Very bizarre that you somehow managed to completely not read post above thoroughly enough and misquote it. If you actually reread, I didn’t purchase a BMW M3, my post specifically stated a long distance friend purchased a 16’ BMW M3. And nor did my post indicate anything about ‘high mileage’, (weird that you even interjected that). But for the record, it only had 26,000 miles on the odometer with the ECM failure.
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The Car Thread ... !
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I was going through a backup of my old server and found another favorite car. 1967 3.8S that I bought new after selling the XK120. Beautiful car, had dark blue leather interior.
Yeah, it’s not definitely not worth investing serious money to keep it running as things will inevitably start failing. Even replacing the summer tires at this point seems like more money than reasonable considering the value of a 12 YO BMW with ~155k. Several years ago I had a bunch of suspension work done that was very costly, but since that it’s been pretty much trouble free beyond routine maintenance! The small issues that have cropped up have been cheap and easy to fix.
I’m certainly not a mechanic but I don’t mind getting my hands dirty if it’s a relatively straightforward fix (ie the coil packs I replaced). If I can pay someone to do it, I figure I can probably do it myself, provided I know what’s wrong and have the tools and time to do the job. I do have an independent BMW mechanic I’ve used several times without issues.
I’ve considered another BMW but I’m just not in love with their current offerings and am kind of over the brand.
Spring is here. Aside from a morning of top down driving, it quite literally arrived on my porch today
I’m not gonna lie, whenever I need to troubleshoot something mechanically, I just use YouTube tutorials. Case in point, I had an HID bulb that need to be changed on my Mustang GT a few years back, and normally you would have to remove the bumper/external housing to even reach the headlamp assembly, but one video showed shows all I had to do was remove the front grill, and then I could reach from behind to change the bulb out, which took me literally 15 minutes versus having to schedule appointment with Ford for ~$85.
Anyways, if I were to opt for a German car, I personally would go Audi. Probably the S4 V8T. The virtual cockpit is really unique, all-around refinement, but I’m also one that he has a need for speed when on demand.
I have mixed feelings about Audi. Aesthetically while the sedans/coups look nice for the most part, they simultaneously seem incredibly dated to me. I’m not a big fan of their SUV styling at all, I prefer more rugged looking SUVs.
If I’m not mistaken, Audi stopped make the V8 S4 many years ago now, replacing it with a 3.0T V6. A relative of mine has a 2015 RS5, which I think was one of the last A4-based models to offer a V8.
My mom used to have a 2001 A6 Allroad- one of the most unreliable cars my parents owned (notable mentions 2001 Range Rover and 1993 Saab 9000 Turbo). Somehow she gave Audi another chance with her current 2015 A4 Allroad, which has actually been very reliable. The repair/maintenance costs are pretty ridiculous though. On the other hand, one of my business partners has a 201 A7 that’s had quite a number of issues.
If I was going to buy a sedan for myself I’d be looking in the midsize category (A6/E/5). Crazy to think though that the current 3-series is about the same size as my E60 5-series.
I don’t have a ton of interest in most of the Audi, BMW, Mercedes models. My neighborhood is basically a sea of German luxury SUV’s and entry level German luxury sedans. I’d prefer something a little more unique and a car that I actually like, not purchased because I think it will impress other people.
So a colleague at work had an Audi A3. Same year and model as my Golf. It’s essentially the same engine and chassis.
I was really shocked by what you didn’t get considering it’s the luxury brand. No electronic handbrake or reversing camera. All available as optional extras, but standard on my TSI. Obviously think they can get a bit more out of you if you drive an Audi.
I was really shocked by what you didn’t get considering it’s the luxury brand. No electronic handbrake or reversing camera. All available as optional extras, but standard on my TSI. Obviously think they can get a bit more out of you if you drive an Audi.
Looks like a nice Easter project. Hopefully it all gets done and you have some time for more top down motoring.
That is particularly weird to me, because on American luxury brands, usually when they share a platform between cars, the luxury brands have everything standard that the lesser brand has as options.
I suppose Audi can get away with it, because the people buying that Audi are cross-shopping a BMW and Mercedes, not a VW.
Just guaging off your perspective on what you’re looking for in terms of practicality, coupling some luxury, but not really ‘flashy’ per se, maybe you should look at the Toyota RAV4 Prime (EV). I don’t know if that is something that would be in your market segment or not, but there’s one specific channel I follow with ‘Matt Maran’ motoring on YouTube, (he’s pretty well notable in the auto industry, and he has reviewed 2000+ vehicles) and he put the RAV4 Prime at the top of his list in terms of efficiency, power [Surprisingly quick for its curb weight], luxury, cargo, Charging range, etc. From my understanding, the RAV4 prime is so popular, Toyota can’t even keep up with production. On the plus side, it does offer AWD, given you’d be facing diversity of weather changes.
