Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

qbrozen

abacomike said:

Not only that, I would think there aren't too many cars in the U.S. that could be driven at a sustained speed of 95 mph for any extended period of time.  Just my opinion based on an educated guess - the average age of a car in the U.S. is 11 years old.  I would not dream of driving an 11 year old car at 95 mph sustained speed.

Oh, I think you are underestimating what cars are capable of. Back in '92, I drove a '78 Mercury Zephyr with straight 6 and 3-speed auto across 3 [small] states at a sustained 95-100 (rough guess since the speedo numbers only went up to 85 at the 5 o'clock position and I had the needle firmly pegged straight down at 6 o'clock). And, more recently, I did something similar in my wife's minivan driving back to NJ from FL. Granted, it wasn't 11 years old, but it was packed to the gills AND had an additional 2.5-foot high pile of luggage strapped to the roof.

I would say there aren't many cars that CAN'T drive at a sustained 95. Now, whether or not they are properly maintained to keep them safe at that speed is a whole 'nother issue. Not a day goes by that I don't see people driving around with at least 1 dangerously underinflated tire.

abacomike

@oldfarmer50:

No, oldfarmer, they are "unidirectional" as well - tread design.  Besides, the front tires are wearing evenly anyway.  But at least I don't have to replace all 4 tires.  Plenty of tread wear left on the rear wheels.

dino001

Mr_Shiftright said:

Road and Track once did a study where they asked professional race drivers to drive and "find the speed where they could no longer be distracted"---that is, where they put down the cigarette, stoppped driving with one finger and hunkered down and got serious. The result was around 95 mph, which is, in my opinion, a speed above the competence level of 90% of American drivers.

Interesting. I had an opportunity to travel on German autobahns fot two weeks. You can't go there slower than 80-85 mph, or you get relegated to the right lane. Typical section there is three lanes each way - truck on the right at about 55-65 mph, middle lane for passenger car cruising at 80-90 mph and left lane for fast cars and passing. Germans are not patientnwhen you occupy the left lane for too long (unless it's all full, of course), so you pass as quickly as you can, not at 1 mph differential, as it is common here. I found I sat back in a relaxed position at 85 mph and all tightened up when speeds approached 95 mph. I went faster couple of times, on one sunny day on an empty road I went 125 mph for couple of minutes. It felt like I drove for an hour, the slight bent in road felt like a big turn. It was fun, but I equally gladly ended it.

There is a reason why German cars used to have bad cupholders - German engineers couldn't conceive on their own why somebody would eat or drink in a car, they needed somebody to show them . You don't want to have coffee while going 100 mph. If you want it, you stop and sit down.

I actually prefer more relaxed driving in the US, but take out some of those truly annoying habits of occupying left lane at 10 mph below rest of the traffic, slow passing, etc. German driving is actually much more tiring, but fortunately the distances are much shorter. You can go 75-85 mph for 10 hours or even more, with just short breaks. Not so much at 95 mph, perhaps with some training.

German cars also require very rigorous safety and emission inspection done, the older the car, the more frequent. Combine that with high speeds, the engines are in much rougher shape, when the car ages. They rid of them out of the country at around 8-10 years old, selling them to Eastern Europe.

berri

Toying around with different ideas about what to drive once we move to SoCal. Both of us are thinking of downsizing from the midsize sedan

Suydam, if you're going to a part of CA with heavy traffic and will be doing a lot of city driving, you may want to look at a Camry hybrid. You'll get midsized comfort while you're stuck in traffic, but better economy. If you won't be doing a lot of driving there, don't let the higher gas prices scare you, the math won't be that big of a cost difference.

suydam

No, we really want a smaller size. We drove the Camry Hybrid before we got the Accord, both hated it. Really a wallowy drive and mushy brakes. I'd just stay with the midsize Accord in that case, which we still might do. We will only be in traffic on jaunts to L.A.

abacomike

suydam said:

No, we really want a smaller size. We drove the Camry Hybrid before we got the Accord, both hated it. Really a wallowy drive and mushy brakes. I'd just stay with the midsize Accord in that case, which we still might do. We will only be in traffic on jaunts to L.A.

I lived in North Los Angeles for 2-1/2 years (far north end of the San Fernando Valley) and I can assure you that no matter which direction, which freeway, or which part of Los Angeles County you lived in, there was ALWAYS traffic.  The only exception would be late night and the wee hours of the morning (10:00 PM - 4:00 AM).  So be prepared.  Orange County was the same.

As for gasoline prices, my son, who was just here visiting me, told me he pays over $3.00 a gallon for RUG.  Also, the county or state (I forget which) charges a fortune for vehicle registration each year - based upon value of vehicle).  I paid over $500 a year for tags on my car.  Sales tax is outrageous as is the state income tax.  

