The Car Thread ... !

[0388631]

Well, it's WAY better today, the tires were super overinflated from the dealer (that's generally how they store/ship), so it was getting a little too much road feedback, down to the manufacturers spec (~36 psi), cross checked with my good gauge vs. the car info display.

But yeah, in general I don't like floaty feeling vehicles, this has a much more confident feel, the seats are supportive, comfortable but not mushy. This is only our 3rd day of actual use since Thursday, we picked it up, I drive an hour to the resort, drove it ~2 hours home on Sunday, then today the wife finally got to drive it (hahaha, and it's her car).

The paint is way slicker than I realized, I thought the Octane was the 2/3-stage, and the Redline was more a traditional "flat" red, but it's got a beautiful pearl 2-stage topcoat, really sparkled and adds a ton of depth.

Ordering these

I kind of like the floaty feeling. There's some of it in my daily. It's nice on long roadtrips. We don't have nice smooth roads here like they do in other states. On the other hand, it gets hard to "feel" the road in newer cars with e-steering and air suspension.
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Here's what I see as the difference between SpaceX and Tesla:

SpaceX basically can devote all its attention to a single unit at a time. Launching a rocket is a big deal, and you have time to cross your Ts and dot your is before launching it. Countdowns to launch often start a week out, and can be halted up to the time the engines fire if something isn't right.

By contrast, Tesla is turning out(relatively) large volumes of consumer products and they lose some control over them when they get in the hands of consumers. Of course, Tesla does have a tighter leash on cars after they leave the factory-something that actually makes me a bit nervous even though it allows quick fixes(as opposed to the FCA cruise control problem, which is apparently software related but requires a few hours at the dealer to fix).

There's also the fact that, regardless of the power source, you're still fundamentally building a car. Probably the most significant competition now to the Model 3 is the Chevy Bolt-a car that you can actually get and get it for well under $40K-and they're going up against a company that has been making cars for over 100 years. That's not to say that the Bolt is problem free, but from what I've seen the reliability is at least as good as Tesla and there are Chevy dealers all over the place.

Also, I think that Tesla sometimes tries to reinvent the wheel too much. I detest touch screens in cars. If I want to change the temperature or radio volume in my car, I'd much rather have a button or knob I can reach out and grab.

Your last point hit the nail on the head. I like the Chevy Bolt a lot. And the Volt. I think they're terrific for their price and they driving relatively well. It's KISS without being boring. I think they look better than the Prius (whether you want to categorize them by hybrids vs. electrics or not). The Prius does have the upper hand with its remote AC system working off some solar panel or something like that. Which is really good if you live somewhere where it gets ungodly hot in the summer.

 

[D.T.]

Also, I think that Tesla sometimes tries to reinvent the wheel too much. I detest touch screens in cars. If I want to change the temperature or radio volume in my car, I'd much rather have a button or knob I can reach out and grab.

I'm super happy with the mix of physical buttons/switches with a touchscreen that extends the functionality and provides settings, etc. The DDRT we just picked up has a really nice 8.4" touchscreen in the center stack (7" in the drivers dash), it controls everything: audio, climate, car settings. However, the main functions you use day to day are also physical: nice big, easy to locate dials and buttons with great tactile feel (it's a nice display implementation where the function of the hard buttons pops "over" the current touchscreen display then fades away) - and some core functions relating to safety are only hard controls, they have zero business in a touchscreen interface.

 

[44267547]

Found a minimal amount of oil under the SHO yesterday. Fairly disgruntled. I’m assuming it’s when I had my oil changed last week, the tech likely spilled some and it trickled its way down to the ground. I realize when oil hits the ground, it expands, so its likely a non-issue hopefully, Either way; it won’t reach the dealership until Tuesday due to the extended Holiday.

As expected, it was oil spillage that was dripping off the oil filter. Although, somewhat disappointed with the dealership, the service writer seemed somewhat dismissive of what I explained I believed it was, more or less, the attitude of “We don’t make mistakes, its likely something else wrong with your car.”
Which then gave me the advantage of proving them wrong when they came back and told me exactly what I suspected it was originally, which in fact; it’s amazing how nice they are when they realize the inconvenience of the customer bringing their vehicle back for something that _they_ did carelessly the first time. Nonetheless, they changed my oil (again), provided me a free rental car and a free future oil change. I always complete the survey questionnaire, which will indicate what happened, Even though they compensated.

Also, talked to the tech, he was really nice, and he used an air-gun to move any excess oil and a thorough wipe down made sure everything was spotless, as I don’t want to see excess oil on my garage floor again.

 

[0388631]

RP, that's because there's always the risk of social media backlash and, of course, corporate looking into the matter. Once corporate is involved, they have the dealer by their... so to speak. On the other hand, this is why some companies instruct their dealers to be respectful and open minded.

