Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

qbrozen

That was, I believe, the big Kia. K900? Am I getting that name right?

roadburner

IMNSHO the key is to utilize all these electronic features as a driving aid as opposed to blindly relying on them. The aviation community is finding that pilots tend to rely on the electronics to such an extent that their flying skills deteriorate- sometimes to the point that they are unable to control the aircraft when the electronic assists go offline.

stickguy

I also distinguish between info and action. BLIS and back up cams to me are just advances in mirror technology. Still entirely up to driver to act and control car. Cars used to not have passenger side mirrors either. Basically, just more and better inputs. Especially since the best safety feature (good visibility all around) has been dialed out these days.

Auto brake, etc., where the car decides on its own what to do, then does it? Entering a whole other realm! Plus getting rear ended more does sound likely. Especially with a "false positive" like that!

qbrozen

I think I've detailed this a bit before, but I know if my Caddy had self-braking, it would have used it many many times by now for no reason. I base this assumption on the fact that it often flashes the red light and vibrates my seat on an empty road. It also apparently doesn't like highway dividers, as it will flash passing those on an uphill AND disengage my cruise control for me.

stickguy

All reasons I don't want to have those features. Heck, I don't like using cruise. It makes me nervous.

I love the blind spit monitoring though. Great safety feature. And can't live without a back up camera!

ab348

The ATS received a free upgrade this week of its OnStar hardware to add the in-car WiFi technology that GM offers in most of its 2015 vehicles. Apparently a change in cellular standards here in Canada required the upgrade - not sure if that will happen in the USA. It is rather neat if redundant for many people whose phone data plans offer copious amounts of data anyway. I get a 3 month free trial after which I will see what their rates are.

houdini1

qbrozen said:

I think I've detailed this a bit before, but I know if my Caddy had self-braking, it would have used it many many times by now for no reason. I base this assumption on the fact that it often flashes the red light and vibrates my seat on an empty road. It also apparently doesn't like highway dividers, as it will flash passing those on an uphill AND disengage my cruise control for me.

I can see where automatic braking might be good for slow speeds, say under 15 mph, stop and go traffic etc., but maybe just a warning at higher speeds. Maybe they work that way. Not sure.

stever

I needed a back up cam this morning. Too busy admiring the Golf TSI with temp tags parked next to me as I backed out and didn't immediately notice that someone else was exiting their slot behind me. A little extra warning would have been nice.

Love the cruise too. I have one two mile long collector street leaving my neighborhood so I set the cruise a couple over the limit at 47 or 48. Some SUV passed me and sped on down the hill this morning. He was sitting at the light when I pulled in behind him just as the light turned green.

graphicguy

Given I'm gone a few days for work, I've rented a car as I don't trust that my Cadillac CTS won't be problematic far fro home.

So, Hertz gave me a Hyundai Sonata. I'm impressed. Given the one I'm driving is probably a base model, it comes pretty well loaded.....power everything, bluetooth, etc. cloth seats, which aside from a bottom cushion that's too flat for my tastes, were comfortable on a 5+ hour drive. Even with 32K+ on the odo, there isn't a squeak, nor a rattle. It's tight as a drum. Steering is suprisingly good with good road feel. Suspension is quite good and doesn't really fall down in any way in normal driving. Brakes are responsive and linear.

As these things go, the engine could use about 30 or 40 more in the HP and torque dept. but, at least it sounds smooth when you spur it. The interior bits, although trying to give off a sporty vibe with fake carbon fiber and lots of hard plastics, are put together well.

Are those real LED DRLs?

Thinking mid $20K price range new, it's pretty impressive.

stickguy

My 15 has led drls, but it is a limited. Not sure what is on an SE. Was this a new or old style?

Steve, a few weeks ago I was in a narrow parking lot (small strip mall), waiting to try and back out. Not a good design. Anyway, while waiting for an opening, see car 2 down start backing. And across from her, another on. Yup, the meet in the middle. Crunch.

Sadly, both were newer BMWs. A black sedan (3 series I think) and a white SUV. assume neither had a back up assistant of any sort, else both women needed even more remedial driving instruction.

Mr_Shiftright

Steve, you're just not quite old enough yet. Once you hit about 75 or 80, you just do what most seniors do in my neighborhood. They slam it in reverse and then mutter "Screw it. I'm backin' up".

stever said:

I needed a back up cam this morning. Too busy admiring the Golf TSI with temp tags parked next to me as I backed out and didn't immediately notice that someone else was exiting their slot behind me. A little extra warning would have been nice.