Be be prepared to buy or lease an inexpensive car that gets great fuel economy and runs on RUG.

roadburner

abacomike said:

t only that, I would think there aren't too many cars in the U.S. that could be driven at a sustained speed of 95 mph for any extended period of time.  Just my opinion based on an educated guess - the average age of a car in the U.S. is 11 years old.  I would not dream of driving an 11 year old car at 95 mph sustained speed.

Up until a couple of years ago I used my 1995 Club Sport as my instructor car for HPDEs. NEVER had any sort of equipment issues(aside from breaking a small underbody shield by being too aggressive with the curbing- $5 to replace). The only reason I retired it is because it was too slow- I was getting carpal tunnel from giving point-bys to the other instructors(who were driving cars with at least 100-150 more ponies).

roadburner

Well, I stopped by the BMW dealer. Very nice low pressure atmosphere. Two intriguing cars:
1. 2013 328i M Sport- Gorgeous Estoril Blue, with every option save M Adaptive Suspension and Variable Sport Steering- both of which make an F30 almost drive like a real BMW. Also missing a third pedal- so I'd be bored with it in a month or less. CPO and relatively inexpensive($31k), but I'd rather spend $4k more and get an STI.
2. 2014 M235i manual- Alpine White/Coral Red. Gorgeous, but fitted with the almost unlistenable base audio system. At $41k I'd rather have a properly optioned Mustang GT Premium.

The Ford dealer had an attractive red 2015 Mustang GT with every option I want EXCEPT the 401A Equipment Group that gets you the Shaker Pro audio. It had 3,400 miles on the clock, wasn't a CPO, and the asking price was $4k more than the one I stupidly allowed to get away. So why bother?

So the hunt continues...

verdugo

oldfarmer50 said:

I liked the original Transporter with Jason Stratham. I think he drove a BMW 5 or 7 for his getaway car.

I'm 99.99% sure that he's always been an Audi man.

Michaell

verdugo said:

oldfarmer50 said:

I liked the original Transporter with Jason Stratham. I think he drove a BMW 5 or 7 for his getaway car.

I'm 99.99% sure that he's always been an Audi man.

Nope, in the first movie he drove a 7-series with a stick shift.

Audi was the featured car in both 2 and 3.

suydam

"I lived in North Los Angeles for 2-1/2 years (far north end of the San Fernando Valley) and I can assure you that no matter which direction, which freeway, or which part of Los Angeles County you lived in, there was ALWAYS traffic. The only exception would be late night and the wee hours of the morning (10:00 PM - 4:00 AM). So be prepared. Orange County was the same.

As for gasoline prices, my son, who was just here visiting me, told me he pays over $3.00 a gallon for RUG. Also, the county or state (I forget which) charges a fortune for vehicle registration each year - based upon value of vehicle). I paid over $500 a year for tags on my car. Sales tax is outrageous as is the state income tax.

Be be prepared to buy or lease an inexpensive car that gets great fuel economy and runs on RUG."

That's why we aren't going to be living in LA County. And that's why the Corolla seemed worth looking at. I think at my stage of life it may be TOO inexpensive, so I'm looking at other choices as well before we move. And we could just keep the Honda too.

Michaell

suydam said:

"I lived in North Los Angeles for 2-1/2 years (far north end of the San Fernando Valley) and I can assure you that no matter which direction, which freeway, or which part of Los Angeles County you lived in, there was ALWAYS traffic. The only exception would be late night and the wee hours of the morning (10:00 PM - 4:00 AM). So be prepared. Orange County was the same.

As for gasoline prices, my son, who was just here visiting me, told me he pays over $3.00 a gallon for RUG. Also, the county or state (I forget which) charges a fortune for vehicle registration each year - based upon value of vehicle). I paid over $500 a year for tags on my car. Sales tax is outrageous as is the state income tax.

Be be prepared to buy or lease an inexpensive car that gets great fuel economy and runs on RUG."

That's why we aren't going to be living in LA County. And that's why the Corolla seemed worth looking at. I think at my stage of life it may be TOO inexpensive, so I'm looking at other choices as well before we move. And we could just keep the Honda too.

So where in CA are you planning to move? I grew up in Ventura County (just north of LA) and the traffic there when I visit family is just as bad during rush hour.

robr2

abacomike said:

@oldfarmer50:

No, oldfarmer, they are "unidirectional" as well - tread design.  Besides, the front tires are wearing evenly anyway.  But at least I don't have to replace all 4 tires.  Plenty of tread wear left on the rear wheels.

