The Car Thread ... !

[8692574]

Which makes me feel like if I ever bought one, it would be a Mazda. For a company with Italian car roots, this is an epic fail imo.

I agree, but nowadays manufacturer share parts all the time, sometimes within a coroprate brand FCA in case of Fiat, some others between manufacturer, many cars used the JTD engine by Fiat, so it is not unheard of.

I would buy the Mazda because of the Miata Legacy more than because it is made by Mazda, or because it is "better than" the 124 spider.

I still think that Fiat lost an opportunity to revamp the iconic 124 sport, as they could have done something nicer, but Fiat nowadays has very little of "Italian".

 

[Alphazoid]

I'm considering upgrading from my 2012 Camry V6 (about 40k miles, still runs great, just bored with it and want something nicer/newer).

Which of these would YOU recommend?

No insight here but I think that grill on the Lexus is ugly. I'd take the Audi any day.

Wasn't initially a fan of Lexus grilles but they've grown on me. They've been pretty much evolutionary since 2010/2011 anyway. Way i see it, they just fused the lines.



In my opinion, Merc and Beamer do it appropriately, Lexus does it uniquely, and Audi does it elaborately.

The Audi grilles are very nice but they're starting to lose me with the stunt they've pulled with the new A8



Back to the question. Going from the Camry to the Lexus will probably be a smother transition (Toyota family)

That generation of the A4 is really showing its age but is still a very nice car. Especially in that trim and spec with quattro.

If you want a nice all-rounder go for the Audi. If you want fun and modern go for the Lexus.

 

[quagmire]

What am I supposed to be looking at other than an ugly truck?

The left headlight is a halogen setup and the right headlight is a projector.

 

[arggg14]

The R brings features that the GTI can't muster on its own. Is it worth the premium over the GTI? That's up to you to decide. If I were in the market for a hot hatch, the R would get my vote of confidence. The DSG/Dual Clutch in the R is very good, but there is a pricey fluid swap within the first 40K miles at around $800, according to what I read a while back. I believe PDK, DCT and Merc's MCT's all require a swap at some early period once the tranny's set in. From there on out, the fluid is considered "lifetime."

Which is anywhere from 130-180K miles.

GTI driver here... While the DSG flush is very expensive, I think 800 would include the whole 40k service.

 

[D.T.]

The MDX is a solid family hauler. The hybrid system is surprisingly cheap if you were planning on getting the other options. Acuras reliability seems to have fallen from above average to middle of the road though.

I'm not a big fan of the new T4R's, they're too aggressive. It would be nice if the GX didn't have that super ugly grill and wasn't two decades behind in tech.

Yeah, I was kind of surprised at the MDX optioned with Hybrid+AWD, which "auto included" the tech package (which gives you about 85% of what you'd want) was what I consider reasonable. The next package tier up I was kind of pricey - then I realized it wasn't an inclusive of the previous tier it's _in_addition_. WTF Acura, are you high?

Anyway ...

We'd lease, and I wouldn't really sweat reliability during ownership, at least in the context of cost (none) and customer service. I'm not real serious about it, just kind of got my attention from some lease deals I got recently.

Yeah, I do like the TRD PRO model 5th Gen T4R, it's just so in-your-face, but you're paying $10K for off road capabilities we'd [likely] never use and even potentially compromising the road manners. At this point, even the Limited seems pricey for a mostly street driven vehicle given it's still running just a 5-speed, only 270HP, etc., it's a little dated mechanically (not factoring in off-road).

 

[0388631]

GTI driver here... While the DSG flush is very expensive, I think 800 would include the whole 40k service.

40K takes care of oil, filter and spark plugs, a systems diagnostic. The bulk of the price is the DSG fluid. That's it. The rest is service time.

OEM plugs and oil/filter are easy to do on just about any car with exceptions. It's the labor involved with the flush.
[doublepost=1502321667][/doublepost]

The left headlight is a halogen setup and the right headlight is a projector.

That's it? I didn't notice that, but I thought the body panels were wrong.

 

[D.T.]

I had been meaning to do this calc, finally did, pretty interesting - so my car (Perf Package, manual) came with 3.73 gears, but with the new wheel/tire setup, my effective ratio is 3.63

I mean, it's nothing _mind_shattering_, did a calc on my new redline with this gearing, 2nd takes the car to 72MPH.

