The Car Thread ... !

[MatthewLTL]

I'm not sure if it would be allowed. PharmD is taken I believe, but that should not be suspicious. I see plenty of doctors with plates that have their initials followed by MD. Massachusetts doctors can get special MD plates. I wouldn't want a violent drug addict thinking I carry pills on me though.


It depends on the car. Toyotas have very high resale value typically so if a new one may not be much more than a used one. Sometimes you get a better deal buying new. This can occur with warranty coverage and financing deals. Newer models might have different features, reliability improvements, minor changes that would be worth it in the end.


That's true but it doesn't mean a cop can't run plates. How would they get caught? Cops do a lot of illegal things unfortunately. He could easily run my plates and give you my address. If he ran plates, saw someone had a warrant, and pulled them over based on running his plates without a reason, then the arrest would not hold up in court.


How do you determine if a cop is follow you or just on the same route?


Yes, the Rav4 is on that list as well. I don't think she liked the styling of it though. Same with the Nissan Rouge. I keep reading the Mazda CX-? is the top car in the class which is interesting.

1. True. That same aspect falls into alot of different categories on various things.

2. That is a good question. I have no idea on that answer. I once was driving on a smaller buy major highway and took an exit, cop was behind me and followed my every turn then i made the final right turn needed for my destination and the cop kept going straight, I always obey traffic laws but when there's a cop around it always gives me the heeby-jeebies i have no reason to ever be pulled over but I don't one one little mishap (accidental lane drifting) or something giving a reason to pull me over.

3. I don't like the style of the RAV4 either, frankly I really dont like the design of most cars since the 2006 model year they are all ugly although the 2014s do have some style. I don't know much about cars but I can tell just by looking at one if its a 2014 or not.

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A lot depends on the specifics.

My mom-just a few weeks ago-bought a new 2014 model Buick LaCrosse. It had 50 miles on it, so the dealer had obviously used it as a demonstrator or at least shuffled it around the parking lot a fair bit. They were ready to move it, though, and had it priced at $7K off sticker(I haven't checked, but it wouldn't surprise me if this was below invoice).

She'd actually been looking at a used 2014 with 20K miles, and it was only $3K less expensive.

I'd say in her case, buying the new car was a very smart move compared to buying a virtually identical used one.

Of course, situations like that are the exception and not the norm-I'm generally inclined to buy used. When the time comes to replace my car, there's a decent chance that a 2015 Impala SS will at least be under consideration(it meets my basic requirements of a V8+RWD), and I won't mind letting the depreciate for a few years.

Ah, the 2014 Daewoo Aphleon. Great car at least from the commercials can't feel any potholes! Maybe a stupid question but why the hell would they have 2014 USED cars for sale yet? usually a person buys a car then trades it in in 3 years when most of the warranties are up.

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V8's are going to get harder and harder to come by :/. It's crazy how quickly everything turned went from 8 to 6 and 6 to 5 or 4 cylinders. The things we do for gas mileage... There's nothing like the sweet roar of a V8. Plus I trust them little more reliability wise. Eventually you'll have to pick up the PPC philosophy and resort to primarily using much older technology, in this case cars.

My era of BMW is interesting when it comes to the V8 model. There is really no real reason to consider even buying it unless you got a deal on it. In 2009 there was the 528, 535, and 550 models. My 535xi (300hp 3.0L Twin Turbo) ends up being nearly as same as the 550i (360hp 4.8L V8). Take a base 535xi, add the leather and dimming mirror options, along with $10,000, dump the x-drive AWD and you essentially get a 550i (no AWD model in 2009). In the end you get 2 more cylinders, no AWD, worse resale, worse gas mileage, higher insurance, and a 0-60 speed that's only .2 seconds faster.- all for $10,000 more. Now, you'll probably notice a difference in acceleration at high speeds, but if you live in a city you won't get up there that often. 535xi 0-60 is 5.4, 550i is 5.2 :roll eyes:.

