The Car Thread ... !

[44267547]

Not getting gas is amazing, TBH.

The new models with the heat pump are a little better in the winter, but yeah, EVs are problematic in the winter. That being said, for a daily, you're unlikely to get in a situation where you're going to run out of juice in one day.

BTW, @Relentless Power, I'm totally jonesing a Panerai right now.

Fuel is climbing really quick here, we’re almost at $3 a gallon for 91.(It was $2.05 two weeks ago.) I don’t have a problem paying for fuel for a car that I enjoy driving in, but my gripe is having to make stops in between work and other commuting, where that would save me time. That’s one of the things I really look forward to when my ‘EV day’ gets here.

Oh, I almost pulled the trigger on a Panerai at Christmas (Same model Ryan Reynolds is wearing in ‘Selfless’), but decided to go ‘tactical’ this year. Believe me, I have my sights set in getting one. If you ever purchase one, definitely flag me in the watch thread so I stare at it for like 15 minutes or so.😁

 

[Apple fanboy]

Fuel is climbing really quick here, we’re almost at $3 a gallon for 91.(It was $2.05 two weeks ago.) I don’t have a problem paying for fuel for a car that I enjoy driving in, but my gripe is having to make stops in between work and other commuting, where that would save me time. That’s one of the things I really look forward to when my ‘EV day’ gets here.

Oh, I almost pulled the trigger on a Panerai at Christmas (Same model Ryan Reynolds is wearing in ‘Selfless’), but decided to go ‘tactical’ this year. Believe me, I have my sights set in getting one. If you ever purchase one, definitely flag me in the watch thread so I stare at it for like 15 minutes or so.?

It’s around £5 a gallon here. That’s over $6.50. Enjoy your cheap fuel!

 

[Nütztjanix]

It’s around £5 a gallon here. That’s over $6.50. Enjoy your cheap fuel!

1,32 EUR per litre. That's about £5,42/gal UK or $6,08/gal US.
Questions?

 

[ericwn]

super charged iCar of the near future:

View attachment 1693116

just thinking combining modern apple marketing to the automoitve industry could be odd.

That is certainly one charging port they don’t advertise.

 

[44267547]

It’s around £5 a gallon here. That’s over $6.50. Enjoy your cheap fuel!

I’d be curious why fuel is so expensive in the U.K. During the pandemic, the lowest fuel per gallon at one point was $.89.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I’d be curious why fuel is so expensive in the U.K. During the pandemic, the lowest fuel per gallon at one point was $.89.

Always has been. Mostly Tax.

 

[nebo1ss]

I’d be curious why fuel is so expensive in the U.K. During the pandemic, the lowest fuel per gallon at one point was $.89.

Gas, cigarettes and booze are taxed are very high rates.

 

[Matz]

Dang brother, sorry to hear, I mean, it happens.

It's also an example of [bone stock] OEM vs. aftermarket, and where the TCO can be deceptive, I refer to my post from Oct 13, 2019:

The Car Thread ... !

I think you know what I’m about to say, as we’ve had this discussion before .😁 Here’s what I would do if I were you. My first question for you, have you driven a Scat yet? If you haven’t, I think you should. I think you should find out specifically if it’s a car for you or not, or if it...

forums.macrumors.com

Most specifically:

Well, I guess you can truly say you told me so.

And yes, I'll be without the car for a month to six weeks. Most of that is order time for components. The Better Built short block is ~ $5000, but that's just for that part. BB is also going to completely rebuild the heads. Also on the menu is a set of stainless works long tube headers with high flow cats, mated up to the stock cat-back exhaust system. A hellcat cam, a higher volume fuel pump, and a few other doodads will make for a better breathing, more robust setup. They also are sending the supercharger back to Whipple for an inspection and cleaning, maybe new bearings. The final bill will be far north of $5k.

Seems I'm committed at this point.

I will talk with National Speed, as they assured me when they installed the Whipple that the stock engine could handle the boost. They supposedly have a warranty, which I'm well within, but so far they're not acting as if it's a warranty issue. We'll see how that discussion turns out. At any rate, I still need the work done, and I believe they can do it. I'm not willing to switch shops at this point.

This is my first serious foray into modding since I was a lad. I am paying some heavy tuition.

 

[D.T.]

Well, I guess you can truly say you told me so.

And yes, I'll be without the car for a month to six weeks. Most of that is order time for components. The Better Built short block is ~ $5000, but that's just for that part. BB is also going to completely rebuild the heads. Also on the menu is a set of stainless works long tube headers with high flow cats, mated up to the stock cat-back exhaust system. A hellcat cam, a higher volume fuel pump, and a few other doodads will make for a better breathing, more robust setup. They also are sending the supercharger back to Whipple for an inspection and cleaning, maybe new bearings. The final bill will be far north of $5k.

