The Car Thread ... !

[heehee]

My girlfriend and I did some car shopping today for her.

In addition to checking out the S60 T5 and T6 AWD sedans last weekend, we test drove-

2012/13 Lexus IS250 AWD - Bland styling, great quality, not as fun as other vehicles, including the S60, the 250 isn't particularly powerful. Small interior.
2014 Lexus IS250 AWD - A lot of improvements over the last generation, much more fun to drive. Much more expensive though.
2013 Acura TL AWD - Ugly, boring, not greatly impressed. Drove OK, but just Ok. Good quality but not as good as the Lexus. Too big for her liking. TSX does no offer AWD. TLX is probably too new to afford.

You should take a look at the 2015 C300. The MSRP is expensive, but MB give massive discounts to anyone. I'm in Canada, but in the US, they give $9-10,000 off MSRP.

I was looking at the IS250 but went with C300 instead because of the discount they give.

 

[MatthewLTL]

Quoted for the future.

Will come in handy.

I still do t understand how she and you could be mistaken about having a V6 or not. Isn't this something you'd wanna know for sure BEFORE buying a car ?

-t

She didn't buy the car, Her father bought the car for her and her kids, She's just responsible for the payments because It's her car, just in her father's name. I never said it had a V6 she did. I had to actually convince her that it indeed never had the option. It has a couple of gas engines and 3 Diesel engine options but all are I4 engines. All i know for sure is she has the 6 speed auto transmission

EDIT: I never once claimed to be a car expert....

 

[A.Goldberg]

It has a couple of gas engines and 3 Diesel engine options but all are I4 engines.

The US only has the 2.5L I4 option and I believe a hybrid is being offered soon. The 2.0L gas and diesel options are only available abroad.

They really should offer the V6. The 2.5 4cyl is spunky enough to get around, but a V6 would give it a competitive edge versus most of the competition. Subaru offers a 2.0T upgrade over their 2.5L 4cyl. If the V6 Toyota used in the previous generation Rav-4 is anything like the 3.5L used in my mom's old Lexus ES350, it would have been an impressive feature to offer.

 

[AustinIllini]

The US only has the 2.5L I4 option and I believe a hybrid is being offered soon. The 2.0L gas and diesel options are only available abroad.

They really should offer the V6. The 2.5 4cyl is spunky enough to get around, but a V6 would give it a competitive edge versus most of the competition. Subaru offers a 2.0T upgrade over their 2.5L 4cyl. If the V6 Toyota used in the previous generation Rav-4 is anything like the 3.5L used in my mom's old Lexus ES350, it would have been an impressive feature to offer.

If the company were German, there would almost certainly be a 2.0T or some other turbo four. I'm not sure why the Japanese brands are far behind on the turbo addition (I would assume reliability issues), but the V6 is dead.

 

[A.Goldberg]

If the company were German, there would almost certainly be a 2.0T or some other turbo four. I'm not sure why the Japanese brands are far behind on the turbo addition (I would assume reliability issues), but the V6 is dead.

Yeah it's interesting how that has not occurred yet with Toyota or even Lexus. Then again I suppose they have essentially less turbo experience versus the Europeans. Kia has their 2.0T. Acura had the 2.4T in the RDX but then dumped it (granted it got terrible gas mileage).

It would be nice if Toyota offered a diesel in the U.S., but I think at this point hybrid/EV is their game. In Europe they offer the diesel to be competitive but I read their offered diesel engines aren't the best.

 

[AustinIllini]

It would be nice if Toyota offered a diesel in the U.S., but I think at this point hybrid/EV is their game. In Europe they offer the diesel to be competitive but I read their offered diesel engines aren't the best.

Apparently manufacturers go through a great deal of trouble and expense trying to get diesels over here.

I think everyone's game is fuel cell and/or electric going forward.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Apparently manufacturers go through a great deal of trouble and expense trying to get diesels over here.

I think everyone's game is fuel cell and/or electric going forward.

Yes. It's a bit ridiculous how legally anti-diesel the US is... unless you've got it in a pickup truck.

