Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

ab348

qbrozen said:

I saw the new badge in person last week and really don't care for it. Its just too big.

Agreed. I'm biased, but I'm glad my '14 still had the wreath and crest.

ab348

abacomike said:

I just want to make it through next week with the hopes of good news re: the blood test results for the virus.

Thanks for allowing me to digress a bit and being off topic.  I just needed to get some things off my chest.

Best of luck, Mike. Aging is not something for the faint of heart! I am suffering from a chronically sore back these days that is hopefully mostly due to a mattress that does not suit me. The body doesn't respond to exercise the way it used to, that's for sure.!

abacomike

ab348 said:

I just want to make it through next week with the hopes of good news re: the blood test results for the virus.

Thanks for allowing me to digress a bit and being off topic.  I just needed to get some things off my chest.

Best of luck, Mike. Aging is not something for the faint of heart! I am suffering from a chronically sore back these days that is hopefully mostly due to a mattress that does not suit me. The body doesn't respond to exercise the way it used to, that's for sure.!

I started walking in the mornings at the mall like I used to with my Dad.  I did about 4/5 of the mall this morning.  Tomorrow morning after my blood tests, I will try to walk the whole mall (about a mile).  I find that when I exercise, I feel a little better.

Exercise is essential for a body at any age.

imidazol97

A person with whom I used to work was telling me how much trouble she has getting around now with arthritis.
She said, "You have to be tough to get old."

abacomike

imidazol97 said:

A person with whom I used to work was telling me how much trouble she has getting around now with arthritis. She said, "You have to be tough to get old."

Definitely.  I used to be a good tennis player but had to give that up when my knee replacement was done 7 years ago.  I was s good bowler, but those days are also gone.  I am happy to just walk the mall briskly and do my shopping.  When I get home after noon, I collapse.

ab348

I used to be a golf nut, just loved it. Actually, that was when my back problems started, about 20 years ago. But I soldiered on. Then I developed arthritis in my left knee which made it literally a pain. I played less but still played until my heart surgery left me with an unstable sternum. Hard to make a golf swing when that moves in two different directions. Needless to say, I don't play golf any more.

verdugo

Mike, I hope you get good news from the test tomorrow.

fezo

Going through the thunderstorms again. Big boomers with Noah-like rain. It's my fault for buying the Miata.

Went out last night with one of the 13 year olds. A theater up the way was showing To Kill a Mockingbird which they had read in school this year. What a great moment to share. She's a quiet kid in the way that her sister isn't. We sat through the whole thing and I asked her what she thought of the movies. Said she liked it but the book was better. Ding! Rather than my usual thing which would be to agree and say it's always that way I just asked her why and, boy, did she have answers. Very special night, more so than if there'd been anyone else with us. The kind of moments you live for.

Had it not been for my wife's appendectomy I'd have missed it because originally they were going to go.

Mike - beat that Hep C. You've got a ton of inner strength.

Loved the idea of getting the Mrs. away to a B&B or some such thing. Right now financial constraints are in the way but we're just fine doing what we're doing.

carnaught

(Directed to CCBA and Buying and Selling cars boards)
Guys, I agree that we are all entitled to our opinions, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and that we are getting too PC these days. Whomever said it is not bullying I experienced, that is only correct because it was not directed specifically at me. I didn't say I was bullied but said "kind of felt" like one who was. If someone wore braces but a nearby crowd ridiculed having braces, even though it's not personal, how would that person feel? It my case, it was like my car buddies were kicking dirt my way. Yes, some car-people are sensitive to comments because, whether right or wrong, they consider their car as an extension of themselves. That said, I don't think we should be afraid of offending someone by having a different opinion, or be afraid of not being PC, as long as it's not egregious. Our lives, work, and even hearing the news today can be stressful enough, so in my leisure time being in a place where some personal values are being trashed isn't a place I want to hang around. If you disagree with me, or think I need to "grow a couple", that's fine, this is where I'm at. With all that, know that I truly appreciate the supportive comments, and, for that reason, I'm still here.

abacomike

carnaught said:

(Directed to CCBA and Buying and Selling cars boards) Guys, I agree that we are all entitled to our opinions, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and that we are getting too PC these days. Whomever said it is not bullying I experienced, that is only correct because it was not directed specifically at me. I didn't say I was bullied but said "kind of felt" like one who was. If someone wore braces but a nearby crowd ridiculed having braces, even though it's not personal, how would that person feel? It my case, it was like my car buddies were kicking dirt my way. Yes, some car-people are sensitive to comments because, whether right or wrong, they consider their car as an extension of themselves. That said, I don't think we should be afraid of offending someone by having a different opinion, or be afraid of not being PC, as long as it's not egregious. Our lives, work, and even hearing the news today can be stressful enough, so in my leisure time being in a place where some personal values are being trashed isn't a place I want to hang around. If you disagree with me, or think I need to "grow a couple", that's fine, this is where I'm at. With all that, know that I truly appreciate the supportive comments, and, for that reason, I'm still here.