Now that 8's are 6's and 6's are 4, 4's are turning into 3-cylinder engines. Volvo, Ford, BMW, and a bunch of others are working on 3-cylinder engines. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

some people complain that these new cars are nothing but throw-away, all the computers in them no throttle cables no carbs no chokes, means that in 20 years or so when parts for these cars fail and replacements are no longer made your SOL whereas older cars with throttle cables and such one can simply just make a new cable or fabrocate a part if needed. I personally will never buy a new car. I don't want or need any of the doohinkuses they have in them, I dont need bluetooth, pandora, Apple/DROID integration, wifi, internet, email, etc. I just want a basic car stereo. If I HAD to get a new car, the 1st thing I would do is put in a simple aftermarket stereo to replace the complicated feature-rich factory unit i dont have use for or will ever need.

3 bangers are nothing new Subaru had one in 1990 and Toyota had a 4 cyl with 8 plugs.

 

[bunnspecial]

V8's are going to get harder and harder to come by :/. It's crazy how quickly everything turned went from 8 to 6 and 6 to 5 or 4 cylinders. The things we do for gas mileage... There's nothing like the sweet roar of a V8. Plus I trust them little more reliability wise. Eventually you'll have to pick up the PPC philosophy and resort to primarily using much older technology, in this case cars.

My era of BMW is interesting when it comes to the V8 model. There is really no real reason to consider even buying it unless you got a deal on it. In 2009 there was the 528, 535, and 550 models. My 535xi (300hp 3.0L Twin Turbo) ends up being nearly as same as the 550i (360hp 4.8L V8). Take a base 535xi, add the leather and dimming mirror options, along with $10,000, dump the x-drive AWD and you essentially get a 550i (no AWD model in 2009). In the end you get 2 more cylinders, no AWD, worse resale, worse gas mileage, higher insurance, and a 0-60 speed that's only .2 seconds faster.- all for $10,000 more. Now, you'll probably notice a difference in acceleration at high speeds, but if you live in a city you won't get up there that often. 535xi 0-60 is 5.4, 550i is 5.2 :roll eyes:.

Now that 8's are 6's and 6's are 4, 4's are turning into 3-cylinder engines. Volvo, Ford, BMW, and a bunch of others are working on 3-cylinder engines. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

There's a lot to be said about the amazing technology with smaller engines.

I know Ford claims that their Ecoboost V6(essentially just a turbocharged V6) give the same torque as V8 with the economy of a V6. My mom's new Buick has GM's new I-4 "eAssist" engine, which uses regenerative breaking to charge a battery pack, and then puts in 40hp electric motor alongside the engine to help it out during acceleration. It's sort of hybrid technology without actually being a full-blown hybrid. I have to admit, it's peppy for a 4 cylinder, but still nothing like even a good V6.

The thing I love about classic American V8s is the big, wide, flat torque band that they have from about 2000 to 4000 RPMs that makes them cruise so nicely on the highway, but also give you power when you need it. V8s are also inherently better balanced than V6s and I4s(although about equal to an I-6, and not "perfect" like a V12) which make them incredibly smooth. I have to concede, though, that I don't notice vibration on newer V6s and I-4s like I did on older ones(some of which were terrible), so either the counterbalancing has gotten better or the car makers have figured out how to dampen them better.

And, like you said, nothing sounds quite the same. My much-beloved LS has true dual exhaust from the headers all the way to the tailpipes. There's no crossover or anything-just two totally separate exhaust systems with all the requisite hardware(of course I hope I don't ever have to replace both the cats at the same time). Even standing behind it at idle, it's unmistakably a V8, and fortunately Ford didn't make them engineer all the noise out of the exhaust so it still sounds like a V8 when you step on it.

I know you and I share some differences on American cars, but I try to buy American. If Ford had really promoted and worked out the kinks in the LS rather than letting it languish and eventually killing it off, they could have had a serious competitor to the 5 series on their hands. Now, I'm considering replacing it with an American car that's actually Australian(admittedly the Cadillac CTS-V has had my attention for a while now, too, and it is fully American as far as I know).

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Ah, the 2014 Daewoo Aphleon. Great car at least from the commercials can't feel any potholes! Maybe a stupid question but why the hell would they have 2014 USED cars for sale yet? usually a person buys a car then trades it in in 3 years when most of the warranties are up.

