Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

oldfarmer50

henryn said:

popularmechanics.com/cars/a19560/top-cars-to-make-it-over-200000-miles/?mag=pop&list=nl_pnl_news&src=nl&date=022516

Interesting short read. Trucks and SUVs, mostly. Narrowed down to cars, Toyota and Honda.

I was following a line of cars that had just pulled out of Manhiem with dealer plates. One was a really beat up rusty, dented pick up the other a minivan. The auction sticker on the back window said the pick up had 174k miles and the minivan 209k.

I could only wonder who in their right mind would buy these things.

driver100

Might be my solid state laptop but can only see a light explorer. Does it look like this?


Kind of a Jaguar thing going on in the front. Looks like a MKZ from the side.

Nice though, classy and they made it very different from Cadillac. Not necessarily better, but, more rounded softer lines compared to the edgier lines of the Caddie.

stickguy

that is certainly a stylish big luxo sedan. It looks classy and expensive. And like it will age gracefully!

explorerx4

@driver100,
That picture is of the 'Lincoln welcome mat'.

driver100

I think my picture disappeared so I will try again..........

ab348

To me it looks too safe in terms of design, not really pushing anything new. Maybe they figure that's what that segment wants.

roadburner

ab348 said:

To me it looks too safe in terms of design, not really pushing anything new. Maybe they figure that's what that segment wants.

I think they want to attract the non-enthusiast buyers that Cadillac and Lexus are trying to get shed of. I can't see this car keeping anyone at Cadillac, Lexus or the Germans marques awake at night.

Michaell

roadburner said:

ab348 said:

To me it looks too safe in terms of design, not really pushing anything new. Maybe they figure that's what that segment wants.

I think they want to attract the non-enthusiast buyers that Cadillac and Lexus are trying to get shed of. I can't see this car keeping anyone at Cadillac, Lexus or the Germans marques awake at night.

From a looks perspective, I agree with you. But, the driving dynamics may be more German-like than we know; has anybody had a chance to get behind the wheel and report on it?

Mr_Shiftright

Lincoln could be cagier than you think. As we approach the threshold of Autonomous Cars, things such as "driving dynamics" will become totallly irrelevant, and soft, upgraded poofy luxury will be what consumers require and desire.

berri

So how are these autonomous cars going to see and perform in strong thunderstorms or snowstorms and ice? I think it will be further out than many are projecting. Aircraft require a grid system for ILS because weather can mess up satellite signals sometimes, as can sunspots. That's why I think Field's is pulling a Nasser and blowing too much product development money on things other than Ford and Lincoln product improvements.

oldfarmer50

Mr_Shiftright said:

Lincoln could be cagier than you think. As we approach the threshold of Autonomous Cars, things such as "driving dynamics" will become totallly irrelevant, and soft, upgraded poofy luxury will be what consumers require and desire.

You just described a coffin.

Heven help us if the car makers start taking advice from Chuck Heston's character in the movie 'Omega Man'

driver100

ab348">To me it looks too safe in terms of design, not really pushing anything new. Maybe they figure that's what that segment wants.

RB I think they want to attract the non-enthusiast buyers that Cadillac and Lexus are trying to get shed of. I can't see this car keeping anyone at Cadillac, Lexus or the Germans marques awake at night

.

Both comments ar right on. Car won't be out until later so I doubt if anyone has road tested. I doubt if Lincoln buyers are really concerned with handling. Judging from the people I know of who own newer Lincolns, their average customer wants to buy a D3 car, they were buying Fords before Lincolns, and they are looking for a luxury car but one that won't cost too much....so a pretty conservative group.

The front even looks a little bit Bentleyish, which should appeal to this group too.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Lincoln could be cagier than you think. As we approach the threshold of Autonomous Cars, things such as "driving dynamics" will become totallly irrelevant, and soft, upgraded poofy luxury will be what consumers require and desire.

You just described a coffin.

lol.............Not a bad idea..........Buy the new Lincoln, luxurious, nice soft padding, perfectly quiet, and when you go it easily converts into a coffin....saving you even more money.

