Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

stickguy

My sense is that a lot of the trans issues are software related. Probably trying to maximize MPG on the EPA tests. So it isn't the transmission, it is the application (programming) done by the car maker, not ZF.

fintail

So have mine, pretty much. Especially items where you can opt for solid wood vs a finish, for a premium price. I have a table like that which still looks fine after 12 years of use.

For "keeper" furniture, vintage material is the best value as was mentioned earlier, but if you want cheap and cheerful, IKEA works.

andres3 said:

I too have seen a couple items "made in Germany" at Ikea. I think I've seen Sweden too. So it's a mixed bag.

I have to say the stuff I've bought there has held up well.

pensfan83

explorerx4 said:

The 9 speed that FCA/Land Rover uses is a ZF unit.

Acura uses the same unit as well with its share of documented issues.

abacomike

berri said:

Loading up an Airstream this time of year. Heading to Melbourne FL for the winter OF? I recall years back there was an Airstream only trailer park right near the Melbourne FL airport.

My brother used to live in Melbourne FL before moving to Ponte Vedra.  Nice area and close to Cocoa Beach.  My brother had a boat that he stored at a marina in Sebastian, a few miles south of Melbourne.  Nice place to spend the winter with your Airstream and your new truck.  Enjoy, Berri!

abacomike

CR just came out with their reliability ratings for 2018.  Toyota is again #1 with Lexus right behind as #2.  I was surprised to see Cadillac near the bottom as much as I was surprised to see BMW in the top 5.  The Cadillac complaints zeroed in on technology and audio systems.  But one must first consider the source - Consumer Reports - before relying too heavily on the results - just my opinion re: CR.

pensfan83

@Michaell @breld I may be in your neck of the woods next month. An IBM subsidiary we have hired on for consulting is based in Denver, 1999 Broadway to be specific, and it's looking like I may be out that way the week prior to Thanksgiving.

Michaell

pensfan83 said:

@Michaell @breld I may be in your neck of the woods next month. An IBM subsidiary we have hired on for consulting is based in Denver, 1999 Broadway to be specific, and it's looking like I may be out that way the week prior to Thanksgiving.

That's right downtown in Denver.

@jpp5862 lives the closest to that address - I'm south of town, while @breld is a little bit north.

But, if you have an evening free, we'll see if we can arrange a get together.

roadburner

abacomike said:

CR just came out with their reliability ratings for 2018.  Toyota is again #1 with Lexus right behind as #2.  I was surprised to see Cadillac near the bottom as much as I was surprised to see BMW in the top 5.  The Cadillac complaints zeroed in on technology and audio systems.  But one must first consider the source - Consumer Reports - before relying too heavily on the results - just my opinion re: CR.

BMW(as well as other manufacturers) have learned that when a customer doesn't know how to use a car's technology said customer will usually ding the manufacturer on any surveys that they receive. That's why BMW developed the Genius program. We get involved from the needs assessment to the first delivery as well as the second delivery(Encore). I would not be surprised to learn that BMW's rating improved due to both their Genius strategy as well as efforts to increase the user-friendliness of the technology.

dino001

roadburner said:

abacomike said:

CR just came out with their reliability ratings for 2018.  Toyota is again #1 with Lexus right behind as #2.  I was surprised to see Cadillac near the bottom as much as I was surprised to see BMW in the top 5.  The Cadillac complaints zeroed in on technology and audio systems.  But one must first consider the source - Consumer Reports - before relying too heavily on the results - just my opinion re: CR.

BMW(as well as other manufacturers) have learned that when a customer doesn't know how to use a car's technology said customer will usually ding the manufacturer on any surveys that they receive. That's why BMW developed the Genius program. We get involved from the needs assessment to the first delivery as well as the second delivery(Encore). I would not be surprised to learn that BMW's rating improved due to both their Genius strategy as well as efforts to increase the user-friendliness of the technology.

I think one crucial thing on the encore delivery Geniuses should phrase the last question not if you have any questions, but is there something you already dislike or is there something bothering you already. Just like you said, some complaints may be due to lack of awareness that something can be changed, turned off, turned on, etc.

