The Car Thread ... !

[D.T.]

The GC I'm shopping has air suspension Not worried about OOW costs as it will be leased only through the warranty period.

Speaking of Tesla ...

(Yes, that's my awkward segue)

So we were in Savannah, rented a beautiful 3 story house, about a mile from the river. Easy walk to the historic district, weather was beautiful - anyway, back on the topic: where the heck would I have charged a Tesla? It looks like the only supercharger was at the airport - when we were ready to leave, we hit a station on 16 and in 5 minutes I topped off and we were on our way the ~200 miles back home.

THIS is one of my major issues, I don't want to have to plan around car logistics, I want to get in car and go, and stop whenever I want to, wherever I want to and not have to leave the car at some place other than where I'm staying to charge it.

 

[bunnspecial]

The FoMoCo solution as used on the Grand Marquis, Town Car, Mark VIII, and Continental was actually pretty good. The GM/TC one was the simplest with only one bag on a live axle, while I think the Mark VIII was two bags and the Continental used air struts.

My mom had three Town Cars and my grandfather had two. My grandfather had the air compressor go out on one of his with probably 100K miles.

A lot of folks are anxious to ditch the air bags when they go, but the key on them is to just pay attention. On a parked Town Car, the compressor will run for 5-10 minutes every few hours to keep the rear end up. If you start hearing it run for extended periods of time with the car parked, it's time to change the bag. Even at that, I only had to change one on probably 450,000 miles on 3 different cars. It's about $100 and takes a few hours to do it yourself. What happens is that folks don't catch it and eventually the compressor runs all the time and dies. The compressor can easily last the life of the car if it's playing catch-up with a leaky bag.

Of course, if you don't turn the compressor off before jacking or lifting, you can pop a bag when the car goes back down. It's why I use to watch the shops like a hawk when they would pull one of my mom's cars in to make sure they turned it off.

There are still a lot of those cars on the road, and it's probably only once a month or so that I see one dragging the ground.

I never had an issue with the air struts on three different Continentals. I still see them dragging once in a while, but I'd say it's less common than Town Cars(granted there are also fewer of them on the road).

BTW, air suspension is pretty common on big rigs.

 

[elf69]

The GC I'm shopping has air suspension Not worried about OOW costs as it will be leased only through the warranty period.

Speaking of Tesla ...

(Yes, that's my awkward segue)

So we were in Savannah, rented a beautiful 3 story house, about a mile from the river. Easy walk to the historic district, weather was beautiful - anyway, back on the topic: where the heck would I have charged a Tesla? It looks like the only supercharger was at the airport - when we were ready to leave, we hit a station on 16 and in 5 minutes I topped off and we were on our way the ~200 miles back home.

THIS is one of my major issues, I don't want to have to plan around car logistics, I want to get in car and go, and stop whenever I want to, wherever I want to and not have to leave the car at some place other than where I'm staying to charge it.

Roads should be fitted with induction plates as they get repaired/resurfaced.
Eventually all roads have then and charge while driving or parked in ANY parking lot

porsche will come fit one to your house if you want one for your electric porsche.
Not saying it easy to do but it they way forward?

 

[PowerMac G4 MDD]

^ Like for the informative post, do_not_like the situation
[doublepost=1511211109][/doublepost]OK, it's looking like the most recent Jeep GCs are pretty solid. We all know FCA is not the most reliable, but it appears their Jeep brand is a bit isolated from this, and the GCs are on the better end of the Jeep service spectrum.

So I've done a BYO, Jeep GC, 4x4 _if_course_,the High Altitude package, all "blacked out", standard dark 20" wheels, the Lux Package, Tow (7200 lbs), full electronics, Safety Package (with AAC, crash mitigation, side sensors, lane departure, etc.), dual panoramic glass roof, this package is actually above the Limited, so it has all the convenience features, automated lift gate, upgraded lighting heated front and rear, pretty much you name it.

I think this may be the new family ride. Just not sure about the V6 vs. the V8, as people know from my posting in this thread, I love me some 8-cylinders, but the 3.5L Pentastar is pretty outstanding, and this really isn't a performance vehicle. Amazingly with the V6, an a ~25g tank, it has over a 600 mile range.


View attachment 737225

I had whatever the current model is, as a rental car--about a week or so. I would have appreciated a V8; it wasn't the most powerful thing. As for the driving feel, it was solid but not anything super impressive. It was definitely better than that Equinox I drove... that thing felt like a minivan. The Jeep is definitely a nicer mid-size SUV than most American ones. The V6 just wasn't particularly fun; all that sporty trim and such had me fooled.

