless against Waze, its the principle) until they magically remembered their promised to update it once the new update was out.

Today i was meant to have new rear tires fitted by them and had them ordered. Drove 61 miles today only to find out they ordered the wrong ones (fronts instead of rears). So i wasted 120 miles for nothing. To add insult to injury, a valve on one of the windshield washers was broken and i had to pay for it to be fixed "because its a consumable sir"

I've now decided to stop being loyal and use a local dealer 5 miles way for everything henceforth.

Don't even get me started on the phantom Airbag recall that everyone is conveniently "unaware of" until sometime in the future.

Next car probably wont a Lexus, i love mine but i don't like CVTs. And Lexus has bizarrely refused to support CarPlay/AAuto which is a big deal to me.

 

[0388631]

I'm getting mine swapped out within a couple of weeks. Not sure where you got CVT from. Lexus isn't using a traditional CVT in their hybrids. I'd reckon that the eCVT in a Lexus is above and beyond the garbage in other CVT equipped cars.

 

[Alphazoid]

Will probably have to test drive an eCVT to see how different it is and if i like it. But admittedly the luddite in me is biased towards tradition torque-converting transmissions or DCTs.

 

[0388631]

My suggestion is to steer clear of this hybrid nonsense unless you're going for a Tesla, ick, or supercar in hybrid form.

 

[kryten42]

DAP was a rare option on A7s until the facelift. That used to be the only way to get HUD. Now the LED headlights and HUD are standard on the Prestige trim.

Yeah. The dealer called back and said the person that had it was getting cold feet, but he thought it was just a tactic they were using to negotiate. He is going to let me know today if it becomes available again.

I am off to test drive the BMW 535i xDrive M-Sport today hopefully. It was in the bodyshop getting some bumper scratches removed yesterday (I could see them on the photos so would have asked for them to be removed myself). Hoping the condition is as good as the dealer makes it out to be and this one does not stink of cigarette smoke

 

[AustinIllini]

My suggestion is to steer clear of this hybrid nonsense unless you're going for a Tesla, ick, or supercar in hybrid form.

There's little evidence to suggest a Tesla is really all that better for the environment.

I would only order a Model 3 if I were okay with the fact that I probably won't ever get the car.

 

[Alphazoid]

My suggestion is to steer clear of this hybrid nonsense unless you're going for a Tesla, ick, or supercar in hybrid form.

Yeah not a big Hybrid person. Even though the tech has come far.

The Tesla to me is still a beta product. In terms of fit and finish and reliability. I know a lot of the cars are fine. But i'm not rich enough to spend 100 grand to beta test. On the flip side Tesla takes care of you when things go wrong.

 

[0388631]

There's little evidence to suggest a Tesla is really all that better for the environment.

I would only order a Model 3 if I were okay with the fact that I probably won't ever get the car.

Yeah not a big Hybrid person. Even though the tech has come far.

The Tesla to me is still a beta product. In terms of fit and finish and reliability. I know a lot of the cars are fine. But i'm not rich enough to spend 100 grand to beta test. On the flip side Tesla takes care of you when things go wrong.

You two are a bit confused. Tesla doesn't make a hybrid product. They make an all-electric product. And yes, Austin, the chances of the Model 3 being delivered remotely on time are slim. It didn't stop any dolt from ordering one.

One of you should get an S7 and I can live vicariously through you. The rear end puts a smile every time on my face. I can't imagine why some (see:deranged) don't like them.

 

[Alphazoid]

Hahaha i know the Tesla is an EV. The Hybrid and Tesla comments are separate. Hybrid was following up on the Lexus/eCVT post comments.

If i were to get a new car now it would most likely be the M140i. BMW are practically throwing them away and you get a lot of car for your money.

I like Audis but not crazy about them plus they're everywhere here. Incidentally, an acquaintance got an S7 last month in Sepang Blue and apparently, Audi gave him 18% off sticker. Because they've been struggling to shift units (S3, RS3, RS6 far more popular). They also gave him 8 grand for his high mileage X350 XJ. Definitely not a bad deal.

 

[0388631]

Right, but where I'm confused is why you'd want a hybrid Lexus? Is that BMW a rebadge of the 2 series now? The RS6 Avant is the best car of the performance wagons, even compared to Merc's and the upcoming XFR Wagon in Europe. Even the S or RS lines are subtle in design language. They're much like Porsche's, where you'd need to be a true fan to distinguish the differences between type editions and interyear freshers.

 

[Alphazoid]

Oh i dont want a Hybrid Lexus, hence why i was saying Lexus probably wont be my next car. Because pretty much their entire fleet now consists of Hybrids which doesn't appeal to me.

The 2 series is a 2-door version of a 3/5-door car (1-series) for markets where hatchbacks aren't popular. Same engines and similar chassis

 

[0388631]

The hatch looks smart. Must be a UK market thing then. The new LC looks good, IMO, and the performance seems alright. 4.4 0-60 which isn't bad for what I assume is another GT car but one that will cost a lot of money and not really deliver.

 

[iLog.Genius]

Just saw the G30 540i in the flesh and man does it look good!

 

[kryten42]

Yeah. The dealer called back and said the person that had it was getting cold feet, but he thought it was just a tactic they were using to negotiate. He is going to let me know today if it becomes available again.

I am off to test drive the BMW 535i xDrive M-Sport today hopefully. It was in the bodyshop getting some bumper scratches removed yesterday (I could see them on the photos so would have asked for them to be removed myself). Hoping the condition is as good as the dealer makes it out to be and this one does not stink of cigarette smoke

Picked up the 535 today. So far so good.

A couple of pics here, will post more/better ones in the pics thread when I can take my own pics.

 

[D.T.]

2017 fresh polish (WIP):

 

[mmomega]

Here are my two.
The truck is a 2011 F350 DRW - best part = paid off.
The SUV is a 2017 MB GLS550 - worst part = 57 more payments.

 

[iLog.Genius]

The SUV is a 2017 MB GLS550 - worst part = 57 more payments.

 

[Alphazoid]

The SUV is a 2017 MB GLS550 - worst part = 57 more payments.

Wow

 

[lowendlinux]

2017 fresh polish (WIP):

View attachment 681244

Someday I'm going to learn to polish a car.