It happened to me - I responded to a survey with to a free question section (one that says is it anything you want to tell the manufacturer) with couple of complaints about my car not doing this or that, to find out later it indeed did it, I just didn't know how. I took finally some time and read the manual, started playing with all the options on my screen and found out some of those things I hated so much were optional and I could change them to more liking. I didn't do the encore (the dealer actually didn't offer it to me), but I was asked in Spartanburg, if I had any questions. The lady was ready to help me, but I of course "knew everything" already (right?), so I went on my way. If she had phrased her question in something like, was there something that bothered you during your Euro trip, I would have probably unloaded some things and then quickly found out how much dope I was. But I went on my way and it took me another couple of months to discover just that.

Those things can be very particular in the way they work. For example - my iphone can connect to the car using either bluethooth or the cable. I don't have Apple Carplay (I refuse to pay $300 for it just as a matter of principle), so I rely on the native BMW connectivity software/hardware. It works fine, but it's done in such way that when the BT is turned on my phone, the car will refuse the signal coming from the cable (it will only charge the phone). So if I want to use that connection (I preferred wired transmission of the music and podcasts), I need to turn off the BT on my phone. Now, I don't know if this mode will also transmit phone calls. It did not on my previous car, but there BT was used for phone only and wire was used for podcasts only and they were completely separate. Haven't received a phone call yet while driving and listening to podcasts/music through the lightning cable, rather than BT.

abacomike

I was up in Boca Raton this morning and decided to visit the Costco up there because their price on PUG is 12 cents a gallon less than the Costco near me in Pompano Beach.  The Boca warehouse is much larger than Pompano Beach and has twice the parking availability and 3 times as many gas pumps which made me very happy.

After filling up the tank with gas I wandered over to thei Liquor outlet.  My eyes caught sight of a special boxed carton of three bottles of single malt scotch distilled in Scotland called “Glenmorangie”!  One bottle is their original 10 year old scotch; the next was called “Lasanta” (Cherry cask finish) 12 year old scotch; and the third bottle was called “the Quinta Ruban” (port cask finish) 12 year old scotch.  The special pricing was $89.00 for all three bottles in s special presentation box, 750ml each.

I’ve never heard of the brand, but it came highly recommended by the manager.  I opened the 10-year-old bottle and took a few sips.  WOW!  A truly amazing flavor.  Best I’ve ever experienced!  Can’t wait until later tonight when I get really serious about having some! 

isellhondas

Michaell said:

I know there are a fair number of Seattleites on this thread; I found a pretty interesting article about the town and how the tech industry has impacted in - and, vice versa.

Seattle, Amazon, the tech industry and HQ2

Things here have certainly changed since 1986 when we moved her from CA. Some for the better I suppose and some of the changes not so good. Oh well....

imidazol97

abacomike said:

I opened the 10-year-old bottle and took a few sips.  WOW!  A truly amazing flavor.

I hope you waited until you got home to try that first bottle?

breld

Michaell said:

pensfan83 said:

@Michaell @breld I may be in your neck of the woods next month. An IBM subsidiary we have hired on for consulting is based in Denver, 1999 Broadway to be specific, and it's looking like I may be out that way the week prior to Thanksgiving.

That's right downtown in Denver.

@jpp5862 lives the closest to that address - I'm south of town, while @breld is a little bit north.

But, if you have an evening free, we'll see if we can arrange a get together.

Sounds good to me!

pensfan83

@Michaell sounds good. I'll know within a week if I'm definitely going for this trip and whether I'll have my own set of wheels.

suydam

To be even handed can I add
LET’S GO DODGERS!!

driver100

ab348 said:

driver100 said:

Ab, doesn't your ATS have run flat tires? I don't think fix-a-flat would work on RFTs.

Yeah, it comes with those. I have no idea about whether the tire goop works with them or not. Actually I was wondering more about whether it would ruin the TPMS sensors.

