The Car Thread ... !

[lowendlinux]

Those are cool classic looking Porsche's. I love Corrado's and I absolutely LOVE Mk2's.

I do agree Audi are overhyped but I just love the design of them. I'm not a huge fan of BMW, though they make excellent vehicles. But those are insanely priced.

My wifes baby BMW wasn’t to bad but that’s here in Germany and her car really isn’t available in the states currently I don’t believe. A very good friend of mine the an early 70’s 1602 that I will get my hands on, he keeps it in a barn with the hope of one day getting it back on the road but his wife has other ideas.

 

[AustinIllini]

Oh hell, as long as we're posting pictures, here's my AWD sedan that someone said earlier didn't exist.

WANT.

And with regard to BMW as others have posted, brand dilution is hitting the popular German cars like the plague.

 

[lowendlinux]

WANT.

And with regard to BMW as others have posted, brand dilution is hitting the popular German cars like the plague.

You aren't kidding

 

[2298754]

So I came across this masterpiece of a parking job today. I don't get it. The RX came after him. There was so much space for the CX5 to park.

Opinions?

 

[bunnspecial]

Someone feel free to tell me I'm a complete idiot, but I'm going tomorrow to look at a '98 Jaguar XJ8 here in town tomorrow.

The price is right(I can pay cash for it, and am hoping that will be a good bargaining chip at the lot).

I've been shopping for a large sedan/long trip car for a while, as I've missed my mom's Town Car since she sold it in February. I've also always loved Jaguars, but have been hesitant due to the overall reputation of English cars.

The '98 XJ8 has the AJ-V8 with which I'm very well acquainted(my LS has the 3.9L version of this engine, albeit in a slightly more modern configuration with an electronic throttle and more sophisticated VVT). Overall interior and exterior condition is superb on the one I'm looking at.

This would be a second car and probably not a DD(maybe a once or twice a week driver, and of course on trips).

Any thoughts on if I should at least give it some consideration, or alternatively run away?

And, like I said, I won't be offended if anyone calls me an idiot for even thinking about it .

 

[AustinIllini]

I understand the allure of the badge, I get it with the F Type all the time, but Jaguar is not a great car marque now and was not a great one when it was owned by Ford. That was when Ford and Jaguar were both garbage.

Trust me, I get the "Buy" itchy trigger finger, but I highly recommend passing. That being said, good luck with your purchase!

 

[bunnspecial]

Thanks for the reality check on it...whatever I do just because I'm going to look tomorrow(and am going to follow through since I've made an appointment and it's not at all out of the way) there's no way I'd buy tomorrow.

I am leaning toward passing, which is why I mentioned it here. I don't mind dealing with "quirks"(especially on a secondary car) but if it's mechanical ticking time bomb I don't want anything to do with it.

 

[Muscle Master]

What's your budget looking like, I would get a sports car.. Something sporty you can throw around like a S2000 or a Miata, Pontiac firebird with an LS1 with T-Tops is a bargain nowadays... Shoot you might be able to find a C5 Vette with low miles for $15,000 if you look hard enough

 

[bunnspecial]

What's your budget looking like, I would get a sports car.. Something sporty you can throw around like a S2000 or a Miata, Pontiac firebird with an LS1 with T-Tops is a bargain nowadays... Shoot you might be able to find a C5 Vette with low miles for $15,000 if you look hard enough

I'm specifically-at least at the moment-looking for a big floaty-boaty V8/RWD car. I don't have a set budget-the Jaguar just happens to be something I could afford in the class of car I'm looking for and from a brand I've never owned but always admired.

If I were looking for a sporty-type car(not now, but in the next couple of years likely) I have a list of potential contenders but that's not in the cards for me. The LS(Luxury Sport) is fun and good-handling enough for me.

 

[2298754]

I'm specifically-at least at the moment-looking for a big floaty-boaty V8/RWD car. I don't have a set budget-the Jaguar just happens to be something I could afford in the class of car I'm looking for and from a brand I've never owned but always admired.

I think Jaguar falls into that category for me too. The F-Type is gorgeous, but I could never bring myself to spend money on a Jaguar. The quality and reliability issues always scare me away. Maserati is in the same boat.

Which is why, if I get a sports car, it's going to be a Porsche.

