The Car Thread ... !

[0388631]

I can absolutely tell you don't peruse PRSI. LOL I very much doubt he'll do that. While the American economy is strong, this tariff war will only cause millions of lost jobs for Americans. The Germans alone employ around half a million Americans from first to third party suppliers. I'm not sure what the Japanese do in terms of employed bodies, but I can't imagine it being less than 300K. I haven't kept up with the news myself, but the Mexican tariffs on pork alone will cost the American pork market more than what China did in a shorter amount of time.

I don't want to make this thread political, but it's up to the hundreds of thousands of American workers to do something on their own accord if he goes through.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I can absolutely tell you don't peruse PRSI. LOL I very much doubt he'll do that. While the American economy is strong, this tariff war will only cause millions of lost jobs for Americans. The Germans alone employ around half a million Americans from first to third party suppliers. I'm not sure what the Japanese do in terms of employed bodies, but I can't imagine it being less than 300K. I haven't kept up with the news myself, but the Mexican tariffs on pork alone will cost the American pork market more than what China did in a shorter amount of time.

I steer well clear of PRSI when I can. I was just thinking how sad it would be if a country like America was denied the beauty of
Mercedes
Volkswagen
BMW
Porsche

I'd buy European over American every time.

 

[0388631]

I steer well clear of PRSI when I can. I was just thinking how sad it would be if a country like America was denied the beauty of
Mercedes
Volkswagen
BMW
Porsche

I'd buy European over American every time.

Good choice.

I'm not anti-domestic when it comes to American cars. I just wish the cost could be justified by materials usage. There was a great article the other day about how a $25,000 vehicle can be sold for three times as much because of a better engine and some small interior trim enhancements. The only car I'd even buy that was like that is probably the Mustang GT, which I got to drive recently and enjoyed. I blame @D.T. for piquing my curiosity.

Chrysler et al. are Italian owned. Chances are the Germans will buy up Tesla in the future. The only real American car companies are probably Chevy and Ford, and Ford fared better during the economic turn-down. Some of the other GM companies are floating along. Buick builds out a car or two in China and sells it here. The Chinese love big cars. Whether it be German or American. China's enjoying a gain in economy at the moment. It'll crash down hard for them eventually.


A lot of people, even myself included, get trapped into a faux memory of how good things used to be in the past. You're more inclined to remember the good parts of life rather than the worst. It's easy to believe in the America first or Britain first BS.

 

[44267547]

I steer well clear of PRSI when I can. I was just thinking how sad it would be if a country like America was denied the beauty of
Mercedes
Volkswagen
BMW
Porsche

I'd buy European over American every time.

I would add Audi to the top of that list. Quality vehicle and craftsmanship. Never owned one, but if I were to ever consolidate down to one vehicle, it would be an Audi or Mercedes, preferably the AMG C63s or the RS 7.

 

[0388631]

Oh this again.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I steer well clear of PRSI when I can. I was just thinking how sad it would be if a country like America was denied the beauty of
Mercedes
Volkswagen
BMW
Porsche

I'd buy European over American every time.

I quite agree. American cars have never really sold well in Europe due to them often having a lower quality trim level, and largely inefficient compared to most European marques. I think there’s a big difference in the style appeal too and I can see why German brands are desirable over in the US. I suppose Fords are popular throughout Europe as well as Vauxhall/Opel but they are designed and built here for our market under the branding.

I know a lot of the German brands are also built in the states to cut costs so it’ll be interesting to see if trump demands all components are also manufactured there too. I can’t see him going that far and it’s all bluster.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I would add Audi to the top of that list. Quality vehicle and craftsmanship. Never owned one, but if I were to ever consolidate down to one vehicle, it would be an Audi, preferably the AMG C63s or the RS 7.

Isn’t AMG a Merc?

 

[0388631]

And there we go.
[doublepost=1527936180][/doublepost]

I quite agree. American cars have never really sold well in Europe due to them often having a lower quality trim level, and largely inefficient compared to most European marques. I think there’s a big difference in the style appeal too and I can see why German brands are desirable over in the US. I suppose Fords are popular throughout Europe as well as Vauxhall/Opel but they are designed and built here for our market under the branding.

I know a lot of the German brands are also built in the states to cut costs so it’ll be interesting to see if trump demands all components are also manufactured there too. I can’t see him going that far and it’s all bluster.

