The Car Thread ... !

[A.Goldberg]

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?

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.

My girlfriend’s (we’re not engaged yet, might as well be married for all intents and purposes) dad had his drive unit replaced once. I think he’s had a couple door handles and a power folding mirror. I don’t really keep on top of his troubles with that car. Needless to say he’s had more work in the past couple years than he had in the 8 years an 300k+ miles of his Lexus LS460.

Between the poor practicality of owning an EV between their 2 homes in Nantucket (an Island) and Manhattan and the dismal reliability compared to the Lexus/Toyota products they’ve owned I can’t imagine he’ll be buying another.

Just several months ago my sister’s partner in her medical practice traded in his 2 YO model S for a Mercedes. Apparently it had endless electrical/software problems and the service was too difficult and disorganized to deal with.

 

[44267547]

Tesla interiors are awful. I'm sorry.

You shouldn’t have to apologize for your opinion, it’s the Internet. But you’re not wrong, back in July, I posted that my neighbor purchased the Model S 85D , and I drove in it alongside him, and I mentioned that the interior was nothing really that impressive. It really seems ‘Unrefined’, everything is really more ‘bland’ like. The seats were barely comfortable (And I generally never complain about vehicle comfort) And I thought the most bothersome thing, was this elongated plastic storage bin in the middle between the driver and passenger seat, like it was placed there to fill this empty void that the engineers had no other idea what to do, and then whatever belongings you put in this plastic bin, just slide around annoyingly. Nothing about the interior really had a comfortable feeling, and most of the controls felt out of reach per se.

I’m not knocking that electric side of things, because I do find it intruiging, I still have my interest piqued in the future for something electric on the side, but for a $90,000 car, the interior to me, was just plain unimpressive and lacked attention to detail. I’m not sure if that is what Tesla was aiming for with the interior for a very ‘simplified look’, but lacked any sophistication whatsoever for a vehicle ‘Of the future’, aside from the touch display of course.

 

[A.Goldberg]

You shouldn’t have to apologize for your opinion, it’s the Internet. But you’re not wrong, back in July, I posted that my neighbor purchased the Model S 85D , and I drove in it alongside him, and I mentioned that the interior was nothing really that impressive. It really seems ‘Unrefined’, everything is really more ‘bland’ like. The seats were barely comfortable (And I generally never complain about vehicle comfort) And I thought the most bothersome thing, was this elongated plastic storage bin in the middle between the driver and passenger seat, like it was placed there to fill this empty void that the engineers had no other idea what to do, and then whatever belongings you put in this plastic bin, just slide around annoyingly. Nothing about the interior really had a comfortable feeling, and most of the controls felt out of reach per se.

I’m not knocking that electric side of things, because I do find it intruiging, I still have my interest piqued in the future for something electric on the side, but for a $90,000 car, the interior to me, was just plain unimpressive and lacked attention to detail. I’m not sure if that is what Tesla was aiming for with the interior for a very ‘simplified look’, but lacked any sophistication whatsoever for a vehicle ‘Of the future’, aside from the touch display of course.

Thank you for your understanding. I would agree things are a bit bland and plasticy. I’m not a fan of the seats either. The center console design is probably my biggest gripe design wise. I don’t need understand why the cup holders are so high. The model 3 design is a bit better but the lack of physical buttons and an instrument cluster (or at the very least a HUD) is problematic for me. I don’t like cars with too many controls burried into touch screens and menus. And this is someone who uses an older version of iDrive daily for years so the “getting used to it” thing has never really happened. I guess I’m used to it but I’d rather just have buttons and switches for most functions.

I think they’re aiming to keep the interior cost down and then trying to go with the minimalist approach as a result. Unfortunately I don’t think they did a very good job. Right now from an aesthetic viewpoint I think Volvo is leading the way.

I don’t dislike EV’s, I think they will have a place in future vehicles. That said, I just don’t think Tesla’s are that great of cars and it would be surprising that a car company that’s been building cars from the ground up for less than 10 years. I also don’t agree with some of Tesla’s deceptive business practices and such- above and beyond to be expected with companies.

 

[0388631]

@Relentless Power What did you think of the driving dynamics?
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I think they’re aiming to keep the interior cost down and then trying to go with the minimalist approach as a result. Unfortunately I don’t think they did a very good job. Right now from an aesthetic viewpoint I think Volvo is leading the way.

That would explain the panel gaps, too. Not to be humorous here, but it does explain a lot of things wrong with their vehicles, company and of course the CEO.

 

[AustinIllini]

You shouldn’t have to apologize for your opinion, it’s the Internet. But you’re not wrong, back in July, I posted that my neighbor purchased the Model S 85D , and I drove in it alongside him, and I mentioned that the interior was nothing really that impressive. It really seems ‘Unrefined’, everything is really more ‘bland’ like. The seats were barely comfortable (And I generally never complain about vehicle comfort) And I thought the most bothersome thing, was this elongated plastic storage bin in the middle between the driver and passenger seat, like it was placed there to fill this empty void that the engineers had no other idea what to do, and then whatever belongings you put in this plastic bin, just slide around annoyingly. Nothing about the interior really had a comfortable feeling, and most of the controls felt out of reach per se.