If you want cheap fun, maybe a Boxster might be a better choice?

 

[2298754]

I understand the allure of the badge, I get it with the F Type all the time, but Jaguar is not a great car marque now and was not a great one when it was owned by Ford. That was when Ford and Jaguar were both garbage.

In their defense, they are improving. Albeit, it's gonna take a while before they're at the levels of the German brands.

For example, the new Jag XE looks great, but is anyone going to buy it over a 3/A4/C? Probably not.

 

[bunnspecial]

If you want cheap fun, maybe a Boxster might be a better choice?

Thanks for the response, but again I'm not looking for a sportscar at the moment. As I said, I'm looking for a defacto replacement for the Town Car. I've thought more than once that a best replacement for the Town Car might be another Town Car . I'm at least very well acquainted with mechanics on them, and they are virtually bullet proof.

 

[Muscle Master]

Thanks for the response, but again I'm not looking for a sportscar at the moment. As I said, I'm looking for a defacto replacement for the Town Car. I've thought more than once that a best replacement for the Town Car might be another Town Car . I'm at least very well acquainted with mechanics on them, and they are virtually bullet proof.

Your gonna laugh and call me crazy but the Chrysler 300C is the perfect car that fits your criteria. The powertrain is bulletproof... Honestly you can't go wrong with a HEMI... You should look into it, if not that... A Charger R/T

 

[D.T.]

Your gonna laugh and call me crazy but the Chrysler 300C is the perfect car that fits your criteria. The powertrain is bulletproof... Honestly you can't go wrong with a HEMI... You should look into it, if not that... A Charger R/T

A 300C, now that's an interesting option!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chrysler-30...tr=true&hash=item33a580c231&item=221820011057

40K miles, $14,500 with a Make Offer option

 

[2298754]

Thanks for the response, but again I'm not looking for a sportscar at the moment. As I said, I'm looking for a defacto replacement for the Town Car. I've thought more than once that a best replacement for the Town Car might be another Town Car . I'm at least very well acquainted with mechanics on them, and they are virtually bullet proof.

Hmmm... I glazed over the part about a Town Car replacement.

300C? Avalon? Azera?

 

[Muscle Master]

Hmmm... I glazed over the part about a Town Car replacement.

300C? Avalon? Azera?

RWD and V8 is the drivetrain of choice

 

[2298754]

RWD and V8 is the drivetrain of choice

300C or used Genesis sedan would be at the top of my list in that case.

There's a bunch in my area for the same price as that 300C posted above.

You get that Hyundai 10yr/100k mile powertrain warranty too.

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ectedEntity=d1510&zip=02134#listing=116829944

 

[A.Goldberg]

So I came across this masterpiece of a parking job today. I don't get it. The RX came after him. There was so much space for the CX5 to park.

Opinions?

As I mentioned to you earlier, I was walking down Newbury Street today after getting a haircut. A Nissan Xterra turned from Dartmouth Street onto Newbury and then there was a large BANG/CRASH/SDJFIDSOGDJGKDG!!!, followed by some screaming and gasping. The Xterra's wheel fell off and in the process rolled out from behind the car ripping half the bumper off at the same time. The wheel rolled a few dozen yards down the street before spinning to the ground. A couple girls in their young 20's jumped out of the car, dazed and confused. I didn't hang around to watch, and in typical New Englander fashion too busy to to help (no I was just 100 yard down the street at that point), but it was pretty unfortunate day for those girls.

Someone feel free to tell me I'm a complete idiot, but I'm going tomorrow to look at a '98 Jaguar XJ8 here in town tomorrow.

The price is right(I can pay cash for it, and am hoping that will be a good bargaining chip at the lot).

I've been shopping for a large sedan/long trip car for a while, as I've missed my mom's Town Car since she sold it in February. I've also always loved Jaguars, but have been hesitant due to the overall reputation of English cars.

The '98 XJ8 has the AJ-V8 with which I'm very well acquainted(my LS has the 3.9L version of this engine, albeit in a slightly more modern configuration with an electronic throttle and more sophisticated VVT). Overall interior and exterior condition is superb on the one I'm looking at.

This would be a second car and probably not a DD(maybe a once or twice a week driver, and of course on trips).

