The Car Thread ... !

[D.T.]

The Audi SQ5 is probably a good bet for you guys. It's a low to the ground SUV. Really good power (I'd read it makes 20-28 HP more than listed), AWD, really nice updated interior, not terribly expensive to option out. It's also fairly rare, at least here. I know they're a dime a dozen in the NE. I saw maybe 8 of them in NYC in a two day span. Alternatively, there's the Q5 which is cheaper (Prestige begins 4 under the SQ5) and is only .8 sec slower, not sure about quarter and half mile. Though you do miss out on some exterior and interior looks apart from power when you drop down from the SQ5.

I've considered the SQ5 as well, I mean, just because the 3rd car is an SUV doesn't mean the 2nd car can't be an SUV[ish] vehicle. It's terrific looking and certainly pushes all the right buttons - in my mind, it's an S4, with more storage and better ground clearance

I have found Asian cars to generally be inherently designed for shorter drivers [...]

Apologies to the thread, I had no idea we had a racist contributor ...















[doublepost=1508935314][/doublepost]

Have you also considered the Chevy SS? Could probably find a good deal on one and get the last great Australian car in history. Plus it would be a great sleeper car.

Not really, I mean, I'm aware of the SS, don't need that much straight line performance, not a fan of Chevy service around here.

How's it going with your roof replacement? You did wind up taking it in, right? I know it was a major operation requiring glass removal, etc.

 

[quagmire]

Not really, I mean, I'm aware of the SS, don't need that much straight line performance, not a fan of Chevy service around here.

How's it going with your roof replacement? You did wind up taking it in, right? I know it was a major operation requiring glass removal, etc.

Weren't you considering a Charger Scat Pack as well? At least the SS is able to turn left or right....

The headliner replacement is all done. Had a 2017 Malibu as a loaner. That 1.5 Turbocharged 4 banger is a peppy little engine, but still gutless.

I floored it the first time two weeks ago. The car is stupid fast and couldn't really enjoy it since I had to let off quickly.... It's just complete overkill for my needs, but that is what I love about it. It's just so effortless to drive on the streets.

 

[heehee]

Time again to look for another car, lease is up on the C300 May 2018. Looking to lease or purchase, not sure at this point yet.

Short list:
A5 Sportback
A5 coupe manual
C43

I love the C43 exhaust, I think it's even cheaper to lease a C43 than an A5 but it's another C.

 

[D.T.]

Weren't you considering a Charger Scat Pack as well? At least the SS is able to turn left or right....

The headliner replacement is all done. Had a 2017 Malibu as a loaner. That 1.5 Turbocharged 4 banger is a peppy little engine, but still gutless.

I floored it the first time two weeks ago. The car is stupid fast.

Oh I kind of just tossed that Charger out there for fun, not a really a serious contender. One thing I will say though: it would handle _fine_ on the street. Seriously, 99% of the driving people do doesn't need more handling capability than what most cars provide - I'm not drifting off an exit, 30+ MPH faster than the posted limit, with unknown road conditions in a Chevy SS _or_ a Charger (and certainly not with family in the car).

The headliner replacement would've probably been gruesome to watch, but if done correctly, I'm sure it looks just like it came from the factory.

Yeah, it's pretty quick for a stock car

 

[A.Goldberg]

Terrific input, to be honest, I forgot your Dad had an IS350. You're definitely talking around the cars I'm finding a good fit, the IS, A4, GS, etc. I don't want something frustratingly underpowered, but I also don't need to pay for excessive performance as this is for the wife/family. Since I'll drive it on occasion, I want it to still be _fun_, I don't want driving it to be such a dull experience that it's a chore.

It's highly likely we'd lease, I want an "always-in-warranty-no-cost" additional car. We've owned 3 BMWs in the past, all leased, only had concerns over mileage on one (it had over a year being used for a 50+ commute). For this car and plan, I'd be OK without AWD (vs. selling the T4R, where the replacement would *have* to have it).

Personally, I think the IS250’s premium wheels are nicer than the normal IS350’s rims. As I said before the 300 seems like the most reasonable option out of the current lineup. The 200t 0-60 is around 7.9, 300 around 6.4, ans 350 around 5.5 seconds (the 250 was a snail at 8.3 ). I may be mistaken but the IS300 may only come with AWD.

 

[sdilley14]

I was 95% sold on getting a 2016 Lexus IS350 F-Sport. At the last minute I got cold feet and did a complete 180-degree turn and went with a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo w/Altitude Package. I found the Jeep to be much more useful and practical for my needs. Not to mention it was about $9k cheaper than the Lexus "out the door" after trade in, taxes, etc.

