The Car Thread ... !

[Lord Blackadder]

Compact pickups are going to be a growth segment again - we have reached the point where even the cheapest base model full-size pickup is just about hitting $30k - with most examples found on the lot going for far more than that.

Realistically, if you want a new truck and cant afford to spend $35k, a compact pickup is probably your only option. Though even these trucks can also get expensive of you get silly with the options list. My brother in-law has a Colorado ZR2 and it's a pretty entertaining toy - but not cheap.

 

[44267547]

The Colorado looks nice and the latest refresh from the front looks more refined from the previous Gen. Although, I don’t car for leasing, I prefer owning outright with all my Cars, but that’s a different topic.

As far as trucks are concerned, I don’t know what it is, I never found myself desiring to want to purchase one, even though I live in a state where it would be extremely beneficial to have with four-wheel-drive in winter climate conditions, they just don’t appeal me to me in general. But the truck industry is a huge entity in my state, obviously for winter conditions, but there a slew of Municipal/construction/D.O.T contracts that we have here through Chevy and Ford, and that’s mainly what I see on the roadway.

Although the one truck that I actually think is the ‘Dark horse’ in the truck industry, is the Nissan Titan. My neighbor did have one and he said there wasn’t anything he didn’t like about it, more than enough V8 power/torque, comfort, towing capacity, and it had a throaty sounding stock exhaust. [I believe Nissan was even offering a ‘work incentive’ promotion with the vehicle was Purchased for ‘work purposes.’]

 

[0388631]

That's a nice color. Looks like a dark aquamarine. I'm not really surprised the truck has a better ride than a regular SUV or car. Given the choice, I'd have gone for the Chevy, too. I wasn't aware Honda still made the Ridgeline, and the Taco has an older inefficient engine, though solid along with its transmission.

I might be interested in a truck if mini-trucks come back in style. Fat chance at the Syclone making a comeback.

 

[0388631]

2019 M340i gets a nice power boost to 382 HP with 369 lb ft. of Torque paired with the latest ZF8 iteration. MPPSK should push power levels to 400/385, I think. No idea the true power of these cars since they're all underrated. Still, that's a damn fast 3er that's bigger but lighter.

So competitors would be the S4 and the C43, which has an outdated interior at this point. Curious to see how all three compare once the straggler updates itself.

 

[Matz]

I took delivery of a new truck yesterday. I had leased a Jeep Wrangler, but that lease was coming to an end. I some had time left on it, but with Chevy's promotion employee discount for everyone, I didn't want to let that pass. Horrible time of year, in terms of timing, i.e., right before Christmas.

I opted for another lease, which I'm not really a fan of, but it keeps the payments low. I can't predict what the future will hold, but I opted for a trim package that makes sense if I choose to buy the truck at the end of this lease. The jeep was too expensive to buy, and while it was a fun vehicle to drive (it's the best 4x4 in the snow), I really wanted something that had more carrying capacity. That's the other reason why I opted to not get a jeep again; newer jeeps were just too expensive to justify. It was fun while it lasted but it didn't make sense for me where I am in my life right now. I think Jeeps have gotten wildly popular, and so the demand is pushing the prices higher.

Chevy was on my short list, which also included Honda Ridgeline (owned that before), and Toyota Tacoma. After doing a fair amount of research, I opted for the chevy, primarily because of the price. I get more bang for my buck. For instance the Ridgeline was around 40k and they had no rebates occurring (not just now but since August), where as the Chevy's price was in the mid/high 20s thanks to the rebates.

The ride is much smoother Then the jeep, kind of surprising. The Chevy feels solid, and well made, I opted for the WT trim package. The WT has the everything the LT has except the Chevy entertainment, OnStar, Sirius/XM, more speakers, etc. Thanks to CarPlay, which is a game changer, I have Apple Music, and Apple Maps, so I have everything I without additional monthly subscriptions. I'll be looking to get a bed liner very soon



View attachment 810086

Addendum:
In comparing the different trucks (Honda/Toyota/Chevy) they were pretty close feature wise. The Honda was my favorite with the trunk in the bed of the truck and a composite bed. It seemed to have the most leg room in the front and back, but at 40k as I mentioned it didn't make sense. My goal was to keep the monthly lease payment the same. It inched up a bit, but not much, with the Toyota and Honda, the price was significantly higher.

Nice ride!

 

[maflynn]

I wasn't aware Honda still made the Ridgeline,

They redesigned it a year or two ago, and made it look more traditional like. The ride, fit and finish is from akin to the Honda Pilot as it shares the same chassis. What I liked about the Ridgeline is the composite bed, and the trunk in the rear. Kind of an odd, but incredibly useful feature.

Being a lease, I am looking for a bed liner, and I've settled on a bedrug, its inexpensive but durable. I may get a tonneau cover as well, but I'm undecided on that, I think the bed liner will be sufficient

I looked at the trim packages from Chevy more critically yesterday and I was worried that I should have went up to the next package, but in comparing them, I'm very happy I wasn't tempted by that thought. I'm very happy with the current trim package. I have no need for OnStar, Sirius, or ever the Wifi (my kids wanted that). All three of those services cost money each month and thanks to CarPlay I have GPS, and Apple Music (or even Pandora if I so choose).
[doublepost=1544614191][/doublepost]

That's a nice color.

Yeah, I kind of surprised myself with picking that color, I was going for black, but I gravitated to that instead. I'm happy with it. I'm also finding that I'm less picky about color then I was in when I was younger. The only color that's a show stopper for me, is white. I really don't like white, but other then that, I'm more accommodating then I used to be ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[2298754]

So competitors would be the S4 and the C43, which has an outdated interior at this point. Curious to see how all three compare once the straggler updates itself.