Toyota is already the leader in hybrid technology and a forerunner in electric. They might as well focus their efforts there as that does seem to be the future.

 

[bunnspecial]

Yes. It's a bit ridiculous how legally anti-diesel the US is... unless you've got it in a pickup truck.

I'd go so far as to say that on 3/4 ton and larger pickups, diesels are the norm rather than the exception, or at least around here. Gas still rules the roost in 1/2 and smaller.

Of course, I think that the difference is that at least around here(remember, KY is still fairly rural) a lot of 3/4 ton trucks are actually work trucks. They're used as farm trucks to haul heavy machinery, or for other applications where they actually have to haul a lot or tow a decent amount. It's not uncommon to see a 3/4 ton or 1 ton with a 5th wheel in the bed and quite often hauling a 5th wheel trailer behind it. For that sort of work, torque rules the roost, and diesels just are better-especially when it comes to actually being able to afford to feed the thing.

By contrast, 1/2 tons are often daily drivers and "show" trucks. It's not uncommon to see a 1/2 with a full size cabin(as big as most passenger cars), heated leather seats, and all the other normal "luxury" features that you expect on a better passenger car. I see many with 4-5 foot beds. That's not to say that they don't get used for hauling-as many do from time to time-but it's not their primary function, and your options are pretty limited with a bed that short. Many of the folks who buy those are perfectly content with the 15-20mpg(usually closer to 15) that they get from a gasoline V8.

 

[2298754]

They really should offer the V6. The 2.5 4cyl is spunky enough to get around, but a V6 would give it a competitive edge versus most of the competition. Subaru offers a 2.0T upgrade over their 2.5L 4cyl. If the V6 Toyota used in the previous generation Rav-4 is anything like the 3.5L used in my mom's old Lexus ES350, it would have been an impressive feature to offer.

They need to bring back the V6, I agree! The old RAV4 V6 was stupid fun with that much power. Granted, it didn't handle well, but it puts a smile on your face, when you press the go go pedal.

----------

If the company were German, there would almost certainly be a 2.0T or some other turbo four. I'm not sure why the Japanese brands are far behind on the turbo addition (I would assume reliability issues), but the V6 is dead.

Lexus is getting there. I drove the NX200t last week and I'm glad to say Lexus finally has a turbo'd engine now. I'm curious to see how it will drive in the IS, but in the NX, it was pretty linear, no turbo lag at all. Well done.

----------

Yeah it's interesting how that has not occurred yet with Toyota or even Lexus. Then again I suppose they have essentially less turbo experience versus the Europeans. Kia has their 2.0T. Acura had the 2.4T in the RDX but then dumped it (granted it got terrible gas mileage).

Lexus turbo 2.0T is here. That being said, the RDX 2.4T was complete junk. Terrible gas mileage too.

----------

Apparently manufacturers go through a great deal of trouble and expense trying to get diesels over here.

They do, but it seems like only the Germans want to dedicate the resources and money for it.

All the Japanese makers have promised us diesels and have bowed out from their promises, with excuses. Nissan (Maxima), Honda (Accord/TSX), Toyota (Tundra), Subaru (Outback/Legacy), etc. Mazda said their 6 diesel was supposed to come out a year ago, but they're still "working on it"

That being said, Toyota need a diesel in their pickup trucks. Not the rest of their lineup. Their hybrid technology is better than anyone else.

 

[turtle777]

They do, but it seems like only the Germans want to dedicate the resources and money for it.

All the Japanese makers have promised us diesels and have bowed out from their promises, with excuses. Nissan (Maxima), Honda (Accord/TSX), Toyota (Tundra), Subaru (Outback/Legacy), etc. Mazda said their 6 diesel was supposed to come out a year ago, but they're still "working on it"

That being said, Toyota need a diesel in their pickup trucks. Not the rest of their lineup. Their hybrid technology is better than anyone else.

It's pretty clear to me why that is.

Diesel systems, especially those conforming to US / CA standards, are very complex, with many things that can go wrong.
I bet the Japanese need time to make these systems reliable.