I didn't research the history, but most likely it was either off a 1-year lease or a fleet vehicle(rental, etc). Remember that in Feb. 2015, a 2014 model could be approaching a year and a half old(if it was built in Sept-Oct. 2013), so either of these scenarios would make sense. 1-year old used cars are not at all uncommon.

 

[A.Goldberg]

some people complain that these new cars are nothing but throw-away, all the computers in them no throttle cables no carbs no chokes, means that in 20 years or so when parts for these cars fail and replacements are no longer made

Well, even with old mechanical cars parts can be hard to come by, especially if the company is out of business. My dad has Triumph GT6. Some parts can be tricky to get. Luckily it's a common collectors car some parts are still made.

My grandfather has a 1963 Autocars Sabra Sport which is a little Israeli sports car. They made ~208 of these vehicles in between 1961 and 1964. There are only 11 1963 models and 43 total made in Israel, the rest in the UK. His is a 1963 Israeli made model. Even though it shares some parts from Reliant and Ford, parts are very difficult to come by.

But yes, electronics will only make this worse. On one hand cars are generally much more reliable (than old cars when they were new) and last longer than they used to (especially thanks to rust proofing), but they're harder to work on and parts are more unique. I can only imagine the nightmare my BMW will become with significant age.

3 bangers are nothing new Subaru had one in 1990

Yes, they've been around. Smart cars use them currently. Saab and Suzuki used them commonly long ago. They're actually very common in tractors. In a standard combustion engine, as long as 360/# cylinders = an integer, you can have as many or few cylinders as you want.

The thing is 3 cylinder engines used to be in tiny little *****box cars with hardly any power. Soon they'll be put in mainstream, midsize cars. I imagine they will have to run at ultra high compression and ultra high RPM's to achieve the power needed. This translates to reliability issues. Fewer cylinders usually means a rougher running engine as well, which affects comfort and performance.

Volvo is supposed to be rolling out a 3-cylinder, 1.5L, 180hp turbo engine for their S60 (which is a midsize luxury sedan). I looked up the 1990 Subaru 3 cylinder (actually made by Diahitsu in a 1L or 1.2L variety) was either 47, 54, 66, or 73 horsepower depending the model. . I doubt they even could sell the 1L version in the US. For modern driving that car is nearly un-drivable and unsafe with it's 0-60 time of 16 seconds!

 

[A.Goldberg]

I know you and I share some differences on American cars, but I try to buy American. If Ford had really promoted and worked out the kinks in the LS rather than letting it languish and eventually killing it off, they could have had a serious competitor to the 5 series on their hands. Now, I'm considering replacing it with an American car that's actually Australian(admittedly the Cadillac CTS-V has had my attention for a while now, too, and it is fully American as far as I know).

There are not many American cars I like but the LS is actually one of the best. The problem with something like that where I live is snow/ice so people shy away from RWD. I think cross developing as the Thunderbird and S-Type was smart because you're building a premium sedan/coupe from the ground up. Rebadging and slightly tweeking a Taurus doesn't have the same effect. It definitely could have been a car they could have progressed and developed.

The LS always reminded me of the old style Acura RL's and Lexus LS430's. It fit in quite well in that big, luxury nonEuropean sedan market. And it didn't have that old person look/feel like Cadillac at the time.

The CTS is a great car. I'd consider buying one if I was forced to buy an American car. I just don't think I could get myself to buy a GM though.

 

[D.T.]

There's a lot to be said about the amazing technology with smaller engines.

I know Ford claims that their Ecoboost V6(essentially just a turbocharged V6) give the same torque as V8 with the economy of a V6. My mom's new Buick has GM's new I-4 "eAssist" engine, which uses regenerative breaking to charge a battery pack, and then puts in 40hp electric motor alongside the engine to help it out during acceleration. It's sort of hybrid technology without actually being a full-blown hybrid. I have to admit, it's peppy for a 4 cylinder, but still nothing like even a good V6.