 

[Matz]

I'm super happy with the mix of physical buttons/switches with a touchscreen that extends the functionality and provides settings, etc. The DDRT we just picked up has a really nice 8.4" touchscreen in the center stack (7" in the drivers dash), it controls everything: audio, climate, car settings. However, the main functions you use day to day are also physical: nice big, easy to locate dials and buttons with great tactile feel (it's a nice display implementation where the function of the hard buttons pops "over" the current touchscreen display then fades away) - and some core functions relating to safety are only hard controls, they have zero business in a touchscreen interface.

I too like that combination of buttons, knobs, and switches in conjunction with a decent-sized touchscreen. I’ve rented a lot of cars, and prefer FCA’s UConnect implementation of the concept. I recently acquired a ‘14 Charger R/T AWD (the last year they made the V8-AWD combo in a civilian version) and think it’s a pretty swell ride. Oddly enough, though, I can’t use my new iPhone as an iPod via USB. Bluetooth streaming, no problem. So for the iPod function, I use a battered Classic iPod, which works just fine.

 

[D.T.]

I too like that combination of buttons, knobs, and switches in conjunction with a decent-sized touchscreen. I’ve rented a lot of cars, and prefer FCA’s UConnect implementation of the concept. I recently acquired a ‘14 Charger R/T AWD (the last year they made the V8-AWD combo in a civilian version) and think it’s a pretty swell ride. Oddly enough, though, I can’t use my new iPhone as an iPod via USB. Bluetooth streaming, no problem. So for the iPod function, I use a battered Classic iPod, which works just fine.

Ahh, fun, we're Hemi-Brothers Yeah, I remember all the transitions in car electronics where phones worked, then didn't as the phones/OS progressed. I have an older Classic too (I think it's an 80GB), I was tempted to charge it up, try it in the GT, assume it would work[?] I have used a USB thumb drive a few times and it worked terrific on the native Sync 3 (now I use CarPlay about 98% of the time).

 

[44267547]

Ceramic coating at its finest. I Literally want to take a deep dive into the paint with this reflection.

Black paint obviously is One of the most difficult in terms of maintaining it, which I always enjoy the challenge. However, I previously mentioned I kind of regretted I may have overpaid for the three year Ceramic package (Versus a six month, 1or 2 year), but after having eight straight days of 92° plus weather, loads of pollen and even rain, it’s no match for the ceramic coating _at_ all. It literally wipes off even with a damp microfiber cloth with no streaking.

If one can afford ceramic coating their vehicle if they find it necessary, highly recommend this procedure. Just make sure to research and find a reliable shop, however; in my area, there really isn’t much competitive pricing amongst other detailers. (3 Year Longevity =$3,000 total).

 

[A.Goldberg]

I'm super happy with the mix of physical buttons/switches with a touchscreen that extends the functionality and provides settings, etc. The DDRT we just picked up has a really nice 8.4" touchscreen in the center stack (7" in the drivers dash), it controls everything: audio, climate, car settings. However, the main functions you use day to day are also physical: nice big, easy to locate dials and buttons with great tactile feel (it's a nice display implementation where the function of the hard buttons pops "over" the current touchscreen display then fades away) - and some core functions relating to safety are only hard controls, they have zero business in a touchscreen interface.

When the JGC was on my radar I couldn’t stand that the heated seat controls were burried in the infotainment. I suppose you don’t have to worry about that in FL and things in some cases are far worse.

I feel like Tesla’s touch interface (particularly the model 3) will go the way of the early iDrive. The early iterations of iDrive were loathed (in part) because of the lack of dedicated buttons and everything was done through menus.

I generally dislike touch screens. Dedicated buttons are far easier to use. I could never deal with driving a model 3 on a daily basis.

 

[D.T.]

When the JGC was on my radar I couldn’t stand that the heated seat controls were burried in the infotainment. I suppose you don’t have to worry about that in FL and things in some cases are far worse.

I feel like Tesla’s touch interface (particularly the model 3) will go the way of the early iDrive. The early iterations of iDrive were loathed (in part) because of the lack of dedicated buttons and everything was done through menus.

I generally dislike touch screens. Dedicated buttons are far easier to use. I could never deal with driving a model 3 on a daily basis.

They still are Well, it's one button to the climate controls and it's all there.

What it does have with the remote start is "auto comfort", where it uses the temp sensors, and automatically turns on the heater, heated seats/steering wheel or the AC and cooled seats (you can set it to do this with a push button start too - or just off entirely).

Funny enough my Mustang has hard buttons for the heated/cooled seats and nothing in the touch UI! (there's a hack to enable it on the touchscreen as well, just haven't done it yet).

 

[44267547]

-Magnetic metallic- SHO.