I’m not knocking that electric side of things, because I do find it intruiging, I still have my interest piqued in the future for something electric on the side, but for a $90,000 car, the interior to me, was just plain unimpressive and lacked attention to detail. I’m not sure if that is what Tesla was aiming for with the interior for a very ‘simplified look’, but lacked any sophistication whatsoever for a vehicle ‘Of the future’, aside from the touch display of course.

I really want the Audi e-tron GT to come out because it's in the same price range as the Model S but with a real interior and actual luxury. The range isn't quite as good as the Model S but the GT looks like a much better automobile.

 

[A.Goldberg]

I really want the Audi e-tron GT to come out because it's in the same price range as the Model S but with a real interior and actual luxury. The range isn't quite as good as the Model S but the GT looks like a much better automobile.

I can’t stand hearing Tesla fanboy arguments. Model S has more range so it’s better than the e-Tron. Then when arguing for EV’s in general they say range anxiety is overblown. Hahah.

The eTron GT looks gorgeous. Tesla will have to step up it’s quality or the Model S if they expect to compete with Audi, Porsche, etc. Especially if the prices remain competitive. It will be interesting to see what other brands will do to compete with the Model 3... if that’s even going to be a priority. Given small luxury SUVs are far outselling entry level luxury sedans I suspect most manufactures will go with a small EV SUV if they’re looking to compete with the Model 3 price tag.

 

[0388631]

I'm sure Elon will just call their CEOs molesters.

 

[AustinIllini]

This is awesome

https://www.popularmechanics.com/ca...gjOh9TtjcjwypCaaZMFmK2TyAWpuLsgEKDluMoq46rstA

 

[Apple fanboy]

This is awesome

https://www.popularmechanics.com/ca...gjOh9TtjcjwypCaaZMFmK2TyAWpuLsgEKDluMoq46rstA

Agreed! Good on them.

 

[44267547]

Not really shocking, but it seems the future of the Challenger will be moving to the electric era based off this article:

https://www.engadget.com/2019/01/21/dodge-challenger-electric/

It doesn’t get any more specific than this, which obviously FCA is referring to the nature of the Hellcat.

FCA Spokes-Person Mike Manley stated:

“I think that electrification will certainly be part of the formula that says what is American muscle in the future. What it isn't going to be is a V8, supercharged, 700-horsepower engine," Manley says.”

 

[quagmire]

That is like the 10th change to the platform that the next gen Challenger( maybe even Charger?) is supposed to ride on?

 

[0388631]

Maybe it'll be a hybrid performance vehicle?

 

[AustinIllini]

I would assume it would be a performance hybrid with the potential to share platforms with Alfa.

 

[0388631]

The Giulia? Or is there something else in the works? I remember BMW hinting at a hybrid performance system in the far future for their M lineup.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Not really shocking, but it seems the future of the Challenger will be moving to the electric era based off this article:

https://www.engadget.com/2019/01/21/dodge-challenger-electric/

It doesn’t get any more specific than this, which obviously FCA is referring to the nature of the Hellcat.

FCA Spokes-Person Mike Manley stated:

“I think that electrification will certainly be part of the formula that says what is American muscle in the future. What it isn't going to be is a V8, supercharged, 700-horsepower engine," Manley says.”

It seems rather strange to have an electric Challenger. Knowing Dodge this will probably be the first EV they put out. My concern for Dodge is that the Challenger is a bit of a niche car. When I think of people who drive challengers they’re gear heads who like muscle cars. Having an EV Challenger seems contrary to everything the Challenger is supposed to be about. I’m sure an electric Challenger will be impressively fast, but I’m not sure an electric drivetrain is what Challenger buyers are looking for. I wonder if they’ll produce an artificial deep, throaty, V8 engine roar through soeakers...

 

[44267547]

It seems rather strange to have an electric Challenger. Knowing Dodge this will probably be the first EV they put out. My concern for Dodge is that the Challenger is a bit of a niche car. When I think of people who drive challengers they’re gear heads who like muscle cars. Having an EV Challenger seems contrary to everything the Challenger is supposed to be about. I’m sure an electric Challenger will be impressively fast, but I’m not sure an electric drivetrain is what Challenger buyers are looking for. I wonder if they’ll produce an artificial deep, throaty, V8 engine roar through soeakers...

FCA mentioning that the Challenger will likely be electric isn’t surprising, just like Ford is releasing a Mustang hybrid at some point allegedly. In the article I posted, FCA did say “That electrification "can't be the dominant part." So based off that statement, it’s possible the Challenegr _could_ be some type of performance hybrid and not fully electric or a combination. It’s just obviously a very different era we are moving into with everything transitioning to electric, and I think what these auto manufactures want to execute, is efficiency, but not lacking any power included. In the ‘Muscle-segment’, I’m fairly skeptical myself. Even though I do think electric has its benefits, but obviously it drawbacks in terms of what American muscle is all about, And long term, I’m not sure how electric ‘Muscle cars’ will settle with true V8 enthusiasts. Someone else mentioned in another article I read, if somebody wanted a Hellcat in the next two years, now would be about the time before that drivetrain is entirely removed.