The thing I love about classic American V8s is the big, wide, flat torque band that they have from about 2000 to 4000 RPMs that makes them cruise so nicely on the highway, but also give you power when you need it. V8s are also inherently better balanced than V6s and I4s(although about equal to an I-6, and not "perfect" like a V12) which make them incredibly smooth. I have to concede, though, that I don't notice vibration on newer V6s and I-4s like I did on older ones(some of which were terrible), so either the counterbalancing has gotten better or the car makers have figured out how to dampen them better.

I've experienced a really diverse range of engines - cars I've owned, cars I've driven street and track - and while most of them (in "sporty" cars) offer some fun characteristics and/or engineering I can appreciate, I always come back to the good ol' classic American V8. Maybe it's my particular demographic, but it's my favorite, the sound, the flexible power delivery, and heck, in the case of OHV pushrod motors, the elegant simplicity. That being said, I also dig on using more modern tech in combination with moderate-to-larger displacement domestic V8s, so I'm pretty dazzled by products like Ford's Coyote and Voodoo or even the glorious supercharged Trinity motor.

 

[AustinIllini]

Volvo is supposed to be rolling out a 3-cylinder, 1.5L, 180hp turbo engine for their S60 (which is a midsize luxury sedan). I looked up the 1990 Subaru 3 cylinder (actually made by Diahitsu in a 1L or 1.2L variety) was either 47, 54, 66, or 73 horsepower depending the model. . I doubt they even could sell the 1L version in the US. For modern driving that car is nearly un-drivable and unsafe with it's 0-60 time of 16 seconds!

So I think Kia is introducing a turbo 3 cylinder, too.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a really small engine in the rumored S2K follow-up be an S600 but be ultra light.

 

[arggg14]

Hoping to pick up a Mazda 3 STouring here in a couple days. Anyone drive one?

 

[2298754]

Hoping to pick up a Mazda 3 STouring here in a couple days. Anyone drive one?

The new 3 is the second best car in its class, just behind the new Golf. Can't go wrong with it. It is fantastic. Only issues I have would be the loud ride, cheap sheetmetal/paint finish, and the styling.

The 3 feels very "German" when it comes to driving dynamics and probably has better reliability than the Golf (if something like matters to you).

I'd also take the Golf for a spin. The EA888 1.8T is a gem and the fit/finish feels closer to a luxury brand than anything in its class.

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So I think Kia is introducing a turbo 3 cylinder, too.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a really small engine in the rumored S2K follow-up be an S600 but be ultra light.

We already have two 3 cylinders on the U.S. market. Both fantastic. The base Fiesta and base non-S Mini Cooper. The Cooper's 3 cyl is brilliant. Doesn't feel like a 3 cylinder and has very good power.

 

[puma1552]

I've experienced a really diverse range of engines - cars I've owned, cars I've driven street and track - and while most of them (in "sporty" cars) offer some fun characteristics and/or engineering I can appreciate, I always come back to the good ol' classic American V8. Maybe it's my particular demographic, but it's my favorite, the sound, the flexible power delivery, and heck, in the case of OHV pushrod motors, the elegant simplicity. That being said, I also dig on using more modern tech in combination with moderate-to-larger displacement domestic V8s, so I'm pretty dazzled by products like Ford's Coyote and Voodoo or even the glorious supercharged Trinity motor.

How sweet it is, and even sweeter when you get to buy one brand new that has never been ragged on, to be there as your special order comes right off the truck, covered in plastic.

V8s are becoming such a luxury, it's quite a shame. I'd take a 225 hp V8 in an older SN95 GT than a 300 hp V6 in a newer base model all day every day. There just isn't any substitute for a proper V8. Simple, dead reliable, last forever. Sounds like nothing else, feels like nothing else.

One thing too is that Ford really pushes ecoboost this, ecoboost that, but the truck guys pretty much confirm that since the engine has to work harder than the 5.0, it doesn't get any better mileage in real world use. Plus you have the complexity of a turbo that is going to take a dump someday (who wants that on a truck that should last 20 years?).

What I do hate though is when people assume that all the new tech only goes into smaller engines and similar tech doesn't make its way into the V8s. I knock down 21.4 mpg average in a 420 hp V8 that spends at least half its time in downtown traffic. Now that's technology.