Any thoughts on if I should at least give it some consideration, or alternatively run away?

And, like I said, I won't be offended if anyone calls me an idiot for even thinking about it .

Ben, you're an idiot! If you're looking for a car with one problem after the next, you've picked a great car. First, if you are going to go with such a mess of a car, seek out an XJR. If you can find the next generation model (the last real generation XJ, 2003/4+ model), you'll be buying a much more reliable car. As I remember the 98 models fall into a generation with a lot of engine problems. They also suck if you're tall. The 04+ has a lot of these issues ironed out (they were #1 in initial quality by JDP for a while in this generation). The XJ8 (up until recently with the new Chrysler-look), was one of the most beautiful cars ever built. The price of used models is pretty enticing, but I'm sure there is a reason for that. That said, I love British cars and the XJ is a classic.

I know a couple of people who religiously owned Jaguars, but eventually gave up after the XF-look came about and the lack of AWD until recently. They're not reliable cars, but do they have that undeniably elegant look.

 

[2298754]

I know a couple of people who religiously owned Jaguars, but eventually gave up after the XF-look came about and the lack of AWD until recently. They're not reliable cars, but do they have that undeniably elegant look.

I have my fair share of stories from Jaguar owners too. The only Jag dealer in Maine is in the town where I grew up, so there's quite a few running around.

My neighbor used to have an XF. I've seen the loaner more than his car in the driveway over the years. They drive a Lexus now

 

[bunnspecial]

Ben, you're an idiot! If you're looking for a car with one problem after the next, you've picked a great car. First, if you are going to go with such a mess of a car, seek out an XJR. If you can find the next generation model (the last real generation XJ, 2003/4+ model), you'll be buying a much more reliable car. As I remember the 98 models fall into a generation with a lot of engine problems. They also suck if you're tall. The 04+ has a lot of these issues ironed out (they were #1 in initial quality by JDP for a while in this generation). The XJ8 (up until recently with the new Chrysler-look), was one of the most beautiful cars ever built. The price of used models is pretty enticing, but I'm sure there is a reason for that. That said, I love British cars and the XJ is a classic.

I know a couple of people who religiously owned Jaguars, but eventually gave up after the XF-look came about and the lack of AWD until recently. They're not reliable cars, but do they have that undeniably elegant look.

Thanks for saying it

Fair enough point about the "R". The "tall" thing may be an issue for me too since I'm 6'2".

Like I said, I was considering it because the price(really) is great and I've always loved the classic, elegant styling of the ones up until recently.

I may keep my eyes open for an '04+. As I mentioned, I feel like I know the AJ-V8 fairly well(at least I've spent a lot of time bent over one and down under one) but the one I deal with is the "American" model and also has the advantage of a few years of innovation over the '98 models.

The 300C is a car I'd actually sort of forgotten about, but it's an appealing option within my specified size and design constraints. I'd expect it's also fairly peppy with a 5.7L Hemi.

 

[2298754]

Im all things Porsche. My car is just meeting the prerequisite to becoming a Porsche owner down the line. Next will be an Audi, I'm thinking the new S3.

Here's my car as it sits:

Let's see your rides!

Love the Golf! I really want a MK7 Golf R as a DD, but the price is a little crazy.

In my head I'm trying to equate 4dr golf with Porsche and the only similarity I can come up wth is they're both German.

I think what he means is just a natural progression between the brands. Quite a few guys over on VWVortex start out with VWs, go to Audis, and then finish off with Porsche as they get older.

Well Porsche are part of the Volkswagen Auto Group. The GTI specifically is really the entry car into becoming a VAG enthusiasts. Most go from VW to Audi then on to Porsche.

MK4 was my first foray into the VAG empire. I'm at the Audi stage now. Porsche has always been the dream

WANT.

And with regard to BMW as others have posted, brand dilution is hitting the popular German cars like the plague.

Not just BMW. Audi and Mercedes are just as guilty. The 2 series, CLA, and A3 are all diluting their brands. Not to mention, all of those random crossovers these days. GLA, Q3, X4, X6, etc.

From a business standpoint, it makes sense for them. Offer a "cheap" model and hope that buyers stay within the brand for life.