 

[0388631]

As much as I love NA engines, good factory turbos, especially on big engines, are wonderful.

They’ve come a long way since the 90’s. But essentially it is just something that can and will break. I’m actually shocked how all these new military vehicles (LRAP, MRAP) are using air suspensions. It’s overly complex, debilitating when it breaks, and probably not easy to fix.

I think my dads Range Rover Sport (2012... over 100k) has only had 2 air suspension problems that I can recall. One of them was related to driving over a deer. His 2001 Range Rover had issues on a regular basis.

The problem with the p38 Range Rover system were crappy air bags and air lines that would leak. Then the air pump would over exert itself and burn out. The valve block also was garbage (sensitive to contaminates) along with the sensors. The entire system was poorly programmed and if you parked on an uneven surface sometimes the car would continuously dance around trying to level itself. There’s a reason he only kept that car 2 years.

I actually think FCA/Mercedes probably has the best system right now. They used sealed nitrogen systems rather than sucking in wet, contaminated air from the the outside which is bound to cause much more problems.

I was alluding to the point that they're pretty hit or miss these days even with advancement, though more hit than miss. My GL has been solid, though I can't say the same for earlier models or later, newer models. I'm surprised about FCA's air suspension being good... The Cayenne's air suspension is really good from what I've heard.

Ah, yes. Your father's old RR. I've lost count of the problems you've brought up. It's no wonder the vehicles from that era are a dime a dozen in the classifieds. Or you could be like that YouTube guy and buy a PO from Carmax with their warranty and let them have at it.

Are you actively searching for a car at the moment? Audi's doing regional sales and leases with cash back to get their 2017s off the lot. I suggested getting an E wagon yourself, but you could hold out and get the all-terrain version if they bring it over.

 

[A.Goldberg]

As much as I love NA engines, good factory turbos, especially on big engines, are wonderful.


I was alluding to the point that they're pretty hit or miss these days even with advancement, though more hit than miss. My GL has been solid, though I can't say the same for earlier models or later, newer models. I'm surprised about FCA's air suspension being good... The Cayenne's air suspension is really good from what I've heard.

Ah, yes. Your father's old RR. I've lost count of the problems you've brought up. It's no wonder the vehicles from that era are a dime a dozen in the classifieds. Or you could be like that YouTube guy and buy a PO from Carmax with their warranty and let them have at it.

Are you actively searching for a car at the moment? Audi's doing regional sales and leases with cash back to get their 2017s off the lot. I suggested getting an E wagon yourself, but you could hold out and get the all-terrain version if they bring it over.

I believe the FCA and Mercedes air suspensions rare very similar. The Grand Cherokee is built off the ML platform and like Mercedes use a nitrogen system... ergo I assume they are the same or similar.

Air suspensions certainly have a 100% fail rate eventually. My point is they’ve become far more reliable than they were.

I think most used Rovers are so cheap from that era (besides the fact they’re 2 decades old) is that they’re so unreliable and so expensive to fix that owners stop caring for them and they become (even bigger) piles of junk. A lower mileage Rover from that era in clean working condition might actually fetch a decent price, but Rovers in such condition are few and far between. The exception to that of course would be the defender. A stripped down Disco/P38/Classic with the same lacking mechanical quality will run you 45-75k if not more, but that’s just because it’s rare.
[doublepost=1511930649][/doublepost]Still looking for a new car, but not particularly aggressively. I need to check out the new X3, I didn’t realize it was redesigned. It’s too bad they don’t offer the 35d, otherwise I might be sold.

 

[0388631]

Based off of an old ML platform, though. If FCA were to be sold off due to poor sales and performance, I'd imagine MBZ or BMW would be chomping at the bits so that VWG doesn't get it. Or a joint venture, which was rumored around the time FCA was looking for partners earlier in the year. There was also talk of the Koreans buying FCA. Either way, it'll boost FCA reliability and materials quality while being able to spread the wealth through the purchase group.

Still looking for a new car, but not particularly aggressively. I need to check out the new X3, I didn’t realize it was redesigned. It’s too bad they don’t offer the 35d, otherwise I might be sold.

Yes, it was redesigned inside and out within the last eight months, I believe. I think it looks great now compared to before. I personally would opt for the 35i for the power. Out the door with options needed for the NE, you'll probably be looking at 65K out the door. If you want my advice, I'd lease it. You'll be throwing money at it either way, but BMW redid their warranty mid-2016, shortening it. Your only choices are it, the GLE or GLC, Macan and Q5. I like MBZ because they do better interiors than the other two, but I do like Audi's cockpit over MBZ's.