I am relieved, carnaught!  I have sincerely appreciated your contributions to this forum and without you feedback/input, this thread would not be the same.

Had I been aware of your new leased vehicle, I definitely would have been more sensitive.  But must have missed your post during the time my Dad was in the hospital, hospice, or I was making final arrangements for his remains.  My apologies if I offended you - but rest assured, my comments were in no way directed at you or your new addition to the fleet!

Glad you're still here.  

ab348

carnaught said:

(Directed to CCBA and Buying and Selling cars boards)
Guys, I agree that we are all entitled to our opinions, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and that we are getting too PC these days. Whomever said it is not bullying I experienced, that is only correct because it was not directed specifically at me. I didn't say I was bullied but said "kind of felt" like one who was. If someone wore braces but a nearby crowd ridiculed having braces, even though it's not personal, how would that person feel? It my case, it was like my car buddies were kicking dirt my way. Yes, some car-people are sensitive to comments because, whether right or wrong, they consider their car as an extension of themselves. That said, I don't think we should be afraid of offending someone by having a different opinion, or be afraid of not being PC, as long as it's not egregious. Our lives, work, and even hearing the news today can be stressful enough, so in my leisure time being in a place where some personal values are being trashed isn't a place I want to hang around. If you disagree with me, or think I need to "grow a couple", that's fine, this is where I'm at. With all that, know that I truly appreciate the supportive comments, and, for that reason, I'm still here.

No problem, stay a while.

Besides, it could have been a lot worse. Just imagine the reception you would have gotten if you reported you had bought an Aztek!

(just kidding!!)

Michaell

ab348 said:

carnaught said:

(Directed to CCBA and Buying and Selling cars boards)
Guys, I agree that we are all entitled to our opinions, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and that we are getting too PC these days. Whomever said it is not bullying I experienced, that is only correct because it was not directed specifically at me. I didn't say I was bullied but said "kind of felt" like one who was. If someone wore braces but a nearby crowd ridiculed having braces, even though it's not personal, how would that person feel? It my case, it was like my car buddies were kicking dirt my way. Yes, some car-people are sensitive to comments because, whether right or wrong, they consider their car as an extension of themselves. That said, I don't think we should be afraid of offending someone by having a different opinion, or be afraid of not being PC, as long as it's not egregious. Our lives, work, and even hearing the news today can be stressful enough, so in my leisure time being in a place where some personal values are being trashed isn't a place I want to hang around. If you disagree with me, or think I need to "grow a couple", that's fine, this is where I'm at. With all that, know that I truly appreciate the supportive comments, and, for that reason, I'm still here.

No problem, stay a while.

Besides, it could have been a lot worse. Just imagine the reception you would have gotten if you reported you had bought an Aztek!

(just kidding!!)

Hey, if the Aztek is good enough for everybody's favorite meth chemist, it's good enough for all!

Aztek vs. Juke - which was hit with the bigger ugly stick? Discuss....

stever

The Aztek is just a Rendezvous with cladding. And like you, I kind of like the Juke.

Among the minivan crowd, it's always the eggplant Caravan of a few generations back vs the current Odyssey kink. Deep stuff, lol.

imidazol97

ab348 said:

Besides, it could have been a lot worse. Just imagine the reception you would have gotten if you reported you had bought an Aztek! (just kidding!!)

Speaking of criticisms of GM vehicles. I recall all the criticism of the Malibu Generation 8. I own one. All kinds of negatives often from people who haven't even looked at the upscale end of the line--usually that the rear seat doesn't have enough room. I have responded to those along with other GM stereotypes, hoping to get people to at least look at GM for a real comparison. In the end someone commented toward a subset of posters of which I would be one element and suggested we shouldn't stand up and post in defense of GM. I believe the reason was because no one else posts in defense of other vehicle lines.

However, that has occurred since then where people have posted in defense of other cars.