Seems I'm committed at this point.

I will talk with National Speed, as they assured me when they installed the Whipple that the stock engine could handle the boost. They supposedly have a warranty, which I'm well within, but so far they're not acting as if it's a warranty issue. We'll see how that discussion turns out. At any rate, I still need the work done, and I believe they can do it. I'm not willing to switch shops at this point.

This is my first serious foray into modding since I was a lad. I am paying some heavy tuition.

Oh, hahaha, that definitely wasn't intended as "I told you so", just that s*** happens, I mean, I'm running a Flex tune, my motor could pop, technically it wouldn't be covered under warranty.

A fully built motor, with headwork/porting, upgraded cam, fuel system upgrades, it should be a beast. I'd figure they might discuss some additional options for your Whipple, since you could definitely go with more boost vs. a bone stock engine.

Hopefully, given that there is a warranty of sorts, they'll cut you a few breaks, and I'd imagine this is a pretty major project for them, so they'll be all in on doing a really good job.

Post as things develop, excited to see it!

 

[yngrshr]

Gas, cigarettes and booze are taxed are very high rates.

Well, that and the US heavily, heavily subsidizes the gas industry. Our gas is so cheap since it's almost like we pre-pay for it.

 

[yngrshr]

One thing that is very interesting is that new vehicles have actually become cheaper than used (or priced around the same). The last time I noticed this was around the original Cash for Clunkers and the next couple of years after. The used car selection due to the pandemic has really dried up and you have a ridiculous amount of incentives on new cars right now.

Wife and I picked up a new 2020 Explorer ST with 7.5 miles on it at a lower OTD price than used and certified used models. We also got 0% financing on it (basically impossible with used).

 

[D.T.]

One thing that is very interesting is that new vehicles have actually become cheaper than used (or priced around the same). The last time I noticed this was around the original Cash for Clunkers and the next couple of years after. The used car selection due to the pandemic has really dried up and you have a ridiculous amount of incentives on new cars right now.

Wife and I picked up a new 2020 Explorer ST with 7.5 miles on it at a lower OTD price than used and certified used models. We also got 0% financing on it (basically impossible with used).

Yeah, the used market has had notable price increases, and the new market had some incredible incentives in price, financing, etc., to get those cars off the lots (especially '20 models).

Hahaha, so at some point, they sort of crossed in the middle ... like horsepower and torque

I've got the Explorer ST - fitted with the HP Pack/21" wheels - very high on my list for replacements for our family ride (currently a Durango DD/RT), when the lease is over in May this year (almost wrote "next year" ). It pushes a ton of the right buttons: looks great, quick, decently roomy/seating for 6, good tow capacity, nice electronics updates the last year or so.

It really depends if we decide to stay full sized ICE SUV, go small, go BEV, trade my car at the same time (move to a city/downtown area and just keep one car).

 

[Apple fanboy]

Well, that and the US heavily, heavily subsidizes the gas industry. Our gas is so cheap since it's almost like we pre-pay for it.

I’d rather have free health care than cheaper petrol.

 

[yngrshr]

I’d rather have free health care than cheaper petrol.

100% agreed.

 

[yngrshr]

Yeah, the used market has had notable price increases, and the new market had some incredible incentives in price, financing, etc., to get those cars off the lots (especially '20 models).

Hahaha, so at some point, they sort of crossed in the middle ... like horsepower and torque

I've got the Explorer ST - fitted with the HP Pack/21" wheels - very high on my list for replacements for our family ride (currently a Durango DD/RT), when the lease is over in May this year (almost wrote "next year" ). It pushes a ton of the right buttons: looks great, quick, decently roomy/seating for 6, good tow capacity, nice electronics updates the last year or so.

It really depends if we decide to stay full sized ICE SUV, go small, go BEV, trade my car at the same time (move to a city/downtown area and just keep one car).

Look into the Wrangler 4xe (Plug-In Hybrid). The pricing came out and the pricing is really great. That then comes with the $7,500 federal tax rebate (I think most middle class people would get much of it) along with whatever state rebates. And then you have dealers like Koons in VA who are pricing them 5% below invoice (so around 8.5-9.5% below MSRP).

If we could have gotten away from needing a 3-row SUV, we would've been in the Wrangler 4xe without question. Apparently the rear seat in the 4xe is wide enough to do 3 teenagers without being overly tight. So it should seat 5.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

Another European regulation ??
They really need to start opening their eyes and see where and how the world is evolving...

