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The Automotive Discussion Thread
- Thread starter Zyzyxxz
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Enter The 36 Chambers
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We dont like used in here? Shit i paid 600 for my first car. Put 27k on it the first year and abused the fuck out of it in the snow. Only thing i had to change was a gearbox (Too muh boys will be boys.)
I paid 1000 for my next car, 98 Mazda 323F (Lantis to the americans.)
Had 55k on it last october, its up to 78 something now. Hasnt missed a beat. Im in college and not exactly wealthy so reliability is a major factor. I love it. Cheap to run, insure, tax etc.
A friend drives the same car with 210k on it and no major problems. Japanese cars are the epitome of reliability really.
Buying used, know what to look out for and you can get cars cheap as shit.
This. I spend my life at the side of the road getting drug searched. Annoying as fuck
I paid 1000 for my next car, 98 Mazda 323F (Lantis to the americans.)
Had 55k on it last october, its up to 78 something now. Hasnt missed a beat. Im in college and not exactly wealthy so reliability is a major factor. I love it. Cheap to run, insure, tax etc.
A friend drives the same car with 210k on it and no major problems. Japanese cars are the epitome of reliability really.
Buying used, know what to look out for and you can get cars cheap as shit.
This. I spend my life at the side of the road getting drug searched. Annoying as fuck
All 5 of my vehicles have been used and my current one when I got it at 62k miles is the lowest I have owned.
You can get so much more for your money. My car stickered for 46k new and I bought it for 16.5 with major services and maintenance items already completed. There is not a new car that I could have bought for that money that could touch it.
Buy cars with a detailed service history right after a major service if you can. Get an independent prepurchase inspection to check for accident damage and possible mechanicals issues, carfax or another report. Stay away from models that have known issues of common failure with very costly or major components (engine/transmission) and more often than not you should be ok.
You will end up paying more for well documented and maintained vehicles but it has always been worth it in my case.
You can get so much more for your money. My car stickered for 46k new and I bought it for 16.5 with major services and maintenance items already completed. There is not a new car that I could have bought for that money that could touch it.
Buy cars with a detailed service history right after a major service if you can. Get an independent prepurchase inspection to check for accident damage and possible mechanicals issues, carfax or another report. Stay away from models that have known issues of common failure with very costly or major components (engine/transmission) and more often than not you should be ok.
You will end up paying more for well documented and maintained vehicles but it has always been worth it in my case.
It sounds like you are falling in love with your car. It feels good doesn't it?
The car is beautiful and amazing and I catch myself gazing out the window at it whenever I walk past the kitchen window. That being said I don't see myself owning the Porsche for a long period of time. I wanted a Sports car and that's exactly what I bought but now that I own it I realize that a good sound system and a car quiet enough to take advantage of said sound system is pretty important to me.
My Boxster actually has the upgraded sound system (Sound Package Plus) which is 7 speakers and multiple amps so it's plenty loud but all 7 speakers are mounted in front of the passengers (2 in each door and 3 on the dash) so the sound stage is very forward and doesn't wrap around you at all. Couple that with the fact that the car has very little insulation between the passengers and the engine compartment behind you and most of the "music" that you hear in the car is the Flat 6 motor. And glorious motor that it is I still wish it was toned down a couple of notches in everyday driving.
For now I am going to enjoy Porsche ownership and the driving experience that's offered while acknowledging that the Boxster isn't 100% of what I want in a car. My current plan is to drive the car through the winter and see how I feel about it in the Spring after I've owned it for 6 months. Because of what I paid for the car I shouldn't have any problem selling the car for more than my loan amount if I decide to sell it.
Ok auto-GAF, I'm now in the market for a used car as my 400 dollar beater has taken it's last run recently, not a biggie. I'm trying to find something with good gas mileage(anything over 20, as my focus did 14-17mpg city with it's faults), reliability and somewhat fun to drive in the $8-14k range, preferably with less than 50k miles. I'm a delivery driver part time, so I'm looking for something that will be able to take that stress easily as well.
I've been eyeing 06-08 Civic Coupes, 5-Speeds seem hard to come by in my area though. I'm looking for better suggestions as this is the only thing I've been able to think of, sort of like writer's block going on for some reason. Also, if you have any advice for a first time buyer, I'd be interested to hear it.
I've been eyeing 06-08 Civic Coupes, 5-Speeds seem hard to come by in my area though. I'm looking for better suggestions as this is the only thing I've been able to think of, sort of like writer's block going on for some reason. Also, if you have any advice for a first time buyer, I'd be interested to hear it.