 

[2298754]

I believe my car is a twin turbo as well. I've never been particularly impressed with the sound of the turbo in my BMW. It's not as audible as the Audi's I've been in. Harvard Ave? Not if you want to run over a thousand people crossing the road?

Not during the day! At night! Blow down longwood and take a right down Harvard Ave. More speed the better. Imagine how awesome the turbos could sound! The possibilities!

(But yes, you are correct. You can't hear the turbos at all on the N54. Makes sense though, it is a luxury car)

Yeah all those cops directing traffic at Trader Joe's will have to hunt me down.

Haha. I was driving down there yesterday evening. Longwood was backed up, almost to St. Paul Street. Ridiculous. People don't need to go to Trader Joes that badly.

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She's not sure if she wants an SUV but wants AWD. I have recommended another Grand Cherokee, Honda CRV, or Subaru Forester.

Any suggestions?

Easy. For $30k, there are so many solid SUVs to buy. RAV4 is my pick, but I am a huge Toyota fan. Honda CRV is a solid offering. If AWD is utmost importance (especially after this winter), any Subie. I really like the new Outback too.

EDIT: 2015 CRV just came out and has Acura-levels of safety tech, like forward collision warning, etc.
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I'd actually advise AGAINST a brand new car the overhead isnt worth it. You could buy a 30k car drive it out of the parking lot, Turn around and sell it right away it's only worth 25-27K shes better off getting a Used or CPO car.

That's stupid thinking. There is NO REASON at all to be buying a slightly used late model Honda or Toyota. They are ripoffs. For example, a 1 yr old CPO RAV4 only costs $2-3k less than the equivalent brand-new one. Why wouldn't I just spend the extra money and get a brand new one? The CPO warranty means nothing on a Toyota or Honda. You just don't need it. They will be bulletproof.

Another good example, my father wants to trade his current Toyota in for a Highlander. They are holding their value to well that a 1 year old 2014 Highlander with 10k miles costs about $4-5k less than a brand-new 2015 model. Why would anyone do that?

My friend actually just bought a 2014 Rav4 surprisingly she says it gets good gas mileage, I was always told SUVs are gas hogs (Vans are too), they must of done something with the late model SUVs to prevent them from drinking so much gas.

It's called modern technology and improved aerodynamics. LRR tires, on-demand AWD (FWD until slippage occurs), 6+ speed transmissions, direct injection, forced induction, lower weight, etc.

My BMW X5 35d is about 5200lb and I average mid-20s in mixed driving. That is fantastic for something that has twin-turbos and puts out 425 ft-lb of torque. The newer generation diesels, such as the current Touareg or Cayenne, can hit 30+ mpg on the highway.

 

[2298754]

Porsche dealer up the block just got a Sapphire Blue Macan S in. Color is fantastic in the sunlight

 

[puma1552]

Porsche dealer up the block just got a Sapphire Blue Macan S in. Color is fantastic in the sunlight

Image

I know they are supposed to be great, but the jacked up wagon look is hideous. This look needs to die.

 

[AustinIllini]

I know they are supposed to be great, but the jacked up wagon look is hideous. This look needs to die.

While I don't feel as strongly as you, I also dislike the look of the Macan.

 

[puma1552]

While I don't feel as strongly as you, I also dislike the look of the Macan.

Yeah I just don't get the all of a sudden obsession the last few years with what are basically jacked up station wagons. Unless it's that people are getting so fat that cars are too hard to get down into, and SUVs are too hard to climb up into. These things stuck in the middle just don't look right to me. *shrug*

I couldn't possibly see myself shelling out P-car money for something so painful to look at every day, but I know most people love that thing.

 

[2298754]

I couldn't possibly see myself shelling out P-car money for something so painful to look at every day, but I know most people love that thing.

What else could you buy in this class that has the level of performance/refinement/prestige/quality/driving dynamics that the Macan has?

This thing makes perfect sense for those who want a performance DD in snowy regions. Obviously, a Cayman would be a good fit, but without AWD, no thanks.