I love my Malibu and the way it drives. One independent car reviewer who tries to compare vehicles more fairly than the magazine captive writers do said that it has a great ride and controls all kinds of road surfaces very well. It's just he prefers the Accord stiffer ride. Next yet another independent complained he could hear an exhaust noise. But he concluded it was because the car was quieter than other 4-cylinder competitors he was hearing a sound he wouldn't hear in the other vehicles.

So my message to Carnaught is I'm glad he's staying despite folks' stating of their opinions. They aren't buying the vehicle. I bought my Malibu and love it despite the negatives in many reviews. It's criticized for being shorter and I love having more room behind it between my storage cabinet to walk through from the entrance door into our home than if it were a longer car like our leSabre..

There's always this grill and bumper that would be considered "odd" today. Imagine the weight of that chrome. What a waste of natural resources to carry all that weight and mine that chromium, nickel, and copper which I assume were used for the plating.

bwia

carnaught said:

(Directed to CCBA and Buying and Selling cars boards)
Guys, I agree that we are all entitled to our opinions, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and that we are getting too PC these days. Whomever said it is not bullying I experienced, that is only correct because it was not directed specifically at me. I didn't say I was bullied but said "kind of felt" like one who was. If someone wore braces but a nearby crowd ridiculed having braces, even though it's not personal, how would that person feel? It my case, it was like my car buddies were kicking dirt my way. Yes, some car-people are sensitive to comments because, whether right or wrong, they consider their car as an extension of themselves. That said, I don't think we should be afraid of offending someone by having a different opinion, or be afraid of not being PC, as long as it's not egregious. Our lives, work, and even hearing the news today can be stressful enough, so in my leisure time being in a place where some personal values are being trashed isn't a place I want to hang around. If you disagree with me, or think I need to "grow a couple", that's fine, this is where I'm at. With all that, know that I truly appreciate the supportive comments, and, for that reason, I'm still here.

Like Mike, I too missed your post on buying a new Lexus. I do not read the CCBA thread so I missed the banter. Nonetheless, congrats on your new wheels and enjoy the ride.

ray80

Michaell said:

ab348 said:

carnaught said:

(Directed to CCBA and Buying and Selling cars boards)
Guys, I agree that we are all entitled to our opinions, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and that we are getting too PC these days. Whomever said it is not bullying I experienced, that is only correct because it was not directed specifically at me. I didn't say I was bullied but said "kind of felt" like one who was. If someone wore braces but a nearby crowd ridiculed having braces, even though it's not personal, how would that person feel? It my case, it was like my car buddies were kicking dirt my way. Yes, some car-people are sensitive to comments because, whether right or wrong, they consider their car as an extension of themselves. That said, I don't think we should be afraid of offending someone by having a different opinion, or be afraid of not being PC, as long as it's not egregious. Our lives, work, and even hearing the news today can be stressful enough, so in my leisure time being in a place where some personal values are being trashed isn't a place I want to hang around. If you disagree with me, or think I need to "grow a couple", that's fine, this is where I'm at. With all that, know that I truly appreciate the supportive comments, and, for that reason, I'm still here.

No problem, stay a while.

Besides, it could have been a lot worse. Just imagine the reception you would have gotten if you reported you had bought an Aztek!

(just kidding!!)

Hey, if the Aztek is good enough for everybody's favorite meth chemist, it's good enough for all!

Aztek vs. Juke - which was hit with the bigger ugly stick? Discuss....

Ok, Now I'm the one that could be offended since I had 2 of the Pontiacs (still have one) , but since I am about as sensitive as a rock I can let it go .

bwia

imidazol97 said:

ab348 said:

Besides, it could have been a lot worse. Just imagine the reception you would have gotten if you reported you had bought an Aztek! (just kidding!!)

There's always this grill and bumper that would be considered "odd" today. Imagine the weight of that chrome. What a waste of natural resources to carry all that weight and mine that chromium, nickel, and copper which I assume were used for the plating.

Very nice looking Buick; is that a 1950 Roadmaster? The venti-ports look so elegant and exquisite that it elevates the car to luxury status.
Boy would I love one of these for my birthday tomorrow.

Mr_Shiftright

No that's a '55 Special. For Tom Waits fans, that car was the reference for his song "Old 55"

stever

How's your honker, Shifty?

2014 Mini Cooper: Still Got It

(I hesitate to quote from the article, so let's just leave it at "ungainly, overinflated schnoz").