The new CLS is on our radar, joining my wagon, and I might trade in our Lexus for whatever variant of the upcoming LS500 is out in a few years. The 2IS is low mileage, garage and record kept, clean as a whistle, etc. It's a great car, made even better with the tires @D.T. recommended I get.

The IS your father bought recently should still sell well with high miles. He can probably drive it to 300-350K miles before serious engine work is required. I've seen both examples a lot during service periods. Does he like it so far?

 

[A.Goldberg]

Based off of an old ML platform, though. If FCA were to be sold off due to poor sales and performance, I'd imagine MBZ or BMW would be chomping at the bits so that VWG doesn't get it. Or a joint venture, which was rumored around the time FCA was looking for partners earlier in the year. There was also talk of the Koreans buying FCA. Either way, it'll boost FCA reliability and materials quality while being able to spread the wealth through the purchase group.

Yes, it was redesigned inside and out within the last eight months, I believe. I think it looks great now compared to before. I personally would opt for the 35i for the power. Out the door with options needed for the NE, you'll probably be looking at 65K out the door. If you want my advice, I'd lease it. You'll be throwing money at it either way, but BMW redid their warranty mid-2016, shortening it. Your only choices are it, the GLE or GLC, Macan and Q5. I like MBZ because they do better interiors than the other two, but I do like Audi's cockpit over MBZ's.

The new CLS is on our radar, joining my wagon, and I might trade in our Lexus for whatever variant of the upcoming LS500 is out in a few years. The 2IS is low mileage, garage and record kept, clean as a whistle, etc. It's a great car, made even better with the tires @D.T. recommended I get.

The IS your father bought recently should still sell well with high miles. He can probably drive it to 300-350K miles before serious engine work is required. I've seen both examples a lot during service periods. Does he like it so far?

The WK2 Grand Cherokee is based off the W166 ML Class, which is the current ML (as well as the GL and R classes). Speaking of which when is Mercedes updating the ML and GL... those things are getting awfully stale. Pretty much everyone is light years ahead, but I suppose Mercedes is more focused on the smaller SUV market.

It will be interesting to see what happens with FCA. Honestly, aside from Jeep and RAM everything else they have is just about worthless, though Maserati and Alfa could have potential. Maybe Tesla should buy them because at least they know how to assemble cars on a mass scale.

Yeah, I figured the new X3 was just a facelift as it looks so similar. The outgoing X3 had an atrocious interior. The new looks a lot better. There is no 35i option these days, just 30i and 40M.

He likes the IS350 so far, but finds the ride harsher than he wants (imagine if he got the F-Sport). He’s already put 11k miles on it (in what, 2 months?) so I think his b2b unlimited mileage warranty (through 2022) might get him pretty far without incurring any costs. He literally bought the thing to drive into the ground given he’s frequently traveling between NYC, CT, Boston, and RI. I had to teach him by pressing the track buttons he could cycle through his presents and he could change the am/fm/sat/etc mode by pressing a button rather than mousing through menus. I’m actually surprised at how quickly he’s adopted to the Lexus Enform system.

Here’s some pics from shortly after he picked it up while visiting me.

 

[0388631]

That's right. The ML is old. About that... no idea. MBZ loves to take their time with updates. My bad, my BMW page still shows the outgoing models and the dealers still have them. The X3 isn't a big seller here. You'll see the X1 and the X5 the most. With the former being bought for kids' first vehicles, god help us all.

Sorry, who does? FCA? I agree, but it's the other stuff they suck at. Going back to the X3, the new one (M40i) sounds like it uses a variant of the new B58 engine and packs 355 HP, which is likely close to 375 HP, and also features launch control... M40i would come with the M Sport Package standard, right? Bigger wheels, bigger brakes, firmer suspension. Your chariot to work on those cold winter mornings.

His car looks great. And, wow, 11K miles in two months? Wow, and enduring that east coast traffic, too. If that were here, the city would be out the next day tearing up that road and sidewalk to put in new ones. Most of the cities got anal about cracks, protrusions, etc. after a few decent lawsuits. In the long run, it costs them less.