Car and driver has the test run specs’ here:
Tested: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Is Quicker Than Supra 2.0
Toyota's plug-in RAV4 has 302 hp, can tow 2500 pounds, and will beat a four-cylinder Supra in a few acceleration tests.
I mean, unless, you’re completely set on a sedan of some sort, I still think that’s a lot to be offered if you’ve looked anything into the RAV4 Prime.
Surprisingly, it’s a really sharp looking vehicle, especially with the two-tone mis-matched theme Toyota has been pushing these last two years with the likes of the Avalon/Camry:
Just guaging off your perspective on what you’re looking for in terms of practicality, coupling some luxury, but not really ‘flashy’ per se, maybe you should look at the Toyota RAV4 Prime (EV). I don’t know if that is something that would be in your market segment or not, but there’s one specific channel I follow with ‘Matt Maran’ motoring on YouTube, (he’s pretty well notable in the auto industry, and he has reviewed 2000+ vehicles) and he put the RAV4 Prime at the top of his list in terms of efficiency, power [Surprisingly quick for its curb weight], luxury, cargo, Charging range, etc. From my understanding, the RAV4 prime is so popular, Toyota can’t even keep up with production. On the plus side, it does offer AWD, given you’d be facing diversity of weather changes.
Car and driver has the test run specs’ here:
Tested: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Is Quicker Than Supra 2.0
Toyota's plug-in RAV4 has 302 hp, can tow 2500 pounds, and will beat a four-cylinder Supra in a few acceleration tests.www.caranddriver.com
I mean, unless, you’re completely set on a sedan of some sort, I still think that’s a lot to be offered if you’ve looked anything into the RAV4 Prime.
Surprisingly, it’s a really sharp looking vehicle, especially with the two-tone mis-matched theme Toyota has been pushing these last two years with the likes of the Avalon/Camry:
View attachment 1753376
No, I’m looking for something with a bit more power/performance and premium quality than a RAV4, though at least the prime evidently has some oomph. The RAV4 is a great car, especially in the higher trims, but prime is atrociously ugly. Toyota’s tend to be over styled these days. Spending near or over $40,000 on a RAV4 just seems a bit ridiculous to me. I also don’t want a hybrid due to extra complexity, I’ll take one drivetrain system. My commute is short so fuel economy isn’t a major concern from a cost perspective. Plus, my parking situation at home and work don’t have plug-in infrastructure.
I do own a business so I like to be cognizant of not being excessively flashy... it makes people think they’re being ripped off and cause resentment among employees. One of my partners has a 911 Turbo and he’s stopped driving it to work because of the aforementioned issues, even though he was a multimillionaire prior to starting the company.
It’s too bad VW stopped selling the Touareg in the US. The Touareg 3 TDI was a perfect combination of luxury and having some distinction, without being showy. The Land Cruiser is probably the best example of a truly well engineered, high quality car without being pretentious- but is a much bigger car than I want.
I’ll probably just end up with the XC60 T6 AWD Inscription which seems to be a good value for the money. It’s a nice car that’s not ostentatious, while still retaining some character.
Huh, didn't know you can't get the Touareg any longer. Wondering why - not enough demand?
Over here it sells like hot cake.
Over here it sells like hot cake.
Not bad looking. I can see why you want something more neutral, and I think this vehicle doesn’t really have any standout features exterior wise, but offers enough at 65K for comfort/semi-luxury with cargo.
Speaking of Subaru, one thing I'd love to see them offer for the 2022 model year is the CB18 turbocharged engine on the US market Crosstrek. It has almost the same power as the 2.5-liter engine but with a much higher torque peak. And being a turbocharged engine, it means no significant loss of power when operating at higher altitudes.
I have the Long Range Model Y and absolutely love it. As for Tesla working on their own...I would rather have someone who knows the car. But for body work, there are authorized Tesla repair places.
Jim Beam. Yum!I have the Long Range Model Y and absolutely love it. As for Tesla working on their own...I would rather have someone who knows the car. But for body work, there are authorized Tesla repair places.
What!? You're a Briton. You're supposed to not like Whiskey from the other side of the pond!
I prefer Jack Daniels and Jim Beam to the Scottish stuff. But if I’m honest I drink less and less. Had about 2 bottles of beer this year.
I have the Long Range Model Y and absolutely love it. As for Tesla working on their own...I would rather have someone who knows the car. But for body work, there are authorized Tesla repair places.
