Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

graphicguy

imidazol97 said:

I came across this pic where I had parked my Cobalt to walk around a cruise in. I came back to find these the Vette had parked next to me. They look good together! Would be better if both could be in my driveway.

Oh yeah.....!!!!!!!

graphicguy

For multiple decades they've been trying to push diesel cars in the U.S. Diesel cars have been a dismal failure here. I can't imagine they want to keep beating that dead horse.

sda

Though diesels may have a reputation for going the distance before requiring a rebuild I am not convinced they out last a gasoline engine of the past 20 years. It is not uncommon to find a gasoline engine running fine and not needing a rebuild (yet) at 300k. My BIL has a '05 Acura RL that he bought with 30k, now has 340k and has only had regular maintenance and it runs perfectly. His son's have it now at college.

graphicguy

Going to test drive a 2018 TLX tonight. Will report impressions later.

qbrozen

? Already? Breld rubbing off on you?

fintail

I think diesel has the most future in heavy vehicles like shifty says, and brands where it has a traditional rep - that is, if those brands even bring them back. MB already has such a goofy lineup here compared with the rest of the world, that I am not holding my breath.

Some unstressed premium brand engines may hit that 300K mark, but I suspect many harder working units fail to get there without excellent maintenance. There's also not a lot of passenger car diesel engines in this market to compare it to over the past 20 years, as they have virtually all been German brands.

graphicguy

qbrozen said:

? Already? Breld rubbing off on you?

LOL! Nah....I like my Q50. I'm just curious (sort of like you)

abacomike

graphicguy said:

? Already? Breld rubbing off on you?

LOL! Nah....I like my Q50. I'm just curious (sort of like you)

Curious?  You must be kidding yourself and the rest of us as well!  On this forum it's called an ITCH!  

stickguy

I might take the princess and pop over to Acura dealer this afternoon too.

graphicguy

abacomike said:

graphicguy said:

qbrozen said:

? Already? Breld rubbing off on you?

LOL! Nah....I like my Q50. I'm just curious (sort of like you)

Curious?  You must be kidding yourself and the rest of us as well!  On this forum it's called an ITCH!  

LOL! Mike, you know us too well. So, I'm not taking a check book, or any money with me. So, wouldn't be able to buy even if I wanted to.

jpp75

graphicguy said:

abacomike said:

graphicguy said:

qbrozen said:

? Already? Breld rubbing off on you?

LOL! Nah....I like my Q50. I'm just curious (sort of like you)

Curious?  You must be kidding yourself and the rest of us as well!  On this forum it's called an ITCH!  

LOL! Mike, you know us too well. So, I'm not taking a check book, or any money with me. So, wouldn't be able to buy even if I wanted to.

Oh they'll still let you sign and bring a check by tomorrow.

graphicguy

jpp5862 said:

graphicguy said:

abacomike said:

graphicguy said:

qbrozen said:

? Already? Breld rubbing off on you?

LOL! Nah....I like my Q50. I'm just curious (sort of like you)

Curious?  You must be kidding yourself and the rest of us as well!  On this forum it's called an ITCH!  

LOL! Mike, you know us too well. So, I'm not taking a check book, or any money with me. So, wouldn't be able to buy even if I wanted to.

Oh they'll still let you sign and bring a check by tomorrow.

I know they will. But, not tempting fate here. I doubt very seriously they're cutting any deals on the '18s right now. That's the biggest reason that precludes me from buying anything.

bwia

While waiting for my ride at Dulles-Washington airport yesterday I saw two interesting cars that I didn't immediately recognize. Now that I think of it I should have taken some pics.

One was an Infiniti M class and the other a Hundai (?). Don't know what model it was but it had the H at the back. Both cars were black and glistened in the afternoon sun. Classy!

What was striking was that both cars looked more attractive than I ever remember them which says a lot about today's derivative styling. 

By the way, my favorite Infiniti was the Q45. It was my first aspirational car. 

abacomike

graphicguy said:

graphicguy said:

? Already? Breld rubbing off on you?