Out of random, I bought a Prius three a while back at an auction, and I gotta tell you, even though it’s a crossover of ICE/EV, it’s pushed me more to definitely think about going all-electric for my next car. I considered quite a few options in my last lineup, with the Model 3 being near the top, but more than anything, aside from all the technology and instant power, I just want the convenience of not having to deal with maintenance in terms of fluid changes, belts, etc.

I live in a state where it gets brutally cold, so EV’s aren’t always favorable for those type of conditions, being it’s hard on the batteries and it takes longer for them to produce heat. I’m aware of quite a few Tesla owners in my area and they absolutely love them. But like you said, I want to see more variety and manufacturers to give us more options.

Also, I’ve also heard really good things about the Toyota Prime RAV4, and I guess Toyota is in a situation where they can’t make them fast enough, but all signs are showing that drivers want the cargo room, with the towing capacity.

LOL We used to have a Prius, a mad moment of wanting to be green. We hated the thing so much, it is only good when the roads a flat, when approaching a hill the engine just screams its head off, the electric range only is just way to small. Anyway it most definitely didn't drive us to go electric, it drove us to buy the anti-prius. Mercedes AMG was literally raising an eyebrow when they asked what we were driving when placing a factory order for the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 ?

Oh gosh, I hate those things; screaming engine, recycled plastic everywhere, they are cheap and nasty. Even when speccing it up fully...

I’d be curious why fuel is so expensive in the U.K. During the pandemic, the lowest fuel per gallon at one point was $.89.

The price went down a little bit, but the net effect of it is minimal to consumers. The majority of the cost goes to Fuel Duty, then there is "Value" Added Tax over the whole of the amount; i.e. retailer price plus fuel duty, added as well. It is expensive, but then again people have a choice, they don't have to drive and use alternative means. ?

 

[Matz]

Oh, hahaha, that definitely wasn't intended as "I told you so", just that s*** happens, I mean, I'm running a Flex tune, my motor could pop, technically it wouldn't be covered under warranty.

A fully built motor, with headwork/porting, upgraded cam, fuel system upgrades, it should be a beast. I'd figure they might discuss some additional options for your Whipple, since you could definitely go with more boost vs. a bone stock engine.

Hopefully, given that there is a warranty of sorts, they'll cut you a few breaks, and I'd imagine this is a pretty major project for them, so they'll be all in on doing a really good job.

Post as things develop, excited to see it!

Ok, sorry I misread your post. **** does indeed happen.

Anyway, it looks like I’ll be out the engine block core charge as well. Apparently it grenaded, putting a couple of holes through the block, as well as through the oil pan.

As for the Whipple, they’re also changing the pulley to increase boost.
Between that and the long tube headers, cam, and larger fuel pump, they say it will put out north of 600 awhp.

I figured that as long as they’re doing all that, I‘ll have them change the fluids in the diffs and transfer case, and do a transmission service. The car is just about to turn 50,000 miles, and is old enough (2014) to warrant doing that. It has new brakes, so nothing needed there.
Can’t think of anything else to do at this point, but I’m certainly open to suggestions.

 

[Apple fanboy]

LOL We used to have a Prius, a mad moment of wanting to be green. We hated the thing so much, it is only good when the roads a flat, when approaching a hill the engine just screams its head off, the electric range only is just way to small. Anyway it most definitely didn't drive us to go electric, it drove us to buy the anti-prius. Mercedes AMG was literally raising an eyebrow when they asked what we were driving when placing a factory order for the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 ?

Oh gosh, I hate those things; screaming engine, recycled plastic everywhere, they are cheap and nasty. Even when speccing it up fully...


The price went down a little bit, but the net effect of it is minimal to consumers. The majority of the cost goes to Fuel Duty, then there is "Value" Added Tax over the whole of the amount; i.e. retailer price plus fuel duty, added as well. It is expensive, but then again people have a choice, they don't have to drive and use alternative means. ?

True. I could catch one of the two buses that come through our village a day. Get the bus to the big city, jump on a diesel train and got to the next big city. Get a bus or three to the office. Commute should go from 30 minutes to about 3 hours.
Sorted!

 

[cyb3rdud3]

True. I could catch one of the two buses that come through our village a day. Get the bus to the big city, jump on a diesel train and got to the next big city. Get a bus or three to the office. Commute should go from 30 minutes to about 3 hours.
Sorted!

Hahaha do you live in my village?

Once upon a time my employer did a survey to get rid of the car park and what it would take to use public transport. For me it meant leaving the night before as there is no bus early enough to get me to the train station to get to work.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

On a happier note; I’m picking up a new car for my wife this Saturday. Getting rid of her Audi A3 1.5Tfsi black edition and picking up a pre registered BMW M2 Competition ??

