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The Car Thread ... !
- Thread starter D.T.
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Finding myself at an automotive crossroads. Grab a beer.
The cars:
-I've owned my '90 Camaro for 18 years. Garaged.
-I daily my '14 5.0 all year and it's great. 5.0 is dead solid reliable, been the best car I've ever owned. Not paid off, owe around $17k. This car sits outside.
-Wife drives '12 Beetle, paid off. Garaged (gotta give the wife a spot).
The situation:
-In our early thirties, kids in 2-3 years.
-Beetle is staying until the last possible second since it's paid off, then it will need to be replaced with a family hauler for her when kid is born.
-We will both need family haulers when we have kids due to different work schedules.
The "problem":
-I knew I couldn't keep the Mustang forever when I bought it for the above reasons.
-I don't particularly want to be on the front end of two car loans at the same time, with a new kid.
The idea:
-Get family hauler for me sooner than later, to stagger car loans and to get it paid down or close to paid off by the time we must get my wife a family hauler.
-While I could keep paying on the Mustang as long as possible and hold out til the end and have a larger down payment for a family hauler, there's also the reality that the Mustang will still depreciate over the next few years, so it might actually be more expensive to hold it in the end.
The options:
1) Keep Camaro, buy cheapish new car. I like nearly nothing sub-$40k, with almost no exceptions. Yet, I keep looking at Passat R-lines with the lighting package. I know the NMS Passat is a maligned car nobody likes (big and cheap etc) but it actually looks good in R-line trim. Looks expensive, nice fit and finish, and not worried about ownership costs. Extremely practical and just makes a ton of sense. Stickers for around $26.5k, can be had for under $22k with no negotiating - being that I owe $17k on the Mustang and have a little positive equity, I'm not really setting myself back much on total debt. Rare that there's something in that price range I actually like that I would actually consider owning. I drove one, it is ho hum, but it's quiet, comfortable, and had more passing power than expected. 3 years from now there might be nothing I like in that price range. Passat would have to sit outside.
2) Sell both Mustang and Camaro, buy something nice around $40kish for a daily. Garage it.
3) Sell both Mustang and Camaro, buy cheap Passat. Garage it. Feel very financially savvy about my super adult choice to sell both toys AND buy cheap car.
4) Sell both Mustang and Camaro, take Camaro proceeds to buy used Japanese daily and buy a brand new muscle car to be a garage queen toy. Probably least likely and ultimately most expensive option.
Here's the issue with the Camaro. It's my first car, clean as hell, second owner, real head turner. Would probably regret selling. But I drive it maybe 500 miles a year. Just no time or desire. The other issue is it just isn't fun to drive. Maybe the biggest issue though is that as someone who likes 1000 point show cars, it can never be one due to lack of parts availability (fresh factory seat fabrics, etc). I can spend $10k on a paintjob, but then what? Interior is in great shape but not as nice as a 5k mile original, and it makes no sense to do a stock mechanical rebuild, but modding doesn't make sense either - gen I small blocks, while period correct, are almost too crude for that car and the one or two high performance injection systems aren't great and run out of steam at 4500 RPM. Gen II or newer (LSX etc) might look cool when that's the hot generation, but quickly look dated (think of all the '90s LT1 swaps and how junky those seem now). Basically I don't know what to do with the car if I keep it, and can really only keep it as a turn key cruiser. Which isn't necessarily bad, but I just don't know what to do with it if I keep it.
I think I'd regret selling it, and I've thought of selling it for years and never do. But I think about it too much, to where deep down I know what the answer is. I kind of want my garage space back also (not enough height for a four post and I'm not paying for storage again for the Camaro, did that for years through college and living in Japan and living in apartments here when we came back). At some point I won't want to bring a new car home again and park it outside. Ultimately I kind of just want to simplify my life. Less cars, less maintenance, less detailing, less insurance, etc.
Thoughts?