 

[senseless]

I’m looking at a lightly used 2018 BMW 340i. All good except it has the sensatec vinyl interior. Is this going to be noticeably hotter and sweatier than leather? Interior is light tan and exterior is white.

 

[stylinexpat]

If one is not on the oversized 300lbs.+ list I think the BMW 328D is a pretty good car to own. This depends on where you drive and how much daily driving you do. I can get over 500 miles on one tank out of gas which I think is pretty good. If you have some tail wind coming or going into Vegas you can get over 70 MPG. Otherwise at around 80 MPH you can still get over 40 MPG which I think is pretty good.

I wanted to buy a Challenger Scatpack with the widebody but the fuel economy on it leaves me with 2nd thoughts. I had a Macan GTS before this BMW and a Cayman S prior to that. The 328 D has a good top speed but just is not quite as fast at getting there as other sports cars but it can do over 140 MPH with no problems.

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I’m looking at a lightly used 2018 BMW 340i. All good except it has the sensatec vinyl interior. Is this going to be noticeably hotter and sweatier than leather? Interior is light tan and exterior is white.

I was looking at those too. Check the doors to see how they close. Those were made in South Africa I believe. If it was built well the doors will close properly and shut completely without needing to give it that extra push for them to close.

Wish we could upload videos here instead of just images.

 

[0388631]

Yep, those diesel 3ers really go a long time between fill ups. While they're not fast, they're supposedly still fun to drive. I'm starting to see way too many Macans on the road. I feel they got played out fast. I know I've said the opposite in the past but I've seen roughly 50 of them in the last two months. Maybe a handful of base, but most have been upper trim models. Did Porsche run a national sale?

 

[stylinexpat]

Yep, those diesel 3ers really go a long time between fill ups. While they're not fast, they're supposedly still fun to drive. I'm starting to see way too many Macans on the road. I feel they got played out fast. I know I've said the opposite in the past but I've seen roughly 50 of them in the last two months. Maybe a handful of base, but most have been upper trim models. Did Porsche run a national sale?

I really loved my Macan GTS. 95% of the time there are just two people in my car. Fuel economy in that GTS is around 18 MPG even on highways/freeways unless you drive during late night hours as daybrime hours in California are like city driving on freeway because there is so much traffic. Fuel economy and oil change prices aside the Macan GTS is an amazing car.

I do mainly city and feeeway driving so the BMW 328 D is plenty good for me. One could cruise all day long in that car over 100 MPH and get over 30 MPG which in my option is amazing but there really is no safe place to do that in the kind of traffic we have these days in the LA and Orange County areas. You basically do the same speed as other sports cars with double to triple the fuel economy. You just get their a little slower.

I drove from Orange County to Vegas and back to Orange County then up to Los Angeles before I had to get fuel again That was the record for my drive getting almost 600 miles out of the tank. This was one time where pretty much over 90% was freeway/highway driving. Between 80-100 MPH the Bimmer with the M Sports Package drives like it was built to drive on the Autobahn. Most of these were also built in Germany too (Not South Africa or some other country).

I was hoping they would release the new X3 with that new Diesel Engine for the US but unfortunately not

I had never in my life bought a Diesel German car but after sitting in a German Taci in Germany and seeing how they drove I thought I had to buy one to try out and own one day. Still want a Challenger Scatpack Widebody and Carrera S one day.

 

[Mr Kram]

Well I bit the bullet and caved into peer pressure and agreed in principal to purchase a 2018 Raptor. Need to sort out some things on both ends and hopefully can have the car delivered within a couple of weeks. Buying the car from a friend who is a fellow enthusiast. It has less than 10k miles and has over $20k in mods performed by ADD in Mesa, AZ. Still keeping the ZR2 (for my daughter) and will be liquidating the S6. Will be going to Car Max tomorrow and will post it for sale for whatever amount they quote if anyone might be interested. PM me for details.

 

[2298754]

If one is not on the oversized 300lbs.+ list I think the BMW 328D is a pretty good car to own.

Absolutely not. I do not recommend a diesel BMW unless it comes with a LONG extended warranty that covers EVERY part of the DPF/SCR/EGR system.
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I’m looking at a lightly used 2018 BMW 340i. All good except it has the sensatec vinyl interior. Is this going to be noticeably hotter and sweatier than leather? Interior is light tan and exterior is white.

340s are dime a dozen. Can't be that hard to find one with leather.

NAV, HUD, sunroof, and leather are must-have options.
[doublepost=1549153916][/doublepost]

The range isn't quite as good as the Model S but the GT looks like a much better automobile.

FWIW, the Taycan and e tron GT are supposed to charge faster.

 

[AustinIllini]

It's supposed to be super expensive to charge at a station, but give me an electric Audi over anything Tesla does.

 

[0388631]

I quite enjoy reading the reactions of Tesla owners who lose their marbles when Tesla makes a price gouging move to extract more money and go back on promises. It's a treat in itself.

 

[Gutwrench]

Still keeping the ZR2 (for my daughter) and will be liquidating the S6.

What do you mean “liquidating”? Are you saying you’re selling it?