LOL! Nah....I like my Q50. I'm just curious (sort of like you)

Curious?  You must be kidding yourself and the rest of us as well!  On this forum it's called an ITCH!  

LOL! Mike, you know us too well. So, I'm not taking a check book, or any money with me. So, wouldn't be able to buy even if I wanted to.

Credit cards?  Blank checks in wallet?  Been there done that many times!

abacomike

I'm at the tint place - got here at 9:30 AM.  They are putting on 3M Crystalline 40 - all side and rear windows as well as the two moon roofs.  The reason I'm doing the moon roofs is to reduce the heat - even though the are heavily tinted from the factory, the car gets awfully hot from the roof even with the shades pulled.

They are giving me 15% off - so total cost will be $579+ 6% sales tax.  I decided not to have the front window done in clear tint.  I have a BMW sun screen I use when I park the car and I already have a power rear sunshade and the rear side windows also have power shades.  So, I'll be pretty well protected.  

I'm I'm going up to my brother's place in Ponte Vedra either this weekend or next.

Mr_Shiftright

graphicguy said:

abacomike said:

graphicguy said:

qbrozen said:

? Already? Breld rubbing off on you?

LOL! Nah....I like my Q50. I'm just curious (sort of like you)

Curious?  You must be kidding yourself and the rest of us as well!  On this forum it's called an ITCH!  

LOL! Mike, you know us too well. So, I'm not taking a check book, or any money with me. So, wouldn't be able to buy even if I wanted to.

AND your cell phone...we don't want to take any chances here...

graphicguy

Mr_Shiftright said:

graphicguy said:

abacomike said:

graphicguy said:

qbrozen said:

? Already? Breld rubbing off on you?

LOL! Nah....I like my Q50. I'm just curious (sort of like you)

Curious?  You must be kidding yourself and the rest of us as well!  On this forum it's called an ITCH!  

LOL! Mike, you know us too well. So, I'm not taking a check book, or any money with me. So, wouldn't be able to buy even if I wanted to.

AND your cell phone...we don't want to take any chances here...

Maybe just hit the showroom in just a loincloth?

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

? Already? Breld rubbing off on you?

Maybe he misses the rush of fighting with a dealer over a bad car. A smooth running Q50 just doesn't do it for him.

oldfarmer50

fintail said:

I think diesel has the most future in heavy vehicles like shifty says, and brands where it has a traditional rep - that is, if those brands even bring them back. MB already has such a goofy lineup here compared with the rest of the world, that I am not holding my breath.

Some unstressed premium brand engines may hit that 300K mark, but I suspect many harder working units fail to get there without excellent maintenance. There's also not a lot of passenger car diesel engines in this market to compare it to over the past 20 years, as they have virtually all been German brands.

The Ford 4.6L has been known to go 400k in taxi service. Series III GM 3.8L engines also have a reputation for longevity. I'm sure some other bread and butter motors are good too.

Kind of makes you wonder what design details make that possible when other engines give up.

Mr_Shiftright

The blocks are much stronger. You have very high compression in diesels. All the internals are beefed up.

That's why the old Oldsmobile diesel engines were such garbage. They just converted gasoline engine blocks.

fintail

Those are perfect for it - big loafy engines that aren't stressed. On the 4 cyl side, I think the 2.4 4 in the early-mid 00s Camry can rack up mileage, I saw one linked from a Copart ad with something like 800K on it - who knows what had been done to it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was not replaced.

oldfarmer50 said:

The Ford 4.6L has been known to go 400k in taxi service. Series III GM 3.8L engines also have a reputation for longevity. I'm sure some other bread and butter motors are good too.

Kind of makes you wonder what design details make that possible when other engines give up.

Mr_Shiftright

I dunno...buying a $60,000 diesel to save on gas is like moving to another state to save money because the gas prices are cheaper.

fintail

But buying the diesel version of a 60K car for no extra cost might not be a bad move. Gotta be a like for like comparison.

isellhondas

Mr_Shiftright said:

Still the "impact" is pretty minimal given the premium you paid for the diesel car. The numbers just don't work anymore.