I love it when some people mention Ford Europe. They're completely different animals. And you've got it right, actually. The tariffs hurt everyone. No one wins in a tariff war is not just a saying. I suspect he simply doesn't understand manufacturing. What is he going to suggest next? For computer companies to move all their manufacturing to the US? You could argue about Intel except the US and European fab locations are just one step in the process. The rest gets done elsewhere and shipped back.

 

[44267547]

Isn’t AMG a Merc?

You’re correct. The Mercedes C63s is one of the cars I would like to own or an Audi. Edited.

I quite agree. American cars have never really sold well in Europe due to them often having a lower quality trim level, and largely inefficient compared to most European marques. I think there’s a big difference in the style appeal too and I can see why German brands are desirable over in the US. I suppose Fords are popular throughout Europe as well as Vauxhall/Opel but they are designed and built here for our market under the branding.

Additionally, I think German cars just age better. If you look at some American cars even today terms of design, they just look dated. A Ten year old BMW still looks more contemporary compared to a Dodge for example.

 

[0388631]

I'd recommend the current E63 over the C63. Uses an updated engine and turbo setup which I outlined months ago. Anyway, yeah, an old E39 in good condition looks gloriously stately any day of the week. It needn't even be an M variant. It simply looks stunning.

One of the mods on here owns a nice 190. A 190 in good shape looks beautiful today. Can't say the same for a domestic or even a Japanese like a Camry.

 

[Apple fanboy]

These days there really is no such thing as a British car or an American one.
Design and parts are imported from all over the world.
It's a global marketplace these days.

 

[D.T.]

I'm not anti-domestic when it comes to American cars. I just wish the cost could be justified by materials usage. There was a great article the other day about how a $25,000 vehicle can be sold for three times as much because of a better engine and some small interior trim enhancements. The only car I'd even buy that was like that is probably the Mustang GT, which I got to drive recently and enjoyed. I blame @D.T. for piquing my curiosity.

I tend to buy models, not manufacturers, because I generally have a specific set of desires/requirements, I like best-in-class of some use-case, I have interest in the history or some kind of more subjective merit (the sound for example). That's why the cars I've owned probably seem diverse, the above changes. I've also kind of gotten to where I like to change in general, I've knocked around the idea of a GT350, but another Mustang? Maybe not, something different, maybe back to a 2-seater, a hardtop this time, etc.

 

[Dodgeman]

I would add Audi to the top of that list. Quality vehicle and craftsmanship. Never owned one, but if I were to ever consolidate down to one vehicle, it would be an Audi or Mercedes, preferably the AMG C63s or the RS 7.

Those are expensive and it never used to be that way. Audis use to catch fire back in the day.
I have driven cars my whole life, and wouldn't mind having an SUV or maybe even a Truck. However I do not really have a utility need for a truck (I need the bed maybe twice a year) so that might be pointless. A SUV would be a better fit, but... my only issue I like something with a bit of performance behind it, and not many SUVs offer this and the ones that do are $$$.

 

[Huntn]

Key fobs, royal dealer ripoffs?

I’m inquiring if the dealer’s used car manager possibly has the second key for my 2016 Miata (recently purchased). Btw, this car is a joy.

I called the Miata dealer and asked them what it costs to get a second key fob- $200 +$150 to program. Why? Any less expensive alternatives?
[doublepost=1527947170][/doublepost]How is steering wheel size measured, diameter I assume?

 

[Apple fanboy]

Key fobs, royal dealer ripoffs?

I’m inquiring if the dealer’s used car manager possibly has the second key for my 2016 Miata (recently purchased). Btw, this car is a joy.

I called the Miata dealer and asked them what it costs to get a second key fob- $200 +$150 to program. Why? Any less expensive alternatives?
[doublepost=1527947170][/doublepost]How is steering wheel size measured, diameter I assume?

You can buy from elsewhere and get them programmed. I had one done for my wife Ford a few years back. Programming it consisted of putting it in the ignition, turning it on another quarter of a turn and holding down the open button on the key. It was then programmed.
Worked a treat for about 50% of the dealer cost.

 

[0388631]

Wish I'd learned that years ago. Always found it funny how the original prices from long ago were about $30 and then slowly ballooned to the price today, yet it's done within minutes. Actually cutting a key to the car's ignition does take time and skill, the programming does not.