Then you are doing it wrong!!

driver100

Michaell said:

verdugo said:

oldfarmer50 said:

I liked the original Transporter with Jason Stratham. I think he drove a BMW 5 or 7 for his getaway car.

I'm 99.99% sure that he's always been an Audi man.

Nope, in the first movie he drove a 7-series with a stick shift.

Audi was the featured car in both 2 and 3.

I guess he traded in the BMW and maybe got a really good deal on the Audi. Hope he doesn't blow the clutch!

suydam

A bit further north. But my personal situation was just a background to explaining why I'm checking out compact sedans. I just thought people might be interested in a real world (vs. car mag) impression of the Corolla. Maybe this was the wrong place to post it.

abacomike

robr2 said:

@oldfarmer50:

No, oldfarmer, they are "unidirectional" as well - tread design.  Besides, the front tires are wearing evenly anyway.  But at least I don't have to replace all 4 tires.  Plenty of tread wear left on the rear wheels.

Then you are doing it wrong!!

Wrong?  Enlighten me old sage of "rubbers"!  Tell me what to do - I'm all ears (and a bit mouthy too)!

Michaell

suydam said:

A bit further north. But my personal situation was just a background to explaining why I'm checking out compact sedans. I just thought people might be interested in a real world (vs. car mag) impression of the Corolla. Maybe this was the wrong place to post it.

If it's the central coast, then I'm a bit jealous ... not too many folks and the weather is simply superb.

And, IMO, not the wrong place to post your thoughts, any thoughts, automotive related.

I will say, there are lots of smaller cars in CA due to the higher gas prices. My son has a '90's era Mustang that he'd like to get rid of for something that gets better mileage.

abacomike

@suydam:

My son drives a 2012 Huyandai Sonata where he lives in the Palm Springs area.  He is quite satisfied with fuel economy and reliability.  Huyandai sure has come a long way since the early 2000's.  You might want to look at that car or even an Elantra.

The Kia Optima is also a good vehicle.  

abacomike

As I mentioned before, Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood Int'l Airport has really grown in size over the past few years.  They just recently opened a brand new East-West runway on the south side of the airport that can accommodate "heavy" aircraft like the Boeing 787, 777, 747 and the larger Air Bus equipment.  Since there was no available land east or west of the airport due to I-95 and U.S. Rt. 1, they built the east end of the new runway on pylons and stilts so it actually rises 80-90 feet above US Rt. 1.  Taking off is not a problem but pilots have commented that landing on that runway to the west is strange due to the fact that it slopes downward for the first 2000 or so feet.

My son commented that when they took off to go back to CA, it was weird looking at the runway as it rose above the highway.  Engineering makes everything work easier and better.

robr2

abacomike said:

robr2 said:

abacomike said:

@oldfarmer50:

No, oldfarmer, they are "unidirectional" as well - tread design.  Besides, the front tires are wearing evenly anyway.  But at least I don't have to replace all 4 tires.  Plenty of tread wear left on the rear wheels.

Then you are doing it wrong!!

Wrong?  Enlighten me old sage of "rubbers"!  Tell me what to do - I'm all ears (and a bit mouthy too)!

You should be turning off the TC and leaving some off that rear rubber on the pavement.

graphicguy

I AM NOT the target for Cadillac's XTS. However, if someone were (thinking someone who bemoans the demise of the Linclon Town Car, Cadillac Deville, etc), the XTS should be their whip.

It handles just OK, and isn't remotely quick. Why it has paddle shifters is a riddle to me. They aren't remotely needed, in any shape or form. But, it soaks up the road with narry a hint of harshness, and when the pavement gets really bad, it's rear end doesn't bounce all over the road. Nor, will there be any "bucking" in the steering wheel when hitting pot holes.

In the 6+ weeks I've had it, it's showing about 21 MPG in mixed driving. Not great. Not bad. And, it's runs on RUG.

As an interesting observation, the A/C doesn't seem to be as effective and any car I've ever driven. Yes, it's been low 90s with high humidity around my 'burg. But, GM used to put out A/C systems that could keep a side of beef cold. Not in the XTS. It gets cold, but regardless of how I adjust the vents, there seem to be hot spots in the interior. Maybe forgoinig funtion over form with the HVAC outlets?

XTS CUE works, where my CTS CUE does not.

I'm assuming it has the 3.6L V6. It makes more noise than power. Or, maybe it's just too little engine for such a heavy car. It doesn't make pleasant noises, either. Maybe Cadillac thinks their typical XTS buyer won't push the car, let alone care how it sounds. But, for what I'll assume is at least a $55K MSRP, I think I'd do something to beef up the power and do something to curb the sound, or make it more pleasant.

Not sure about heated seats, but the cooled seats on the XTS are woeful, as in they pracitcally don't work.