Ab, this is a quote from Tyreweld who make those tire fixing kits. Must be a British company...TYREweld
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Run flats are structurally designed to work without additional inflation if they get a puncture, and the first indication that they’re damaged is usually from on-board your Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). As the name suggests, run flat tyres are designed to operate at low speeds for a limited time following a puncture. This enables you to drive safely to a garage so that a professional can inspect the tyre and replace it if necessary.

Like all temporary emergency tyre repair products, Holts Tyreweld should not be used on run flat tyres. If your run flat tyre suffers a puncture we advise you to take it to a professional mechanic for an immediate assessment. This is the best way to ensure your tyre is safe, legal and roadworthy.

For other types of tyre, including motorbikes, Tyreweld gives you peace of mind that you can get safely back on the road in minutes after a puncture. Find out more about Tyreweld and our other emergency repair products here.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Judging from this, the tire goop stuff won't do much.

ab348

Mike, that is an incredible deal on the 3 Glenmorangies. They make some of my favorite whiskys and are very good. Up here those 3 bottles would cost me just short of $200 Cdn.

abacomike

imidazol97 said:

I opened the 10-year-old bottle and took a few sips.  WOW!  A truly amazing flavor.

I hope you waited until you got home to try that first bottle?

I did wait until I got home - but it wasn’t easy, that’s for sure!

driver100

CR ratings might not be entirely accurate, but, their finding do mean something...they don't take the facts out of thin air. Here is a brief breakdown of some findings;
Newly Recommended Models With Improved Reliability
Audi A3, Chrysler Pacifica, Ford F-150, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Ram 1500, Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, Volkswagen Passat.

No-Longer-Recommended Models With Declining Reliability
Acura MDX, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CT6, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Equinox, Chrysler 300, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-9, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Nissan Maxima, Porsche Cayenne, Subaru Impreza.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am looking for a more complete list. Of course, top picks for reliability.....Toyota!
Consumer Reports

driver100

ab348 said:

Mike, that is an incredible deal on the 3 Glenmorangies. They make some of my favorite whiskys and are very good. Up here those 3 bottles would cost me just short of $200 Cdn.

Or $89 U.S.

abacomike

ab348 said:

Mike, that is an incredible deal on the 3 Glenmorangies. They make some of my favorite whiskys and are very good. Up here those 3 bottles would cost me just short of $200 Cdn.

Wow!  That’s expensive.  I guess Costco worked out a deal with the distillery to sell the three bottles of their best products in s nice presentation case,

driver100

CR more complete list.
Surprising BMW and Audi move up, Mercedes in top half....looks like most get pulled down because of a few models, usually newer ones.

driver100

abacomike said:

ab348 said:

Mike, that is an incredible deal on the 3 Glenmorangies. They make some of my favorite whiskys and are very good. Up here those 3 bottles would cost me just short of $200 Cdn.

Wow!  That’s expensive.  I guess Costco worked out a deal with the distillery to sell the three bottles of their best products in s nice presentation case,

$200 Cdn is probably like $150 U.S. But, we pay huge taxes on liquor products, makes it close to double. But, then we have health care...choose your poison.

ab348

I suspect a lot of those "reliability" problems are related to new tech that people do not know how to use or do not like. Cadillac Cue and other infotainment systems, the beer-tap shifter in the Lacrosse, stop/start in many cars, etc. It's hard to believe that an Acura MDX would suddenly become "unreliable".

abacomike

driver100 said:

ab348 said:

Mike, that is an incredible deal on the 3 Glenmorangies. They make some of my favorite whiskys and are very good. Up here those 3 bottles would cost me just short of $200 Cdn.

Wow!  That’s expensive.  I guess Costco worked out a deal with the distillery to sell the three bottles of their best products in s nice presentation case,

$200 Cdn is probably like $150 U.S. But, we pay huge taxes on liquor products, makes it close to double. But, then we have health care...choose your poison.

I’ve chosen - SINGLE MALT SCOTCH FROM SCOTLAND!

suydam

CR breaks down reliability into specific components. They don’t downgrade a recommendation based on tech difficulty.