Mr_Shiftright

Mine is an R53, with the proper nose job. Right now I'm figuring out what to do with my friend's 1965 Datsun 1500 roadster in my driveway. Rather rare car actually. Tragic part is that he regrettably threw away the convertible top bows, hardware and worn top---leaving us, alas, no patterns to reproduce anything. And yes, they are unique to that model, so good luck finding parts for a car that had only 1100 examples sent to the USA. Oh, and his cat shredded both front seats.

roadburner

My MINI dealer has a nice looking MCS with three pedals, no sunroof, and most every other option. The thing is, I think I'm one and done on FWD, especially on a car that's appreciably slower than my current DD.

qbrozen

speaking of Lexus. There is a new member at my dojo who pulled up in a newish RC350 FSport. I think it is a sharp looking car. It is dark grey with red interior. Hopefully they will make a good performance version.

Michaell

qbrozen said:

speaking of Lexus. There is a new member at my dojo who pulled up in a newish RC350 FSport. I think it is a sharp looking car. It is dark grey with red interior. Hopefully they will make a good performance version.

They do - it's called the RC-F

Mr_Shiftright

Really? What does your 3 do 0-60----about 5.5? A MCS isn't that much slower, maybe 6.2

roadburner said:

My MINI dealer has a nice looking MCS with three pedals, no sunroof, and most every other option. The thing is, I think I'm one and done on FWD, especially on a car that's appreciably slower than my current DD.

isellhondas

Jipster!!!!

Stick around, I miss our arguments!

jipster

Thanks for the comments Driver, Mako and Steve. I've been driving the Mariner for a couple weeks now, and enjoy driving it much more than the Civic. The Civic got great gas mileage (36.7mpg combined over 32,000 miles), but everything else just average. The Mariner is in really good condition with 104,000 miles, which is pretty good for a 2008.

And funny you should remember,"The Jipst Method of New and Used Car Buying" book... I completely forgot about it. Wasn't exactly a best seller. Haha

Well, looks like I won't be commenting on that Lexus grill. So take care all.

roadburner

Mr_Shiftright said:

Really? What does your 3 do 0-60----about 5.5? A MCS isn't that much slower, maybe 6.2

roadburner said:

My MINI dealer has a nice looking MCS with three pedals, no sunroof, and most every other option. The thing is, I think I'm one and done on FWD, especially on a car that's appreciably slower than my current DD.

5.4 stock- but I've added a tune and an intake about 50 more bhp. Also, the MS3 has a mechanical LSD- something BMW now only includes in their most exclusive models.

houdini1

carnaught said:

(Directed to CCBA and Buying and Selling cars boards)
Guys, I agree that we are all entitled to our opinions, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and that we are getting too PC these days. Whomever said it is not bullying I experienced, that is only correct because it was not directed specifically at me. I didn't say I was bullied but said "kind of felt" like one who was. If someone wore braces but a nearby crowd ridiculed having braces, even though it's not personal, how would that person feel? It my case, it was like my car buddies were kicking dirt my way. Yes, some car-people are sensitive to comments because, whether right or wrong, they consider their car as an extension of themselves. That said, I don't think we should be afraid of offending someone by having a different opinion, or be afraid of not being PC, as long as it's not egregious. Our lives, work, and even hearing the news today can be stressful enough, so in my leisure time being in a place where some personal values are being trashed isn't a place I want to hang around. If you disagree with me, or think I need to "grow a couple", that's fine, this is where I'm at. With all that, know that I truly appreciate the supportive comments, and, for that reason, I'm still here.

Now that you have had the new car for a few days, a nice review would be in order. Atomic Silver is my favorite Lexus color. Is the RC based on another Lexus model or is it a brand new model? Add me to the list of those who are glad you are staying.

jipster

isellhondas said:

Jipster!!!!

Stick around, I miss our arguments!

Hey Isell ole buddy! Did we ever argue?. LOL. Ahh, the good ole days.

Looks like ole Steve, Kristie and Shifty have tamed things down quite a bit. The days of the old trash talkers has been exterminated... with Kristies Delete-O-Matic 5500. Too bad. Otherwise... it's go time. :-)

I'll try to pop in from time to time. Trying to post on my Kindle is very trying. Maybe carnaughty would be up for a good argument? Take care pal. :-)

houdini1

imidazol97 said:

ab348 said:

Besides, it could have been a lot worse. Just imagine the reception you would have gotten if you reported you had bought an Aztek! (just kidding!!)