Steering is too light in the XTS, and there's no "sport adjustment" that would change that. Nothing in the way of "feel" through the steering wheel, either.

It does have room...lots of it. It has all the elctronic gizmos, though. Radar guidance all around telling you how close you are to something else. Surprisingly, no laser cruise, even with all the sensors. It has a Bose stereo, but nothing even remotely close to sounding good. It certainly doesn't come anywhere near sounding as good as the one in the CTS. Again, maybe a nod towards the "older customer" who really doesn't give two hoots about how the stereo sounds.

Good paint, nice leather on the seats that feels good (take note Mercedes). Finished pretty well.

Again, not my cup of tea, but I can see the appeal to Cadillac's more traditional customer.

roadburner

graphicguy said:

Again, not my cup of tea, but I can see the appeal to Cadillac's more traditional customer.

Can the left turn signal be set to activate whenever the car is running? Will it automatically take curves and on-ramps at no more than 40% of the posted advisory speed- dragging the brakes the entire time?
If so Cadillac should have a MAJOR hit on its hands...

suydam

I did try the Elantra when shopping with a friend and didn't care for it. Feels very closed in inside compared to Honda and Toyota. The tech stuff also seemed overly complicated. Exterior is beautiful though. For some reason I've never been a fan of the Honda Civic bullet look either. Much prefer the looks of the Accord. The new Volt really interests me but who knows when they'll actually be out. We won't be moving for a few months at least but I thought I might narrow down the possibilities so it will take less time when we get there.

[Deleted User]

suydam said:

A bit further north. But my personal situation was just a background to explaining why I'm checking out compact sedans. I just thought people might be interested in a real world (vs. car mag) impression of the Corolla. Maybe this was the wrong place to post it.

To be perfectly honest, I can't think of a single topic other than politics that shouldn't be posted here. The variety of topics and the truly great people posting them are what make this forum my favorite.  Just avoid those political discussions  

I enjoyed your Corolla post if that makes any difference.  I rented one while driving through Oregon, and honestly, I hated it.  The acceleration was very good for the class, but the transmission behavior was a total turn off for me.  There are so many great vehicles in the same class that I couldn't see why I would choose it over the others.  The Mazda 3, Impreza, Golf, upcoming Civic, Focus, and Cruze would be on my list long before the Corolla made an appearance.

ab348

abacomike said:

@driver100:

Yes, I-4 is a major E-W interstate in central Florida - and yes the speed limit is 70 but most are doing 75-80 mph.

And in my experience driving I-4 it usually has very heavy traffic despite that speed. It can be really scary at times. Is it still mostly 2 lanes in each direction? Even in the '90s when I'd visit Florida I found it disconcerting to be boxed into a spot on I-4 while traveling 70-75mph.

graphicguy

Just starting to venture out driving by myself since the eye surgery. Probably won't try that at night, but during the day I think I'm OK to drive. Dr says to use my better judgement (he assumes I have some).

Anyway, I like Costco's Vitamin Water and drink a lot of it. So, running low and in need to get out from my Dr imposed convalescence, I headed to Costco. Knowing the one furthest from my home is also near the biggest auto mall in the area, that's where I set my sights.

Again, way too soon to think about my next car, I did stop in to a couple of dealerships. When this current fiasco is over, I'll have to set my sights on the next car to grace my estate. I've ruled out just about any make/model with even a hint of reliability issues. That steered me towards the reliability trio of Acura/Infiniti/Lexus.

At this automall, there is an Infiniti and Lexus dealer less than a mile from each other. Infiniti was first. I won't test drive, just yet, since although I could probably pass a BMV eye test right now, my sight seems to change by the hour.

So, sat in a Q50. Again, I always try to like these cars. But, can't quite put my finger on it, but they just don't click for me. Maybe it's the color I look at (usually a drab grey or steel blue with black interior). Maybe it's the seats. I don't know. I just can't get a good feel for them. Looked at the sticker...$50K+. That seems pretty well loaded. I test drove one a couple of months back. Maybe I need to get some more seat time.

In the past, I've been totally against leasing. But, this current situation has me thinking a lease might be in order. When Cadillac finally does the right thing and does the buyback, I'm going to be in a relative hurry given the wife is using her car daily.

Told the Infiniti sales person my predicament, that I wouldn't be in the market for awhile, and that it could take a month, or two, maybe more, before the Cadillac buyback is finally done. He was very sympathetic, but didn't take long to chime in...."I've never seen an issue that you describe with Infiniti, and I've been here 11 years." Good to know, but doubt he would say anything about Infiniti buybacks to me, anyway.

It's on "the list". Not sure where on the list it is, though.