Mr_Shiftright

driver100 said:

CR more complete list.
Surprising BMW and Audi move up, Mercedes in top half....looks like most get pulled down because of a few models, usually newer ones.

It is interesting to note this caveat:

" Three brands dropped significantly: Acura, Mazda, and Cadillac. All of them have limited model lineups, so if just one or two models drop in reliability, it can magnify the impact across the brand."

venture

pensfan83 said:

@venture I did try out the adaptive cruise on my way home from the airport Wednesday evening, as well as the lane keep assist/lane departure warning. First the former, it works very well and I can see why people like this feature, especially for long drives. It slows down, speeds up, and maintains speed well....very unobtrusively I might add. The lane keep assist works well too, it guides the car back into the lane if you start to wander and for about 20-25 seconds you can drive hands free before a warning flashes asking you to grab the wheel.

Glad you liked it. The adaptive cruise control is one nanny I do like.

I'm getting tired of the rear automatic braking thing slamming on the brakes when I'm backing out of my garage though. I'm going to have to turn that off.

imidazol97

abacomike said:

- but it wasn’t easy, that’s for sure!

I know the feeling.

driver100

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

abacomike said:

ab348 said:

Mike, that is an incredible deal on the 3 Glenmorangies. They make some of my favorite whiskys and are very good. Up here those 3 bottles would cost me just short of $200 Cdn.

Wow!  That’s expensive.  I guess Costco worked out a deal with the distillery to sell the three bottles of their best products in s nice presentation case,

$200 Cdn is probably like $150 U.S. But, we pay huge taxes on liquor products, makes it close to double. But, then we have health care...choose your poison.

I’ve chosen - SINGLE MALT SCOTCH FROM SCOTLAND!

You would have saved a lot more than that with healthcare....your choice. I consider it to be insurance, I pay more for gas, taxes, and booze, but, I won't get a $500000 hospital bill.

driver100

Mr_Shiftright said:

driver100 said:

CR more complete list.
Surprising BMW and Audi move up, Mercedes in top half....looks like most get pulled down because of a few models, usually newer ones.

It is interesting to note this caveat:

" Three brands dropped significantly: Acura, Mazda, and Cadillac. All of them have limited model lineups, so if just one or two models drop in reliability, it can magnify the impact across the brand."

Another caveat.....that means one good one could put them at the top!

sb55

abacomike said:

berri said:

Loading up an Airstream this time of year. Heading to Melbourne FL for the winter OF? I recall years back there was an Airstream only trailer park right near the Melbourne FL airport.

My brother used to live in Melbourne FL before moving to Ponte Vedra.  Nice area and close to Cocoa Beach.  My brother had a boat that he stored at a marina in Sebastian, a few miles south of Melbourne.  Nice place to spend the winter with your Airstream and your new truck.  Enjoy, Berri!

I’m not going to Melbourne this trip. We are hitting the Smoky Mountain region for 3 weeks. Did 500 miles today and are overnighting in Carlisle, PA tonight.
I like to front load the driving. Hope to hit Southern Virginia tomorrow.  

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qm1GGbD1aDA

fintail

A little odd the GLC is on that, as I am not aware of any changes for this second year model. I suspect it is buyers not being able to work with the Germanic (aka complex for the sake of complexity) ICE. S-Class buyers, spending a fortune, may be more into it, and take the time actually read the literature about the car, or take advantage of the information given by the dealer at the time of delivery.

IMO, electronics issues shouldn't be included, unless the systems fail. The driver not being able to figure it out isn't really a quality or reliability issue.

I think the ideal CR car is a base model Camcord. Lux will generally be too complex and prone to issues (I think Lexus does well because it doesn't usually have bleeding edge tech), and sporty cars will be too harsh.

driver100 said:

No-Longer-Recommended Models With Declining Reliability
Acura MDX, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CT6, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Equinox, Chrysler 300, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-9, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Nissan Maxima, Porsche Cayenne, Subaru Impreza.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am looking for a more complete list. Of course, top picks for reliability.....Toyota!
Consumer Reports

stickguy

hearing some of the horror stories about the complex systems on some new cars, I am actually kind of glad I am sorta going backwards in complexity with the next car. Not really worried about any of the technology or mechanics on it at this point. Heck, don't even have to worry about power seat motors crapping out!

