The Car Thread ... !

[0388631]

Thanks for the info, Goldy.

I'm not sure what to say about the Supra. I'm not their target demographic. Though the smaller engine is value if you plan on doing a swap. The interior is very BMW as people have pointed out. Probably a good thing since it somewhat justifies the price.
[doublepost=1547681717][/doublepost]And hopefully the industry can move away from discotheque interior lighting.

 

[A.Goldberg]

I’ve been driving a 2018 BMW 5 Series in recent weeks (bosses car) and cant say I like it as much as the 2012 version I owned. It doesn’t quite feel as nice to drive in my opinion and I won’t be rushing out to buy one any time soon lol.

Lovely interior however.

I have a 2009 E60 535i xDrive. It was a hand me down from my dad when I graduated college. A while back I looked at the F30 5-series and didn't find it nearly as engaging as my E60. The new 5-series supposedly have improved this but I haven't tested one yet. For a few years I've been looking into buying a new car. The problem is now that my 5-series is virtually worthless, it has been exceptionally reliable (unlike the first 100k and ~7 years of its life). I drive only about 12 miles roundtrip to work. So on the one hand I'm entirely ready to buy a new car, on the other it doesn't really make sense considering nothing is wrong with it. And for being a 2009 but released in 2003, the car still feels really modern (though the iDrive screen quality is horrid compared to new cars).

Personally I never liked the styling of my E60. The newer models look a lot better. The best 5-series hands down is the E39 though. I'd love to get one of those.

 

[0388631]

I have a 2009 E60 535i xDrive. It was a hand me down from my dad when I graduated college. A while back I looked at the F30 5-series and didn't find it nearly as engaging as my E60. The new 5-series supposedly have improved this but I haven't tested one yet. For a few years I've been looking into buying a new car. The problem is now that my 5-series is virtually worthless, it has been exceptionally reliable (unlike the first 100k and ~7 years of its life). I drive only about 12 miles roundtrip to work. So on the one hand I'm entirely ready to buy a new car, on the other it doesn't really make sense considering nothing is wrong with it. And for being a 2009 but released in 2003, the car still feels really modern (though the iDrive screen quality is horrid compared to new cars).

Personally I never liked the styling of my E60. The newer models look a lot better. The best 5-series hands down is the E39 though. I'd love to get one of those.

You have no idea how often I think about when you'll buy a new car. I'm sure AU is somewhere dragging chalk on the side of an abandoned flats building marking the days, in which case a red brick building's side in New England is covered in yellow chalk. That said, if your E60 is trouble free at the moment, despite the short trips and exposed to salted grounds during your winters... drive the car into the ground.

While you and I agreed the X3 M40i fit your needs, I think we can both agree such an expense now isn't needed. Especially when your current mode of transportation is problem free and works soundly. Best to wait until the future. Such as the X7 which can house more passengers, which is great for whenever you have kids and you'll need/want a bigger vehicle.

 

[A.Goldberg]

You have no idea how often I think about when you'll buy a new car. I'm sure AU is somewhere dragging chalk on the side of an abandoned flats building marking the days, in which case a red brick building's side in New England is covered in yellow chalk. That said, if your E60 is trouble free at the moment, despite the short trips and exposed to salted grounds during your winters... drive the car into the ground.

While you and I agreed the X3 M40i fit your needs, I think we can both agree such an expense now isn't needed. Especially when your current mode of transportation is problem free and works soundly. Best to wait until the future. Such as the X7 which can house more passengers, which is great for whenever you have kids and you'll need/want a bigger vehicle.

I’m not sure what you’re basing what expenses I can and cannot afford. It’s about practicality and smart financial decisions rather than cost.

I’m usually pretty good about getting the car washed as much as possible to help with the salt. BMW’s as far as I’ve seem don’t seem to have rust problems like other cars. Mercedes surprisingly seem to have rust problems which I find pretty surprising. Despite the E60 reliability issues, the car has aged really well. In a way I feel like E60 could go down in history as a very important car. It kinda set the stage years ago for what cars are like now.

I think the X3 or even X5 would be a solid choice for me. The thing is there’s already like 3 new X3’s in my immediate neighborhood. The BMW SUVs just don’t seem as cool as they used to be. Every other soccer mom in town has an X5. If I had to go out and buy a car tomorrow I’d probably get an XC60 or maybe even an XC90. The Porsche Cayenne is also very appealing. Or maybe I should just bite the bullet and buy a G550. It actually wouldn’t be a bad investment considering the G-class’ resale and the amount of driving I do.