Even something like a CLA or A3 isn't cheap. Sure, they sell a $30k model, but they're pretty terrible, until you option them up to the mid-40s.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Thanks for saying it

Fair enough point about the "R". The "tall" thing may be an issue for me too since I'm 6'2".

Like I said, I was considering it because the price(really) is great and I've always loved the classic, elegant styling of the ones up until recently.

I may keep my eyes open for an '04+. As I mentioned, I feel like I know the AJ-V8 fairly well(at least I've spent a lot of time bent over one and down under one) but the one I deal with is the "American" model and also has the advantage of a few years of innovation over the '98 models.

The 300C is a car I'd actually sort of forgotten about, but it's an appealing option within my specified size and design constraints. I'd expect it's also fairly peppy with a 5.7L Hemi.

The X308 is the 1997-2003 model. The X350/X358 is the 2004-2007/2007-2009 (facelifted) model. First, please do not buy a LWB version, I hate LWB sedans. I believe all Vanden Plas models are LWB on the XJ. One of the biggest complaints about the X308 is the headroom, for both the front and rear passengers. You loose headroom if it has a sunroof too. My cousin had a 2002 XJR when I was in High School. I am at best 5'10.5" (depending how compressed my spine is on any given day), and there was literally a 1/2" of space between my head and the headliner (really brings a new meaning to headliner!). He soon upgraded to a 2005 or so XJR which had much better ergonomics. Then he decided to get something a little more trustworthy in terms of reliability and winter driving and bought a Lexus GS350 AWD.

My dad's RRS has the 5.0L AJ-V8, the pre-2009 models have either the 4.4L NA or 4.2 SC AJ-V8. The same engines (aside from the SC) are also found in the LR3/LR4. By all accounts these engines are supposed to be very good, unlike the Rover V8's that preceded them. The full sized RR originally had a BMW 4.4L V8, but then also switched AJ-V8. The BMW 4.4 was a great engine, but its cost supposedly was more than the production cost of a Ford Mustang (~$17,000). Given Ford had purchased LR from BMW, there was no sense in keeping the BMW engines around I suppose.

I have a couple books on the Jaguar XJ, I should send them your way.

 

[puma1552]

The 2 series, CLA, and A3 are all diluting their brands.

Man I'm not so sure I agree with this. The 2 series is probably the best car BMW is building now since it's basically what the 3 was before it got fat and bloated like everything else on the road. Unless of course you are talking about the Active Tourer, which is a disgusting veil to hide the term "mini-van", which really shouldn't be referred to as a 2 series to begin with, or unless you are talking about the whispers of the next gen 2 series being FWD. But for now the 2 series is solid, if kind of bubbly and rounded and ugly from the back.

The CLA I'll agree with you, being on a FWD platform.

The A3 I think is very solid, this is another case of today's A3 being the size of yesterday's A4 because today's A4 has gotten fat to the point it's like yesterday's A6. My sole gripe with the A3 is the Haldex quattro vs the real quattro on everything else. Personally I love the hell out of the interior of the new A3, so fresh and modern compared to the dated B8 A4 interior. That said, the just released B9 A4 looks good inside and out, but I was expecting a bit more on the outside and I was hoping for a bit more A3-ishness on the inside. My next car is very possibly an A3/S3 or A4/S4. But for now I'm having too much fun with my Brembo 5.0.

 

[AustinIllini]

Not just BMW. Audi and Mercedes are just as guilty. The 2 series, CLA, and A3 are all diluting their brands. Not to mention, all of those random crossovers these days. GLA, Q3, X4, X6, etc.

Also, any BMW ending with a 20i. For example, the 320i is not a real three series. It's a really weak detuned engine.

 

[bunnspecial]

Okay, I went and looked at the Jag today. I was actually offered a really tempting price on it($3200 cash OTD) although it has a few minor issues. The body is nice and tight, and the interior is overall fairly nice albeit with a fair bit of wear on the driver's seat.

As if the know issues with this model weren't enough, however, it has 165,000 miles on it, which just sounds dangerous to me. So, even though I'd pretty much already written it off, I think that I'm definitely out if for no other reason than the mileage.

BTW, my 6'2" self actually found the headroom to be okay at least in the driver's seat. It does have a sunroof.