The German OEMs have been producing diesel vehicles for the longest time, and have much more experience. Especially on the luxury vehicle side, more than 50% of their vehicles sold in Germany are diesels. Across all OEMs, 30% of all new cars in 2013 were diesels.

-t

 

[A.Goldberg]

I took my 535 (2009, 90k miles) in yesterday to have the starter replaced, TPMS sensor fixed, as well as an oil change. Recently, on cold mornings, I would push to ignition button but the starter would just "click". All other electrical functions worked fine. When this occurred, after a couple attempts I could always get her fired up. I figured I'd get it replaced before I get stranded.

So it got an oil change, TMPS sensor, new starter motor. The quote was astronomical but I needed fixed. Upon further inspection, apparently it needs front new ball joints (apparently were dangerously worn out), control arms, some bushings, rear brake pads and calipers, and something to do with the parking brake mechanism. The bill is now absolutely astronomical and they say the tie rods will need work soon. Thankfully in that the car is still in my Dad's name (the original owner), the fact he is a very generous man, and I'm a resident and get paid as one, he is covering the bill this time.

This is exactly why once I get my board certification and full salary I plan on buying a new car. It may happen sooner than that... the amount of money dumped into this car today was almost 1/3 of it's market value.

 

[AustinIllini]

I took my 535 (2009, 90k miles) in yesterday to have the starter replaced, TPMS sensor fixed, as well as an oil change. Recently, on cold mornings, I would push to ignition button but the starter would just "click". All other electrical functions worked fine. When this occurred, after a couple attempts I could always get her fired up. I figured I'd get it replaced before I get stranded.

So it got an oil change, TMPS sensor, new starter motor. The quote was astronomical but I needed fixed. Upon further inspection, apparently it needs front new ball joints (apparently were dangerously worn out), control arms, some bushings, rear brake pads and calipers, and something to do with the parking brake mechanism. The bill is now absolutely astronomical and they say the tie rods will need work soon. Thankfully in that the car is still in my Dad's name (the original owner), the fact he is a very generous man, and I'm a resident and get paid as one, he is covering the bill this time.

This is exactly why once I get my board certification and full salary I plan on buying a new car. It may happen sooner than that... the amount of money dumped into this car today was almost 1/3 of it's market value.

Servicing European cars is legal theft.

 

[bunnspecial]

I took my 535 (2009, 90k miles) in yesterday to have the starter replaced, TPMS sensor fixed, as well as an oil change. Recently, on cold mornings, I would push to ignition button but the starter would just "click". All other electrical functions worked fine. When this occurred, after a couple attempts I could always get her fired up. I figured I'd get it replaced before I get stranded.

So it got an oil change, TMPS sensor, new starter motor. The quote was astronomical but I needed fixed. Upon further inspection, apparently it needs front new ball joints (apparently were dangerously worn out), control arms, some bushings, rear brake pads and calipers, and something to do with the parking brake mechanism. The bill is now absolutely astronomical and they say the tie rods will need work soon. Thankfully in that the car is still in my Dad's name (the original owner), the fact he is a very generous man, and I'm a resident and get paid as one, he is covering the bill this time.

This is exactly why once I get my board certification and full salary I plan on buying a new car. It may happen sooner than that... the amount of money dumped into this car today was almost 1/3 of it's market value.

A few years back, a good friend of mine(my watch show traveling buddy) had a 535. I don't know what year it was, but it wasn't terribly old(maybe '07 or '08).

He took it in for a brake job, and I think they found a few other issues like tie rods that needed to be taken care of. The quote on all the work was around $4K.

My friend hung up the phone and told his wife "The BMW just found a new home."

He sold it, then bought himself a brand new Dodge Challenger. It worked out well for me, as he also sold my parents the Rolex I'm now wearing to help pay for the car but I can't say I blame him for selling it after that bill. The Challenger is a nice car, but it's certainly no BMW.

 

[A.Goldberg]

A few years back, a good friend of mine(my watch show traveling buddy) had a 535. I don't know what year it was, but it wasn't terribly old(maybe '07 or '08).