I'd say most BMWs and Audis had atrocious interiors. Though I know plenty who like Audi's interiors over MBZ's over-implementation. It's kind of why I like the new LS. It's big sedan luxury without the stupid toys. The wagon will come with many of the silly features the S class has, including that lighting setup. 80s Discotheque allure aside, it and other "features" are going to become standard overtime. It's also less costly to develop and implement.

The only new tech feature I want and I'm jealous of others having is the 360 view camera systems in some new cars. Amazing.

That needs to become mandatory in new cars in the future.

 

[D.T.]

Going back to the X3, the new one sounds like it uses a variant of the new B58 engine and packs 355 HP, which is likely close to 375 HP, and also features launch control... M40i would come with the M Sport Package standard, right? Bigger wheels, bigger brakes, firmer suspension. Your chariot to work on those cold winter mornings.

M Sport is an add, so are heated seat / seats, and several safety options, everything basically. I did a BYO on an X3 after AG mentioned to me it was new[ish]. I hit $65K and was filled with rage.

 

[0388631]

M Sport is an add, so are heated seat / seats, and several safety options, everything basically. I did a BYO on an X3 after AG mentioned to me it was new[ish]. I hit $65K and was filled with rage.

On the new, new one? The G01? 65K is what I estimated for the class of compact SUV, but what's with the M being addon? What does the M in M40i mean apart from a good engine? Did you expect BMW to drop their nickel and dime'ing of features and options? Apart from money, the company focuses on the driving experience, which is ironic because they've largely fled from their UDM days.

Was your build related to you guys wanting a new vehicle to replace the 4R? The more I look at the Q5 and the SQ5, the more I suspect it'll become class leading in the next generation of vehicle design. Offer so much without going over the top. The faux exhaust has to go, though.

 

[2298754]

M Sport is an add, so are heated seat / seats, and several safety options, everything basically. I did a BYO on an X3 after AG mentioned to me it was new[ish]. I hit $65K and was filled with rage.

$65k is the new $50k. You can't touch a loaded X5 for under $75,000. It's unbelievable.

Might I suggest a Chevrolet Equinox like ours?

 

[D.T.]

$65k is the new $50k. You can't touch a loaded X5 for under $75,000. It's unbelievable.

Yeah, I think our X5 4.4i that had a few options (the V8 models were pretty loaded up standard), was just a bit over $60K (i.e., cost then vs. now for what you get).

Was your build related to you guys wanting a new vehicle to replace the 4R?

Yeah, just another thought exercise, it's not even the money, it's the price (if that makes sense ...). BMW (and Audi) have these price points where the base cars are too expensive for what you get (they're not really superlative in any metric), or you jump up to paying a premium, though at that point, you at least get to a notable checkmark usually around performance/handling.

 

[0388631]

Yeah, I think our X5 4.4i that had a few options (the V8 models were pretty loaded up standard), was just a bit over $60K (i.e., cost then vs. now for what you get).



Yeah, just another thought exercise, it's not even the money, it's the price (if that makes sense ...). BMW (and Audi) have these price points where the base cars are too expensive for what you get (they're not really superlative in any metric), or you jump up to paying a premium, though at that point, you at least get to a notable checkmark usually around performance/handling.

I kinda like the difference between Premium Plus and Prestige. And then a few minor options. That's simpler than the BMW order sheet or what I've seen for the new E.

 

[lowendlinux]

I saw some pictures of the new JL from the LA Auto Show, my interest in a 4Runner just declined a bit even more so if the diesel isn't a huge price increase.

 

[0388631]

I'm still curious about the real world performance of the F90 M5 with its ZF8 tranny that was made just for it and future M applications of that nature. I suspect it comes down to cost and negligible performance gain if they went with a DCT from one of the high quality firms that design transmissions.

Even with its refinement and improvements with the new platform and generational iteration, I suspect the F90 will still lose traction here and there due to not being able to put the power down properly. I'm not too warm on some interior parts, but aftermarket should put them to pasture.

I saw some pictures of the new JL from the LA Auto Show, my interest in a 4Runner just declined a bit even more so if the diesel isn't a huge price increase.

If it helps, the 4Runner won't be in the shop every month. Subaru is due to release some 4 cyl. SUV in mid 2018. A Highlander is a good investment.

 

[lowendlinux]

I'm still curious about the real world performance of the F90 M5 with its ZF8 tranny that was made just for it and future M applications of that nature. I suspect it comes down to cost and negligible performance gain if they went with a DCT from one of the high quality firms that design transmissions.