It's like changing my cabin air filter. I can pay the dealer $200 or whatever for parts and labor or I can buy an OEM or third-party filter that's better and do the job myself and have two methods of entry. It takes 20 minutes at most and you save something like $130.

 

[44267547]

Those are expensive and it never used to be that way. Audis use to catch fire back in the day.
I have driven cars my whole life, and wouldn't mind having an SUV or maybe even a Truck. However I do not really have a utility need for a truck (I need the bed maybe twice a year) so that might be pointless. A SUV would be a better fit, but... my only issue I like something with a bit of performance behind it, and not many SUVs offer this and the ones that do are $$$.

SUV’s don’t appeal to me likely because (A) They don’t have the particular style I am looking for or (B) They lack power (Or simply both), but I also don’t require the extra towing or Cargo room to justify the purchase of an SUV either. The Ford Explorer eco-boost I have quite a bit of experience with and can be a lot of fun to drive with decent fuel mileage, stowing and tech.

However, I really like the Grand Cherokee Jeep Trailhawk. (6.2 Supercharged V8). I think it incorporates the style, luxury and power. And those are the three key elements I would look for in a larger vehicle that seem to be missing in one or more in other competitors. But as you mentioned, you’re paying for it. (Around $90,000).

But I do think there are other alternatives that one could consider, as I mentioned the eco-boost Sport Explorer, Chevy Tahoe, or even the lower trim 2017 Trailhawk with a 5.7 V8, Which starts around $43,000 is still a decent consideration. But I think when it comes to SUVS, I May not be the norm, because I think the first thing buyers look for is cargo room/perhaps towing capacity, but still incorporating enough safety measures is something to prioritize.

 

[D.T.]

Yes, yes it does

 

[Tsuchiya]

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.

I’m ridiculously excited. Delivery estimate late August or early September isn’t too far out but feels years away.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Key fobs, royal dealer ripoffs?

I’m inquiring if the dealer’s used car manager possibly has the second key for my 2016 Miata (recently purchased). Btw, this car is a joy.

I called the Miata dealer and asked them what it costs to get a second key fob- $200 +$150 to program. Why? Any less expensive alternatives?
[doublepost=1527947170][/doublepost]How is steering wheel size measured, diameter I assume?

The same reason they charge ridiculous prices for oem headlights, taillights, bumpers, and mirrors. Stuff that’s easily breaks or gets lost (keys) and are required carry a premium.

$350 is a lot, especially for a Mazda, but I’ve seen much worse. If you ever buy a used car from a dealer, insist they include a second key as it really does not cost them $350.

I suppose you could try to find a key on eBay. Just be aware some car companies require a code to be included with the key in order to program. Some keys without the code or if they have already been programmed cannot be reprogrammed. So if you go that route do your homework. I suppose if you want a cheap backup option, see if your car has a valet key option.

I suppose another option would be to check other dealers or find an independent shop with the ability to program the keys.

I know my Dad’s Range Rover Sport sometimes uses an indie shop to reset the computer if it’s something he can otherwise easily fix himself. Pretty much anything you do on that car requires resetting the computer which can only be done with special software. The dealer charges $180 of something crazy. The indie shop charges $80... still ridiculous but not nearly as bad.

 

[cube]

Good choice.

I'm not anti-domestic when it comes to American cars. I just wish the cost could be justified by materials usage. There was a great article the other day about how a $25,000 vehicle can be sold for three times as much because of a better engine and some small interior trim enhancements. The only car I'd even buy that was like that is probably the Mustang GT, which I got to drive recently and enjoyed. I blame @D.T. for piquing my curiosity.

Chrysler et al. are Italian owned. Chances are the Germans will buy up Tesla in the future. The only real American car companies are probably Chevy and Ford, and Ford fared better during the economic turn-down. Some of the other GM companies are floating along. Buick builds out a car or two in China and sells it here. The Chinese love big cars. Whether it be German or American. China's enjoying a gain in economy at the moment. It'll crash down hard for them eventually.


A lot of people, even myself included, get trapped into a faux memory of how good things used to be in the past. You're more inclined to remember the good parts of life rather than the worst. It's easy to believe in the America first or Britain first BS.