BrokenEchelon
Banned
Nice car bah
Does it have to be manual? Civic and Elantra are my broken record answers, but an Impreza could be a bit more sporty or a Mazda3.
Also, check out this site: wwww.cargurus.com
That combined with Craigslist is all you need to canvas 95% of the cars out on the market.
ClassyPenguin
Banned
Also, you can lower cost by doing sanding and primer work. For most jobs it won't require any special tools or paint., especially if you are doing just a small spot or a beater.
Yeah, you can tell by the stripe scheme, I always was more fond of the 1970 style than the C-stripes. Only color Boss I didn't see yet was School Bus Yellow. I like the concept of the 4 exhaust outlets, but it does add a little weight I suppose. I'd strap some Roush axle-backs and LTHs on there and hear that sucker scream.
I like the blue on that Vette. I never saw them side by side, but it looks like it maybe the same color Caddy uses too?
Nice color Viper btw.
And of course, GTR. Great combo of cars there.
Mazda3, Subarau Impreza, Mitsubishi Lancer, Civic, Toyota Corolla or Matrix, Scion Tc, Suzuki SX4 should all be worth a look. And that's just off the top of my head. The Scion, SX4 and the Mazda3 would be the sportiest of that bunch.
Thanks guys. It doesn't have to be manual, it's just a preference, but I'm on a time constraint so that'll probably go right out the window come Wednesday. I just needed to hear some ideas from other people because I've been stuck on civic all week.
RSX, GTI...
Sanky Panky
Banned
Sorry if this has been asked before, but what is the consensus around here about Ford SUVs, namely the Explorer and the Escape?
I've been used to renting an SUV when I go up to a cabin, but maybe I want to buy one vs a car for my next vehicle. Gas consumption vs renting costs 3/4 times a year would kind of even out, and the convenience in there of not having to go through the rental process. I'll live closer to the NC mountains, so ocassional snow will also be a factor.
Any opinions on them? Any other recommendation in the $30-40k range?
I've been used to renting an SUV when I go up to a cabin, but maybe I want to buy one vs a car for my next vehicle. Gas consumption vs renting costs 3/4 times a year would kind of even out, and the convenience in there of not having to go through the rental process. I'll live closer to the NC mountains, so ocassional snow will also be a factor.
Any opinions on them? Any other recommendation in the $30-40k range?
One thing to consider about the Escape, as well as the new Explorer, is that they are not truck-based. They are front wheel drive crossovers. Both are available with AWD, though.
Whether or not a crossover will serve you as well as an SUV depends on exactly what you need it for (for example, crossovers generally can't tow as much). My guess is that either of those will be fine for you).
What SUVs have you typically rented? I would guess that they were probably crossovers as well.
Sanky Panky
Banned
I've rented the Rav4, which is not bad, but if it is a large group of friends, I've gotten the big ol' GMC SUVs, like the Tahoe. It got us out of a dicey mud situation once.
I haven't looked at the diiference with crossovers before. The Ford Escape and Edge are listed as that, and I don't really need the towing capabilities.
I basically don't want to be stuck at the bottom of a snowy uphill road.
I haven't looked at the diiference with crossovers before. The Ford Escape and Edge are listed as that, and I don't really need the towing capabilities.
I basically don't want to be stuck at the bottom of a snowy uphill road.
I've got literally no experience with snow driving (I used to live in Florida, and now live in Georgia). Perhaps someone else can chime in on how SUVs and crossovers compare in that regard.
Viperbah
Member
Nice car bah
Thanks!
Thanks, It was a fun day, probably won't get too many more weather wise again this year.
Not sure if that is the same color, the vette is a carbon z06 and I believe the color is unique, but again not too sure.
I just bought a 2013 Escape. I got the 2.0L in it so it can tow about 3500 pounds I believe it is if that matters to you. I average about 24 mpg at the moment and that's probably about 70% city on my commute and 30% highway. It has been improving as the engine breaks in more though. I don't have the AWD though so I can't comment on that, I don't think the fuel hit is too bad, but probably lose 1 or 2 mpg in it.
I really love it so far though. Has tons of power on tap for a vehicle it's size and decent gas mileage. I also find that it is very quiet inside and handles very well on the 19 inch tires.
Also, if you are into all the tech stuff in cars I really have been enjoying the MyFordTouch stuff. I had one snafu so far in my few months with it so far, but other than that it has worked flawlessly.
If you have any other questions about it feel free to ask me and I can try to answer them.
GF's dad has an older Escape and commutes a decent distance to work. Even with it's shit factory tires, he never had any issues in the snow/slush/ice. GF has a RDX, and it's fine in bad weather/conditions with it's all seasons.