Mr_Shiftright

I think the autonomous cars will eventually master snow and ice--I mean, you've seen those robots that trudge through snow and over/around obstacles while guiding their own way ? They have agility and balance.

I think the days of high HP, driving "dynamics" and all that, are numbered.

abacomike

driver100 said:

I think my picture disappeared so I will try again..........

Actually, the Continental is not a bad looking car. Has similar styling on the side to Cadillac and looks a lot like Jaguar in the front. The first picture posted (in maroon) is really a very stylish vehicle. I am sure it will be successful if Lincoln Motor Division markets it correctly.

roadburner

Michaell said:

From a looks perspective, I agree with you. But, the driving dynamics may be more German-like than we know; has anybody had a chance to get behind the wheel and report on it?

The problem is that the car has either FWD or a FWD based AWD system; that puts the sled behind the 8 ball from the get-go.

Michaell

roadburner said:

Michaell said:

From a looks perspective, I agree with you. But, the driving dynamics may be more German-like than we know; has anybody had a chance to get behind the wheel and report on it?

The problem is that the car has either FWD or a FWD based AWD system; that puts the sled behind the 8 ball from the get-go.

So, compare it to an Audi, not a BMW. Still German.

carnaught

As I've written before, the Continental to me appeared quite large, nice looking and very Bentley-esque, but definitely not something I'd be interested in owning.

abacomike

roadburner said:

Michaell said:

From a looks perspective, I agree with you. But, the driving dynamics may be more German-like than we know; has anybody had a chance to get behind the wheel and report on it?

The problem is that the car has either FWD or a FWD based AWD system; that puts the sled behind the 8 ball from the get-go.

I forgot about that FWD issue. I would not buy a FWD vehicle - I am hooked on RWD vehicles.

abacomike

carnaught said:

As I've written before, the Continental to me appeared quite large, nice looking and very Bentley-esque, but definitely not something I'd be interested in owning.

I agree carnaught. FWD is a deal killer for me. I am surprised they didn't make it a RWD vehicle to compete more with Cadillac and all the other premium luxury cars on the market. I think they are making a big mistake here!

graphicguy

Saw the Continental in person at the Cincinnati Car Show. It is big. It is "Bentley-esque"!

I think I read an article stating something similar to what Mr Shift said. That is, the Continental won't chase BMW, Audi Cadillac or Mercedes. It will embrace the luxury cocoon that will become the autonomous car.

nyccarguy

@roadburner - I've got a automotive related legal question for you:  My wife's "uncle" died.  His wife predecessed him by maybe a year.  They have a son, in his 30s that is being treated for severe emotional & psychological issues.  My mother - in - law who is an absolute saint is trying to help her nephew navigate through "the system."  There was no wil.  Lee (the guy who died) had a car.  2012 or 2013 Hyundai.  My mother in law is trying to sell it so her nephew (who doesn't drive) could have the money.  The title is in Lee's name (the dead guy).  Can my Mother-In-Law sell the car in her nephew's name?

explorerx4

@nyccarguy,
I just asked roadburner the same question about my mom's car, but found some info on the CT DMV website.

Try this link:
http://www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?a=816&q=244696

Mr_Shiftright

It makes sense for Lincoln to pursue a high-lux content rather than replicate the "german" experience.

One reason I think this is because quite a few members here have already commented that the newer BMWs are softening up. Another trend I see is that more and more people are being stuck in traffic and bad weather and that the "autobahn" experience is not very accessible in the USA.

Last of all, not many buyers of really big heavy luxury cars are going to drive that aggressively--they might drive fast in a straight line, but most of this lux clientele doesn't need highly strung "driving dynamics" IMO. Do we really think Lincoln Continental owners are going to be flinging these cars through the twisties? I don't.

You might call all this "Cadillac's revenge"--getting back to the living room on wheels.

I mean, Cadillac went full bore on trying to build a Mercedes with some of their product line, and damn near succeeded--but not all many people bought them anyway. Cadillac's best sellers? The SRX and the Escalade!