Fiat Chrysler is not technically Italian anymore.

GM still sells Buicks which are really Opels.

 

[44267547]

I’m ridiculously excited. Delivery estimate late August or early September isn’t too far out but feels years away.

I’m not a patient individual and tend to want things quickly as possible, where I wanted a specific color (Magnetic metallic) for a new car I purchased last summer and it was a minimum of 30 days where I could have it from the factory, so I opted for an alternative color (White platinum) I wanted instead, which I had within four business days.

Sometimes dealers tend to under promise and over deliver, so perhaps you could have your vehicle before the expected timeline, which would merely be a bonus if it does. Otherwise, once you do have your vehicle delivered, it truly is an exhilarating experience.

Just a few things worth noting that I do when I ordered my new vehicles in the past:

1.) I don’t allow them to remove any the plastic coverings off the vehicle. I do this myself. (Its Like unwrapping a present, Only to yourself.)

2.) I request they do _not_drill any license plate holes in the front bumper.

3.) I do not allow them to put on that ridiculous dealer decal on the back of the trunk. (I’m not paying for a new car to advertise the dealership).

Also if you can, they have a mandatory delivery inspection upon arrival on the lot, I always do the inspection with the dealership, that way if there is any issues, they can be addressed immediately before the car drives off the lot.

That all said, will look forward to seeing pictures this summer of the A4.

 

[millerj123]

You can buy from elsewhere and get them programmed. I had one done for my wife Ford a few years back. Programming it consisted of putting it in the ignition, turning it on another quarter of a turn and holding down the open button on the key. It was then programmed.
Worked a treat for about 50% of the dealer cost.

This really depends on the brand/vehicle. I had a Buick mini van that the fobs broke each time the battery was replaced. Dealership wanted ~$200 to reprogram them. Wore out both fobs on my Saturn, and programmed two new ones for $40 and 20 minutes of my time.

 

[Huntn]

The same reason they charge ridiculous prices for oem headlights, taillights, bumpers, and mirrors. Stuff that’s easily breaks or gets lost (keys) and are required carry a premium.

$350 is a lot, especially for a Mazda, but I’ve seen much worse. If you ever buy a used car from a dealer, insist they include a second key as it really does not cost them $350.

I suppose you could try to find a key on eBay. Just be aware some car companies require a code to be included with the key in order to program. Some keys without the code or if they have already been programmed cannot be reprogrammed. So if you go that route do your homework. I suppose if you want a cheap backup option, see if your car has a valet key option.

I suppose another option would be to check other dealers or find an independent shop with the ability to program the keys.

I know my Dad’s Range Rover Sport sometimes uses an indie shop to reset the computer if it’s something he can otherwise easily fix himself. Pretty much anything you do on that car requires resetting the computer which can only be done with special software. The dealer charges $180 of something crazy. The indie shop charges $80... still ridiculous but not nearly as bad.

I ordered a $35 Mazda Miata key fob, with good reviews and the purchase is protected by Amazon, so if the dealer can’t program it, I assume it is returnable. Miata Key fob, does not work with a Miata, why would I buy this exactly?

On top of this I still have to pay the dealer $150 to program (one hell of a rip off), and $35 to cut the key, unless there is someone else who can do it? I don’t know if one of the house key cutters found at places like the hardware store could do it.
[doublepost=1528055504][/doublepost]

I know it was discussed weeks back regarding the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky. Found one today, Not my preference for a car, but still looks like a spirited choice for the weekend.(Perfect for the top down today, 84°).

View attachment 762374

I wonder if they are still made (not as a Saturn)?

 

[Apple fanboy]

I ordered a $35 Mazda Miata key fob, with good reviews and the purchase is protected by Amazon, so if the dealer can’t program it, I assume it is returnable. Miata Key fob, does not work with a Miata, why would I buy this exactly?

On top of this I still have to pay the dealer $150 to program (one hell of a rip off), and $35 to cut the key, unless there is someone else who can do it? I don’t know if one of the house key cutters found at places like the hardware store could do it.
[doublepost=1528055504][/doublepost]
I wonder if they are still made (not as a Saturn)?

They should be able to. Just use a good one. I needed 8 keys cut for work recently and 5 failed on my first visit. 3 on my second. On my third visit I got a full refund.