Stopped by the Lexus dealership and talked to the person I've communicated with before when I considered Lexus. They have probably 8-9 IS350s and a dozen GS350s. F Sport is where my interest is. Sat in both an IS 350 F Sport and a GS350 F sport. I'm still amazed at the quality of materials, paint, assembly that Lexus represents. Just impressive all the way around. I know that the GS has a redesign that's ready to be delivered. So, was curious if there were any "deals" on the current GS. As these things go, you never know the deals to be had until you let the dealership know that you're in the market, right now. Told the sales person the same thing I told the Infiniti sales person. Don't know when, but will be in the market in approximately 3 months or so.

He gave me the speach about the Sept sales (called it a name, but forgot it). I told him this would probably be the December to Remember sales event I'd be most interested in. He said he'd contact me right after Thanksgiving. Works for me.

The IS350 F Sport is an acquired taste. But, I've never been one to shy away from the style that I like (i.e. like the Acura style). This is no different. At some point, I'll probably do another test drive. But, if Lexus' reputation is anywhere close to what people say it is when it comes to realibility and customer service, it's easily on my list.

imidazol97

suydam said:

For some reason I've never been a fan of the Honda Civic bullet look either. .

Civic looks like a Dustbuster.

suydam

Ha! But I think that honor belongs to the old GM DustBuster minivans. Those were truly hideous and I imagine they were a bear to park with that long sloping nose.

imidazol97

ab348

graphicguy said:

Told the Infiniti sales person my predicament, that I wouldn't be in the market for awhile, and that it could take a month, or two, maybe more, before the Cadillac buyback is finally done. He was very sympathetic, but didn't take long to chime in...."I've never seen an issue that you describe with Infiniti, and I've been here 11 years." Good to know, but doubt he would say anything about Infiniti buybacks to me, anyway.

Some useful links for you:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-4th-gen-2013-present/722238-gs-350-lemon-law-buy-back.html

http://www.infinitiq50.org/forum/new-2014-q50-general-discussion-forum/40154-finally-had-my-q50-bought-back-under-lemon-law.html

http://www.tlxforums.com/forum/complaints/10209-2015-tlx-transmission-problems-v4-3.html

graphicguy

ab348 said:

graphicguy said:

Told the Infiniti sales person my predicament, that I wouldn't be in the market for awhile, and that it could take a month, or two, maybe more, before the Cadillac buyback is finally done. He was very sympathetic, but didn't take long to chime in...."I've never seen an issue that you describe with Infiniti, and I've been here 11 years." Good to know, but doubt he would say anything about Infiniti buybacks to me, anyway.

Some useful links for you:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-4th-gen-2013-present/722238-gs-350-lemon-law-buy-back.html

http://www.infinitiq50.org/forum/new-2014-q50-general-discussion-forum/40154-finally-had-my-q50-bought-back-under-lemon-law.html

http://www.tlxforums.com/forum/complaints/10209-2015-tlx-transmission-problems-v4-3.html

Thanks AB...

Looked at those links. On the Lexus thread, I took interest in this post...

"Lexus is one of the few companies who would rather just buy it back instead of drag it out and ensure you never buy from them again. If you think BMW is better, GO FOR IT! We'll see you back in a few. Sometimes you have to see what terrible really is before you appreciate nothing in this world is perfect. I called the Lexus 800 number a week ago about the weak batteries on two '13 model Lexus vehicles. Wanted to replace them with Optima red top batteries. Namely cause my GS would sit for a few days and then the battery barely turn the car over. I get a call back saying the ordered the batteries for both vehicles, would have someone come out to my residence the next day and install them there. If that isn't service, I don't know what is."

I've known quite a few people who have owned Lexus'....all very positive experiences.

Infiniti link...I have no opinion one way or the other as the only people I know who have owned one is my best friend's wife (on her 3rd, and loves them)....kyfdx from here at Edmunds, who I think loves his...Kirstie, from here who loves hers. They have a reputation as being rock solid...something I haven't enjoyed with Cadillac. Let's admit at least one thing, throwing out my experiences, it's not like Cadillac has this great reliability and customer service reputation to begin with.

Acuras I'm familiar with. They've always taken good care of me. So, I know what I'm getting there.

suydam

Two can play that game.

graphicguy

I mentioned awhile ago that I had tested a Mercedes C300. Actually, I considered it quite fetching. It really was beautifully constructed. I'm guessing, it's not as fast, nor handles as well as either the TLX nor the IS350 F Sport. But, it did handle well and was pretty quick. Given Abacomike's and Driver's experience, as well as my sister's, it's on the list.

