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I've been to Dallas several times on business. The companies we were dealing with often sent out a company car with driver. I've been to Austin and traffic there is ridiculous. I'd argue you have a higher chance of getting run over or in an accident in Austin or Dallas than other major metro areas.
 
I'm actually kind of disappointed at people not liking a car like the Honda Fit (neé Jazz) I drive now.

Quite roomy for its size, easy to get in and out of, and quite safe, the Fit (neé Jazz) sets a standard for B-segment cars that's really hard to match.
 
Good to see you around, AU. I figured you died when a lone Takata in your X decided to explode.

I'm alive... just been swamped with everything.

Also, I just found out that my *passenger* side airbag is also being recalled :(
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Anyway, learned something cool about the new LS a few hours ago. It's going to have the biggest HUD ever. 24 inches to be exact.

I think the new LS is going to be a huge hit. Hopefully, we see that new turbo-V6 across their lineup.
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I'm actually kind of disappointed at people not liking a car like the Honda Fit (neé Jazz) I drive now.

The Honda Fit is a great car. Easily the best sub-compact available. Bulletproof with clever engineering.... how Hondas used to be made
 
The Honda Fit is a great car. Easily the best sub-compact available. Bulletproof with clever engineering.... how Hondas used to be made

The most amazing part: because the fuel tank is under the center of the car, Honda was able to expand the interior space to amazing levels considering the physical outside size of the car. The current model (GK5) has an amazing amount of interior space--even tall passengers can comfortably sit in the back seats.
 
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The most amazing part: because the fuel tank is under the center of the car, Honda was able to expand the interior space to amazing levels considering the physical outside size of the car. The current model (GK5) has an amazing amount of interior space--even tall passengers can comfortably sit in the back seats.

Yeah, the Magic Seat is great!

64c36__6a00d83451b3c669e201a5110077a8970c-800wi.jpg
 
Yep, the Honda Fit (neé Jazz) has more actual usable passenger space than the BMW 3-Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It's still a masterpiece of interior design that makes me wonder why no other automaker has tried to duplicate it (though Toyota came close with the just-discontinued Verso S).
 
Not to piggy back the piggy backer, but I three am shocked @AustinIllini. I never thought I'd see you getting an Audi.

Did you win this or was it a gift? Company car? Recent head trauma?
 
now you got me looking at my local audi dealers website...while not an A4, they have two leftover 2015 A3s, a premium with the better wheels for $10,500 off sticker:

http://www.audiminneapolis.com/new/...neapolis-28dbba9b0a0e0adf484d5bd113149514.htm

and another that they list as a premium in the description but I'm almost certain is a premium plus based on the options below (which say premium plus) but also Bang & Olufsen and MMI/nav, which I am pretty sure where only premium plus options? That one is $11,700 of sticker:

http://www.audiminneapolis.com/new/...neapolis-28dbb99e0a0e0adf484d5bd18c27f29d.htm

The only thing I'm suspicious about is they have plates, which to me indicates they must be retired service loaners that were never titled, and probably have a decent amount of miles and a who knows in-service date. Yeah they are FWD but my wife wouldn't care, she drives a Beetle anyway.

They do also have a 2016 that looks truly new for $6800 off:

http://www.audiminneapolis.com/new/...neapolis-24e1efd10a0e0ae827064cd403d11016.htm
 
Also, I just found out that my *passenger* side airbag is also being recalled :(

Ouch. The one in the dash or curtain? Question is, do you like your passengers that much to keep them safe?

I think the new LS is going to be a huge hit. Hopefully, we see that new turbo-V6 across their lineup.

I think so too. I've read varied opinions on it. From people being annoyed about the engine to the possible reliability of turbo'ing the engine or how the vehicle has strayed from the elegant debut of the original LS. It's safe to say Lexus has the know-how to create a turbo engine that pumps out globs of power while being able to run 200-400K miles with maintenance.

Recent head trauma?
:cool:

Nice car, Austin. Did you get the digital dash option? Your driveway needs a solid powerwashing.
 
now you got me looking at my local audi dealers website...while not an A4, they have two leftover 2015 A3s, a premium with the better wheels for $10,500 off sticker:

No wonder they're so cheap. It's the base 1.8T engine that no one wants. Also, MY17 came with a facelift.
 
Nice car, Austin. Did you get the digital dash option? Your driveway needs a solid powerwashing.
Thanks. Yeah, this house is a rental, but the driveway... and the lawn... yuck.
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I'm *shocked* you didn't get a TLX... :rolleyes:

Is it 6MT?

i too am shocked

Not to piggy back the piggy backer, but I three am shocked @AustinIllini. I never thought I'd see you getting an Audi.

Did you win this or was it a gift? Company car? Recent head trauma?