I mean hey, this isn't a bad looking car for $22k, would get in white or blue over black with lighting and a lip spoiler (only real options). Downside is open differential (winter), no traction control button, and weird tire size (235/40/19) so I'd have to find some other brand of snow tires than Nokians. But good looking car for a great price, good safety ratings too (IIHS top pick):
The cars:
-I've owned my '90 Camaro for 18 years. Garaged.
-I daily my '14 5.0 all year and it's great. 5.0 is dead solid reliable, been the best car I've ever owned. Not paid off, owe around $17k. This car sits outside.
-Wife drives '12 Beetle, paid off. Garaged (gotta give the wife a spot).
The situation:
-In our early thirties, kids in 2-3 years.
-Beetle is staying until the last possible second since it's paid off, then it will need to be replaced with a family hauler for her when kid is born.
-We will both need family haulers when we have kids due to different work schedules.
The "problem":
-I knew I couldn't keep the Mustang forever when I bought it for the above reasons.
-I don't particularly want to be on the front end of two car loans at the same time, with a new kid.
The idea:
-Get family hauler for me sooner than later, to stagger car loans and to get it paid down or close to paid off by the time we must get my wife a family hauler.
-While I could keep paying on the Mustang as long as possible and hold out til the end and have a larger down payment for a family hauler, there's also the reality that the Mustang will still depreciate over the next few years, so it might actually be more expensive to hold it in the end.
The options:
1) Keep Camaro, buy cheapish new car. I like nearly nothing sub-$40k, with almost no exceptions. Yet, I keep looking at Passat R-lines with the lighting package. I know the NMS Passat is a maligned car nobody likes (big and cheap etc) but it actually looks good in R-line trim. Looks expensive, nice fit and finish, and not worried about ownership costs. Extremely practical and just makes a ton of sense. Stickers for around $26.5k, can be had for under $22k with no negotiating - being that I owe $17k on the Mustang and have a little positive equity, I'm not really setting myself back much on total debt. Rare that there's something in that price range I actually like that I would actually consider owning. I drove one, it is ho hum, but it's quiet, comfortable, and had more passing power than expected. 3 years from now there might be nothing I like in that price range. Passat would have to sit outside.
2) Sell both Mustang and Camaro, buy something nice around $40kish for a daily. Garage it.
3) Sell both Mustang and Camaro, buy cheap Passat. Garage it. Feel very financially savvy about my super adult choice to sell both toys AND buy cheap car.
4) Sell both Mustang and Camaro, take Camaro proceeds to buy used Japanese daily and buy a brand new muscle car to be a garage queen toy. Probably least likely and ultimately most expensive option.
Here's the issue with the Camaro. It's my first car, clean as hell, second owner, real head turner. Would probably regret selling. But I drive it maybe 500 miles a year. Just no time or desire. The other issue is it just isn't fun to drive. Maybe the biggest issue though is that as someone who likes 1000 point show cars, it can never be one due to lack of parts availability (fresh factory seat fabrics, etc). I can spend $10k on a paintjob, but then what? Interior is in great shape but not as nice as a 5k mile original, and it makes no sense to do a stock mechanical rebuild, but modding doesn't make sense either - gen I small blocks, while period correct, are almost too crude for that car and the one or two high performance injection systems aren't great and run out of steam at 4500 RPM. Gen II or newer (LSX etc) might look cool when that's the hot generation, but quickly look dated (think of all the '90s LT1 swaps and how junky those seem now). Basically I don't know what to do with the car if I keep it, and can really only keep it as a turn key cruiser. Which isn't necessarily bad, but I just don't know what to do with it if I keep it.
I think I'd regret selling it, and I've thought of selling it for years and never do. But I think about it too much, to where deep down I know what the answer is. I kind of want my garage space back also (not enough height for a four post and I'm not paying for storage again for the Camaro, did that for years through college and living in Japan and living in apartments here when we came back). At some point I won't want to bring a new car home again and park it outside. Ultimately I kind of just want to simplify my life. Less cars, less maintenance, less detailing, less insurance, etc.
Thoughts?