BMW's I have had a great deal of luck with. Drove a 328i a little while ago. Nice car. Really a little bit too coarse (given it's a BMW). But, I've only owned their 6 cyl versions which are creamy smooth and powerful. Problem there is, it becomes a $60K car optioned the way I'd want it. Still, it would be on the list.

verdugo

Michaell said:

verdugo said:

oldfarmer50 said:

I liked the original Transporter with Jason Stratham. I think he drove a BMW 5 or 7 for his getaway car.

I'm 99.99% sure that he's always been an Audi man.

Nope, in the first movie he drove a 7-series with a stick shift.

Audi was the featured car in both 2 and 3.

You are correct. I'm glad I left that .01% to cover my butt.

Michaell

@graphicguy - good arguments for and against various makes. Since you mentioned leasing this time around, I'll add that the Q50 leases incredibly well compared to the competition. Low MF, decent residuals and killer discounts from sticker gets you a lease payment in the $400's - for a car that stickers between $45-50K.

ab348

graphicguy said:

Thanks AB...

Looked at those links. On the Lexus thread, I took interest in this post...

"Lexus is one of the few companies who would rather just buy it back instead of drag it out and ensure you never buy from them again. If you think BMW is better, GO FOR IT! We'll see you back in a few. Sometimes you have to see what terrible really is before you appreciate nothing in this world is perfect. I called the Lexus 800 number a week ago about the weak batteries on two '13 model Lexus vehicles. Wanted to replace them with Optima red top batteries. Namely cause my GS would sit for a few days and then the battery barely turn the car over. I get a call back saying the ordered the batteries for both vehicles, would have someone come out to my residence the next day and install them there. If that isn't service, I don't know what is."

I've known quite a few people who have owned Lexus'....all very positive experiences.

Infiniti link...I have no opinion one way or the other as the only people I know who have owned one is my best friend's wife (on her 3rd, and loves them)....kyfdx from here at Edmunds, who I think loves his...Kirstie, from here who loves hers. They have a reputation as being rock solid...something I haven't enjoyed with Cadillac. Let's admit at least one thing, throwing out my experiences, it's not like Cadillac has this great reliability and customer service reputation to begin with.

Acuras I'm familiar with. They've always taken good care of me. So, I know what I'm getting there.

I'm like you when it comes to Infiniti - want to like them, but they just don't move me. I was more inclined towards Acura until they came out with the TLX, but that car leaves me cold. I would jump on a Lexus in a heartbeat though perhaps not the GS.

imidazol97

suydam said:

Two can play that game.

LOL. Didn't realize it was a game. My comparison of the Civic's shape with a Dustbuster
wasn't negative. However, the dustbuster comparisons of the van in the picture
(not sure which one it is) were typically negative back in the day. Weren't the Silhouette's
taillights (may be van in the picture) also ridiculed by one magazine. Later. the Volvo and CRV
used the same high taillights. LOL.

suydam

The problem with those vans was that the nose stuck out so far it was hard to park. Don't know if the Civic is the same. All in good fun!

imidazol97

I remember being in one of those vans and being glad I didn't have to clean the inside
of the windshield because it sloped so far forward. I've not been in a Civic of that
era. Last Civic was an SI at the dealer of the previous generation and its interior
was so much better finished than the Accords I was sitting in and better than a
regular Civic in the showroom.

andres3

Mr_Shiftright said:

Road and Track once did a study where they asked professional race drivers to drive and "find the speed where they could no longer be distracted"---that is, where they put down the cigarette, stoppped driving with one finger and hunkered down and got serious. The result was around 95 mph, which is, in my opinion, a speed above the competence level of 90% of American drivers.

I think I'd take an incompetent driver paying 100% serious attention to their driving at 95 MPH any day of the week as opposed to the current reality on US Roads at 65 MPH.

andres3

dino001 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Road and Track once did a study where they asked professional race drivers to drive and "find the speed where they could no longer be distracted"---that is, where they put down the cigarette, stoppped driving with one finger and hunkered down and got serious. The result was around 95 mph, which is, in my opinion, a speed above the competence level of 90% of American drivers.

Interesting. I had an opportunity to travel on German autobahns fot two weeks. You can't go there slower than 80-85 mph, or you get relegated to the right lane. Typical section there is three lanes each way - truck on the right at about 55-65 mph, middle lane for passenger car cruising at 80-90 mph and left lane for fast cars and passing. Germans are not patientnwhen you occupy the left lane for too long (unless it's all full, of course), so you pass as quickly as you can, not at 1 mph differential, as it is common here. I found I sat back in a relaxed position at 85 mph and all tightened up when speeds approached 95 mph. I went faster couple of times, on one sunny day on an empty road I went 125 mph for couple of minutes. It felt like I drove for an hour, the slight bent in road felt like a big turn. It was fun, but I equally gladly ended it.