Love the cruise too. I have one two mile long collector street leaving my neighborhood so I set the cruise a couple over the limit at 47 or 48. Some SUV passed me and sped on down the hill this morning. He was sitting at the light when I pulled in behind him just as the light turned green.

nyccarguy

Going a little crazy here guys. I actually have some "buying & selling" stories to report (don't worry CCBA guys, no punches for me). We are closing our business for 2 weeks starting Saturday at 12:00 pm for 2 weeks (vacation) & my kitchen is in the middle of getting renovated. I'll try to post before we leave for vacation on Saturday. CT to Charlotte, NC (anybody know of a good 1/2 way point to stay overnight?), then Charlotte, NC to Saint Simmons Island, GA, then GA to Busch Gardens/Colonial Williamsburg, then back to CT where my contractor tells me I will come home to my finished kicthen..

ray80

nyccarguy said:

CT to Charlotte, NC (anybody know of a good 1/2 way point to stay overnight?), then Charlotte, NC to Saint Simmons Island, GA, then GA to Busch Gardens/Colonial Williamsburg, then back to CT where my contractor tells me I will come home to my finished kicthen..

I would have no idea of half way point , but are you taking 95 or the perhaps quieter 81/77 to Charlotte?

stever

Mr_Shiftright said:

Steve, you're just not quite old enough yet. Once you hit about 75 or 80, you just do what most seniors do in my neighborhood. They slam it in reverse and then mutter "Screw it. I'm backin' up".

lol, I stopped well short so avoided any crunching. Did I mention, ahem, that we were at one of the medical labs at the time? (This week it was my wife's turn at least....)

@nyccarguy, that's the best way to remodel. Don't get to see any of the mistakes, and it's all done when you get home.

stickguy

Bradd, if taking 95, probably around Fredericksburg. Nice area, lots of options. I will actually lay over there next month, but mostly because my wife's niece just bought a house there, so it is free! Go much further and you are in Richmond. And past that, nothing really until Durham out 85.

Fredericksburg is probably about dead half way. It is from philly to Burlington, NC, and you are about as far from here as Charlotte to Burlington.

I never took 81. But I think there is a whole lotta nowhere once you get west of DC and south of 66.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Bradd, if taking 95, probably around Fredericksburg. Nice area, lots of options. I will actually lay over there next month, but mostly because my wife's niece just bought a house there, so it is free! Go much further and you are in Richmond. And past that, nothing really until Durham out 85.

Fredericksburg is probably about dead half way. It is from philly to Burlington, NC, and you are about as far from here as Charlotte to Burlington.

I never took 81. But I think there is a whole lotta nowhere once you get west of DC and south of 66.

I remember driving 81back in the late 70's. Mom grew up in the Tri-Cities area of TN, and we borrowed a car (ex cop car Chevy, IIRC) to drive up to NJ to visit dad's side of the family. There is a whole lot of nothing up there, and 66 wasn't quite fully finished, so there was a bit of cursing on my dad's part as we figured out how to get to (and around) Washington DC.

nyccarguy

ray80 said:

nyccarguy said:

CT to Charlotte, NC (anybody know of a good 1/2 way point to stay overnight?), then Charlotte, NC to Saint Simmons Island, GA, then GA to Busch Gardens/Colonial Williamsburg, then back to CT where my contractor tells me I will come home to my finished kicthen..

I would have no idea of half way point , but are you taking 95 or the perhaps quieter 81/77 to Charlotte?

I'm going to take the 81/77 Route. A little more time/mileage, but a lot easier.

ray80

nyccarguy said:

ray80 said:

nyccarguy said:

CT to Charlotte, NC (anybody know of a good 1/2 way point to stay overnight?), then Charlotte, NC to Saint Simmons Island, GA, then GA to Busch Gardens/Colonial Williamsburg, then back to CT where my contractor tells me I will come home to my finished kicthen..

I would have no idea of half way point , but are you taking 95 or the perhaps quieter 81/77 to Charlotte?

I'm going to take the 81/77 Route. A little more time/mileage, but a lot easier.