I mean hey, this isn't a bad looking car for $22k, would get in white or blue over black with lighting and a lip spoiler (only real options). Downside is open differential (winter), no traction control button, and weird tire size (235/40/19) so I'd have to find some other brand of snow tires than Nokians. But good looking car for a great price, good safety ratings too (IIHS top pick):
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Should wait for the Arteon or get a Golf R
It's funny you mention those. I just can't get behind paying sticker of nearly $42k for an R when I could buy an A3 optioned the way I want it for like $39k after negotiation, and at $42k I may as well spend a couple more and get a B9 A4 or a loaded JKU. Thought about a GTI but I just don't love the look, even though it makes a lot of sense on paper. Facelift looks good, but just don't love it.
I do love the current CC and would like an Executive R-line with Carbon (R-line with real leather, memory seats, sunroof, blacked out trim, different wheels, etc), but dealers won't stock them so I won't get the $6k off like I can a regular R-line off the lot, and I can't pay close to $40k for that car and still getting that awful steering wheel and no Fender stereo. Plus, that's too much cash for FWD...and they cup rear tires like mad. Because of these few glaring issues with the current one, I was excited for the Arteon but I just can't warm up to that front end, unfortunately.
Or, more realistically, a GTI.Should wait for the Arteon or get a Golf R
Trade both of them and get a Q5. I know that's no fun, but the Q5 is hella good in my book.
Hmm... are you sure about that?
1. http://www.audiworld.com/forums/a4-...216/allroads-snow-2914317/page3/#post24924046
Don't see the full body paint here...
2. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/747118-B9-Allroad-Picture-Thread
Don't see those DAP ACC sensors on the front of your car...
3. http://www.audiworld.com/forums/a4-...ane-assist-all-cars-pre-sense-2907906/page40/
Why would you be trying to code Active Lane Assist if your AR already has DAP?
Yes the car does have DAP and I would be more then happy to take you for a ride in it to prove it.
The reason why I wanted to know if I could use Carista to get lane change was because a friend of mine has an A4 premium + ,who doesn't have lane assist, wanted to see if they could get it on their car.
Yeah he didn't want to get flagged TD1 either, and he needs android (the opposite of macrumors iPhone based forum
) He loves the car though
Hmm... that doesn't match up with the posted pictures of your AR. I don't see the DAP sensors on the front.
Interesting because on AW, you claimed to be asking for *your* car.
You don't have DAP. If you had DAP, why would you be coding for Active Lane Assist. What's the point of lying?
-------
On that note, care to explain this?
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/what-does-your-wife-drive-w-pics-311276/index62/#post5196857
The picture you posted is a XC90 M+, but here you claim to own a R-Design T8 XC90
Sorry, but my tolerance for BS has become pretty small these days...
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Your pictures do not display the ultrasonic sensors in the front lower bumper/spoiler facia that are required for the driver assist package. How does the feature exist without the hardware?
@AutoUnion39, I should be in Fairfield County this weekend to check in on the parents house while they're on vacation. Maybe we should have a luncheon. Perhaps I can snag the B8 Allroad, assuming it's not at JFK.
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Certainly not an R-design. Definitely not "Bursting Blue" unless I've gone color blind.
I saw the Arteon last night. It looks very nice, but I suspect it'll be in the high 30s. Strange name, though. Not an exciting weekend. I did take a new 540i for an hour test drive yesterday. Wanted to see where the new G30 stands against the W213. It had a good amount of options, but no M Sport package. I was pleasantly surprised at how good the car is. Low slung dash, precise steering even though BMW's watered stuff down, really good handling, very planted feeling like any BMW sedan or coupe.
I'm fairly confident the G30 is going to be a scorcher sales wise. The G11 will not be a scorcher.
I'm fairly confident the G30 is going to be a scorcher sales wise. The G11 will not be a scorcher.
That was my experience as well with the G30 5er (both 530i and 540i). Make no mistake, the G30 isn't a highly dynamic, return to BMW of old but the overall feel is an improvement over the F10. When you drove the F10, you know you were in a luxury vehicle and it was just that, a luxury vehicle. With the G30, you can say you're driving a sport/luxury vehicle because it has that feel the F10 lacked.