Gorgeous car! I am leaning towards White as well. Though blue and red are also considerations, but White in the lead simply due to being a good looking paint, multi-coat, and the free color.
Any initial quality issues with the car?
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Yeah, BMWs are nothing like the much cheaper Dodge Charger (only $600 for a tune-up on the V6 Charger, only $400 is you need to replace a key fob).
Going to the dealer is generally expensive. If you can do it yourself, you save money. Just avoid going to people who charge extra 'just because' you drive a nice car.
Jiffy Lube, for example, charges extra for "Luxury vehicle select service." What that means is, if you have an expensive car, they charge you more money without doing anything different. They will throw some language like "Some require special tools or cannister oil filters," but if you back them into a corner and know what you are talking about, you will find a bunch of BS. "Special tools?" Aren't you at a place whose job it is to have those tools on hand? How special are they? Are just just talking a metric wrench?
Anyway, there are places that will charge extra if they think they can.
Cars are a wear item. Spend money to maintain them or they break. However, like airplanes, if you DO maintain them properly, they will run a VERY long time. You have to decide when your breaking point is.
An eleven year old daily driver can easily have no major problems, and the N54 engine was pretty good. It was much better in the N55 and better still as the B58. The fact that you can find oodles of these cars with 150-200K miles on them should tell you something.
But all cars have their pain points, too. I had to replace tie rod ends on an RX-7 once. Two little hunks of (very important) metal that looked like $6 from Home Depot. $300 each. No moving parts, no special metal, no Unicorn dust. Just expensive. Ever replace the headlight on a recent model Mazda? Begin by jacking up the car and removing the tire. Yeah, the dealer wants ~$300 for that job. Cam Chain tensioners on 4 liter Jaguar V8s, Porsche Intermediate shaft bearings, Toyota throttles and that sudden acceleration (never mind Prius batteries).
Find something you like, and take care of it.
Jiffy Lubes goal is to upsell a customer beyond just the standard oil change. They draw you in with these discounts, promotions, and then they try to upsell you on something that your vehicle may not need at all or may not need immediately.
Also, I don’t trust the filters they use with ‘Fram’, and I certainly wouldn’t want them working on in my performance cars, when most of those technicians have no training with automotive and/or are straight out of high school.
I think consumers that service Jiffy Lube, they’re strictly going in for simple maintenance, but then they want to sell you on your cabin air filter for $30, when you can find the same one at your local auto parts store for $6 or less.
Anyways, I totally get all cars are maintenance sensitive, at least to a degree depending how you drive it and what type of car it is. But my point being, that certain types of cars isn’t so much about ‘wrenching’, when they have all these onboard ECUs that throw a code, and your only option is to go direct to the dealer. For me personally, I think it’s more important to know the source of who’s working on your car —versus— worrying about the price tag. Sure, you can cut corners and try to save some money, but it might cost you more money long-term if the repair was not made correctly or there’s no surety behind the work they completed. And not to mention, the reason the OEM dealer might be the only option, is because they have access to specific parts that other third-party/smaller dealerships do not. So there again, that’s the nature of owning anything that might be a European vehicle beyond domestic costs.
I get trying to upsell. But charging a "luxury vehicle tax" isn't an upsell. They are simply charging you extra for nothing. They don't vacuum your car extra special. They don't bring over a cheese plate while you wait. They just charge more because they think you will play along. I mentioned Jiffy Lube, but they are hardly the only players of that game.
As far as all the ECUs and the like, you can drop that code in a search engine and see what it says. More often than not, it will include what other people have found troubleshooting that exact issue, and you can still fix it yourself. Is changing a Mass airflow sensor really all that different than any other sensor (well, it should be less dirty)?
When trading my last car for the current one, I had a list of things the new car needed to have/be. Some of them were practical (room for an adult my size to ride in the back seat), others were my preference (power to the rear tires). I buy cars used because that works for me. I picked up a 340i for less than a Dodge Charger of comparable age, mileage and trim (leather interior, Scat Pack to equal the M Performance package, etc). Try it yourself. Go to your favorite car dealer web site and search <4 years old, < 40,000 miles. I just did it on Carvana.
Maintenance wise, the Bimmer has been less than the Charger it replaced, in part because of the BMW dealership. Imagine taking your car in for service and getting regular texts updating you as to the status of your vehicle AND not being nickeled and dimes while the dealership tries every trick in the book to NOT honor the warranty on the car you bought from them. You just go in a give them back the keys to the complimentary loaner car and drive off in yours. I tell my friends now that I don't think I can justify the expense of a Ford or Chrysler against a much more affordable BMW.
That’s like saying you prefer a Ford Focus over an Aston Martin
lol.