If (which right now is more of a case of when) I go FI, a little less gearing is actually advantageous. A few folks have even dropped to 3.55s from the GTPP 3.73s, particularly with a PD blower.
[doublepost=1502376019][/doublepost]

That's it? I didn't notice that, but I thought the body panels were wrong.

Holy ****, yeah, I stared at that for like 10 minutes trying to determine the issue

 

[2298754]

I don't think that's what AU was going for.

It wasn't, but it's hilarious to see how worked up some people get over nothing.

The only people that compare the Mustang/Camaro/Challenger to a 718/M4/C63/RS5 are those who constantly try to justify their purchases to everyone.

Inferiority complex

[doublepost=1502389949][/doublepost]

Holy ****, yeah, I stared at that for like 10 minutes trying to determine the issue

Looks like GM would've fooled you!
[doublepost=1502390061][/doublepost]

FWIW, I did a build on a MDX - silver with black wheels, the super AWD Hybrid setup with full Tech package - actually pretty reasonable for the level of content, looks, assumed reliability, build, etc.

Have you considered a Nissan Pathfinder or Chevrolet Traverse? Both great cars!

 

[D.T.]

Looks like GM would've fooled you!

That Waldo character gets me every time too ...

 

[0388631]

Holy ****, yeah, I stared at that for like 10 minutes trying to determine the issue

We're getting old.

The only people that compare the Mustang/Camaro/Challenger to a 718/M4/C63/RS5 are those who constantly try to justify their purchases to everyone.

I see the opposite behavior on Bimmerpost when I read some of the x vs. y threads. Buy the car you want and enjoy the hell out of it! Stop fussing over what another car can do. Speaking of the 718 Cayman, a local dealer was running a special on an S a while back. I forget the terms, but it was 4K down at $599 a month with 10K/year. A pretty good deal. Especially when it was heavily optioned out. I think they were doing anything to get rid of 2017 models so they'd have room for newer stuff.

It's difficult for me to say what I like more. The Cayman or the 911. If you offered me a choice between a back shattering GT3 991.2 and a mint 964, I'd take the 964.

 

[D.T.]

We're getting old.

I think I look pretty good, I've even been working out:

Actually I think that guy is like 80, hahaha, hell, I hope I look that good!

 

[quagmire]

I still can't believe simply posting from a strictly performance point of view lap times of cars the ZL1 1LE was able to match has caused so much ruckus..... It wasn't meant to be a comparison of the cars themselves. It wasn't meant to be justification of my car purchase. It's just simply cool from a performance point of view the numbers the car is able to achieve( for what it is and price) and how it relates to other performance vehicles.

Same could be said about the Mustang GT/Camaro SS vs M3/M4 comparisons car mags have been doing lately. If you look at the cars strictly from a performance point of view screw everything else, it's awesome how the 6th gen Camaro SS is looked upon as providing a better driving experience. Of course pure performance isn't everything when it comes to car purchasing and the two are obviously two very different vehicles. The M3/M4 has a better interior, is more practical, a better daily driver, brand appeal, etc. It's a luxury car with performance pedigree. The Camaro is meant to be an affordable performance vehicle. While they are not direct competitors meant to be cross shopped with each other, it's up to the buyer whether what's worth it to them and what are their priorities are in a vehicle.

And I agree with Zen, whenever there is an American car vs the Germans comparison posted on bimmerpost, it inevitably turns into some of them posting ridiculous crap trying to defend their own car purchase and the American car stereotypes start flying. No matter the car or brand, there will be owners who feel the need to defend their car purchases to others. Enjoy the car you bought and don't give a crap about what others think.

 

[0388631]

It didn't start because of your post...

 

[D.T.]

I'm going to _try_ to make it out to the local-ish Cars & Coffee event tomorrow. They're using a new venue so it's a good 30 minutes closer, with much easier access/parking - that's good. It starts at 7am, runs till 10a - that's bad It would be fun and a good promo attendance for the wheel company, but it kind of puts a damper on the normally scheduled Friday Night Dance Party ...

 

[D.T.]

It didn't start because of your post...

I don't even care ... ZL-what?

On a more interesting note ... new rotors ordered, per my recent luck with parts, they're back ordered

 

[0388631]

Speaking of muscle, I saw a photo last night of your Mustang with the red bolts. Very nice. How did you not knick them?