They already updated it for MY19

 

[0388631]

I can see why they they chose to keep using the tablet instead of an integrated model. Does this carry to the AMG models sans semi-AMG?

 

[2298754]

Does this carry to the AMG models sans semi-AMG?

Was this supposed to be a serious question?

Why would Mercedes update the "normal" trims and ignore the more-expensive W205 AMG trims?

 

[0388631]

Was this supposed to be a serious question?

Why would Mercedes update the "normal" trims and ignore the more-expensive W205 AMG trims?

Yes, but you misread the context of my question.

chose to keep using the tablet instead of an integrated model. Does this carry to the AMG models sans semi-AMG?

In other words, will this carry over to the AMG models or will the AMG models get the mainstream dash the E and above carry on all lines that have been updated?

 

[2298754]

I wasn't aware Honda still made the Ridgeline

http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2011/01/honda-ridgeline-sales-figures/

They sold over thirty thousand of them in 2017. More than S-Class. More than GLS. More than GLA. More than CLA.

and the Taco has an older inefficient engine, though solid along with its transmission.

No, the third-gen Taco got a new Atkinson Cycle 3.5L V6 with a 6AT in 2015/6. The old 4L is still in the T4R.

 

[0388631]

Don't see them often. See more RAM and Chevy. I see. Off to find an excuse of why we need a truck just to have a truck.

 

[2298754]

Yes, but you misread the context of my question.

Nope, I definitely understood the context.

In other words, will this carry over to the AMG models or will the AMG models get the mainstream dash the E and above carry on all lines that have been updated?

Why would the C AMG get the E Class interior? That literally makes no sense.

AMGs have always had the same dash design from their lower-end trims.

 

[0388631]

Nope, I definitely understood the context.



Why would the C AMG get the E Class interior? That literally makes no sense.

AMG trims have always had the same dash as the lower-end models.

Again, not the interior. Just the immediate dash. Two unified tablets versus a modern take on the dials and a "glued on" tablet like previously. Makes more sense to offer something extra over the regular C models.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Again, not the interior. Just the immediate dash. Two unified tablets versus a modern take on the dials and a "glued on" tablet like previously. Makes more sense to offer something extra over the regular C models.

It’s not like they can just throw an E-class interior in the smaller C-class. Even if they just took the electronic components I imagine none of the wiring and such would be compatible. Mercedes desperately needs to update their extremely dated infotainment in their lower end sedans and all of their SUVs (sans the new G). It’s amazing they’re getting away with the crap they put in the GLE and GLS especially. No one else is selling $60,000+ luxury SUVs with 7” LCDs or whatever tiny size they’re still using from a decade ago.

 

[0388631]

You have a good point. And, yes, I agree about the outdated system.

 

[44267547]

Supra Front end leak. I actually like it. I do see some signs of how it represents the previous Gen models, and it debuts shortly on January 14 in Detroit.

Also, it’s confirmed, the _first_ Supra will be auctioned at Barret-Jackson’s annual event the following week, which allegedly the GT500 might be making an appearance.

 

[Matz]

Thinking of some new tires for my ‘14 Charger R/T AWD. I could arguably get a few more miles out of the ones on the car, but am noticing a tendency to hydroplane more readily lately.

The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S seems like a decent tire. Anyone used these?

 

[Apple fanboy]

Thinking of some new tires for my ‘14 Charger R/T AWD. I could arguably get a few more miles out of the ones on the car, but am noticing a tendency to hydroplane more readily lately.

The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S seems like a decent tire. Anyone used these?

I opted for the continental option. They came top of a number of poles. Handle well in the wet and dry. Suspect I’ll be testing them in the snow very soon!


4 x Continental Premium Contact 6 225/45 R17

 

[44267547]

Thinking of some new tires for my ‘14 Charger R/T AWD. I could arguably get a few more miles out of the ones on the car, but am noticing a tendency to hydroplane more readily lately.

The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S seems like a decent tire. Anyone used these?

My SHO is equipped with Michelin’s. Outstanding tire.

Not really related to helping you from personal experience, but Tire Rack has posted reviews/prices.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Pilot+Sport+A/S+Plus+ZP

I found Tire Rack to be one of the better sources for tires for pricing and stock, if you prefer ordering online.

 

[0388631]

I like the slight throwback to the Mk4 Supra's headlights. From the rumors I've read, this is going to be a pricey Toyota, but it'll be light and relatively powerful using a modified B58 engine from BMW, I think.

 

[SactoGuy18]

I'm surprised that Toyota didn't try to use a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter I-4 A25A-FKS rated at around 330 bhp on the new Supra, unless Toyota felt they could get by with the BMW's turbocharged I-6 engine.

 

[MileHighPilot]

I found Tire Rack to be one of the better sources for tires for pricing and stock, if you prefer ordering online.

ive always found tire rack to be the least expensive option even with shipping

 

[0388631]

I'm surprised that Toyota didn't try to use a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter I-4 A25A-FKS rated at around 330 bhp on the new Supra, unless Toyota felt they could get by with the BMW's turbocharged I-6 engine.

The B58 is a solid engine and with a little tuning it gets happier. In an age of declining engine sizes, I think it was a wise choice to go with the B58 over a 4 cylinder.

 

[Matz]

My SHO is equipped with Michelin’s. Outstanding tire.

Not really related to helping you from personal experience, but Tire Rack has posted reviews/prices.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Pilot+Sport+A/S+Plus+ZP

I found Tire Rack to be one of the better sources for tires for pricing and stock, if you prefer ordering online.

They do have pretty decent tire reviews. For price, there's also Costco, but it's an hour away for me. We have a local tire shop that I will check with. If their price is anywhere close, I'll probably buy from them, as I like to support the locals, within reason.