@nyccarguy That was my thought when I went down that way. Better scenery perhaps and more open road with less congestion. We took a break from the road somewhere in Va to visit some caverns and antique car muesum next door not to far off the interstate.

stickguy

Real men take 95. Though last time I came up, we took the scenic route through Maryland (301?). And over into central Delaware.

stickguy

Mapquest actually shows 81 as much quicker, even if longer. Probably looking at around Winchester to stop. Maybe Roanoke if you want to push closer. That might be 2/3 of the way.

Hey, just read review in a car magazine (might be motor trend) on the new pilot. Lived it. Made it sound like a huge leap forward. I sat in one. Was quite nice. Would likely get that over an MDX. If I wanted a barge.

abacomike

houdini1 said:

qbrozen said:

I think I've detailed this a bit before, but I know if my Caddy had self-braking, it would have used it many many times by now for no reason. I base this assumption on the fact that it often flashes the red light and vibrates my seat on an empty road. It also apparently doesn't like highway dividers, as it will flash passing those on an uphill AND disengage my cruise control for me.

I can see where automatic braking might be good for slow speeds, say under 15 mph, stop and go traffic etc., but maybe just a warning at higher speeds. Maybe they work that way. Not sure.

You probably remember that when my E 400 was produced the first time, I had to return it within 2 hours for missing equipment. When the replacement car was ordered, it was ordered with the Driver's Assistance Package (as a way of placating my being disgruntled). Personally, I would never have ordered that package on this car or any other car - $2800 is better spent on some nice wheels and good performance tires, IMHO). All I wanted on the new car was the Lane Tracking and Blind Spot Monitoring systems (one package for both) along with the Lighting Package, Seat Massage, Keyless-Go Pkg., and a rear spoiler.

But, since I have the Driver's Assistance Package, I've been using it pretty regularly when I am on the Turnpike. It has automatic adaptive steering (car steers itself when there are solid or broken lines on both left and right sides of the car), adaptive lane tracking and blind spot monitors (car brakes on one side or the other depending upon whether you are crossing into another lane or there is a car in the blind spot so the car moves back into the center of the lane by itself). It also has adaptive cruise control as well as self-braking if you are coming up on a car or obstruction and a collision is imminent. It can come to a complete stop using brake force that is stronger than if you were applying the brakes hard.

I still would not order that package on any care - a waste in my opinion. But since I've got it, why not use it.

ray80

stickguy said:

Real men take 95. Though last time I came up, we took the scenic route through Maryland (301?). And over into central Delaware.

@stickguy real men play with the semi's that take 81 , not the smart cars on 95

stickguy

95 from Baltimore to Richmond should be required testing for all drivers. At busy traffic time.

fezo

I like the coastal route. Take the Thruway to the Garden State Parkway and travel the whole length of the Parkway. Then pick up the Cape May ferry which takes maybe an hour and a half to lay back and watch the water (and if you're lucky check out dolphins) and arrive at Lewes, DE and follow the signs to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Lands you near Norfolk without having dealt with anything resembling 95.

Norfolk itself is a bit tough to get through depending on the hour but it's a nice little drive.

I have a parking assist on the 5. No screen but if you're backing near something it will beep at you. Was backing out of a spot in a parking lot after checking to see all was clear and as I start backing it starts beeping like crazy just as some clown in a CRV zooms past without looking.

The Miata, of course, doesn't have such advanced technology as traction control or ABS. While it's doing its best to be an old MG that's a little hard to sell when it has AC, power windows and cruise control.

[Deleted User]

Great comments on the driver assistance technologies. I've never had a false positive, but if I did and I was still thinking logically, then a simple press of the accelerator would overide the autobrake function. The autobrake tech also allows for adaptive cruise control, which I love, and reminds me if I'm stopped at a light and the car in front accelerate away and I don't notice.

The most helpful assistance is the rear backup technology. Last night I was pulled into a parking spot parked between two large trucks, and needed to reverse out with heavy traffic crossing behind me. With the gear selector in reverse, the car monitored the traffic telling me which side of my Outback the cars were approaching from, so I just waited until the Outback gave me the all clear, and then backed up safely with visual confirmation from the rear camera.

I'm a safer driver with the assistance package without doubt, but the key is using them as additional aids, not supplements to good driving skills.

stickguy

Rear cross path is a great feature.

Fezo, I always take the Delmarva when I go to Chesapeake. So much nicer, even with too many lights. Never the ferry though. Just hop into Delaware, and take 1/13 down.

fezo

That's not bad and from you are it probably makes more sense, but the ferry is sweet.