He took it in for a brake job, and I think they found a few other issues like tie rods that needed to be taken care of. The quote on all the work was around $4K.

My friend hung up the phone and told his wife "The BMW just found a new home."

He sold it, then bought himself a brand new Dodge Challenger. It worked out well for me, as he also sold my parents the Rolex I'm now wearing to help pay for the car but I can't say I blame him for selling it after that bill. The Challenger is a nice car, but it's certainly no BMW.

Smart man.

My uncle has owned a 5-series as his daily since I was born. He keeps them for about 120k miles / 5 - 6 years and then upgrades. Right now he has a 2013. He loves them and I guess doesn't mind shelling out that kind of money (but then again he is a multi, multi, multi millionaire and can afford anything, including his Bentley Continetal GT)

My cousin has a 2010/11 BMW 328xi. He brought it brand new after years of always wanting a BMW... He said it's the worst decision he's every made. Always in the shop, always big bills. His prior car was a Lexus.

Not to go back to the discussion about European repair costs, but they're high. That said, even if this was an American vehicle, it's still an awful lot of work to be done.

It would be nice if you could buy a car that felt and drove like a European car, without the high repair prices. I don't mind paying more for quality, but paying a premium for repairs sucks. I guess that's the reality though. The Japanese makes some nice cars, but they're not European. American cars... Blah. There only American cars I'm attracted to are the Wranglers and Grand Cherokees. The older CTS was cool, but the ATS and new CTS, though well reviewed mostly, just don't inspire me.

 

[bunnspecial]

It would be nice if you could buy a car that felt and drove like a European car, without the high repair prices.

Lincoln LS (Yes, I'm biased).

In all honesty, though, I've driven my fair share of 3 and 5 series BMW, as well as driving my Grandfather's E-class for several hundred miles when he moved up here to Kentucky.

A lot of driving experience-I think-is familiarity but I'd still take a my LS over a 5 series.

The LS was somewhat revolutionary for American cars at least, as I think it was one of the first RWD American cars with true independent rear suspension(many cars-even today-still use live axle although more and more are moving toward IRS). The entire suspension system is very "European" and it has a relatively long wheelbase with the wheels near the front and rear of the car. These give in-in a lot of ways-many "European" characteristics in how it drives and handles.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Lincoln LS (Yes, I'm biased).

In all honesty, though, I've driven my fair share of 3 and 5 series BMW, as well as driving my Grandfather's E-class for several hundred miles when he moved up here to Kentucky.

A lot of driving experience-I think-is familiarity but I'd still take a my LS over a 5 series.

The LS was somewhat revolutionary for American cars at least, as I think it was one of the first RWD American cars with true independent rear suspension(many cars-even today-still use live axle although more and more are moving toward IRS). The entire suspension system is very "European" and it has a relatively long wheelbase with the wheels near the front and rear of the car. These give in-in a lot of ways-many "European" characteristics in how it drives and handles.

My gripes with the LS is the interior (not terrible for Ford in its day, but still lacking versus the foreigners), RWD only- no AWD (I live in New England), subpar gas mileage (related to the next point), and the last year of production was 9 years ago. I'd be looking to move forward in time. I do think the LS was one of the best cars Ford put out in the 00's and America as a whole. I've never driven an LS but I presume it drives much like a Mercedes or Lexus than a BMW or Audi (comfort over agility). The sportiness can get tiring, sometimes a nice soft ride is preferable.

I just picked me car up. I've got to say it handles like a brand new car. It's scary how much tighter the steering is now. They ended up replacing the tie rods as well.

 

[daneoni]

The way to go with European is lease for 4/5 years and get warranty that covers that period.

Once the 5yrs is about to elapse get rid. Or if you have money and/or are good with repairs or know a guy...keep it.

 

[A.Goldberg]

The way to go with European is lease for 4/5 years and get warranty that covers that period.

Once the 5yrs is about to elapse get rid. Or if you have money and/or are good with repairs or know a guy...keep it.