I wish there was a Land/Range Rover model I actually liked. Unfortunately the new ones have become far too disconnected from Land Rover’s heritage.

 

[0388631]

It’s about practicality and smart financial decisions rather than cost.

This is exactly what I was referring to.

I’m usually pretty good about getting the car washed as much as possible to help with the salt. BMW’s as far as I’ve seem don’t seem to have rust problems like other cars. Mercedes surprisingly seem to have rust problems which I find pretty surprising. Despite the E60 reliability issues, the car has aged really well. In a way I feel like E60 could go down in history as a very important car. It kinda set the stage years ago for what cars are like now.

MB rust issues aren't new. They're not Mazda bad, but they do exist. Our old E had rust issues and we owned that for way less than four years. It wasn't a lot, but it made no sense since we get very little rain and our roads aren't salted (we get no snow). I don't know of any wash chemicals I own that could cause it. Our current cars don't have rust. Beats me why it'd rust. Older brother bought a W140 new and it developed rust at some point. I suspect the torrential rain our region of the US suffered in the late 90s, but I'm not certain. I think our dealer checks for rust each time the cars need to get lifted up. Some indie mechanics check free of charge. As much as I love the company, it has its issues. Paint hardness is always a peculiar issue with Benzes. Sometimes MBZ uses soft to medium paints, and sometimes hard paint that's pain in the ass to perfect, especially for the DIYer who has little experience working with harder paints.

Thing is with MBZ I haven't seen rust on body panels unless the vehicle was neglected for a long time. But rust is normal on clamps and general parts of the car that require considerable work to fix or replace. Sooner you catch it and have it fixed, the better the outlook. I've never found any consistency with the classes or even two of the same model and year.

I don't know what BMW uses as a process for their underbodies, but I rarely read about rust plaguing modern BMWs. BMWs I've seen rust the most are cars decades old. As in 70s and 80s. Rust happens on modern cars, too, but they're few and far in between. Sometimes rust can occur on oxidizable panels if there's a pin prick or slightly larger exposure "hole" (not sure what the correct term would be), that can cause the paintwork to bubble at that area, or simply rust and leave a rust tear over time.

I think the X3 or even X5 would be a solid choice for me. The thing is there’s already like 3 new X3’s in my immediate neighborhood. The BMW SUVs just don’t seem as cool as they used to be. Every other soccer mom in town has an X5. If I had to go out and buy a car tomorrow I’d probably get an XC60 or maybe even an XC90. The Porsche Cayenne is also very appealing. Or maybe I should just bite the bullet and buy a G550. It actually wouldn’t be a bad investment considering the G-class’ resale and the amount of driving I do.

Get them in a non boring color. They look rad and stand out among the drab colors people pick up. That blue BMW offers is very nice. Or green, if it's available. Maybe red. I've seen a few Volvos as of late. They look nice, but I'm curious about the long term outlook. The new Cayenne looks superb. I believe we test drove it last year. Panamera, too. We haven't locked down a choice either. I like both cars, except for the whole touch thing Porsche is doing. Listen, I love tech as much as the next person, but at some point I'm going to whip out my old man card and say enough is enough. Fingerprints, scratches and dust are vile. New G550 looks great from what I saw in the Doug video. I wouldn't own one myself, personally, but that's mostly because I'd feel silly driving one. But they're great cars and you can use them for their purpose.

I wish there was a Land/Range Rover model I actually liked. Unfortunately the new ones have become far too disconnected from Land Rover’s heritage.

What about the convertible SUV? I think that looks amazing. How can you deny it looks great? It's so versatile, too. You really ought to try it out!


Even I'll admit I'd rather buy the BMW X3 or X5 if I were in the market for either SUV class. Three star offerings are eh, and while I like the Audis, the BMWs offer enough different to catch my attention. That and the blue offered in a weakness for me. It looks great regardless of time of day.
[doublepost=1547697983][/doublepost]Or buy a boring color for resale and get a quality wrap in a similar to OEM paint.

 

[iTurbo]

I often wonder if I'm the only one that has collected/hoarded rare car parts. I've recently come to terms with the fact that I need to let some things go. It is difficult because I've paid dearly for some things, but on the other hand it's best to let some things go to others that can make better use of said parts. It's weird to sell a used Chrysler/Maserati cylinder head for $1000.