It was born of the Bridge Tunnel. The boats that now cross Delaware Bay crossed the Chesapeake until 1964 when the Bridge Tunnel opened.

The Bridge Tunnel is way cool. It was crazier in a good way before they built the newer bridge spans. Used to be 17 miles of one lane in each direction. The tunnels still are.

stever

My sister lives close to Winchester. Lots of trucks on I-81 weekdays - if it's "quieter", then I-95 must really be the pits. Not much in the way of alternative routes though.

Press request if you know of anyone:

If you recently traded in a luxury vehicle for a truck, a reporter would like to speak with you. Please email PR@edmunds.com no later than Friday, July 24, 2015 with your daytime contact info and a few words about your decision.

fezo

stever said:

My sister lives close to Winchester. Lots of trucks on I-81 weekdays - if it's "quieter", then I-95 must really be the pits. Not much in the way of alternative routes though.

Um, yeah. 95 is the pits. Yo know it's bad when the NJ Turnpike might not be considered the worst part of it.

bwia

Customer Goodwill?

Bummer! Would you believe after only 6,700 miles our 2014 Buick Encore had a tire mishap. Apparently my wife hit a curb and sliced the right front tire resulting in a hanging chad.

Resigned to the fact that such road hazards are not covered under warranty she was prepared to pay for a replacement tire; so she reluctantly brought the SUV to the dealership to have a new one installed. To her amazement the tire was replaced with a brand new EOM Continental Pro Contact, free of charge.

Yes, free of charge with the invoice marked CUSTOMER GOODWILL. I did a quick online price check and the cost of the tire is $148. I know the Encore comes with two years of free maintenance but a free tire is a nice gesture especially on my birthday. Sorry GG but that is the customer appreciation we have come to expect from GM.

On the Customer Satisfaction Survey nothing but 10's for my dealership, don't you think?

snakeweasel

bwia said:

Where are they now?

I just spent the last hour on the "old" Stories from the Sales Frontlines thread of April 2013. It was so much fun reading some of these posts again. And By the way, what happened to these posters? tjc78, snakeweasel, verdugo, gogiboy, murphydog, tyguy, jmonroe, and sb55

Have you tried checking the couch? Sometimes posters fall between the cushions..

fezo

Snake! Where have you been? You know how we worry.....

snakeweasel

fezo said:

Snake! Where have you been? You know how we worry.....

Oh I was out trying to help this Nigerian prince transfer money out of Nigeria.

robr2

I was at the mall this evening visiting the Apple store. There was a C300 on display. It's the first one I've seen up close and I have to say I am very disappointed with the styling. IMHO, shrinking the S Class just doesn't work.

stickguy

I wonder occasionally about Tom (TJC). He only lives about 15 minutes from me. I know that he was having a kid, which was right about the time he dropped out of sight. Might be connected!

JMonroe stopped by not long ago I believe to check in. He seems to be on the Richard visitation plan now

stickguy

Fezo, I am amazed by how much of a difference the turnpike expansion made. It is wonderful, since I have to use the part below the old "merge" at 8A. even nicely paved now, and without all the traffic tieups.

compared to 95 though and below DC, the NJT is the autobahn. Actually from the DMB through below DC, it is one long stretch of suckitude. At least they finally finished the express lanes around Baltimore.

abacomike

Just finished cooking dinner for me and my brother (he flew down last night to settle my Dad's estate).  Made Chicken Parmesan with linguini, marinara sauce and we opened a bottle of "Chianti" (but no fatha beans)  

It took us 4 hours at the bank to close accounts and distribute proceeds to each of us.  I just reinvested my share.  Tomorrow, we have to go to the brokerage firm and distribute those proceeds.  I haven't decided whether I should hold on to the tax-exempt bond funds or sell them. Never had to make so many decisions about finances in my entire life.  I'd still prefer having Dad around than have to be concerned with all this financial stuff.

We are driving up to the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth (where Dad's remains were interned) tomorrow after taking care of the brokerage investments and dropping off a copy of the death certificate to the attorney so he can file it with the county for purposes ad title to the condo.

I am exhausted.  Not really a fun activity after what has happened over the past 7 weeks.  I know those of you who have experienced this have a good idea about what I am going through and have already gone through.