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

@roadburner - I've got a automotive related legal question for you:  My wife's "uncle" died.  His wife predecessed him by maybe a year.  They have a son, in his 30s that is being treated for severe emotional & psychological issues.  My mother - in - law who is an absolute saint is trying to help her nephew navigate through "the system."  There was no wil.  Lee (the guy who died) had a car.  2012 or 2013 Hyundai.  My mother in law is trying to sell it so her nephew (who doesn't drive) could have the money.  The title is in Lee's name (the dead guy).  Can my Mother-In-Law sell the car in her nephew's name?

I haven't read explorerx4's link but I believe the title has to be transferred into the heir's name before it can be sold. If the son is the heir then it should be transferred to him. Usually it's easy when the heir is a spouse. Don't know about this case. Might have to be settled in probate.

Just read the link. Looks like CT is as bad as NY.

explorerx4

MKC, wrong color, but kind of dark and has the same wheels.
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=lincoln+mkc+pictures&view=detailv2&&id=556BD699D23C4DC0C8D225135754BF2BA25D6FC9&selectedIndex=380&ccid=dSKhGCfK&simid=608011875019066864&thid=OIP.M7522a11827cab0e3783a8ad8570e82a2o0&ajaxhist=0

cdnpinhead

Lincoln is going for the even more disinterested-in-driving masses who are currently enamoured of the BMW offerings -- bigger than a 7 Series and quieter than a tomb; in years (months?) it'll drive itself. What's not to like?

BMW has discovered (or sought after, whatever) the least common denominator, and is headed toward where Lincoln has always been (or at least where they were back when anyone knew who they were), which is a status symbol that's "comfortable" to drive.

Those who seek the "ultimate driving machine" have gone elsewhere (mostly to older/used BMWs); those who prefer the ultimate being-driven machine are lining up to pay confiscatory sums to satisfy their, well, let's say, egos.

ab348

Mr_Shiftright said:

Lincoln could be cagier than you think. As we approach the threshold of Autonomous Cars, things such as "driving dynamics" will become totallly irrelevant, and soft, upgraded poofy luxury will be what consumers require and desire.

Maybe Uncle Tom McCahill was right: a car that "rides like a wheelchair upholstered with cream puffs".

stickguy

I like that color. Sharp.

as to the estate car, at least in Jersey, you can easily avoid all the hassle if you aren't bothered by "legalities". As long as you show up at DMV with a clean title, you can transfer the car. There is a place to sign as the seller, but no proof required. Anyone could sign your name, and it will sail right through, since I am 99% sure they have nothing to compare it to (and you can always trace!).

even without a will, someone must have been put in charge of the estate. If the aunt was the spouse (a little unclear on the relationships here), she would just inherit everything, right? so should be able to fill out the right papers and bring a death certificate, and take care of the title swap, or just sign it over to the buyer.

snakeweasel

abacomike said:

Well, I just got home.  They did the catheterization, but the doctor determined stents were not needed.  He said the stress test results obviously showed a FALSE positive.  I am exhausted.  I had to leave my car at the hospital because I was not capable of driving home from the anesthetic.

My blood pressure went to 197/92, so they could not discharge me earlier - they had to give me IV blood pressure meds.  So that's the story - all this stress but at least no more stents.  He said my coronary arteries are open over 60% which is excellent for my age group.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.

Mike, sounds like good news missed a lot over the past week or so but been hoping for the best for you.

PF_Flyer

Mr_Shiftright said:

I think the autonomous cars will eventually master snow and ice--I mean, you've seen those robots that trudge through snow and over/around obstacles while guiding their own way ? They have agility and balance.

I think the days of high HP, driving "dynamics" and all that, are numbered.

I fell for the "flying cars by the year 2000" at the GM exhibit at the NY World's Fair in '64. I'm not biting again

abacomike

@PF_Flyer said:

"I fell for the "flying cars by the year 2000" at the GM exhibit at the NY World's Fair in '64. I'm not biting again"

I lived 3 miles from the '64 World's Fair and went there numerous times.  You are dead on, PF - GM had based its exhibit there on many technologies that have yet to come to fruition.  