Good to see you around. Yeah, it's fair to say the BMW of old won't be around anytime soon. The days of increased regulation have killed the sport factor in the bigger cars. However, right now is a terrific time to buy up an old E30 in quality condition. The motors are dead simple to work on and there's plenty of aftermarket parts for the nicknacks the car has that can break down. Going back to the G30, I can't imagine how the car drives with the M Sport Package because I believe it adds better brakes, stiffer dynamic suspension and some other goodies that really keep the car planted. Out of respect, I didn't push the car much even though I was given the keys and told to take my time with it. I did push it around in some off streets around the dealer that are in the middle of nowhere and experienced minimal traction loss in the rear. Very exciting drive nonetheless. You don't feel as if you're driving a large car. Two things to note are the upcoming M550i will be plenty fast and possibly be the only model of the G30 range to possibly access the M Performance and Sound Kit, which adds horsepower and torque. It's a package that came out a few months ago for the F30 and F32, and it's a very popular option for the higher end models of each platform, as well as retrofit orders. I asked the dealer if BMW plans to bring it out in the future for all cars and they couldn't comment. I suspect it will. It's a $4-6K option depending on the dealer. The materials cost per unit is nothing for BMW. It adds a deep guttural sound to the cars and adds a decent amount of power. What's not to like?
I have little experience with the F10 myself, but I'd have to agree with you. It felt like a land yacht compared to the G30. The old E60 was much lighter and agile, even if it was a complete and utter eyesore. Call me old and aloof, but I don't think any future 5 or M5 will handle and behave like the old E28, the pinnacle point of the 5 based vehicle. And, of course, the E39 M5. The upcoming M5 is going to be interesting. I caught a few posts perusing a BMW forum and it's rumored to be north of 600 HP, 700 ft lb of torque, rear bias X-Drive with the ability to direct power to the rear wheels, but comes with an ZF8 tranny, possibly a derivative of the current HP70 in the line. There's a lot of brouhaha about the tranny and how BMW and Getrag couldn't agree on something. The thread I read had a few pages of sarcasm praising the choice of using an automatic tranny instead of an M DCT. Seems a bit silly to me, if we're being honest. Fully loaded it'll cost around $120,000 and it makes little sense. Hopefully something is worked out.
The new G30 base is lighter than the old F10, and so the new M5 should be lighter and meaner, with far better handling and styling to work off of. I was, as I said, incredibly impressed with the G30's handling. The dealer offered me a future weekend test drive, but told them I'd have to think about it. I had no interest in procuring a BMW, especially after their new warranty outlook. I would, however, change my mind or at least consider if they brought a M5 touring wagon back. Something to compete with the AMG.
Speaking of performance wagons, Buick's supposedly bringing in a rebadged Opel wagon with a big engine (though not super performance) for 2018 or 2019. I caught the story on a non car site last night. If the Opel's looks are unchanged, I think it'll sell quite nicely based on looks alone. Coincedentally, AU and I had discussed the new Lincoln MKZ because we both spotted a post online. The car doesn't make as much sense as the Continental, which is slightly more expensive and pretty impressive at its price point. I watched a few review videos including one by that Parker guy. There's some cool tech in that car. Though I can't help myself but say that it and the MKZ seem to be heavily inspired by the Jaguar XF and much of the interior has bits and pieces lifted from various JLR cars. Though I suspect these Lincoln's won't throw their value into the ground as quickly and likely be more reliable.
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Holy ****, I actually circulated your [squirrel related] posts to some friends who aren't on Mac Rumors, they were _floored_.
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Picked up my new car!
Nice! Love the exterior color, needs some red seats
Wait a second ... is that a manual?!?
[doublepost=1490047550][/doublepost]My transportation - and "home" view - for the last week (in the foreground, though we also had SUPs and kayaks):
Nice! Love the exterior color, needs some red seats
Wait a second ... is that a manual?!?