Speaking of criticisms of GM vehicles. I recall all the criticism of the Malibu Generation 8. I own one. All kinds of negatives often from people who haven't even looked at the upscale end of the line--usually that the rear seat doesn't have enough room. I have responded to those along with other GM stereotypes, hoping to get people to at least look at GM for a real comparison. In the end someone commented toward a subset of posters of which I would be one element and suggested we shouldn't stand up and post in defense of GM. I believe the reason was because no one else posts in defense of other vehicle lines.

However, that has occurred since then where people have posted in defense of other cars.

I love my Malibu and the way it drives. One independent car reviewer who tries to compare vehicles more fairly than the magazine captive writers do said that it has a great ride and controls all kinds of road surfaces very well. It's just he prefers the Accord stiffer ride. Next yet another independent complained he could hear an exhaust noise. But he concluded it was because the car was quieter than other 4-cylinder competitors he was hearing a sound he wouldn't hear in the other vehicles.

So my message to Carnaught is I'm glad he's staying despite folks' stating of their opinions. They aren't buying the vehicle. I bought my Malibu and love it despite the negatives in many reviews. It's criticized for being shorter and I love having more room behind it between my storage cabinet to walk through from the entrance door into our home than if it were a longer car like our leSabre..

There's always this grill and bumper that would be considered "odd" today. Imagine the weight of that chrome. What a waste of natural resources to carry all that weight and mine that chromium, nickel, and copper which I assume were used for the plating.

Every time I see one of those I remember the story my wife told me about her father. He had a '55 special like that one and it was a tad too long to fit in the garage. Being an engineer, he solved the problem by cutting two round holes in the end of the garage so that those two frontal projections could fit into. This gave him just enough room to close the garage door. He had a habit of naming all his cars, and I don't think it was a coincidence that he named this one Marilyn.

abacomike

Went in for my lab work this morning and as usual, they had to use a divining rod to find a usable vein.  I have 4 more holes in my arms than I had last night.

On my way home from my morning constitutional at the mall, I stopped off at my local Chevy dealer to look at a new Stingray.  A salesman caught me on the lot and before I could say, "...just looking today..." he had grabbed the key to a white Stingray coupe with red leather seats.  I had to admit that I was tempted (in other words the devil made me do it) so I climbed into the passenger seat.  Certainly was no easy task for a 70 year old.

He asked me if I would be trading my E 400 sedan and I said, "...like I mentioned to you, I am merely looking right now, but no, I intend to keep the E 400 and use the Stingray as a sort of toy.

He drove me to a spot about 4 blocks from the dealership and switched seats with me.  Needless to say, getting out of the passenger's seat was like trying to exit a hot tub that was filled with jello rather than water.  I had to steady my self on the A pillar as I crawled out of the car.  I sat in the driver's seat and tried to accustom myself to sitting lower than I have ever sat.

I shifted it into 1st and released the clutch and thought I was beginning to suffer from whiplash.  What torque and power!  Never got higher than third gear with all the traffic.  We went onto the turnpike and my back and tush can remember each and every road seam and bump - forward or backward.  It reminded me of the roller coaster my grandson made me ride at Universal Studios Orlando.  Finally got it into 6th gear after waving goodbye to all those cars I left in the dust.

When we returned to the dealership, the salesman had to help me get out of the car.  He asked me if I was ready!  I said most definitely - but not to buy the car, but to crawl home to my heating pad and my soft bed with its fluffy pillows under my knees.  And I thought that Space Rocket Coaster at Universal Studios was a rough experience - no comparison to driving a hot sports car 1-1/2 inches above the road surface with an I-bar for a suspension.

I have to end this now - I need another pain pill!!!  

roadburner

jipster said:

Looks like ole Steve, Kristie and Shifty have tamed things down quite a bit. The days of the old trash talkers has been exterminated... with Kristies Delete-O-Matic 5500. Too bad. Otherwise... it's go time. :-)

I'll try to pop in from time to time. Trying to post on my Kindle is very trying. Maybe carnaughty would be up for a good argument? Take care pal. :-)

Glad to see you dropped in; I have to say that it was kind of fun when we had a few argumentative dimwits around. Kind of like a car wreck- you just HAD to watch!

qbrozen

Michaell said:

qbrozen said:

speaking of Lexus. There is a new member at my dojo who pulled up in a newish RC350 FSport. I think it is a sharp looking car. It is dark grey with red interior. Hopefully they will make a good performance version.