Back in the 60's, GM was "King" when it came to muscle cars even though there were many competitors with great entries like Charger, Baracuda, Mustang, etc.  But when you consider GTO, 442, Corvette, Chevelle SS, etc., they sold tons of them.

Basic transportation has taken the lead over muscle, but who could resist a "hot" car.  I could never be happy driving a 240 hp vehicle - I'm more demanding than that - at least 320+ hp is my minimum hp need.

snakeweasel

Mr_Shiftright said:

stever said:

iluvmysephia1 said:

Even though I haven't even test-driven an Audi or a BMW before, I could see how I might like one. An S4 perhaps - I just tread carefully with costs

Audi just blew the doors off in the 2016 Consumer Reports best car brands report. "They need to have consistency across a range of models in reliability and drive quality to get to the top," (USA Today)

So everything we thought we knew about spotty reliability of Audis is wrong.

Kia came in at number 9, a couple of spots ahead of Hyundai, which surprised me.

Doesn't say what the basis for this "reliability" is, but apparently, using the same testing methods, the top single car was the Chevrolet Impala. So I guess we can say Chevrolets are better than Audis?

Doesn't CR use self reporting surveys to make these reliability lists? If so those surveys are notoriously inaccurate.

abacomike

@snakeweasel

Snake, thanks for the kind words.  I hope to be fully recovered by the time family gets here Tuesday night.  It was a relief not to have to have more stents.

oldfarmer50

PF_Flyer said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

I think the autonomous cars will eventually master snow and ice--I mean, you've seen those robots that trudge through snow and over/around obstacles while guiding their own way ? They have agility and balance.

I think the days of high HP, driving "dynamics" and all that, are numbered.

I fell for the "flying cars by the year 2000" at the GM exhibit at the NY World's Fair in '64. I'm not biting again

GM probably has it locked up in the same warehouse where they are hiding the 100 mpg carb.

snakeweasel

stickguy said:

I think it is important that each spouse has their own space. Even if it is just the garage and kitchen, to be sexist!

Some sort of man cave and woman cave.

It doesn't have to be sexist, the garage could be the womans own space and the kitchen the mans.

suydam

snakeweasel said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

stever said:

iluvmysephia1 said:

Even though I haven't even test-driven an Audi or a BMW before, I could see how I might like one. An S4 perhaps - I just tread carefully with costs

Audi just blew the doors off in the 2016 Consumer Reports best car brands report. "They need to have consistency across a range of models in reliability and drive quality to get to the top," (USA Today)

So everything we thought we knew about spotty reliability of Audis is wrong.

Kia came in at number 9, a couple of spots ahead of Hyundai, which surprised me.

Doesn't say what the basis for this "reliability" is, but apparently, using the same testing methods, the top single car was the Chevrolet Impala. So I guess we can say Chevrolets are better than Audis?

Doesn't CR use self reporting surveys to make these reliability lists? If so those surveys are notoriously inaccurate.

The database is huge and extends over many years. If they don't have enough data (new model, not enough buyers reporting), they won't make an evaluation.

snakeweasel

explorerx4 said:

@graphgicguy,
I'm half expecting a ransom note from China.

@sb55,
Ever done this? I used to see the cars out on the lake when I lived in Malletts Bay.
http://jalopnik.com/i-drove-my-aston-martin-on-a-frozen-lake-in-vermont-1761018201

You watch one vehicle slip beneath the ice and you will never drive out onto the ice.

snakeweasel

stickguy said:

sounds like here. My daughter is terrified of the dumb things after they chased her a few times. Made it a problem when she would go for a run! Needed to take our Lab. Him, they didn't like. When he would go tearing after them, they would go flapping away. Little did the evil beasts know, he just wanted to play, and if they ran at him, he would have hid behind me.

yet when people suggest any kind of culling, there is an uproar. By people that don't live where they congregate of course. I think they should be rounded up and deposited in the yards of the geese huggers.