Yeah owning it during the warranty period is the key I suppose. My dad gave his 09 535xi when I graduated college 2 years ago so I can't beat free. At the time I had a 2003 Grand Cherokee V8HO Limited that had a a billion miles on it. I purchased that two years old in 05 when I got my drivers license, but by 2013 it was falling apart mechanilly. It's too bad because it was in beautiful aesthetic condition.

I could afford a new car right now if I wanted to but I'd rather hold off and get as much use out of the BMW before its completely unreasonable to own. When I got the multi-thousand dollar quote yesterday I thought I had reached that point until my father stepped in and paid the bill. I'm technically inclined and could do *some* work on it, but I live in a city and have very little room to work or store tools (I grew up with my father restoring a couple cars, so I know my way around them). Not having a car payment/tens of thousands sucked out of savings is a good feeling though. There are things I'd rather do with my money. At the same time, anticipating pricey repairs and increasing reliability issues worries me.

I'm obviously grateful to have the car and it's a blast to drive, but I'm really not in love with it. First and least important, I don't find it particularly attractive- it reminds me of a beluga whale. Second, I'd prefer an SUV for all the winter driving I do (both to work and my frequent ski trips to Vermont). Third, I'd prefer the versatility of an SUV in terms of space. Fourth, the 5 is too big for a sedan (I know this contradicts my last point). If I were to buy a sedan, I'd want something smaller like a 3/C/A4/IS size. Fifth, I tend to find BMWs a bit pretentious, especially driven by people in their mid-20's... Although I was in the neighborhood of Boston University today and saw plenty of 18-22 year olds driving Porsches, Maseratti, and G-Wagons.

I still am interested in the Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel or the VW Touareg TDI. The Jeep is the better value in nearly all respects. I have read/heard a lot of complaints about the 2014+ models now that they've bit fit with Fiat electronics, so that's annoying. The Touareg on the other hand I know to expect less than average reliability. I'm drawn to the fact they're fairly uncommon/not mainstream (unlike the JGC) and possess a sense of class while not being overly pretentious. It's too bad they're not quite as premium as the original models were.

The only other SUVs I am attracted to are the Lexus GX, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Land Rover LR4. They're all probably way out of my budget. The LC is too big and thirsty for practical use in my life. The LR4 is too unreliable and expensive to run. The 4Runner is hideous looking now. The X5 is nice, the X3 is okay, but I don't want another BMW. Other Acura, Lexus and Audi SUVs are too feminine looking. Forget anything American. I really like the newly released XC90, but the price tag has ballooned.

 

[daneoni]

^
I'm similar with sedans, i like them compact and nimble.

To me the last good looking 5 series to come out of BMW was the E39. They've been doing some weird things with the design ever since. The 3 series has only just returned to normal with the latest iteration since the E46.

The SUV market is quite terrible right now imo. A lot of them are either expensive for what they are (because they're trying to look more upscale) or they're plain weird looking (Lexus i'm looking at you). I'm surprised at Audi's offerings too, either too big/thirsty (Q7), too ugly (Q5) or a toy (Q3). The only SUVs i can mildly see myself living with are the Range Rover Sport or a G wagon. But too pricey for me and require a ramen diet.

A relative of mine was all set on getting a 320d M sport but now has cold feet. He says a lot of people around him have a 1 or 3 series or an A3/A4 and its boring. He's looking at an IS 250 now instead.

I've noticed that quite a few people who buy BMWs when they're young tend to switch brands when they change cars. Its almost like a 'rite of passage' thing and then you move on.

 

[2298754]

Fifth, I tend to find BMWs a bit pretentious, especially driven by people in their mid-20's... Although I was in the neighborhood of Boston University today and saw plenty of 18-22 year olds driving Porsches, Maseratti, and G-Wagons.

I drive by there daily. It's all those Asian students from Hong Kong who have nothing else to do with their money.

Got cut off by a little asian girl in a Macan yesterday. She was following her friend in a white Audi R8 V10

 

[AustinIllini]

I drive by there daily. It's all those Asian students from Hong Kong who have nothing else to do with their money.