 

[D.T.]

Here's a better photo (car polished, different lens):

[doublepost=1502475374][/doublepost]

... but anyway, the edge of the lugs can get a little beat up, but they don't look bad distressed, plus the design of these wheels [as you can see], the lugs hole are super _deep_, so only the very end is exposed (and that's round so it doesn't even make contact with the socket), here's the lugs pre-installed:

 

[sporadicMotion]

The Abareth 124, is that the new Spider? Too bad the video does not show the exterior of the car he is driving.

Here's the full review with inside and outside shots.

 

[0388631]

Heading a bit down state in the morning to look at a car that caught my eye. I need to be back by Sunday noon. I've scheduled a test drive in a MY2017 E400 wagon. I want to see how the extra weight feels and how the wagon performs to get a very basic and very rough idea of what the performance version(s) will feel like driving. Hopefully I have enough time to cash in my raincheck of testing out something I was offered quite a while back as a return customer at said dealership.

I'm not looking forward to doing 200+ miles in a 24 hour period. Crosses fingers for no traffic.

Here's a better photo (car polished, different lens):

View attachment 712567


[doublepost=1502475374][/doublepost]

... but anyway, the edge of the lugs can get a little beat up, but they don't look bad distressed, plus the design of these wheels [as you can see], the lugs hole are super _deep_, so only the very end is exposed (and that's round so it doesn't even make contact with the socket), here's the lugs pre-installed:


View attachment 712569

They look great. Have you considered getting a red tint on the 5.0 badging?

 

[D.T.]

I'm going to _try_ to make it out to the local-ish Cars & Coffee event tomorrow. They're using a new venue so it's a good 30 minutes closer, with much easier access/parking - that's good. It starts at 7am, runs till 10a - that's bad It would be fun and a good promo attendance for the wheel company, but it kind of puts a damper on the normally scheduled Friday Night Dance Party ...

I made it! Right around 7:10a, got a good spot between some Mustangs and Chargers There had to have been 600+ cars there, they had a suggested layout to keep the same types of cars together - modern domestic, classic, Japanese import, etc. When I was arriving there was this whole group of Japanese imports being led by two GT-Rs, they were fast ... AND furious!

Good group of people, chatted up quite a few folks, it's a nice place to do this, the mall partially opens at like 8, the food court, bathrooms, a place to cool off

Oh man, I am _tired_, just got home, pounded a beer, made another drink, I probably won't make it to 9pm ...

 

[Apple fanboy]

I made it! Right around 7:10a, got a good spot between some Mustangs and Chargers There had to have been 600+ cars there, they had a suggested layout to keep the same types of cars together - modern domestic, classic, Japanese import, etc. When I was arriving there was this whole group of Japanese imports being led by two GT-Rs, they were fast ... AND furious!

Good group of people, chatted up quite a few folks, it's a nice place to do this, the mall partially opens at like 8, the food court, bathrooms, a place to cool off

Oh man, I am _tired_, just got home, pounded a beer, made another drink, I probably won't make it to 9pm ...

Sounds like a good day. Any pictures?

 

[D.T.]

Sounds like a good day. Any pictures?

I didn't take many, a few of my car for some promo pics (for my sponsoring wheel company), some crowd shots for the wife (I couldn't believe the turnout!)

Hopefully, the official site will have some photo updates in the next few days.
[doublepost=1502584907][/doublepost]Kind of get a sense of the size of the event, you can see _way_ off into the distance the crowds!

 

[Apple fanboy]

I didn't take many, a few of my car for some promo pics (for my sponsoring wheel company), some crowd shots for the wife (I couldn't believe the turnout!)

Hopefully, the official site will have some photo updates in the next few days.
[doublepost=1502584907][/doublepost]Kind of get a sense of the size of the event, you can see _way_ off into the distance the crowds!

View attachment 712733

That's a big crowd.

 

[D.T.]

That's a big crowd.

Yeha, off in the distance that heavy concentration of people is like the halfway point of the event, it continues on the other side as far as I was on my side. This was about 9:15-9:20, quite a few had rolled out, I left about 9:40 to avoid the mass exit of ******s

 

[0388631]

@D.T. Will you be heading to the Pebble Beach Concours?