There is a reason why German cars used to have bad cupholders - German engineers couldn't conceive on their own why somebody would eat or drink in a car, they needed somebody to show them . You don't want to have coffee while going 100 mph. If you want it, you stop and sit down.

I actually prefer more relaxed driving in the US, but take out some of those truly annoying habits of occupying left lane at 10 mph below rest of the traffic, slow passing, etc. German driving is actually much more tiring, but fortunately the distances are much shorter. You can go 75-85 mph for 10 hours or even more, with just short breaks. Not so much at 95 mph, perhaps with some training.

German cars also require very rigorous safety and emission inspection done, the older the car, the more frequent. Combine that with high speeds, the engines are in much rougher shape, when the car ages. They rid of them out of the country at around 8-10 years old, selling them to Eastern Europe.

However, at 95 MPH you can reach your destination 100 miles away in about an hour, whereas at 65 MPH you would take an extra half hour causing greater fatigue. Not everyone feels worn out by driving 95 MPH. Driving at the track at full blast ahead; sure, that's very tiring, but 95 MPH in a straight line is no harder to me than 1 MPH in a straight line. My blood pressure, anger, and frustration is definitely higher at low speeds due to the anger at traffic and the driver's that cause most of it.

Me, I'd rather get to where I'm going faster so I can rest and not have to drive at all for a greater period of time.

andres3

roadburner said:

Well, I stopped by the BMW dealer. Very nice low pressure atmosphere. Two intriguing cars:
1. 2013 328i M Sport- Gorgeous Estoril Blue, with every option save M Adaptive Suspension and Variable Sport Steering- both of which make an F30 almost drive like a real BMW. Also missing a third pedal- so I'd be bored with it in a month or less. CPO and relatively inexpensive($31k), but I'd rather spend $4k more and get an STI.
2. 2014 M235i manual- Alpine White/Coral Red. Gorgeous, but fitted with the almost unlistenable base audio system. At $41k I'd rather have a properly optioned Mustang GT Premium.

The Ford dealer had an attractive red 2015 Mustang GT with every option I want EXCEPT the 401A Equipment Group that gets you the Shaker Pro audio. It had 3,400 miles on the clock, wasn't a CPO, and the asking price was $4k more than the one I stupidly allowed to get away. So why bother?

So the hunt continues...

Fitting a 2014 M235i with a good aftermarket stereo seems like a fun project; if doable.

andres3

graphicguy said:

I AM NOT the target for Cadillac's XTS. However, if someone were (thinking someone who bemoans the demise of the Linclon Town Car, Cadillac Deville, etc), the XTS should be their whip.

It handles just OK, and isn't remotely quick. Why it has paddle shifters is a riddle to me. They aren't remotely needed, in any shape or form. But, it soaks up the road with narry a hint of harshness, and when the pavement gets really bad, it's rear end doesn't bounce all over the road. Nor, will there be any "bucking" in the steering wheel when hitting pot holes.

In the 6+ weeks I've had it, it's showing about 21 MPG in mixed driving. Not great. Not bad. And, it's runs on RUG.

As an interesting observation, the A/C doesn't seem to be as effective and any car I've ever driven. Yes, it's been low 90s with high humidity around my 'burg. But, GM used to put out A/C systems that could keep a side of beef cold. Not in the XTS. It gets cold, but regardless of how I adjust the vents, there seem to be hot spots in the interior. Maybe forgoinig funtion over form with the HVAC outlets?

XTS CUE works, where my CTS CUE does not.

I'm assuming it has the 3.6L V6. It makes more noise than power. Or, maybe it's just too little engine for such a heavy car. It doesn't make pleasant noises, either. Maybe Cadillac thinks their typical XTS buyer won't push the car, let alone care how it sounds. But, for what I'll assume is at least a $55K MSRP, I think I'd do something to beef up the power and do something to curb the sound, or make it more pleasant.

Not sure about heated seats, but the cooled seats on the XTS are woeful, as in they pracitcally don't work.

Steering is too light in the XTS, and there's no "sport adjustment" that would change that. Nothing in the way of "feel" through the steering wheel, either.

It does have room...lots of it. It has all the elctronic gizmos, though. Radar guidance all around telling you how close you are to something else. Surprisingly, no laser cruise, even with all the sensors. It has a Bose stereo, but nothing even remotely close to sounding good. It certainly doesn't come anywhere near sounding as good as the one in the CTS. Again, maybe a nod towards the "older customer" who really doesn't give two hoots about how the stereo sounds.

Good paint, nice leather on the seats that feels good (take note Mercedes). Finished pretty well.