Got cut off by a little asian girl in a Macan yesterday. She was following her friend in a white Audi R8 V10

I was at a restaurant with valet about a month ago. In front, there was a McLaren 570S. When I was leaving, I was looking at the car, thinking "I wonder who drives this?". Out walks two girls in their mid to late twenties. They get in the car, can't figure out how to start it, finally do, and drive away.

 

[A.Goldberg]

^
I'm similar with sedans, i like them compact and nimble.

To me the last good looking 5 series to come out of BMW was the E39. They've been doing some weird things with the design ever since. The 3 series has only just returned to normal with the latest iteration since the E46.

The SUV market is quite terrible right now imo. A lot of them are either expensive for what they are (because they're trying to look more upscale) or they're plain weird looking (Lexus i'm looking at you). I'm surprised at Audi's offerings too, either too big/thirsty (Q7), too ugly (Q5) or a toy (Q3). The only SUVs i can mildly see myself living with are the Range Rover Sport or a G wagon. But too pricey for me and require a ramen diet.

A relative of mine was all set on getting a 320d M sport but now has cold feet. He says a lot of people around him have a 1 or 3 series or an A3/A4 and its boring. He's looking at an IS 250 now instead.

I've noticed that quite a few people who buy BMWs when they're young tend to switch brands when they change cars. Its almost like a 'rite of passage' thing and then you move on.

I really like the E39 and that whole generation of styling. I think the new 3-series Is fantastic looking but not some of their other models like the X5 and 5-series.

The SUV market is strange right now. Finding a "real" SUV is becoming increasingly difficult. The used car markets prices I feel are overly inflated in many cases, especially under $15,000. I think you're right about the age trend. Luxury cars are fun and cool but ultimately people have other financial goals than just a nice car.

I forgot to add the GWagon to my list, but as you can imagine I'm not in the market for a $100,000+ car. My dad has a 2012 Range Rover Sport HSE, its definitely a cool car to drive, and I'd love to own one. Nothing offers the commanding view of the road quite like a Land Rover. I love every Range Rover model up through the 2013 RR Sport and 2012 RR. The LR4 will likely be the the last of its kind for Rover. I don't think the new models have the same ruggedness, elegance, prestige, or archetectual brilliance that the new "Ford Explorer-esque" Land Rover lineup has. Personally I don't find the new Range Rovers interiors to be that nice compared to the outgoing model.

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I drive by there daily. It's all those Asian students from Hong Kong who have nothing else to do with their money.

Got cut off by a little asian girl in a Macan yesterday. She was following her friend in a white Audi R8 V10

It does seem to be all the Asian students on Comm Ave driving the super cars. At my college, it was primarily middle-easterners. That said, my buddy was white and had a newer Carrera 4S and I went to highschool with a girl who got a brand new (at the time) G55AMG for her 16th birthday (quite modest compared to her dads Bugatti). Most of the uberwealthy kids I know ($5m+ houses, houses in other countries, etc) at most got a new c-class or 3-series, not a $100k speed demon. The wealthiest of the wealthiest I know however drive Toyotas and Fords.

 

[bunnspecial]

My gripes with the LS is the interior (not terrible for Ford in its day, but still lacking versus the foreigners), RWD only- no AWD (I live in New England), subpar gas mileage (related to the next point), and the last year of production was 9 years ago. I'd be looking to move forward in time. I do think the LS was one of the best cars Ford put out in the 00's and America as a whole. I've never driven an LS but I presume it drives much like a Mercedes or Lexus than a BMW or Audi (comfort over agility). The sportiness can get tiring, sometimes a nice soft ride is preferable.

I just picked me car up. I've got to say it handles like a brand new car. It's scary how much tighter the steering is now. They ended up replacing the tie rods as well.

I'd put the driving dynamics of an LS somewhere between Mercedes and BMW-it's actually a pretty decent compromise as far as I'm concerned.