 

[44267547]

I often wonder if I'm the only one that has collected/hoarded rare car parts. I've recently come to terms with the fact that I need to let some things go. It is difficult because I've paid dearly for some things, but on the other hand it's best to let some things go to others that can make better use of said parts. It's weird to sell a used Chrysler/Maserati cylinder head for $1000.

There definitely is a market for ‘used parts’ for cars that may be hard to come across or are in good condition for older projects. I have been to _many_ car shows/exhibits over the years, and usually there is a ‘Parts booth’ area, and I’m amazed to see what someone will pay for parts for older cars for a restoration project. Aside from that, you never what you will find when you least expect it.

 

[iTurbo]

There definitely is a market for ‘used parts’ for cars that may be hard to come across or are in good condition for older projects. I have been to _many_ car shows/exhibits over the years, and usually there is a ‘Parts booth’ area, and I’m amazed to see what someone will pay for parts for older cars for a restoration project. Aside from that, you never what you will find when you least expect it.

I delved into hoarding big time after my twin brother died. I'm afraid to even admit that because it's "deep". But at the time, I didn't know what else to do. At this point in my life, I'm just hoping to find some buyers that can use the parts far more than I can. Really HP stuff, but I'm more into nostalgia these days.

I couple years ago I bought a car ('86 Dodge Omni GLH Turbo) that I was hoping to transplant the Chrysler/Maserati engine into.....but it is far too nice and original to mess with. I don't know if anybody has ever seen an actual BILLET crankshaft in person, but wow, a true work of art. I've built several of these engines and I have to admit this stuff is beyond me. Some things are best left to others. It's tough to give up, but life won't wait.

 

[0388631]

Not weird at all. I've heard of some people buying up vintage enamel painted wheel covers for old, vintage German vehicles of various or specific brands and using them as wall decoration in their home garage. Nothing specific really.

 

[AustinIllini]

I haven't had a ton of time to look at car stuff recently, but I finally have found a pure electric car which inspires me.

This thing is everything I could want in an electric car. Spectacular.

 

[0388631]

That and the Taycan will sell like hotcakes here.

 

[44267547]

Watching some Barrett-Jackson footage in Scottsdale. I said it last year, I will be participating/attending one day as a Bidder. I think it’s such a rush to bid against others on the rarity for some of these cars that can’t be found anywhere else, and the condition they are in is impeccable. And it happens so quick how fast the bidding process goes, and you’re not just bidding against actual attendee’s, it also includes phone and internet bidders.

Oh, and the ‘Dream’ Car I want, is a 1970 Plymouth Cuda’ in a variant of ‘Plum crazy purple.’

 

[0388631]

You have good taste in classics. Colors, not so much.

 

[SactoGuy18]

I just wished the new BMW 3-Series wasn't so BIG. It's as big as some of the older 5-Series models! I really hope BMW see it fit to bring over a 2-Series sedan (essentially a four-door version of the 2-Series coupé) instead.

 

[0388631]

I plan on test driving it. Will relay my thoughts. Though I did say I found the new 5 rather big. It felt like I was steering the old 7 series from the 90s, but far more nimble.

 

[44267547]

2020 Supra sells for 2.1 Million at Barrett-Jackson. Model ‘one of one’, only in this color in Matte Gray. (All proceeds were donated to the ‘Heart Association and Bob Woodruff Foundation.’)

[The new owner is actually a ‘Regular’ at Barrett-Jackson who typically bids on multiple cars/owns a large amount of cars.]

I agree what another Member said, I seem some history behind the Supra design elements, but it definitely looks very...’Concept Like.’

 

[0388631]

Hah. People were thinking that matte gray was a paint option. I was surprised Toyota would consider offering it. This makes a lot more sense.

 

[2298754]

Hah. People were thinking that matte gray was a paint option. I was surprised Toyota would consider offering it. This makes a lot more sense.

It IS an option for $1200.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a25868740/toyota-supra-price-2020/

 

[0388631]

It IS an option for $1200.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a25868740/toyota-supra-price-2020/

Might be the drink, but then how does that make the auction car special? The red capped mirrors?

Hopefully the Lexus division is coming up with the paints for these cars.

 

[2298754]

Might be the drink, but then how does that make the auction car special? The red capped mirrors?