This was the actual original color I wanted before I purchased my white (A.K.A White metallic Platinum Tri-coat) SHO, but for some strange reason [Which the dealer didn’t even know why] it was almost 30 days out to have this color from the factory new, which I have very little patience in waiting. But seeing this color in person is stunning, and its almost transformative with the metallic flake and how it can look almost resemble a ‘gunmetal gray’ and then shifts to a ‘burnt bronze’ if you will under various lighting. Just an awesome color.

Fords color scheme for the SHO had some really intriguing colors, one was called “Dark-side” {Now discontinued}, which was almost a dark forest green, but at dusk, it looks completely black.

[Side note: Now with the discontinuation, I’m seeing SHO models more sparse in my area for sale. Not sure if they’re being marked down and consumers are taking advantage of the discounts or dealers are moving inventory to auction, ect.]

 

[Apple fanboy]

Ceramic coating at its finest. I Literally want to take a deep dive into the paint with this reflection.
View attachment 763863

Black paint obviously is One of the most difficult in terms of maintaining it, which I always enjoy the challenge. However, I previously mentioned I kind of regretted I may have overpaid for the three year Ceramic package (Versus a six month, 1or 2 year), but after having eight straight days of 92° plus weather, loads of pollen and even rain, it’s no match for the ceramic coating _at_ all. It literally wipes off even with a damp microfiber cloth with no streaking.

If one can afford ceramic coating their vehicle if they find it necessary, highly recommend this procedure. Just make sure to research and find a reliable shop, however; in my area, there really isn’t much competitive pricing amongst other detailers. (3 Year Longevity =$3,000 total).

Looking good. I guess I'll have to rely on good old fashioned elbow grease.

 

[Dodgeman]

-Magnetic metallic- SHO.
View attachment 763926

This was the actual original color I wanted before I purchased my white (A.K.A White metallic Platinum Tri-coat) SHO, but for some strange reason [Which the dealer didn’t even know why] it was almost 30 days out to have this color from the factory new, which I have very little patience in waiting. But seeing this color in person is stunning, and its almost transformative with the metallic flake and how it can look almost resemble a ‘gunmetal gray’ and then shifts to a ‘burnt bronze’ if you will under various lighting. Just an awesome color.

Fords color scheme for the SHO had some really intriguing colors, one was called “Dark-side” {Now discontinued}, which was almost a dark forest green, but at dusk, it looks completely black.

[Side note: Now with the discontinuation, I’m seeing SHO models more sparse in my area for sale. Not sure if they’re being marked down and consumers are taking advantage of the discounts or dealers are moving inventory to auction, ect.]

The SHO is a nice 4 door family sedan with some grunt. Gets better gas milage than the R/T Charger too (I think) although I prefer the R/T.

What made you go the SHO route?
I did not know they are being discontinued either...?
What kind of deal did they give you off sticker?

 

[Tsuchiya]

Ceramic coating at its finest. I Literally want to take a deep dive into the paint with this reflection.
View attachment 763863

Black paint obviously is One of the most difficult in terms of maintaining it, which I always enjoy the challenge. However, I previously mentioned I kind of regretted I may have overpaid for the three year Ceramic package (Versus a six month, 1or 2 year), but after having eight straight days of 92° plus weather, loads of pollen and even rain, it’s no match for the ceramic coating _at_ all. It literally wipes off even with a damp microfiber cloth with no streaking.

If one can afford ceramic coating their vehicle if they find it necessary, highly recommend this procedure. Just make sure to research and find a reliable shop, however; in my area, there really isn’t much competitive pricing amongst other detailers. (3 Year Longevity =$3,000 total).

Looking good. Seriously have to consider getting this done when I take delivery on the A4. Black paint is a insanely hard to maintain.

The quotes I got the last time I looked into it were a little disheartening though.

 

[Dodgeman]

Anybody know of any good lease deals out there?

 

[bunnspecial]

I'm afraid I have a blown head gasket on the MG-I lost compression in cylinders 2 and 3...really dreading having to tear into it, but at least it's not a huge job.

 

[44267547]

The SHO is a nice 4 door family sedan with some grunt. Gets better gas milage than the R/T Charger too (I think) although I prefer the R/T.

I drive the R/T L.E model for my agency. I really like it. It has decent power, the AWD makes a huge impact on handling, Uconnect is nice, fit & finish is good, although; the ride quality is not smooth with the suspension set up.

What made you go the SHO route?

I have quite a bit of experience driving P.P. SHO, it’s extremely reliable, fast and Fords TwinTurbo 3.5 eco-boost is an excellent motor. So I opted for the civilian model, which offers almost anything you could want with interior in terms of options (Heated/cooled everything, loaded With safety options, Park assist) 20” wheels. My SHO is also beyond stock and is Livernois tuned.