It's also worth mentioning that there was a "sport" model and a non-sport model. Mine is the "sport" model, which actually uses different shocks and a few other different parts than the non-sport models. There are some other differences-the trim(except for the grill and the license plate frame) is all body colored rather than chrome as on other LSs(except for the LSE, where all the trim is body colored), it has special split 7-spoke wheels, and all the interior trim is brushed aluminum rather than faux wood as on other LSs. n

I'll agree that the interior is not quite up to German standards, but it's still pretty darn good. I did have to change the radio on mine(I put in an OEM radio) and the replacement doesn't exactly sit right in the cut-out(the original did). I don't know if that's an issue with the replacement radio or with the mounting in the car.

I'd say that the overall fit is as good as a German car, though. The doors shut with a "click" and not a slam as on many American cars. 136K miles later, there are no rattles or other annoying things that American cars often develop.

As for the suspension, I know that the dealership loves to see me coming in . The "sport" shocks have a different p/n than the standard ones. I brought in a print-out of the p/ns insisted that they install the correct p/n shocks when I took it in for a suspension rebuild. As it so happened, the parts room had a dusty set of them back in a corner, and I insisted that they show them to me before installing them. For what I paid for the suspension work, I don't think this was an unreasonable request. It did make the car feel like a new car. I'm probably due for a front end rebuild, and, again, I'm going to have to research the sport model P/Ns and get them installed. Rather than dealing with the dealership, I'll probably just order them myself and have my mechanic(who I trust implicitly, and lets me bring my own parts as he knows how particular I am about this sort of stuff) install them rather than dealing with the dealership song and dance.

 

[Alphazoid]

It does seem to be all the Asian students on Comm Ave driving the super cars. At my college, it was primarily middle-easterners. That said, my buddy was white and had a newer Carrera 4S and I went to highschool with a girl who got a brand new (at the time) G55AMG for her 16th birthday (quite modest compared to her dads Bugatti). Most of the uberwealthy kids I know ($5m+ houses, houses in other countries, etc) at most got a new c-class or 3-series, not a $100k speed demon. The wealthiest of the wealthiest I know however drive Toyotas and Fords.

Money shouts, wealth whispers.

Plus with the asians and middle-easterners (blacks too), its kind of a cultural thing to be as ostentatious as possible. Dubai and Hong Kong are classic examples of this phenomenon.

 

[bunnspecial]

Part of me is really getting an itch to buy a cheap older car just to have something fun to tinker around with and drive for fun.

I'm going back and forth on a couple of options-basically I'm stopping my search at the late '80s/early '90s(depending on the model) as I want something with a carburetor(no electronics=easy shade tree mechanic repairs).

From a practical aspect I'm looking at an older half ton pickup-preferably with 4 wheel drive and a manual transmission(although an automatic isn't a deal killer). I have a frequent enough need for a pickup that it would be handy to have one, and after getting stuck a few times this past winter I'd really like to have 4 wheel drive. If I go that route, I'm pretty much sold on a Chevy 1500 with a small-block 350. I've looked at F-150s also, but just have a really strong preference for a Chevy at least in the time frame I'm talking about. I also love the small block 350-remember this isn't a daily driver so gas mileage is not some much of a concern and I love small block 350s.

A Ranger or S10 also isn't out of consideration. I actually like the size a little bit better, and the '91 Ranger my dad has was a blast to drive. The gas mileage is certainly better, although I'd again want 4 wheel drive for the winter.

The other thing I'm considering is an older GM B body or a Ford Panther. An Impala or Police Package Caprice would be top on the list on the Chevy front-again with a small block 350. On the Ford end of things, an LTD, Towncar, or Mark V/VI would be top on the list. I actually like the Mark V best of all of those, although it's older than the other things I'm considering. I love the retractible headlight covers and the Opera windows, though . As much as this is probably a stupid consideration, B bodies get a nod for the gas cap under the license plate-something that I've always thought was a good idea. Unfortunately, I'm not exactly the typical demographic buying these cars these days(my skin is a few shades too light). I'd also want to keep them stock, with small steel wheels and big tires(whitewalls-narrow of course-where appropriate)-it's surprisingly hard to find one these days that hasn't been lifted and otherwise "pimped out." I just like big old American cars, which is my attraction to these.