Again, not my cup of tea, but I can see the appeal to Cadillac's more traditional customer.

No highs, no lows, must be Bose (or so goes the old saying).
I do know Bose was still using lame cheap poor spring clip speaker wire connectors on there expensive home speakers not that long ago (probably still do). I've heard there marketing budget is higher than all other speaker makers combined. Guess there is no money left for the product itself.

jpp75

andres3 said:

No highs, no lows, must be Bose (or so goes the old saying).
I do know Bose was still using lame cheap poor spring clip speaker wire connectors on there expensive home speakers not that long ago (probably still do). I've heard there marketing budget is higher than all other speaker makers combined. Guess there is no money left for the product itself.

I've been less than impressed with the Bose system in the Q50. However the Harman Kardon system in the Volvo is superb.

dino001

andres3 said:

However, at 95 MPH you can reach your destination 100 miles away in about an hour, whereas at 65 MPH you would take an extra half hour causing greater fatigue.

Me, I'd rather get to where I'm going faster so I can rest and not have to drive at all for a greater period of time.

This is all great at 100 miles. Besides the speed, there is also a breaking point for the distance, as well. Go 500 or 1000 mile trips, so common in the US. 5-10 hours at 100 mph may take much greater toll than you think, even if you had to go slower for say extra 2-4 hours at 75-80 mph. I'm not advocating 65. I'm just saying "too fast" exists, just as "too slow".

houdini1

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

ab348 said:

explorerx4 said:

Trailer for that movie is kind of dumb. Smoke only coming off the rear tires on an Audi?

I would suggest the entire movie is kind of dumb from what I have seen of it in commercials. If I never again see some action hero flying sideways feet-first through the air to crash through the window of a moving car, it will be too soon.

If you like real to life see A Walk in the Woods with Robert Redford and Nick Nolte. It is a real life like story about some old retired dudes kind of like most of us, who go on a 2100 mile trip through the Appalachian Mountains. Great dialogue, funny, and you can identify with it. Almost everyone in the theatre was over 50 years old, and many people applauded at the end. Magnificent scenery too.

https://youtu.be/cOF2LIAp9bw

Sorry, but the idea of a couple of old dudes in their 70s hiking 2100 miles is more unbelieveable than Transporters flying through moving car windows. I tried climbing a 2000 foot mountain last year and I swear I heard Jesus calling my name.

Now that you are warmed up, when are you going to tackle Everest ?

graphicguy

jpp5862 said:

andres3 said:

No highs, no lows, must be Bose (or so goes the old saying).
I do know Bose was still using lame cheap poor spring clip speaker wire connectors on there expensive home speakers not that long ago (probably still do). I've heard there marketing budget is higher than all other speaker makers combined. Guess there is no money left for the product itself.

I've been less than impressed with the Bose system in the Q50. However the Harman Kardon system in the Volvo is superb.

I know the best factory system I've heard come from the ELS systems in the Acura TL(X). Those are sourced from Panasonic. I had an HK system in my BMW which wasn't bad but not as good as Acura's. I heard the standard system in the Lexus is Pioneer, with the upgrade coming from Martin Logan. Good luck finding the ones with a Martin Logan upgrade, though.

stever

We've been here a year and a week or so, and are living around 4200 feet. Still not acclimated.

Cars do better I guess, otherwise you wouldn't see 87 octane around for regular.

andres3

You are correct, people's natural comfortable top speed differs depending on the driver's skills, experience, and preferences. Also, my natural comfy top speed in the '14 Audi S4 (haven't found it yet as it's not safe due to legal issues and Highway Patrol stress/threats) is far higher then it would be in a '05 Civic (about 80 MPH), or a double Decker bus for that matter. Certainly, the vehicle being driven and its condition matters a whole hell of a lot.

That's why most limited access roadways have multiple lanes. Ferrari's on the left, Toyota's on the right.

You haven't spent enough time in CA where there are plenty of straight as an arrow for miles and miles roadways here. Certainly the limit should be higher on flat straight roads/freeways going out to Vegas than they should in curvy downtown L.A.

oldfarmer50

jpp5862 said:

andres3 said:

No highs, no lows, must be Bose (or so goes the old saying).
I do know Bose was still using lame cheap poor spring clip speaker wire connectors on there expensive home speakers not that long ago (probably still do). I've heard there marketing budget is higher than all other speaker makers combined. Guess there is no money left for the product itself.

I've been less than impressed with the Bose system in the Q50. However the Harman Kardon system in the Volvo is superb.

I'm not a stereo expert by any stretch but my wife bought a Bose wave radio years ago and I liked the sound. I listen to AM in the car so the greatest sound system would be wasted on me.