What kind of deal did they give you off sticker?

As Far as what I achieved for the sticker price, the dealer came off the price somewhat, but mine was new and I put money down. (The Model I opted retailed for around $42,000).

But now that they are discontinued, you can find a newer SHO with approximately 25,000 miles for almost half of what they retail for depending on which package you opt for.

My SHO:

I did not know they are being discontinued either...

The SHO L.E. model will still continue in production, the civilian version will be discontinued. In addition, Ford discontinued many other of their sedans as of recent.

http://autoweek.com/article/car-new...h-america-entirely-face-unstoppable-crossover


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Looking good. Seriously have to consider getting this done when I take delivery on the A4. Black paint is a insanely hard to maintain.

The quotes I got the last time I looked into it were a little disheartening though.

I think the ceramic coating is a great investment for the paint, especially depending on what type of driving environment the car is subjected to seasonally. I also found it to be expensive, but I’m finding the results are more promising than I anticipated. When you opt to ceramic coat your car, see what packages your detailer offers in terms of longevity, the packages in my area’s was six months, one, two or three-year packages. I opted for the three-year total protection package. Being that you’re purchasing a new car, it’s definitely something to consider.

Congrats on your new A4 and looking forward to seeing future pictures.

 

[jeremy h]

I'm afraid I have a blown head gasket on the MG-I lost compression in cylinders 2 and 3...really dreading having to tear into it, but at least it's not a huge job.

The MG's curse I'm afraid...

 

[2298754]

Anybody know of any good lease deals out there?

leaaehackr.com

 

[D.T.]

Anybody know of any good lease deals out there?

I just got a solid lease deal on our new Durango R/T, I'd say there are plenty of deals, either manufacturer or even a 3rd party bank, just know how a lease works, negotiate the deal, walk away as needed.

- Understand the rate (i.e., MF vs. rate)
- $0 down
- MSRP effects monthly, regardless of discount, don't get what you don't *really* want
- It's still a "purchase", haggle, get the best price possible
- Determine how good the deal is, check into the $-per-$10K rule
- Of course, determine your Use Case, not everyone is a good candidate for a lease

 

[bunnspecial]

The MG's curse I'm afraid...

Unfortunately yes.

I need to do some other tests to confirm that's actually what it is, but the only thing I can think of that explains all my current symptoms(lack of compression, backfiring through the carbs, low and "jumpy" vacuum) is "bleed" between cylinders 2 and 3 from the head gasket being blown out between them. The nature of this engine is such that you almost never get oil and coolant mixing(there's only a single oil passage in the head) and only occasionally will get combustion gas in the coolant.

Since I usually work on the car in the evening after work, it'll be one evening to pull the head, one to hand-lap the valves and do some other general maintenance and clean up work, and hopefully one more to get it all back together.

 

[bunnspecial]

I talked to two different well respected MG mechanics today-Dick Moritz in Philly and John Twist, formerly of University Motors in Grand Rapids, MI(John was trained at the factory, and has a Youtube video with hundreds of MG repair videos).

Both agreed with my conclusion. I have 2000 miles on the redone head(planed, new exhaust valves, hardened valve seats) and I'm hoping that it blew because I screwed up installing it and not because of some other problem. I had some issues with the head after installing it and probably untorqued and retorqued it 15 times. I was told at the time that I should be fine since I didn't pull the head back off after initially seating it and also didn't start it in that time.

I'll also give the studs some scrutiny, but a rule of thumb is that factory studs never go bad. If I do have to replace the studs, there's no in-between option-the consensus is that repro factory studs are junk so if one needs replacement studs you go all the way and get ARPs at $150 a set.

 

[senseless]

I have a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid rental for the week and scored 48.5 MPG on a 500 mile mostly highway trip. This was my first time with a hybrid and there's something satisfying about how it reclaims the wasted braking/coasting energy to charge the battery. I didn't think I would like a hybrid, but it is fun in it's own way.

 

[0388631]

Wow, that's impressive. I'd had Clarkson'd that car. Not damaged it, but attempted to get the worst MPG.

 

[44267547]

Dodge confirmed a new “Viper” (Possible name change) is coming stating “Trust us, A new ‘Viper’ is happening.”

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/2021-dodge-viper-a-motown-legend-is-reborn

Its rumored to be Convertible only at first, RWD and Manual Only with a new Space Frame with a next GEN Hemi V8, but likely to be Offered also as supercharged Version additionally.

Also, the last Dodge Demon rolled off the production line last week, producing a total of 3,300. What a great car and price of history to own one. That’s one car that is pure muscle manufacturered in every way, and I would _not_ say that about just any “V8” either.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Looks like Trump is trying to ban German cars in America.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/31/tru...stop-german-luxury-car-imports-in-the-us.html
I pity you guys!