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http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/03/honda-civic-hatchback-coming-back-to-u-s-.html

According to a report from the Nikkei, Honda will build its next-generation Civic five door at its plant in Swindon, U.K., which will begin sending cars across the pond in summer of 2016. Swindon is able to build 250,000 cars annually when running at full capacity, but currently, one of its production lines is sitting idle.

The report says that about 40,000 to 50,000 Civic hatchbacks will be allotted for North America. The driving factor behind the move is to fully utilize the production facility in the UK, although even these extra cars won’t have Swindon operating at capacity.

Selling the Civic Hatchback in North America will allow Honda to directly compete with the with other available five-door offerings like the Mazda3, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and VW Golf. Closely related to the current Fit, the Civic Hatchback has a slightly smaller footprint than the North American Civic Sedan.

We might be seeing Civic hatches in the US again

I really like the Civic Tourer

 

[puma1552]

What else could you buy in this class that has the level of performance/refinement/prestige/quality/driving dynamics that the Macan has?

This thing makes perfect sense for those who want a performance DD in snowy regions. Obviously, a Cayman would be a good fit, but without AWD, no thanks.

I'd probably buy an SQ5, or just get an S4. These glorified wagons are like jack of all trades. Great at lots of things, but probably not exceptional at any. Again though, I haven't driven one...I just think they are ugly (X1/Q3/GLA too and all Subarus) and couldn't live with looking at it day to day.

 

[2298754]

I'd probably buy an SQ5, or just get an S4. These glorified wagons are like jack of all trades.

Not bad choices at all. The SQ5 is a good choice for those who don't like the Porsche up-charge. S4 is good too, but too old at this point, for serious consideration.

 

[puma1552]

The B9 will be fantastic, the interior of the B8.5 is really showing its age at this point.

 

[2298754]

The B9 will be fantastic, the interior of the B8.5 is really showing its age at this point.

Yup. The B9 will be good. Supposedly, they're testing a new electric quattro system, that will have electric motors in the back. Similar to the RLX SH-SHAWD

 

[A.Goldberg]

People don't need to go to Trader Joes that badly.

I think I have decided to boycott Trader Joe's for the rest of my life soley because of the traffic nightmare they have created in Brookline. It's an even bigger issue for me because I have to head West/outbound on Beacon Street and cannot take the left turn from Harvard to Beacon. Rewind now, I cannot take a right turn from Longwood to Harvard. Have to take that left turn from Longwood to Harvard which is a pain to start off with. Throw in Joe's friends and rush hours and it's creates the worst part of my day.

Easy. For $30k, there are so many solid SUVs to buy.

To use your own words I guess it's not so easy when they are so many solid SUV's to buy . They are all around the same price, with about the same options, and have the same styling. I get your point though, you can't really go wrong with any of the choices. Right now I think she likes the CRV because it's interior build quality seems a little bit nicer than the rest. She's not a huge fan the styling of the RAV4 but it's not out yet. I think she likes the Subaru Forester too but is concerned with the lesbian image the older models evoke. She doesn't really seem to care too much either about a particular car, so it'll probably come down to the best deal she can workout with the availability and options she desires.

That's stupid thinking. There is NO REASON at all to be buying a slightly used late model Honda or Toyota.

You have to understand with this particular individual, anything that defies logic is a perfectly acceptable idea.

 

[2298754]

I think I have decided to boycott Trader Joe's for the rest of my life soley because of the traffic nightmare they have created in Brookline. It's an even bigger issue for me because I have to head West/outbound on Beacon Street and cannot take the left turn from Harvard to Beacon. Rewind now, I cannot take a right turn from Longwood to Harvard. Have to take that left turn from Longwood to Harvard which is a pain to start off with. Throw in Joe's friends and rush hours and it's creates the worst part of my day.

Yeah, I agree completely. It is, by far, one of the worst intersections in the city. Right up there with BU Bridge and the Harvard Bridge/Storrow nightmare.

To use your own words I guess it's not so easy when they are so many solid SUV's to buy . They are all around the same price, with about the same options, and have the same styling. I get your point though, you can't really go wrong with any of the choices.

That's the best part about it. There's no "wrong" choice. I wish Toyota brought back the V6 in the RAV4 though. The last gen RAV4 was stupid fast with its 3.5 V6.