I really must be getting old.

andres3

Mr_Shiftright said:

driver100 said:

CR more complete list.
Surprising BMW and Audi move up, Mercedes in top half....looks like most get pulled down because of a few models, usually newer ones.

It is interesting to note this caveat:

" Three brands dropped significantly: Acura, Mazda, and Cadillac. All of them have limited model lineups, so if just one or two models drop in reliability, it can magnify the impact across the brand."

So what's Chevy's excuse, they have tons of models in the lineup

Michaell

stickguy said:

hearing some of the horror stories about the complex systems on some new cars, I am actually kind of glad I am sorta going backwards in complexity with the next car. Not really worried about any of the technology or mechanics on it at this point. Heck, don't even have to worry about power seat motors crapping out!

I really must be getting old.

Says the guy who is getting the uber-complicated DSG transmission.

Me? I'll stick with a traditional automatic or CVT - and, I'm still on the fence about the long term reliability of the CVT.

tlong

fintail said:

I think the ideal CR car is a base model Camcord. Lux will generally be too complex and prone to issues (I think Lexus does well because it doesn't usually have bleeding edge tech), and sporty cars will be too harsh.

Except that Lexus in their wisdom decided that a touchpad interface on the center console was a good UI. My wife and I looked at the NX SUV six or so months ago and that killed that idea, along with the looks of course.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

hearing some of the horror stories about the complex systems on some new cars, I am actually kind of glad I am sorta going backwards in complexity with the next car. Not really worried about any of the technology or mechanics on it at this point. Heck, don't even have to worry about power seat motors crapping out!

I really must be getting old.

Well, yeah you're getting old but I agree with you. For one reason or another (usually money) I buy the lower tech option. I find most of it a dangerous distraction and I'm not a good enough driver to fool with thatstuff and stay on the road.

Perhaps younger people can multi tasks while driving but from seeing what happens on the road,I doubt it.

Here's the scam CL ad of the day. Enjoy.




Super 08 HONDA ACCORD EX-L V6 FWD never any matters - $1450 (Albany)
1
2008 honda accord
fuel: gas
odometer: 48000
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
I'm selling a Honda Accord clean title. I have clean title available and able to offer for sale. The inner features a truly high priced overall look and feeling. bonuses this car or truck has it.style and Comfort Safety features are great. This motor vehicle is really a go turner. Much more images after request for serious people. When you are interesting get in touch to schedule a test-drive.

qbrozen

But it says you can schedule a test drive! That's new.

driver100

OK, I know little about technology but if the seller has a Comcast address wouldn't he be in the U.S.?
The description makes me want to take a test drive immediately..........48k miles for only $1800! It's a steal!
And I wonder how many replies he will get.

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

But it says you can schedule a test drive! That's new.

Does the guy have a special app to download & schedule the test drive?

abacomike

tlong said:

I think the ideal CR car is a base model Camcord. Lux will generally be too complex and prone to issues (I think Lexus does well because it doesn't usually have bleeding edge tech), and sporty cars will be too harsh.

Except that Lexus in their wisdom decided that a touchpad interface on the center console was a good UI. My wife and I looked at the NX SUV six or so months ago and that killed that idea, along with the looks of course.

I have “touch” screen interface on my 740i, but I never, ever use it.  I use the “controller” (mouse) or the buttons and switches on my console to access features, read outs, or handling/ride characteristics along with voice recognition.  I just don’t like fingerprints on my display screen!

stickguy

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

hearing some of the horror stories about the complex systems on some new cars, I am actually kind of glad I am sorta going backwards in complexity with the next car. Not really worried about any of the technology or mechanics on it at this point. Heck, don't even have to worry about power seat motors crapping out!

I really must be getting old.

Says the guy who is getting the uber-complicated DSG transmission.