You didn't click on the link, did you?

The very first Supra to roll off the production line at Magna-Steyr in Austria will cross the block for charity at the Barrett-Jackson auction on January 19 in Arizona, and it'll be a one-off combination of the Phantom Matte Gray exterior with the Launch Edition's red mirrors, black wheels, and red interior. Its dashboard plaque will designate it as 1 of 1500. After that, Toyota dealers will take orders for the other 1499 Launch edition models, which are slated to arrive in the U.S. this summer. Other models will presumably follow by a few months.

 

[0388631]

Taycan expected production target doubled! Any theories on its success or failure, value against the Model S? Personally, I think the Taycan and the Audi will become better sellers than the Model S. Even living in the most ego-centric area of the world where everyone cares what everyone else does, the Model S market penetration isn't as high as most thought it would be.

The Model S's initial fastness aside, I think they're going to be running into even more troubles once the Porsche and Audi models go on sale and are bought up. Better design, better quality control, better interior materials, better engineered, etc.

I await the whinging by a certain member of this forum who used to go at it with everyone about his amazing Tesla Model S and how it beats everything on the road over in the PRSI forum. Presuming he isn't banned.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Taycan expected production target doubled! Any theories on its success or failure, value against the Model S? Personally, I think the Taycan and the Audi will become better sellers than the Model S. Even living in the most ego-centric area of the world where everyone cares what everyone else does, the Model S market penetration isn't as high as most thought it would be.

The Model S's initial fastness aside, I think they're going to be running into even more troubles once the Porsche and Audi models go on sale and are bought up. Better design, better quality control, better interior materials, better engineered, etc.

I await the whinging by a certain member of this forum who used to go at it with everyone about his amazing Tesla Model S and how it beats everything on the road over in the PRSI forum. Presuming he isn't banned.

Tesla has be the benefit of the SuperCharger network, but that will be changing rapidly since Porsche isn't tying themselves to a proprietary fast charging system as far as I know. But besides, some of the Tesla make the argument they never need to supercharge depending on the context of the argument

I think Tesla will be suffer significant competition as other automakers start producing EV's, especially ones built with better quality, reliability, the ability to actually get it serviced in a reasonable amount of time, get body work done locally, etc. The Tesla fanatics say that Tesla has far more experience, when in reality out other brand have been making hybrids for years which is a similar but far more complicated endeavor than building a simple EV. As for batteries, Tesla may benefit from having their own battery production, but building everything in-house doesn't always end up being the best decision in the long run. It's not like there aren't a number of other battery producers out there who will be more than willing to supply the automotive market with a new wave of battery applications.

Tesla's was previously leading in technology, their autopilot in particular, however many claim GM/Cadillac's system is just as good if not better. Google is starting to license out Waymo (to Jaguar, Land Rover, others?). Every car company knows autonomous driving is the next big thing and investing heavily in it or partnering with companies with experience. I imagine in several years all autonomous driving capabilities will be relatively comparable and Tesla will no longer have an edge.

Tesla does have the benefit of not necessarily being innovative, but daring to put things into production that other companies won't. So in that respect they may be able to maintain their status. But if they don't continue to pull tricks out of the sleeve I can't see them "dominating" the automotive industry. I love their hype though "Model 3 best selling luxury car" playing off the fact everyone is buying luxury SUVs (although we were told the Model 3 wasn't a luxury car?). Or the Model S outsells its class - allegedly being the S-Class, 7-series, A8, XJ, LS etc - despite the fact size-wise and cost-wise it's more in line with an E-Class/5-series/A6/XF/GS.

 

[0388631]

Tesla has be the benefit of the SuperCharger network, but that will be changing rapidly since Porsche isn't tying themselves to a proprietary fast charging system as far as I know. But besides, some of the Tesla make the argument they never need to supercharge depending on the context of the argument

I think Tesla will be suffer significant competition as other automakers start producing EV's, especially ones built with better quality, reliability, the ability to actually get it serviced in a reasonable amount of time, get body work done locally, etc. The Tesla fanatics say that Tesla has far more experience, when in reality out other brand have been making hybrids for years which is a similar but far more complicated endeavor than building a simple EV. As for batteries, Tesla may benefit from having their own battery production, but building everything in-house doesn't always end up being the best decision in the long run. It's not like there aren't a number of other battery producers out there who will be more than willing to supply the automotive market with a new wave of battery applications.