They do - it's called the RC-F

Oh, hey, lookit that. Too bad its a bit of a pig. Nearly 2 tons, 12.8 1/4 mile, and 18/25 mpg. Seems like they managed to take a smallish V8 sports coupe and make a performance competitor to my V6 midsize sedan (and what might be comparable to the GS-F). Oh well.

stever

There's even an RC-F in the home office fleet.

[Deleted User]

One of the things I love about Top Gear UK is how the hosts can trash each others' car choices, along with guests' of the show, and still remain friends. Just look at how Jeremy lampooned Richard for loving Porsches and classic Mustangs, and Richard would fire right back at Jeremy over his rides. If you can't be honest with your friends, then what kind of friendship are you really building and maintaining? No car is the best at everything. Not a one.

Folks, you can ridicule my quirky Subarus all you want (hint: the Impreza engine is pathetic). In the end I still love them :-)

Carnaught, regardless of anyone's styling preferences you have one heck of a great ride in that Lexus. Enjoy every minute owning it.

imidazol97

In the interest of safety for tyguy, I'm posting a recall about seat sensors being affected by electronic devices and certain other problems.

"On 2012 Impreza models (but not the WRX or WRX STI), the sensor in the passenger seat can switch the airbag off when an adult is seated or switch it on when no one is present. The problem has to do with a capacitance sensor Subaru introduced for that model year that gets tripped up if someone uses a cellphone or other electronic device while seated, if their clothes are damp, or if they touch a grounded part of the vehicle such as the seat-adjustment lever. Even a cellphone left on the seat can cause the airbag to activate improperly. Water on the seat can also cause the airbag to be disabled, even after an adult sits down."

http://blog.caranddriver.com/subaru-recalls-32000-imprezas-for-airbag-sensors/

fezo

Glad you're back, carnaught. Things happen. Good to let it go.

We'll find someone else's car to pick on. Somebody here got a Juke? (Confession: they're growing on me; the same thing happened with me with the Cube.)

stickguy

I know some people with jukes. All women, and they all love them.

I actually like it. Attractive ugly, and I like the size and interior. My wife would kill me if I bought one.

isellhondas

I suppose everyone has different tastes.

To me, those hokey fender skirts on that 55 Buick totally ruin it's looks! They didn't come from the factory with them and they weren't an option. The first thing I would do is take them off and find a dumpster.

I have the same opinion of continental kits. I once looked at a beautiful 59 Impala that was for sale. It was very nice except it had a continental kit. I asked the owner how hard it would be to rid the Impala of it's ugly appendage (I asked nicely) and he was shocked! " WHY would you want to do that??"

When I was in the Honda business I heard it all...

" Ooh, I LOVE that color"

" OH, YUCK...WHAT was Honda thinking?"

" I don't like the way the seats feel!"

" Oh, honey, these seats are so comfortable!"

I learned quickly to tune these comments out. If they said something negitive I would suggest we take a look
at some different cars.

Carnaught,I'm glad you decided to stick around!

roadburner

tyguy said:

One of the things I love about Top Gear UK is how the hosts can trash each others' car choices, along with guests' of the show, and still remain friends. Just look at how Jeremy lampooned Richard for loving Porsches and classic Mustangs, and Richard would fire right back at Jeremy over his rides. If you can't be honest with your friends, then what kind of friendship are you really building and maintaining? No car is the best at everything. Not a one.

Folks, you can ridicule my quirky Subarus all you want (hint: the Impreza engine is pathetic). In the end I still love them :-)

Carnaught, regardless of anyone's styling preferences you have one heck of a great ride in that Lexus. Enjoy every minute owning it.

And I may yet land a new STI!

Michaell

stickguy said:

I know some people with jukes. All women, and they all love them.

I actually like it. Attractive ugly, and I like the size and interior. My wife would kill me if I bought one.

Both the wife and I have test driven the Juke. I drove a FWD stick shift, while the wife drove an AWD version with the CVT.

I liked my test drive a lot, but you can't get a stick with AWD, sadly. Wife was 'meh' about her test drive; she felt it was too small inside (and, I agree, that as our primary vehicle it wouldn't work too well).

fezo

I had a Buick like that! Well, not like that - it was maybe 20 years old at the time, quite faded but all there. That was my toy.