Perhaps after my brother leaves Saturday afternoon I can get on with my life.

driver100

robr2 said:

I was at the mall this evening visiting the Apple store. There was a C300 on display. It's the first one I've seen up close and I have to say I am very disappointed with the styling. IMHO, shrinking the S Class just doesn't work.

I agree rob...this is a case where I like the previous model more:
2015




Previous 2014 model:







If the 2017 EClass has that looks I'll just keep my 2015 E400. I like the styling of the 15 more than the S Class.









Edmunds gives it 5 out of 5!

stickguy

I really like the previous style C class. Always have. nice size, attractive, just works for me. I did sit in a new style (used 2014 I think) and it was sharp. Great seats. No iPad on the dash even.

fezo

Mike, as you are deciding how to deal with the extra money do not forget the lovely getaway you were proposing for my wife and me. Has to come from somewhere. Certainly not me...

Just sayin'. Maybe Snake's Nigerian friend can help me.

nyccarguy

@robr2 - I agree.  I am not a fan of the "baby S-Class" look of the new C either.  It looks like a big car from the outside.  I don't like the iPad stuck on the dash look either.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

@robr2 - I agree.  I am not a fan of the "baby S-Class" look of the new C either.  It looks like a big car from the outside.  I don't like the iPad stuck on the dash look either.

Not that I plan on shopping in that price range anytime soon, but I'll second (third?) the notion that the iPad on the dash is decidedly aftermarket looking.

Someone, somewhere has got to be working on an interface where you simply plug your phone (Android, iPhone or Windows phone) and a large display that is built into the dash lights up.

verdugo

snakeweasel said:

bwia said:

Where are they now?

I just spent the last hour on the "old" Stories from the Sales Frontlines thread of April 2013. It was so much fun reading some of these posts again. And By the way, what happened to these posters? tjc78, snakeweasel, verdugo, gogiboy, murphydog, tyguy, jmonroe, and sb55

Have you tried checking the couch? Sometimes posters fall between the cushions..

I'm still here.

driver100

stickguy said:

I really like the previous style C class. Always have. nice size, attractive, just works for me. I did sit in a new style (used 2014 I think) and it was sharp. Great seats. No iPad on the dash even.

I agree with all your comments, in fact I think the best looking C was the 2002 model:






I don't get the GPS sticking up idea, but it seems to be the way all car makers are going, for some unknown reason.

And, Iam not a big fan of an S Class...I think there is a rule of design that says it is hard to make a car that large attractive, unless it is a limo or funeral car.

stickguy

Michael, that concept already exists basically. All the built in apps the car has just replicate the phone and integrate controls. Apple (car play?) and android both have true integration systems. I know Volvo uses it.

Acura has an app that runs google maps from the phone through the car. Replaces the need for built in navi. Or software upgrades.

driver100

Actually, the S Class I like the least is about a 2010 model like one of my neighbors has. I have only ever seen him in it, and he is probably 5 ft 8. What he needs this giant car for I don't know. His house is nice but is about 60 years old, I have never seen his car go out or go into the garage, and I doubt if it would fit anyway.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Michael, that concept already exists basically. All the built in apps the car has just replicate the phone and integrate controls. Apple (car play?) and android both have true integration systems. I know Volvo uses it.

Acura has an app that runs google maps from the phone through the car. Replaces the need for built in navi. Or software upgrades.

This is true .. let the tech companies develop the tech and the car companies can license it for their brand. Although, everybody would have to license everything (Apple, Android and Windows).

driver100

driver100 said:

Actually, the S Class I like the least is about a 2008 to 2010 model like one of my neighbors has. I have only ever seen him in it, and he is probably 5 ft 8. What he needs this giant car for I don't know. His house is nice but is about 60 years old so I doubt if the garage was made for a car this large. I have never seen his car go out or go into the garage, and I doubt if it would fit anyway.

bwia

driver100 said:

Actually, the S Class I like the least is about a 2010 model like one of my neighbors has. I have only ever seen him in it, and he is probably 5 ft 8. What he needs this giant car for I don't know. His house is nice but is about 60 years old, I have never seen his car go out or go into the garage, and I doubt if it would fit anyway.

Hey Driver, aren't you a tad judgmental? The man has BIG car because he can afford it and an older home because of its charm and coziness. Be a good neighbor and offer to help him clean his garage so he can park his car inside.

cdnpinhead

bwia said:

Hey Driver, aren't you a tad judgmental?

Ya think?