AWD is fine. Sure some systems are better than others, but overall it's great if you live in the areas like we do. Never have so much fun in snow/slush/ice as I do in my Evo (not a CUV, and it's AWD is top notch, but still).
AlphaSnake
...and that, kids, was the first time I sucked a dick for crack
Oh hai guyz. Picking up a 2012 Jaguar XF this week hopefully with my fiance. It'll be our family car.
Oh hai guyz. Picking up a 2012 Jaguar XF this week hopefully with my fiance. It'll be our family car.
Awesome! Good luck with it all.
Jaaaaag!
AlphaSnake
...and that, kids, was the first time I sucked a dick for crack
Yeah, I especially like the way Jeremy says it.
"Would you mind settling this while I go warm up the Jaaaaaag"
If I remember correctly, they put a Jaguar around the track in that episode, and actually write "Jaaaag" on the time slip.
Oh hai guyz. Picking up a 2012 Jaguar XF this week hopefully with my fiance. It'll be our family car.
Nice! Was it the 2012?
AlphaSnake
...and that, kids, was the first time I sucked a dick for crack
LOL yes, it's right in the post you quoted.
I didn't even stealth edit it, sen.
Got your email btw, you bastardly rascal. My outgoing server is down (rackspace, yay!)
BrokenEchelon
Banned
Oh hai guyz. Picking up a 2012 Jaguar XF this week hopefully with my fiance. It'll be our family car.
Take pics of the Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaag. (post them here) Oh, and grats
LOL yes, it's right in the post you quoted.
I didn't even stealth edit it, sen.
Got your email btw, you bastardly rascal. My outgoing server is down (rackspace, yay!)
Sorry, meant the one you showed me last week.
Also, switch to Bluehost!
AlphaSnake
...and that, kids, was the first time I sucked a dick for crack
Oh. That blue one. Nah, I got a great trade in on our BMW at a local Jag dealer in Long Island. So we're getting a Rhodium/Black car.
Oh hai guyz. Picking up a 2012 Jaguar XF this week hopefully with my fiance. It'll be our family car.
Congrats. Looking forward to the pics.
AlphaSnake
...and that, kids, was the first time I sucked a dick for crack
Awfully sorry...I seem to have forgotten my camera in the Jaaaaaaaaaaaag.
Be prepared for non-stop Jaaaaaaaaaaag memes from me for the next few weeks. The wife is already getting annoyed by them and we don't even have the car.
Congrats on your future Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaag Alpha. Those are gorgeous cars.
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Did some research on Plasti Dip and it looks like a great solution for the faded black plastic on my side mirrors. I think I am going to do that later this week and then start on decontaminating my paint.
I am going to hold off on buying a machine until early next year and just focus on getting the paint cleaned, waxed, and sealed before it gets colder.
Then I will have no more exterior projects!
-----------------
Did some research on Plasti Dip and it looks like a great solution for the faded black plastic on my side mirrors. I think I am going to do that later this week and then start on decontaminating my paint.
I am going to hold off on buying a machine until early next year and just focus on getting the paint cleaned, waxed, and sealed before it gets colder.
Then I will have no more exterior projects!
Finally got around to taking my Olds to the shop. They replaced the upper control arm bushings, upper ball joints, center link, and the idler arm.
The difference is amazing. I had sort of gotten used to the steering wheel being about 30 degrees off of center, and having a lot of play. Just sort of figured that's the way it goes with older American cars. But it had gotten worse recently. It still handles like you'd expect a 19+ foot long car to handle, but at least I can aim it properly. Of course, now I've got a tendency to over-correct.
There's a humming noise from the differential that's most noticeable between 30-40 mph, but they said it's not worth the trouble yet.
My next project is to do something about the sound system. When I got the car, only one speaker worked. So I had an under-dash CD player put in and 4 new speakers. Nearly two years ago, the CD player got stolen. The factory radio is still in place, and as far as I know, still works. The problem is, it's a 10 ohm receiver, and the speakers are modern, so they are 4 ohm. It's annoying, having a working radio and working speakers, but no sound. Now, I could just buy a new CD player and hook it up, but I kind of like the idea of using the factory radio (I've also toyed with the idea of upgrading to an 8 track radio). But that means buying 8/10 ohm speakers and installing them. Obviously, I've been quite lazy.
The difference is amazing. I had sort of gotten used to the steering wheel being about 30 degrees off of center, and having a lot of play. Just sort of figured that's the way it goes with older American cars. But it had gotten worse recently. It still handles like you'd expect a 19+ foot long car to handle, but at least I can aim it properly. Of course, now I've got a tendency to over-correct.
There's a humming noise from the differential that's most noticeable between 30-40 mph, but they said it's not worth the trouble yet.