So far I'm really enjoying it! Looks great, drives great, comfortable ride, nice entertainment system. Pretty glad I changed my mind at the last minute!

 

[D.T.]

I was 95% sold on getting a 2016 Lexus IS350 F-Sport. At the last minute I got cold feet and did a complete 180-degree turn and went with a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo w/Altitude Package. I found the Jeep to be much more useful and practical for my needs. Not to mention it was about $9k cheaper than the Lexus "out the door" after trade in, taxes, etc.

So far I'm really enjoying it! Looks great, drives great, comfortable ride, nice entertainment system. Pretty glad I changed my mind at the last minute!

View attachment 727344

Holy smokes, I love it! Sometimes those total reverses were the right course. That's a nice package too, I was looking at this for Plan A (which is replace the T4R completely, vs. Plan B, which is keep it, add a 3rd car).

 

[sdilley14]

Holy smokes, I love it! Sometimes those total reverses were the right course. That's a nice package too, I was looking at this for Plan A (which is replace the T4R completely, vs. Plan B, which is keep it, add a 3rd car).

It's a great ride! The Laredo with the Altitude package is a really nice combination. You get the options of the higher trim levels like the Limited, the appearance of an Overland, but it's priced like a Laredo. I have the black on black and a co-worker has a white one with black rims. Both look really sharp. I was also lucky enough that the dealership that sold it to me thought that it only had a 6 speaker system but it actually came with the 9 speaker Alpine system. Thumps pretty good!

My one small gripe is that it doesn't come with blind-spot monitoring (drivers here in AZ are simply awful so some added safety features would be nice). Aside from that it's loaded out with about as many options as you could imagine.

 

[D.T.]

GP on a killer steering wheel, much better vs. the GT350R ... name on the list

It's a great ride! The Laredo with the Altitude package is a really nice combination. You get the options of the higher trim levels like the Limited, the appearance of an Overland, but it's priced like a Laredo.

Yeah, it looked like a near perfect mix of upmarket trim, aesthetics and price. Cool that should be fun - that's the thing with iconic SUVs like Jeeps (in general), our T4R, they're just _fun_.

 

[0388631]

One of the neighbors from a few streets down bought a Jeep whatsit with the high end trim in all black with black wheels and had some custom lighting and lift work done. Think they sold it as I haven't seen it in two years, but that thing looked very menacing. As in, made the hairs on the back of my neck stand menacing, and that's a very difficult feat to accomplish. It looked very badass to say the least. It spurred my research into Wranglers which allowed me to learn how profitable they are to invest in if you live on the west coast and sell to an east coaster as they'll pay nearly your original purchase price for the damn thing.
[doublepost=1508973626][/doublepost]

I've considered the SQ5 as well, I mean, just because the 3rd car is an SUV doesn't mean the 2nd car can't be an SUV[ish] vehicle. It's terrific looking and certainly pushes all the right buttons - in my mind, it's an S4, with more storage and better ground clearance

Definitely, and I agree with you. It's got good size. Even the Q7 is fairly cool looking. The Q8 concept looks great, too. On the other hand, that BMW X7 is due in 2018 and if you can get over the bumble**** frontend, then it might not be bad.

One trait I like about the Q series vehicles is just how easy it is to look around. Blind spots are almost non-existent, and the driver's package only improves upon what's good. Furthermore, Audi's signature low slung dashboard allows drivers, especially shorter ones, to see the very front end of the vehicle. Something common with BMWs but not as well executed. MBZ has yet to address this problem.

I think the SQ5 may very well be what you'll end up with and I'm sure your wife will enjoy the car a lot. I think the only thing missing is the lack of wheel options. It would have been nice if Audi offered a dark powder coat tinted wheel to match the rest of the vehicle if you picked out a dark color. The standard brilliance of the wheels is jarring.

I'm sad you guys are getting rid of the 4Runner. Those things will run forever, though the eventual transmission replacement or rebuild won't be fun to pay for.

 

[D.T.]

I'm sad you guys are getting rid of the 4Runner. Those things will run forever, though the eventual transmission replacement or rebuild won't be fun to pay for.

That's not what we've been discussing In fact, the exact opposite. Please keep up Per my post #7168:

So we've started talking about keeping the T4R as a 3rd vehicle. If it was just used when we needed a heavy duty utility vehicle, beach, towing, the mileage would drop, it should last another several years (before any concerns over a major issue). We'd also have a ride we could be less careful with, I don't mean abuse, but it's nice to have something you can load 20 bags of mulch into and not sweat it too much.

This will henceforth be referred to as Plan B (where Plan A is to _replace_ the 4Runner with a reasonably competent SUV, and have two cars).