 

[Apple fanboy]

Hahaha do you live in my village?

Once upon a time my employer did a survey to get rid of the car park and what it would take to use public transport. For me it meant leaving the night before as there is no bus early enough to get me to the train station to get to work.

I think our bus comes around lunchtime. No one uses it.

 

[44267547]

LOL We used to have a Prius, a mad moment of wanting to be green. We hated the thing so much, it is only good when the roads a flat, when approaching a hill the engine just screams its head off, the electric range only is just way to small. Anyway it most definitely didn't drive us to go electric, it drove us to buy the anti-prius. Mercedes AMG was literally raising an eyebrow when they asked what we were driving when placing a factory order for the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 🤣

Oh gosh, I hate those things; screaming engine, recycled plastic everywhere, they are cheap and nasty. Even when speccing it up fully...

I don’t know what year Prius you had, you didn’t mention that. However, The 13’ 1.8L is actually a decently quiet engine, at least in the model that I have. I have read it if you’re not using full synthetic OW-20 oil, it will run louder.

It’s true though, it’s very industrialized interior with hard plastics, but I have to say though, these cars are built really tough. I can see why the Prius is the number one choice for rideshare companies, especially not just with the fuel mileage, but they can just take a massive beating with very little faults with these cars.

The Prius that I have, I don’t really utilize it that much, but I will say on a sidenote, actually has quite a bit of ‘undercarriage’ storage, with the seats folded down, adds even more.

My biggest gripe would be that it sits really low to the ground, and when you’re on the highway at speeds of +65MPH, if it’s really windy, you get pushed around pretty easy. Otherwise, I think this car is great for a long commutes.

Oh, and my other experience driving this car in the snow, is actually the weight is distributed pretty evenly, especially with the battery cells being in the back of the car, and of course with the weight from the engine in the front, it balances out nicely on the road.

 

[44267547]

On a happier note; I’m picking up a new car for my wife this Saturday. Getting rid of her Audi A3 1.5Tfsi black edition and picking up a pre registered BMW M2 Competition 😍👌

I mean, still no picture of this ‘blacked out’ Range Rover? 😁 The second time (October) you mentioned you were waiting for the iPhone 12 Pro, which I assume you probably have by now. So what’s the hold up this time? C’mon man, No more excuses. Lets see it.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

I don’t know what year Prius you had, you didn’t mention that. However, The 13’ 1.8L is actually a decently quiet engine, at least in the model that I have. I have read it if you’re not using full synthetic OW-20 oil, it will run louder.

It’s true though, it’s very industrialized interior with hard plastics, but I have to say though, these cars are built really tough. I can see why the Prius is the number one choice for rideshare companies, especially not just with the fuel mileage, but they can just take a massive beating with very little faults with these cars.

The Prius that I have, I don’t really utilize it that much, but I will say on a sidenote, actually has quite a bit of ‘undercarriage’ storage, with the seats folded down, adds even more.

My biggest gripe would be that it sits really low to the ground, and when you’re on the highway at speeds of +65MPH, if it’s really windy, you get pushed around pretty easy. Otherwise, I think this car is great for a long commutes.

Oh, and my other experience driving this car in the snow, is actually the weight is distributed pretty evenly, especially with the battery cells being in the back of the car, and of course with the weight from the engine in the front, it balances out nicely on the road.

2013 model iirc with the 1.8VvTI and every option ticked. When going on flat roads the pulse and glide makes it smooth and quiet. But when you go up an hill that engine is so underpowered and it screams (ie revs very high) much higher anyone would do when driving manually. We live on top of a hill, always have to go down the valley, then up the other side to get to a town with schools etc. The car and gearing (or lack thereof) is not great with that.

I’ve stopped using basic Uber because of the Prius. Just use Uber exec now to get into a proper, half decent car. Prefer Uber Black when available to be honest. Can’t beat a Mercedes S class or GLS as a taxi ?

 

[cyb3rdud3]

I mean, still no picture of this ‘blacked out’ Range Rover? ? The second time (October) you mentioned you were waiting for the iPhone 12 Pro, which I assume you probably have by now. So what’s the hold up this time? C’mon man, No more excuses. Lets see it.

Hehehe ? I’ve got my iPhone 12 Pro Max. Also got the full range microphone to pick up the exhaust note. But haven’t unpacked it yet.

Got to pick up the M2 first

Here is a picture of a tyre after I hit a pothole.

And here is a picture of my wife’s outgoing Audi A3, to be replaced by the M2 on Saturday.