Me? I'll stick with a traditional automatic or CVT - and, I'm still on the fence about the long term reliability of the CVT.

well, yes, I did think of that. But less worried on this car, since the powertrain warranty goes out to 10/100000. So I have a long time before I need to worry about paying for it. Though of course would be a major hassle if it doesn't work right, but at least they have been using it for a few years now so hopefully any early bugs are worked out.

pensfan83

Well I am about as uninteresting and as boring as they come so I guess a test drive is out for me.

driver100

abacomike said:

tlong said:

fintail said:

I think the ideal CR car is a base model Camcord. Lux will generally be too complex and prone to issues (I think Lexus does well because it doesn't usually have bleeding edge tech), and sporty cars will be too harsh.

Except that Lexus in their wisdom decided that a touchpad interface on the center console was a good UI. My wife and I looked at the NX SUV six or so months ago and that killed that idea, along with the looks of course.

abacomike I have “touch” screen interface on my 740i, but I never, ever use it.  I use the “controller” (mouse) or the buttons and switches on my console to access features, read outs, or handling/ride characteristics along with voice recognition.  I just don’t like fingerprints on my display screen

!

I didn't find out why your brother went back to an MB.....or did I dream that?

houdini1

abacomike said:

CR just came out with their reliability ratings for 2018.  Toyota is again #1 with Lexus right behind as #2.  I was surprised to see Cadillac near the bottom as much as I was surprised to see BMW in the top 5.  The Cadillac complaints zeroed in on technology and audio systems.  But one must first consider the source - Consumer Reports - before relying too heavily on the results - just my opinion re: CR.

I saw that. Also kind of nice to see Kia in the top five.

suydam

Touch screen is so much easier to use in my Volt than knobs and dials. I love it. I think it’s great for older folks because the icons are large and bright, and I’m not trying to find tiny writing. It still has volume and temperature control knobs. Just right!

houdini1

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

hearing some of the horror stories about the complex systems on some new cars, I am actually kind of glad I am sorta going backwards in complexity with the next car. Not really worried about any of the technology or mechanics on it at this point. Heck, don't even have to worry about power seat motors crapping out!

I really must be getting old.

Well, yeah you're getting old but I agree with you. For one reason or another (usually money) I buy the lower tech option. I find most of it a dangerous distraction and I'm not a good enough driver to fool with thatstuff and stay on the road.

Perhaps younger people can multi tasks while driving but from seeing what happens on the road,I doubt it.

Here's the scam CL ad of the day. Enjoy.




Super 08 HONDA ACCORD EX-L V6 FWD never any matters - $1450 (Albany)
1
2008 honda accord
fuel: gas
odometer: 48000
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
I'm selling a Honda Accord clean title. I have clean title available and able to offer for sale. The inner features a truly high priced overall look and feeling. bonuses this car or truck has it.style and Comfort Safety features are great. This motor vehicle is really a go turner. Much more images after request for serious people. When you are interesting get in touch to schedule a test-drive.

OF, why do people post fake ads like this? Do they want you to come look and then rob you or are they just goofing around.

houdini1

suydam said:

Touch screen is so much easier to use in my Volt than knobs and dials. I love it. I think it’s great for older folks because the icons are large and bright, and I’m not trying to find tiny writing. It still has volume and temperature control knobs. Just right!

suydam said:

Touch screen is so much easier to use in my Volt than knobs and dials. I love it. I think it’s great for older folks because the icons are large and bright, and I’m not trying to find tiny writing. It still has volume and temperature control knobs. Just right!

That console mounted mouse on my LS 460 is ridiculous. No problem in understanding, but a pain to operate. I liked the touchscreen on my older one much better. For instance, if I want to simply turn the A/C on or off: 1. Go to mouse 2. Go to set-up 3. Go to climate 4. Go to A/C 5. Go to on or off 6. Hit on or off 7. Hit back to map.

I am sure they made the change from a touch screen because the screen itself is recessed so deeply into the dash it would be hard to reach. Still, no reason not to put a simple push button on the dash for some many used functions. Audio controls are even worse.