 

[Huntn]

One of the neighbors from a few streets down bought a Jeep whatsit with the high end trim in all black with black wheels and had some custom lighting and lift work done. Think they sold it as I haven't seen it in two years, but that thing looked very menacing. As in, made the hairs on the back of my neck stand menacing, and that's a very difficult feat to accomplish. It looked very badass to say the least. It spurred my research into Wranglers which allowed me to learn how profitable they are to invest in if you live on the west coast and sell to an east coaster as they'll pay nearly your original purchase price for the damn thing.
[doublepost=1508973626][/doublepost]
Definitely, and I agree with you. It's got good size. Even the Q7 is fairly cool looking. The Q8 concept looks great, too. On the other hand, that BMW X7 is due in 2018 and if you can get over the bumble**** frontend, then it might not be bad.

One trait I like about the Q series vehicles is just how easy it is to look around. Blind spots are almost non-existent, and the driver's package only improves upon what's good. Furthermore, Audi's signature low slung dashboard allows drivers, especially shorter ones, to see the very front end of the vehicle. Something common with BMWs but not as well executed. MBZ has yet to address this problem.

I think the SQ5 may very well be what you'll end up with and I'm sure your wife will enjoy the car a lot. I think the only thing missing is the lack of wheel options. It would have been nice if Audi offered a dark powder coat tinted wheel to match the rest of the vehicle if you picked out a dark color. The standard brilliance of the wheels is jarring.

I'm sad you guys are getting rid of the 4Runner. Those things will run forever, though the eventual transmission replacement or rebuild won't be fun to pay for.

I’m amazed at how expensive automatic transmission overhauls have gotten. When I was in high school (circa 1970) I worked at my Dad’s Aamco Transmission shop and a rebuild was about $200-300.

 

[duffman9000]

That's not what we've been discussing In fact, the exact opposite. Please keep up Per my post #7168:





This will henceforth be referred to as Plan B (where Plan A is to _replace_ the 4Runner with a reasonably competent SUV, and have two cars).

Sounds like you have high quality problems
I'm looking for a beater truck. I need something to haul dirt away. Landscaping has turned me into a part time dirt farmer. I built a fence recently and it took IIRC 6 car trips to pick up the cement, wood, landscape rock, and assorted stuff. And the fence is only about 16 feet!

 

[quagmire]

Oh I kind of just tossed that Charger out there for fun, not a really a serious contender. One thing I will say though: it would handle _fine_ on the street. Seriously, 99% of the driving people do doesn't need more handling capability than what most cars provide - I'm not drifting off an exit, 30+ MPH faster than the posted limit, with unknown road conditions in a Chevy SS _or_ a Charger (and certainly not with family in the car).

Oh I agree that most people don't need the handling capability for every day driving. Obviously/Hopefully, the Scat Pack has a different suspension setup from the V6 Charger rental special I drove, but I do appreciate the tighter chassis setup of the Camaro for every day driving even if the only tracks near me only feature straight lines.

 

[D.T.]

Sounds like you have high quality problems
I'm looking for a beater truck. I need something to haul dirt away. Landscaping has turned me into a part time dirt farmer. I built a fence recently and it took IIRC 6 car trips to pick up the cement, wood, landscape rock, and assorted stuff. And the fence is only about 16 feet!

Honestly, I don't know how people get by without a truck or SUV. We're always hauling something: coolers, surf gear, Christmas tree, girl scout cookies

You should find a several year old Tacoma, it won't be as cheap as other options, but it will also probably last another 20 years!
[doublepost=1509034500][/doublepost]

Oh I agree that most people don't need the handling capability for every day driving. Obviously/Hopefully, the Scat Pack has a different suspension setup from the V6 Charger rental special I drove, but I do appreciate the tighter chassis setup of the Camaro for every day driving even if the only tracks near me only feature straight lines.

The Hellcats definitely have a reasonably decent setup, I think the SRT package also has the adjustable ride[?] Tires make a huge difference too, the non-V6 models definitely get better rubber.

FWIW, I ran a few searches on some SS, found a couple of super low mileage (some were CPO), low 40s, not a bad looking car, desperately needs different wheels. Still off "the list", but was fun to check them out again.

 

[quagmire]

The Hellcats definitely have a reasonably decent setup, I think the SRT package also has the adjustable ride[?] Tires make a huge difference too, the non-V6 models definitely get better rubber.

Speaking of rubber, really wish Michelin would make a RFT version of the PS4's. The Goodyear F1's on the Camaro are not bad tires, decent grip, ride, etc, but holy crap do I get scared in moderate/heavy rain when standing water could be on the road. These tires hydroplane really really bad. Hear the PS4's handle water better. But don't want to give up the RFT capability.