You have to understand with this particular individual, anything that defies logic is a perfectly acceptable idea.

Can you prescribe some drugs for this condition?

 

[AustinIllini]

To use your own words I guess it's not so easy when they are so many solid SUV's to buy . They are all around the same price, with about the same options, and have the same styling. I get your point though, you can't really go wrong with any of the choices. Right now I think she likes the CRV because it's interior build quality seems a little bit nicer than the rest. She's not a huge fan the styling of the RAV4 but it's not out yet. I think she likes the Subaru Forester too but is concerned with the lesbian image the older models evoke. She doesn't really seem to care too much either about a particular car, so it'll probably come down to the best deal she can workout with the availability and options she desires.

While I understand this used to be the case, the modern Forester is just awesome, and unlike the CR-V, comes with AWD (And the CR-V AWD is really just front wheel drive with some 10% power to the rear wheels).

My wife chose the Forester over the others for the following reasons:
1) Visibility in the Forester is insane. The windows are huge.
2) Standard AWD (Approximately 60-40 front to rear, which is enough for any one wheel to drive the car)
3) Most reasonable options. This is especially true as AWD is standard. All we wanted was leather for dog hair and we got a number of additional options (electric lift gate comes to mind)

 

[A.Goldberg]

Can you prescribe some drugs for this condition?

Unfortunately there isn't much one can do for a condition such as this. You could try stimulants to see if you can get the brain working a bit harder, but you risk unintended consequences such as increased illogical thinking. The other option would be sedatives to prevent the opportunity for much decision making. Obviously that comes with some ethical concerns, but is usually justified if the person in danger of harming themselves or others.

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While I understand this used to be the case, the modern Forester is just awesome, and unlike the CR-V, comes with AWD (And the CR-V AWD is really just front wheel drive with some 10% power to the rear wheels).

I'm really glad you brought that up, I was not aware of the issues Honda is having. Now that you mention this I remember a friend who sold their Element because the AWD sucked, it would "overheat" and then revert back to FWD. I appreciate a well designed, well functioning awd system and it looks like Hondas system has some flaws to work out. This now explains my neighbor this winter. Every morning at 5:30am he would wake me up leaving for work- Engine roaring, wheels spinning as he was stuck in the snow in his parking space. I figured he was just a poor winter driver (which he still appears to be) and owned crappy tires. His CRV is awd but I do remember that the front wheels appeared to be doing all the work.

I think on paper I like the Forester the most. I think my sister is starting to realize the new Foresters do not carry the old stereotype. I haven't driven any of these cars and have only been in a few mentioned. I will be seeing her this weekend at a Bar Mitzvah so we'll be taking a look at some cars together.

I spoke with her earlier today- Now she's questioning if she even needs an SUV and if a sedan would be better. She doesn't know if she needs awd (she's never had a 2wd vehicle) At the same time has also apparently has taken interest in maybe a used Volvo XC60 now, something with a little more style. My mom has owned a bunch of Volvos over the years and has enjoyed them. The XC60 however seems overly expensive and gets poor gas mileage for what they are. I'm not a huge fan of the styling either.

 

[Menel]

1. True. That same aspect falls into alot of different categories on various things.

2. That is a good question. I have no idea on that answer. I once was driving on a smaller buy major highway and took an exit, cop was behind me and followed my every turn then i made the final right turn needed for my destination and the cop kept going straight, I always obey traffic laws but when there's a cop around it always gives me the heeby-jeebies i have no reason to ever be pulled over but I don't one one little mishap (accidental lane drifting) or something giving a reason to pull me over.

3. I don't like the style of the RAV4 either, frankly I really dont like the design of most cars since the 2006 model year they are all ugly although the 2014s do have some style. I don't know much about cars but I can tell just by looking at one if its a 2014 or not.

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Ah, the 2014 Daewoo Aphleon. Great car at least from the commercials can't feel any potholes! Maybe a stupid question but why the hell would they have 2014 USED cars for sale yet? usually a person buys a car then trades it in in 3 years when most of the warranties are up.