The numbers don't work on hybrids either! Pay a premium up front, complicate your mechanicals and have a car with less power just for a small boost in gas mileage?

Sounds good though....

jmonroe

fintail said:

Those are perfect for it - big loafy engines that aren't stressed. On the 4 cyl side, I think the 2.4 4 in the early-mid 00s Camry can rack up mileage, I saw one linked from a Copart ad with something like 800K on it - who knows what had been done to it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was not replaced.

oldfarmer50 said:

The Ford 4.6L has been known to go 400k in taxi service. Series III GM 3.8L engines also have a reputation for longevity. I'm sure some other bread and butter motors are good too.

Kind of makes you wonder what design details make that possible when other engines give up.

I would. But lets just say I'm wrong and the engine wasn't replaced, Strength of Materials 101 says a LOT of work was done to it...probably to prove a point.

Since you're the type not to be surprised, I have a bridge for sale.

jmonroe

fintail

If it failed at a normal say 300K+ (those Camrys are tanks with just suggested maintenance), who would replace an engine in a Camry that was likely fairly worn out cosmetically and likely suspension, too? Seems to be a bad investment - just get another car. At normal failure mileage, the engine is usually not replaced as the rest of the car is worn. But if it suffers no major issues, the miles can keep climbing. I am not aware of those things eating head gaskets, or having a rep for premature failure like some competitors.

jmonroe said:

I would. But lets just say I'm wrong and the engine wasn't replaced, Strength of Materials 101 says a LOT of work was done to it...probably to prove a point.

Since you're the type not to be surprised, I have a bridge for sale.

jmonroe

explorerx4

@graphicguy,
If it isn't too late, leave your watch at home too.

jmonroe

fintail said:

If it failed at a normal say 300K+ (those Camrys are tanks with just suggested maintenance), who would replace an engine in a Camry that was likely fairly worn out cosmetically and likely suspension, too? Seems to be a bad investment - just get another car. At normal failure mileage, the engine is usually not replaced as the rest of the car is worn. But if it suffers no major issues, the miles can keep climbing. I am not aware of those things eating head gaskets, or having a rep for premature failure like some competitors.

jmonroe said:

I would. But lets just say I'm wrong and the engine wasn't replaced, Strength of Materials 101 says a LOT of work was done to it...probably to prove a point.

Since you're the type not to be surprised, I have a bridge for sale.

jmonroe

OK, since you don't think, even to prove a point, that a lot of work wasn't done to keep a diesel engine going 800K miles, you should be interested in my bridge.

jmonroe

graphicguy

oldfarmer50 said:

qbrozen said:

? Already? Breld rubbing off on you?

Maybe he misses the rush of fighting with a dealer over a bad car. A smooth running Q50 just doesn't do it for him.

I miss the adrenaline rush!

Anyway, just got back from the dealer. They have probably 10 new '18 TLX's and a TON of leftover '17s. Differences between '17 and '18? Quite a bit actually.

Test drove a star red on red A-Spec SH AWD....very sharp. Pictures don't do them justice. They are very good looking. Liked the Blue on Black. But, wanted to see White on Red. They didn't order any (huh?).

0-60 fees like somewhere in the 5.5 sec range by my "butt-o-meter"....plenty fast. Drivetrain makes really good sounds, too. Tried to trip up the trans....couldn't. Shifts were positive and quick....even via the steering wheel paddles (which were little stubs, not very luxurious nor sporty).

Loved, LOVED the seats. Very comfy and held me in well (I wasn't gentle on the test drive).

Wished I would have brought some of my own music, but didn't. So, couldn't test out the stereo. That said, every ELS stereo I've heard (sourced from Pioneer?), has been excellent...among the best I've heard.

Cornernig was better than the positive impression I remembered. Very good. Would be tough to choose between Quattro and SH AWD.