Isell - absolutely correct on those skirts.

imidazol97

That was the Buick era where the salesman would put a bill on the dash
and if you could reach and pick it up while the car was under full acceleration
it was yours. The transmissions had continuous, smooth power. My dad had
bought my uncle's 55 when uncle got a different car. That Special was great.
But 10 or so mpg?

nelsonf

I worked as a service advisor for a Chrysler-Plymouth dealer in Massachusetts in the late 80's, and the sales department would add fake continental kits and vinyl landau tops to 2 door Plymouth Reliants, then mark them up to just below Chrysler LeBaron prices.

The funny thing, besides the whole situation, was that the "bumper" under the continental kit was chrome, but the car's bumper was body colored plastic, and didn't line up anyway. Hilarious, but people would buy them.

suydam

We test drove a '13 automatic Juke even though I hate the looks. For us felt very cramped inside with a cheap interior and extremely uncomfortable seats. Every bump in the road was jarring. Definitely not for us. I think it might have fit the size profile of the CUV back a couple of years ago but there are so many better alternatives out there now. Clearly there are people out there who say "That's for me!" I like some Nissan products but that and the Cube are not my thing at all. Now I think the Rogue is very nice looking. Haven't driven one.

[Deleted User]

Good find, Imid!   Thanks for posting.  I think the Impreza is also caught up in the huge airbag recall, too, so it looks like I'll be in for a dealer visit soon.

driver100

Carnaught, your comments were right on and I think we just got carried away. You should have told us what you leased, and as suggested please tell us about why you leased it and how you are liking it.

We bought a 78 Mustang II as a second car in 1978, and it always appears on the worst car lists every year. It was gutless, was small inside, uncomfortable, was based on a Pinto, but it was OK to go 3 or 4 miles each day to work. That really was a car that made no sense...not sporty enough to be a fun car, not practical enough to use to get from A to B. I guess it was a learning experience though.

[Deleted User]

Subaru Eyesight saved my bacon the other week.   I was southbound on I-25 heading to the airport cruising at the 75 MPH speed limit behind another car with no traffic.  I don't remember the moment before, but I distinctly recall the audible alert from the car beeping followed by the feeling of my body pressing hard into the seat belt.  

The car I was following came to a dead stop in the freeway with no other cars stopped in front.  Bizarre.  Thank goodness for Eyesight as it reacted before I did and brought me to a stop safely behind the car.

That seals it.  I'm even more sold on the technology.

driver100

tyguy said:

Subaru Eyesight saved my bacon the other week.   I was southbound on I-25 heading to the airport cruising at the 75 MPH speed limit behind another car with no traffic.  I don't remember the moment before, but I distinctly recall the audible alert from the car beeping followed by the feeling of my body pressing hard into the seat belt.  

The car I was following came to a dead stop in the freeway with no other cars stopped in front.  Bizarre.  Thank goodness for Eyesight as it reacted before I did and brought me to a stop safely behind the car.

That seals it.  I'm even more sold on the technology.

It sounds like Eyesight could be a great feature. Those features kind of scare me. I haven't used the parking feature in my E400 (parks itself)....I guess somewhere in the back of mind I think, if something can go wrong it WILL probably go wrong. I guess I also feel if I am driving I am responsible, if I cause the accident I can accept that more than having to pay for a mistake the car might make.

The same with the blind spot warnings. I love that feature but I still check and use that only as a double check. I either have trust issues or I am so conservative I feel I am ultimately responsible for the actions of my car.

houdini1

tyguy said:

Subaru Eyesight saved my bacon the other week.   I was southbound on I-25 heading to the airport cruising at the 75 MPH speed limit behind another car with no traffic.  I don't remember the moment before, but I distinctly recall the audible alert from the car beeping followed by the feeling of my body pressing hard into the seat belt.  

The car I was following came to a dead stop in the freeway with no other cars stopped in front.  Bizarre.  Thank goodness for Eyesight as it reacted before I did and brought me to a stop safely behind the car.

That seals it.  I'm even more sold on the technology.

I like all these new driver assists but I can't help wondering about what if another vehicle was right behind you and wasn't paying attention, etc. How many times have you had to brake hard, but with one eye on the rear view mirror? I always take a quick glance if I have the time. Even so, I think the good out weighs the bad in a case like this.

I also remember reading a long term test about a car (don't remember which one, so won't guess) where they reported that the car they were driving suddenly came to a screeching halt in the middle of the road with nothing in front of it.