My rat terrier used to love to chase after the geese that showed up in our yard (back yard buts up to a small lake). One day she spotted a mother duck and several little ducklings and gave chase. The ducklings ran for their life and the mother faked an injury until she saw that the ducklings were far away. At that point the mother duck turned around and charged at my dog, my dog stopped dead in her tracks a with a much confused look on her face. Man that dog didn't know what to do.

snakeweasel

abacomike said:

imidazol97 said:

stickguy said:

I do t think my wife has in 20 years. She would just go home if that was the only spot available.

There are very few places requiring parallel parking at the curb these days.

I've only seen them in downtown areas or at the beach on Ocean Drive (A1A).  Honestly - no lie - I haven't parallel parked in over 20 years.  I know no one will believe that statement, but I swear - 20+ years.  I can't even remember the last time,

I know that I do several times a year, Geneva, IL has a nice little historical downtown district where my wife likes to go during the summer. There the street parking is parallel parking so at least I get to practice a few times a year.

snakeweasel

stickguy said:

at least the rats make it real easy if you want to steal a battery.

You never tried to change the battery in my car.

abacomike

@snakeweasel

I have to believe that the less parallel parking one does, the less damage the car suffers.  Grinding tires and wheels on concrete curbs; chips and dings in front and rear bumpers; fewer fights in major downtown areas in cities about who was at the parking spot first; fewer accidents when drivers in parking spots pull out without looking in their side-view mirrors for oncoming traffic!  I rest my case!  :@

snakeweasel

driver100 said:

ab348">To me it looks too safe in terms of design, not really pushing anything new. Maybe they figure that's what that segment wants.

RB I think they want to attract the non-enthusiast buyers that Cadillac and Lexus are trying to get shed of. I can't see this car keeping anyone at Cadillac, Lexus or the Germans marques awake at night

.

Both comments ar right on. Car won't be out until later so I doubt if anyone has road tested. I doubt if Lincoln buyers are really concerned with handling. Judging from the people I know of who own newer Lincolns, their average customer wants to buy a D3 car, they were buying Fords before Lincolns, and they are looking for a luxury car but one that won't cost too much....so a pretty conservative group.

The front even looks a little bit Bentleyish, which should appeal to this group too.


I have a feeling that Lincoln is more targeting this car for those in the back seat not the drivers seat. You know the Thurston Howell III being driven around by Gilligan. So it wouldn't be for most people in this room but more for limo service.

abacomike

@snakeweasel

You are absolutely correct.  Since Lincoln discontinued its Towncar line, there really isn't anything out there for limo service.  Just wish they'd make it RWD.  There's a car I might want to be buried with/in! 

explorerx4

My wife drove her MKC for the first time since picking it up on Tuesday(weather was rainy, so she drove the Escape).
This is a 180 flip, I used to split my driving between 2 vehicles, now she can.
She said it rode softly compared to her Escape.
It has an adjustable suspension, so we will look at that tomorrow.

stever

abacomike said:

fewer accidents when drivers in parking spots pull out without looking in their side-view mirrors for oncoming traffic!  I rest my case!

Good points - I almost took out an entire peloton in Boise exiting my parallel parked car.

abacomike

explorerx4 said:

My wife drove her MKC for the first time since picking it up on Tuesday(weather was rainy, so she drove the Escape). This is a 180 flip, I used to split my driving between 2 vehicles, now she can. She said it rode softly compared to her Escape. It has an adjustable suspension, so we will look at that tomorrow.

Best of luck and happiness with the new MKC.  You sound very enthusiastic.  Would love to hear your wife's take on her new car.  But we do need to protect our postings here on Edmunds - but we would surely make an exception for Mrs. Explorer!  

abacomike

TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES (TCM) is airing "Young Frankenstein" right now.  I get a kick out of that Mel Brooks Oscar Winner!

explorerx4

@abacomike,
It's kind of early to get her overall impression, but I can act as her proxy.
I did buy my CPO 2013 Escape based on her impression that it drove better than the CPO 2012 I wanted.

berri

Aren't limo's kind of being replaced by stretched out SUV's these days? I've even seen a few SUV hearses.