Lol. I had one before my TSX. I bought the TSX at a different financial time in my life. Anyway, when I decided I wanted an upgrade, I considered 4 cars:
BMW 330i: Honestly, this was an huge disappointment for me. The seats were uncomfortable, the turn signals were all goofy, and the power was honestly good not great.
Acura TLX: The problem with the TLX is mostly under the hood. I was convinced I didn't want FWD, so I had to settle for testing the V6 with the SH-AWD. I say "forced" because Honda put that ZF transmission in there and it was a complete dealbreaker for me. That being said, this was the best equipped of the cars.
Lexus IS200t: I took a spin in the F Sport trim. Some of the F sport characteristics were really cool. The big LFA speedometer was really cool. That being said, things like memory seats missing are kind of a deal breaker for me and the drive was not really as refined as I would have expected from a Lexus.
Audi A4: I have had one of these before. Honestly, there were a lot of things I really liked about this car. First, it was the cheapest of the AWD options. Second, the handling was just so much better than any of the other cars. Third, in the dynamic drive characteristic, the A4 screams and is incredibly fun yet grounded. I loved the thing the second I got into it.

I went in with an open mind of the whole thing from the start. My history with Audi was ugly mostly due to my relationship with the local dealership. Luckily, the dealership changed ownership about 2 years ago and the reviews have been acceptable to the point I wouldn't mind trying them again.

No digital dash. I went Premium (which is the bottom level). I get really bad sticker shock when I get down to the financing thing. Maybe next go-round I'll up the options if I have a positive experience.
 
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No wonder they're so cheap. It's the base 1.8T engine that no one wants. Also, MY17 came with a facelift.

true, but if youre shopping in the $25k bracket and looking at a higher end jetta or something, it makes sense to consider these at these price points.
 
Yeah, despite the very dated saying of Audis being rebadged VWs, at some point senses come over wants and or urges and you realize the A3 isn't a wise purchase, even with the Premiere Plus or whatever Audi calls their top package. The S3's a decent choice, but I'd go for the slightly slower on paper and not in real life 340i. And then add to that and come out at the base of the S3 with more to boot. Honda and Acura are going down a dark road ditching their good autors for the ZF9 and the abomination that is a CVT. Yuck!

Baby Audis are becoming continuously emboldened with aggressive design. Did you get the aluminum trim or go for something sensible like black lacquered wood or natural wood, the one with the matte sealer?
 
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Yeah, despite the very dated saying of Audis being rebadged VWs, at some point senses come over wants and or urges and you realize the A3 isn't a wise purchase, even with the Premiere Plus or whatever Audi calls their top package. The S3's a decent choice, but I'd go for the slightly slower on paper and not in real life 340i. And then add to that and come out at the base of the S3 with more to boot. Honda and Acura are going down a dark road ditching their good autors for the ZF9 and the abomination that is a CVT. Yuck!

Baby Audis are becoming continuously emboldened with aggressive design. Did you get the aluminum trim or go for something sensible like black lacquered wood or natural wood, the one with the matte sealer?
Aluminum. I get sticker shock. I buy cars like I buy groceries. I decide what I want and I get it. No more, no less.

As far as Acura. The TLX MMC is like next year, I think. The new grille looks funny, but if Honda can mate a similar DCT in the 6 cylinder to the one in the 4 cylinder, they might be onto something.
 
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I wouldn't be surprised if they manage to fudge it. Having a budget is good. You're not easily tempted. But one could never say no to quilted saddle or mahogany leather.

Me being one of those people. I'm editing this post to add more. This TLC MMC, according to Google Images, looks quite nice, but I'm concerned about the transmission they'll use and how the packaging will come across to the consumer. Stick with a conventional auto by some of the Japanese transmission companies or use ZF's 8 speed. It's a fantastic transmission. It also comes in a multitude of variants, so Acura won't be wasting potential power by sticking a one size fits all version. The interior really needs to be up to snuff. If Acura want to be anything more than a sub premium brand these days, they have to hit it out of the park. Their reliability also needs to go up.

And if I haven't mentioned it again for the umpteenth time, GET RID OF THE CVT.
 
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true, but if youre shopping in the $25k bracket and looking at a higher end jetta or something, it makes sense to consider these at these price points.

At that point, I guess you're right. I wonder how cheap CPO A3 2.0T Prestiges are...
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Stick with a conventional auto by some of the Japanese transmission companies or use ZF's 8 speed. It's a fantastic transmission.

Acura doesn't use the ZF8 because their platforms are traverse and ZF only makes the 8AT for longitudinal applications, which is why you only see it in Audi/BMW/FCA/JLR products.

Toyota (Aisin) makes a transverse 8AT, but I'm sure Honda wouldn't buy Toyota transmissions :cool:
 
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I'm curious about how much whp there is from the A4. Yes, I know there's a neat figure when I visit the Audi site, but if they're like the other Germans, the power is set for the worst of conditions. Adding onto that, I want to know how much BMW's B58 makes at the wheels, not what BMW says it is. BMW now offer something called the M Performance and Exhaust Power Kit. Long name aside, it adds 25-30 HP and 28-40 lb ft of torque over the stock B58 in the 340i and 440i models. Pushing paper stat power delivery to about 360 HP. Would it be fair to assume actual power delivery is about 385? Or does anyone have access to a car with the power kit and a friend who's got a dyno?
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Toyota (Aisin) makes a transverse 8AT, but I'm sure Honda wouldn't buy Toyota transmissions :cool:
If they did with the older Honda Accords, maybe their trannies wouldn't have grenaded so often.
 
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