Steering was fast but a tad light. It firmed up quickly as you toss it around. Good on-center feel. Fat leather feel of the wheel itself was great.

Very high quality build. Doors shut with a particularly hushed yet solid thud.

Seats were ALL leather (red). The Blue A-Spec had black leather with alcantara inserts. Both quite fetching.

A-Spec had aluminum trim with some sort of grain. Very good looking. LEDs front and back.

Just a very well done car.

I told them to call me when they were ready to make a $500 over deal, which clearly, they weren't...after seeing how much I liked the car, knowing I've been a customer of there's since 2005.

Oh Yeah....no sales yet on the 2018. They made a deal of it that I would be the first, probably in the state.

Still....no deal.

driver100

So, I have been remiss the last 24 hours.....is GG looking to trade up already? Trying to take the trophy from Mike?
Is this what we are talking about?



If it is.....that is one beautiful car!

oldfarmer50

fintail said:

Those are perfect for it - big loafy engines that aren't stressed. On the 4 cyl side, I think the 2.4 4 in the early-mid 00s Camry can rack up mileage, I saw one linked from a Copart ad with something like 800K on it - who knows what had been done to it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was not replaced.

oldfarmer50 said:

The Ford 4.6L has been known to go 400k in taxi service. Series III GM 3.8L engines also have a reputation for longevity. I'm sure some other bread and butter motors are good too.

Kind of makes you wonder what design details make that possible when other engines give up.

I think that's part of it. The 4.6 and 5.0 in my cars will just about coast along at 1500rpms at 60 while at the same speed my Mitsu sourced 2.5 6cyl and Chrysler 2.4 4cyl. turned 2300-2500.

But I think great engines must have some internal balance mojo going on that perhaps the designers didn't even understand that made them run forever.

oldfarmer50

isellhondas said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Still the "impact" is pretty minimal given the premium you paid for the diesel car. The numbers just don't work anymore.

The numbers don't work on hybrids either! Pay a premium up front, complicate your mechanicals and have a car with less power just for a small boost in gas mileage?

Sounds good though....

Yeah but get to feel so smug as you drive. That's gotta be worth $$$$$$.

explorerx4

I just noticed the other day while driving the truck that at 75 mph, it registered 2k rpms.
This is with the mid level 3.55 rear axle ratio. Standard is 3.31. Max tow gear is 3.73.

fintail

Uh, I was talking about a 2.4 Camry that I saw in a Copart listing with over 800K on it. I never mentioned a diesel that made it to 800K.

Any engine will require a little work to get to such a number, but I'd wager full replacement or even substantial overhaul is an unlikely investment after 250K or so, barring a massive sentimental attachment by the owner.

jmonroe said:

OK, since you don't think, even to prove a point, that a lot of work wasn't done to keep a diesel engine going 800K miles, you should be interested in my bridge.

jmonroe

fintail

2018 has been debeaked, rejoice!

graphicguy said:

Anyway, just got back from the dealer. They have probably 10 new '18 TLX's and a TON of leftover '17s. Differences between '17 and '18? Quite a bit actually.

Still....no deal.

fintail

I wonder if 6+ speed transmissions will increase engine life, or if transmission complexity will be a detriment.

My modern car, with its little 2.1, is also no more than 2k rpm at 65 as well, IIRC. 7th gear.

oldfarmer50 said:

I think that's part of it. The 4.6 and 5.0 in my cars will just about coast along at 1500rpms at 60 while at the same speed my Mitsu sourced 2.5 6cyl and Chrysler 2.4 4cyl. turned 2300-2500.

But I think great engines must have some internal balance mojo going on that perhaps the designers didn't even understand that made them run forever.

oldfarmer50

fintail said:

Uh, I was talking about a 2.4 Camry that I saw in a Copart listing with over 800K on it. I never mentioned a diesel that made it to 800K.