It's the automatic.
Only way I could record this glorious sound.
I left the exhaust in track mode( valves open) and tomorrow I'll record a cold start.
sounds good, wait til you hear how glorious a -20 start will sound
now go back to the dealer and get some wheel locks, ca,aro wheels get ripped off many times over mustang wheels
no they wont stop a determined thief, but they are a casual thief deterrent
now go back to the dealer and get some wheel locks, ca,aro wheels get ripped off many times over mustang wheels
no they wont stop a determined thief, but they are a casual thief deterrent
Squirrels? The ride looks sweet, @quagmire. For some reason I thought you ordered yours in a light silver. I love this color! I'll likely never own a domestic, but I really love the sound of these beefy engines, especially because of the idle lope caused by the cams. But I believe the sound is also due to the crank angle? Either way, that's a sweet ride and it looks menacing. How bad is the blind spot in these new ones?
Off topic, have you considered pressure washing your driveway's stonework and possibly having it stained to enhance and create some contrast?
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Edit: Oh! The squirrels! I'd forgotten about your bad luck, @puma1552. At least you're not as unlucky as Matt what's his name and his GT3.
Off topic, have you considered pressure washing your driveway's stonework and possibly having it stained to enhance and create some contrast?
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Nice. I take it the nearly all glass building in the top left is also a house? Is the boat right in front of yours or did it come with the rental?
Edit: Oh! The squirrels! I'd forgotten about your bad luck, @puma1552. At least you're not as unlucky as Matt what's his name and his GT3.
I think it is mostly caused by the cam setup. But I don't know myself.
As for the blind spots, while the visibility isn't its strong point, it's not too bad. Think it definitely gets overblown by people. Yeah you might get shocked initially by it, but as you drive it you get used to it.
As for the stone, not my sure if my parents considered it. Yeah I still live with my parents( I admit only reason I am able to afford the car) as I save up for a house in the next few years.
Hmm. Maybe Mr. Mustang Vert can chime in.
I sat in one of the early models when it first came out and it was difficult to see. I've seen visibility go down over the last 18-20 years. But cars are safer now due to these regulations. The dash is pretty cool. I know MT knocked the weird gauge cluster design but if the middle wasn't lopped out, it's the same shape and size of other cars.
You go to school or work. You contribute to society. No shame in living at home so you can save up for a car and a house. That's being smart.
Their asphalt looks good unless there's cracks I can't spot. Power washing and staining with a sealer should help keep the stonework and asphalt in shape.
It's the automatic.
Only way I could record this glorious sound.
I left the exhaust in track mode( valves open) and tomorrow I'll record a cold start.
Yeah, I assumed so given your previous discussion, but I was thrown off by the knob and boot (it looked manual-esque, and I didn't bother to look for interior photos).
Exhaust is too quiet - especially "track mode" (i.e., "I'm louder at stoplights mode"
)There are a ton of factors in a vehicle audio dynamics: general design (OHV vs. DOHC), crank, cylinder bank angles, displacement, stroke, cams, firing order, exhaust, etc. More to your point, families tend to have some likeness, i.e., Chevy small blocks, so if there's an appeal of some brand, it's due to design consistency (like all the LTx/LSx derived motors).
Funny enough, one of the things I always liked better on late[r] model Mustangs (the 32v DOHC motors) vs. my LXx motored cars (Vettes) was the exhaust - the latter has a nice classic musclecar sound, but the Ford 5 liter has that plus this extra exotic burble that I just love.
It's interesting how different tuning states affect the sound too - you can put in a big cam in a LT4 and you _will_ hear it, the clucky/lopey sound, it's fun (depending on the overlap/duration, I over-cammed a Corvette, was +not+ fun). Swap out cams to fairly stout specs in a 5.0L and they sound about the same as stock due to the massive heads/valves (and remember, the 5L has 4 cams!)
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Picked up my new car!
That my friend is the picture of 40% depreciation
I love the exterior color. Looks good.
I hear that's quite messy work.