My next project is to do something about the sound system. When I got the car, only one speaker worked. So I had an under-dash CD player put in and 4 new speakers. Nearly two years ago, the CD player got stolen. The factory radio is still in place, and as far as I know, still works. The problem is, it's a 10 ohm receiver, and the speakers are modern, so they are 4 ohm. It's annoying, having a working radio and working speakers, but no sound. Now, I could just buy a new CD player and hook it up, but I kind of like the idea of using the factory radio (I've also toyed with the idea of upgrading to an 8 track radio). But that means buying 8/10 ohm speakers and installing them. Obviously, I've been quite lazy.
You really don't want to wait for the 8-speed? Damn nice car still...
Oh hai guyz. Picking up a 2012 Jaguar XF this week hopefully with my fiance. It'll be our family car.
Congrats dude. That is a nice car.
Side:
Having a hell of a time figuring out the triple-quadruple wiring I need to solder up for this new head unit/amp/boost gauge D;
Also where to mount the amp. I MIGHT be able to get it in the center console, but it's tight. Might have to look under the glove box or something.
AlphaSnake
...and that, kids, was the first time I sucked a dick for crack
Nope. Not interested in the V6, as the 5.0 V8 is being phased out - I want the big V8. Also, the V6 is slower and with AWD (which is what will be offered mostly in NYC for sale) its fuel efficiency is the same as the V8. Boring.
Plus 8-speed transmissions are a bit annoying to me. In my Audi, I find that there's a bit too much shifting going on when you slow down. And occasionally you get a really rough and jerky downshift that just feels so unrefined it's embarrassing. The ZF 8-speed in the new Jags is the exact same one found in the Audi. So I'll pass. The 6-speed is a superb performer that shifts marvelously and like a bullet in sport mode.
Viperbah
Member
Congrats man...looking forward to the pics...and good choice on the V8.
After the Polyphony Digital collaboration with the GTR I am thinking Nissan wants to go ahead and turn all of it's cars into video games. Drive by joystick indeed.
Well it would be perfect for eliminating road feel.
Road feel is so uncouth.
Well, there is a reason why I've owned two land yachts so far...
Still, even with the potential desirability of riding in a car where you can't even tell the road exists, I can't see how this wouldn't end badly.
BrokenEchelon
Banned
This poor thing just can't seem to catch a break:
Nissan DeltaWing crashes during practice for Petit Le Mans
Nissan DeltaWing crashes during practice for Petit Le Mans
Really? I thought the V8 would still be available...in fact didn't you tell me that on this thread a few pages ago?
If not, then you've made a great purchase...NA V8's are usually glorious.
On an unrelated note, the ATS challenges the 328i and loses, despite having a better suspension. It has shit for a powertrain, and also comes up short in interior refinement, ergonomics, and space.
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2013-bmw-328i-vs-2013-cadillac-ats-comparison-test
Still kudos to GM. Now use the ATS chassis in another car that's not ugly with small windows, put a LS-series engine in it, and I'll buy that car.
AlphaSnake
...and that, kids, was the first time I sucked a dick for crack
You're right, I did say that. I was under that impression because Autoblog's initial post left me confused. They said the 5.0 would remain...what they meant (and then corrected) was that the 5.0 would remain in Supercharged and XFR versions only.
I miss having a V8. My last Audi A6 had the last 4.2L V8 in it, and I loved it. It just sounded and felt great. The supercharged V6 I have in this A6 now, as nice as it is and as fast as it is...it's definitely missing something, I think it's the noise and displacement. It's an amazing machine and I love driving it, but it does feel a bit dull sometimes.
So I jinxed myself. My Escapes electrical system went crazy this morning and all the systems had error messages and it won't start. Oh and it gave me a nice strobe effect flashing my headlights on and off for a few minutes. It also no longer recognizes my key fobs. So uhh....maybe don't get an Escape. hahaha...... Gonna be a fun day dealing with the Ford dealer for me since they are gonna have to tow it.
All this by wire shit is why my car had problems. I really don't like the move away from mechanical systems. My Ford fusion had a problem with the throttle body controller. It would die in the middle of traffic and flooring the pedal did nothing until I restarted the car and reset it. Ford replaced it for free but its just another computer/by wire controlled part that can go dangerously wrong, and usually without any kind of mechanical failure at all. My car is otherwise completely fine. Now that the controller has been replaced, the car actually runs better than it did when new. I really hate this stuff because mechanically these cars are excellent and well built and I honestly love my Fusion more than any other midsize car Ive driven, but because of a computer glitch they suddenly have a reputation for being unreliable.
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