Tesla's was previously leading in technology, their autopilot in particular, however many claim GM/Cadillac's system is just as good if not better. Google is starting to license out Waymo (to Jaguar, Land Rover, others?). Every car company knows autonomous driving is the next big thing and investing heavily in it or partnering with companies with experience. I imagine in several years all autonomous driving capabilities will be relatively comparable and Tesla will no longer have an edge.

Tesla does have the benefit of not necessarily being innovative, but daring to put things into production that other companies won't. So in that respect they may be able to maintain their status. But if they don't continue to pull tricks out of the sleeve I can't see them "dominating" the automotive industry. I love their hype though "Model 3 best selling luxury car" playing off the fact everyone is buying luxury SUVs (although we were told the Model 3 wasn't a luxury car?). Or the Model S outsells its class - allegedly being the S-Class, 7-series, A8, XJ, LS etc - despite the fact size-wise and cost-wise it's more in line with an E-Class/5-series/A6/XF/GS.

Excellent write-up, Goldy. I was a bit amused with the end of your post. It reflect a particular company cough that's pulling out stops that make little sense and or taking features away and possibly reintroducing themselves in the future.

Yes, the Model S did outsell the Germans, but I'd love to see any data on the owners of said cars and whether they still own them or went back. I found the interior of the new 5 much nicer than the loaded P100D one of my employees bought. I, of course, didn't say anything because that's rude to bring up, but I did find it interesting. What I do know is I simply won't spend the type of money Tesla is asking for, for a forgettable design, questionable build quality and a spartan interior. Or alpha grade software with a massive tablet that over-complicates basic usability.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Yes, the Model S did outsell the Germans, but I'd love to see any data on the owners of said cars and whether they still own them or went back. I found the interior of the new 5 much nicer than the loaded P100D one of my employees bought. I, of course, didn't say anything because that's rude to bring up, but I did find it interesting. What I do know is I simply won't spend the type of money Tesla is asking for, for a forgettable design, questionable build quality and a spartan interior. Or alpha grade software with a massive tablet that over-complicates basic usability.

Tesla interiors are awful. I'm sorry. If anyone feels otherwise I will assume they have never been in an S-Class or 7-series. I personally know a number of Tesla owners who got rid of their Model S's due to reliability problems and exceptionally poor service. I suppose with Tesla though you're not buying luxury you're buying technology, but for the amount of money Teslas cost the interiors are rather disappointing. I wouldn't say they're terrible quality, but they're just not $80,000+ interiors (or even $45,000 in the Model 3).

That's another thing too, the Model S is starting to look a little dated and blends in with everything else. The Model 3 basically looks like a smaller Model S. And the Model X... I don't even know where to begin with that atrocity. Somehow I feel like it will be remembered the same way dustbuster vans like the Ford Aerostar are remembered today. I don't suspect these cars will age well from an aesthetic standpoint. I don't think they will have a timeless design. That said, the S and maybe 3 will probably be iconic cars given their place in automotive history, but I can't imagine their looks standing the test of time.

 

[0388631]

Tesla interiors are awful. I'm sorry. If anyone feels otherwise I will assume they have never been in an S-Class or 7-series. I personally know a number of Tesla owners who got rid of their Model S's due to reliability problems and exceptionally poor service. I suppose with Tesla though you're not buying luxury you're buying technology, but for the amount of money Teslas cost the interiors are rather disappointing. I wouldn't say they're terrible quality, but they're just not $80,000+ interiors (or even $45,000 in the Model 3).

They remind me of a mid 2000s E Class, and that's being generous. I can't recall what they owned before, but if what I think is what they had, it was a small upgrade in some ways. And, yes, I usually roll my eyes at anyone who says the Model S is more luxurious than your examples or even the 5 or E. I dare say the new 3 is nicer inside.

And forgive me if I'm confusing you with someone else, but didn't your fiancee's father have to get the drive units on his Model S replaced three or four times now?

That's another thing too, the Model S is starting to look a little dated and blends in with everything else. The Model 3 basically looks like a smaller Model S. And the Model X... I don't even know where to begin with that atrocity. Somehow I feel like it will be remembered the same way dustbuster vans like the Ford Aerostar are remembered today.

At the beginning, it looks revolutionary and slick. But it looked average in a few short years, and as you pointed out, it looks average now. Even pedestrian.