Even with its refinement and improvements with the new platform and generational iteration, I suspect the F90 will still lose traction here and there due to not being able to put the power down properly. I'm not too warm on some interior parts, but aftermarket should put them to pasture.


If it helps, the 4Runner won't be in the shop every month. Subaru is due to release some 4 cyl. SUV in mid 2018. A Highlander is a good investment.

The diesel should be reliable since it's FCA few love Fiat but the do make OK trucks. The reason it's Jeep vs 4runner is they are the only ones left making body on frame SUV's that aren't huge. If I'm going to pay the SUV tax I want the frame beyond that I'll buy a wagon or sedan. My wife seems pretty set on me getting a 3er xdrive and I'm pretty set on a 4runner or Jeep.

 

[D.T.]

The diesel should be reliable since it's FCA few love Fiat but the do make OK trucks. The reason it's Jeep vs 4runner is they are the only ones left making body on frame SUV's that aren't huge. If I'm going to pay the SUV tax I want the frame beyond that I'll buy a wagon or sedan. My wife seems pretty set on me getting a 3er xdrive and I'm pretty set on a 4runner or Jeep.

The 5th Gen T4R has a few dings for me. It's still using a 5-speed auto, at this point, even a "hardcore" truck should have an 8-speed or better. No CarPlay (or AA). To get a decent amount of features/content, you have to get into a Limited, that's mid 40s, and it's still very "lite" on the amenities at that price: remote start, power lift gate, blind spot detection, rear traffic detection.

 

[lowendlinux]

The 5th Gen T4R has a few dings for me. It's still using a 5-speed auto, at this point, even a "hardcore" truck should have an 8-speed or better. No CarPlay (or AA). To get a decent amount of features/content, you have to get into a Limited, that's mid 40s, and it's still very "lite" on the amenities at that price: remote start, power lift gate, blind spot detection, rear traffic detection.

Lite on on amenities is exactly what i'm looking for even the SR5 and Wrangler Sport are to heavy on those. I've had my current Jeep 11 years this coming spring so if my 2028 cell phone has issues with my 2018 car there's a problem. I'd rather have crank windows, a stick, manual mirrors and seats, a single DIN radio, and rubber floors.

 

[D.T.]

F that

We want reasonable luxury while we’re hauling sod

 

[Feenician]

This thread consistently makes my ecoboost Mustang seem inadequate and weak. I should at least add the performance and handling packs next year

 

[D.T.]

This thread consistently makes my ecoboost Mustang seem inadequate and weak. I should at least add the performance and handling packs next year

Ecoboosts are great! Just needs a little tweaking You've got 60HP sitting on the table with an intake/exhaust/tune, some BMR or Steeda suspension, a set of wheels from MRR, you'll be all set

 

[bunnspecial]

Alright, more technical ramblings and mumbo-jumbo.

The MG needs a new camshaft. Both lobes for cylinder #1 are noticeably worn, and I'm seeing the performance hit from that(I can also measure it in terms of low absolute compression although the leakdown is similar to other cylinders).

So, with that in mind, I've been camshaft shopping. The current winner is a Delta D9. Spec wise, it's 229º at .050 lift and .295 lobe lift. That's compared to 214º and .265 for a stock cam, so it should give a noticeable boost over the worn stock cam.

The engine builders I've talked too call it a great street cam-it will still idle comfortably at ~900rpms and gives similar torque to stock at low RPMs(particularly if advanced a few degrees) but really comes on strongly at ~3K-5.5K and will allow a 7K redline without floating the valve(at least with good valve springs-mine are new). I don't see ANY need to spin that poor little engine that fast, but it's nice to know that it's there.

It will be a bit before a get it installed. I asked a good friend of mine yesterday who does this stuff all day if I could do it with the engine in the car, and his response was "by the time you do everything you need to do to get to the cam, you're only a few bolts away from pulling the whole thing." With that in mind, I might go ahead and do a lower end refresh with new bearings. It also seems like I should wait until I have an O/D tranny to go back in.

The "might as wells" can kill you on a job like this. $400 in parts for a new camshaft($300 for the cam, $100 for lifters and a new timing chain) pretty quickly turns into another $1500 when I add in the O/D.

 

[lowendlinux]

If you're going to pull the motor and put a cam in it I'd just freshen the whole engine even better would be to buy a second and go through that engine then just swap it in when you're ready

 

[Lord Blackadder]

This thread consistently makes my ecoboost Mustang seem inadequate and weak. I should at least add the performance and handling packs next year

Not all great cars are fast, but calling a car with over 300 hp "weak"?