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some people complain that these new cars are nothing but throw-away, all the computers in them no throttle cables no carbs no chokes, means that in 20 years or so when parts for these cars fail and replacements are no longer made your SOL whereas older cars with throttle cables and such one can simply just make a new cable or fabrocate a part if needed. I personally will never buy a new car. I don't want or need any of the doohinkuses they have in them, I dont need bluetooth, pandora, Apple/DROID integration, wifi, internet, email, etc. I just want a basic car stereo. If I HAD to get a new car, the 1st thing I would do is put in a simple aftermarket stereo to replace the complicated feature-rich factory unit i dont have use for or will ever need.

3 bangers are nothing new Subaru had one in 1990 and Toyota had a 4 cyl with 8 plugs.

Seems like you're on the wrong forum.

I like my carbed, live axle, no ECU Toyota just fine... But I still put a modern radio with bluetooth and siri handsfree in it.

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Unfortunately there isn't much one can do for a condition such as this. You could try stimulants to see if you can get the brain working a bit harder, but you risk unintended consequences such as increased illogical thinking. The other option would be sedatives to prevent the opportunity for much decision making. Obviously that comes with some ethical concerns, but is usually justified if the person in danger of harming themselves or others.

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I'm really glad you brought that up, I was not aware of the issues Honda is having. Now that you mention this I remember a friend who sold their Element because the AWD sucked, it would "overheat" and then revert back to FWD. I appreciate a well designed, well functioning awd system and it looks like Hondas system has some flaws to work out. This now explains my neighbor this winter. Every morning at 5:30am he would wake me up leaving for work- Engine roaring, wheels spinning as he was stuck in the snow in his parking space. I figured he was just a poor winter driver (which he still appears to be) and owned crappy tires. His CRV is awd but I do remember that the front wheels appeared to be doing all the work.

I think on paper I like the Forester the most. I think my sister is starting to realize the new Foresters do not carry the old stereotype. I haven't driven any of these cars and have only been in a few mentioned. I will be seeing her this weekend at a Bar Mitzvah so we'll be taking a look at some cars together.

I spoke with her earlier today- Now she's questioning if she even needs an SUV and if a sedan would be better. She doesn't know if she needs awd (she's never had a 2wd vehicle) At the same time has also apparently has taken interest in maybe a used Volvo XC60 now, something with a little more style. My mom has owned a bunch of Volvos over the years and has enjoyed them. The XC60 however seems overly expensive and gets poor gas mileage for what they are. I'm not a huge fan of the styling either.

Do NOT buy a RAV4, CX5, CRV, Rogue or the like with AWD. Useless. FWD based and only kicks in 10% rear power when slippage detected, and its slow. Waste of money, just do winter tires and hope for the best. Plague by reliability problems in the under engineered systems.

If you want AWD look to Subaru, Audi Quattro, VW 4motion, or a truck based system with a Torsen differential like GWagen, FJ Cruiser, or Lexus ??470 something.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Do NOT buy a RAV4, CX5, CRV, Rogue or the like with AWD. Useless. FWD based and only kicks in 10% rear power when slippage detected, and its slow. Waste of money, just do winter tires and hope for the best. Plague by reliability problems in the under engineered systems.

If you want AWD look to Subaru, Audi Quattro, VW 4motion, or a truck based system with a Torsen differential like GWagen, FJ Cruiser, or Lexus ??470 something.

Well this is not for me, this is my 29 year old sister who's an oral surgery resident. She is coming from an 07 Grand Cherokee Overland with QuadraDrive II. Up until a couple years ago I drove an 04 Grand Cherokee Limited with QuadraDrive. There are very few stock vehicles that have 4WD systems that can compare, except maybe a G-class with its manual locking diffs. Even the Jeeps QuadraDrive IMO blow my fathers's Range Rover Sport w/the HD package (rear auto locking diff) out of the water when it comes to traction.

Now your comparing apples and oranges here. We're talking about reliable sub $30,000 new/cpo SUVs with decent gas mileage. Now you're recomending Audis, G-Wagons and Land Cruisers. Maybe in a few year when she actually make a doctor's salary... For now she is not going off-road in this car or towing anything. She's driving to work and back. Point noted on the Honda. I will have to do my research on the others.