 

[D.T.]

You know, I've been on non-runflats, without a spare for a long time - by design, the car just came with a pump, patch kit and a note that says "good luck" But sometimes, I really do think about using RFTs, even with the selection/options being more limited.

I keep telling myself to find a spare that will work, I have the storage area for one.

 

[quagmire]

You know, I've been on non-runflats, without a spare for a long time - by design, the car just came with a pump, patch kit and a note that says "good luck" But sometimes, I really do think about using RFTs, even with the selection/options being more limited.

I keep telling myself to find a spare that will work, I have the storage area for one.

Of course after saying all that, the winter setup I bought came with non-RFT tires..... I never had a complete flat tire yet( knock on wood), but I remember when my dad had his E46 and the numerous time he has come out to the garage to discover a completely flat tire after he has damaged his rims after hitting a pothole. I don't want to run into that situation after getting back from a trip and discover it flat in the employee lot. Discover it flat at home? Fine much easier to deal with... Take different car to work then remove wheel and take to tire shop. Happens at the employee lot? Car needs a tow.

Now damaging the rim will be harder with my winter setup since the tires have plenty of sidewall to absorb the impact. So if it is just a nail in the tire, could fill it up and nurse it home since hopefully the leak would be a slow one....

 

[0388631]

I’m amazed at how expensive automatic transmission overhauls have gotten. When I was in high school (circa 1970) I worked at my Dad’s Aamco Transmission shop and a rebuild was about $200-300.

One of the reasons being is while those transmissions were complex, they were easy to put back together if you had enough practice. There's a video on YouTube of a Bel Air's transmission being rebuilt. It's accelerated video of a 22 hour rebuild, but it's fairly easy to put back together. Today's modern transmissions from the last decade are both mechanical and computer controlled. I don't recall where I read it, but for instance, rebuilding a dual clutch for say a VW is out of the question since the costs are roughly the same if not more than a replacement. CVTs pose an interesting dilemma, too, but I know next to nothing about them.

 

[bunnspecial]

There's also the fact that many of those old two and three speed auto boxes are basically indestructible units.

People like to talk about the durability of a manual, but something like a Powerglide can take a LOT more abuse than your typical 5 speed synchromesh manual. A crash box might be a fair bit more durable, but that requires you REALLY knowing how to drive one to avoid killing it.

 

[elf69]

Well the F2 tiburon has been at garage waiting on new brake parts so it can pass MOT.

Dropped them off on my way to work.
The mechanic asked when the alloy wheel key was.....

My fiancee took it out the car and forgot put it back.
So they got parts and cannot do it!

She take key down to them this afternoon.

 

[D.T.]

GP on a *killer* steering wheel, might have to jump in on this. The carbon fiber variant is certainly sexy, but there's no other CF on my car, and _then_, it's like tattoos, one is never enough. Then it's CF this, CF that, exterior pieces, under-the-hood ...

 

[SactoGuy18]

Speaking of which, I do have one gripe: many of today's cars are using too low profile tires (tyres for those outside North America). I drive a 2015 Honda Fit EX with 185/55R16 low-profile radials and under- or over-inflation will result in a major drop in ride quality. Even with modern suspension design, you feel every bump on the road.

 

[bunnspecial]

Then it's CF this, CF that, exterior pieces, under-the-hood ...

Forget the real stuff-go to Autozone and get the bolt-on pink "carbon fiber look" stuff. All the appearance, and twice the weight as stock parts

 

[D.T.]

Speaking of which, I do have one gripe: many of today's cars are using too low profile tires (tyres for those outside North America). I drive a 2015 Honda Fit EX with 185/55R16 low-profile radials and under- or over-inflation will result in a major drop in ride quality. Even with modern suspension design, you feel every bump on the road.

Yeah, when I selected tires for my current wheels, I went back and forth on a 35 vs 30 series. I went with the 35 since it matched the sidewall of the stockers, filled the fender a little more, and since it's a street car (regardless of the performance), I wanted to error to the slightly better ride. Turns out it was actually an advantageous gear reduction change as well.

Forget the real stuff-go to Autozone and get the bolt-on pink "carbon fiber look" stuff. All the appearance, and twice the weight as stock parts

I realize some hydrocarbon looks pretty good, and for small parts, real carbon is probably doesn't make sense, but stickers and colored "CF look" ... ugh.
[doublepost=1509217535][/doublepost]Car related because it was shot from my car Went out last night, top down, air was a touch brisk, sunset was *amazing* coming across our bridge