Any engine will require a little work to get to such a number, but I'd wager full replacement or even substantial overhaul is an unlikely investment after 250K or so, barring a massive sentimental attachment by the owner.

jmonroe said:

OK, since you don't think, even to prove a point, that a lot of work wasn't done to keep a diesel engine going 800K miles, you should be interested in my bridge.

jmonroe

I always figured that those cars that appear on Fast n Loud or Counting Cars probably required engine rebuilds although they never mention that on the shows. I can't believe you haul a car out of a barn after 20 years and just spray some carb cleaner into it.

qbrozen

graphicguy said:

? Already? Breld rubbing off on you?

Maybe he misses the rush of fighting with a dealer over a bad car. A smooth running Q50 just doesn't do it for him.

I miss the adrenaline rush!

Anyway, just got back from the dealer. They have probably 10 new '18 TLX's and a TON of leftover '17s. Differences between '17 and '18? Quite a bit actually.

Test drove a star red on red A-Spec SH AWD....very sharp. Pictures don't do them justice. They are very good looking. Liked the Blue on Black. But, wanted to see White on Red. They didn't order any (huh?).

0-60 fees like somewhere in the 5.5 sec range by my "butt-o-meter"....plenty fast. Drivetrain makes really good sounds, too. Tried to trip up the trans....couldn't. Shifts were positive and quick....even via the steering wheel paddles (which were little stubs, not very luxurious nor sporty).

Loved, LOVED the seats. Very comfy and held me in well (I wasn't gentle on the test drive).

Wished I would have brought some of my own music, but didn't. So, couldn't test out the stereo. That said, every ELS stereo I've heard (sourced from Pioneer?), has been excellent...among the best I've heard.

Cornernig was better than the positive impression I remembered. Very good. Would be tough to choose between Quattro and SH AWD.

Steering was fast but a tad light. It firmed up quickly as you toss it around. Good on-center feel. Fat leather feel of the wheel itself was great.

Very high quality build. Doors shut with a particularly hushed yet solid thud.

Seats were ALL leather (red). The Blue A-Spec had black leather with alcantara inserts. Both quite fetching.

A-Spec had aluminum trim with some sort of grain. Very good looking. LEDs front and back.

Just a very well done car.

I told them to call me when they were ready to make a $500 over deal, which clearly, they weren't...after seeing how much I liked the car, knowing I've been a customer of there's since 2005.

Oh Yeah....no sales yet on the 2018. They made a deal of it that I would be the first, probably in the state.

Still....no deal.

More like 6 secs. Regardless, are you really already willing to downgrade from your Infiniti? You may miss that extra power.

jmonroe

fintail said:

Uh, I was talking about a 2.4 Camry that I saw in a Copart listing with over 800K on it. I never mentioned a diesel that made it to 800K.

Any engine will require a little work to get to such a number, but I'd wager full replacement or even substantial overhaul is an unlikely investment after 250K or so, barring a massive sentimental attachment by the owner.

jmonroe said:

OK, since you don't think, even to prove a point, that a lot of work wasn't done to keep a diesel engine going 800K miles, you should be interested in my bridge.

jmonroe

Let me just finish on this subject by saying I don't think ANY production car engine can go 800K miles without some SERIOUS internal work.

How far can they go? I really don't know for sure but anything over 500K is as far as I'm willing to believe and that is when ALL the stars AND moons align.

jmonroe

explorerx4

I just made a post but it says it is pending approval. I hope it shows up, I'd have a hard time writing it again.

jmonroe

explorerx4 said:

I just made a post but it says it is pending approval. I hope it shows up, I'd have a hard time writing it again.

Don't tell me Edmunds is enforcing the 150 word limit as of June 2, 2017. :@

jmonroe

explorerx4

Edmunds just doesn't like the post.
It's about a WWII vet that a group of us a working to help out.

fintail

I agree with that for the most part. I don't believe most can do it, but I believe isolated cases can do it - with proper timing chain and valvetrain maintenance, maybe a headgasket here or a rear main seal there.

I've never had a car with more than 200K on it, that was a 1989 MB. It was incredibly sold and nice even at that mileage, but the rear main seal was starting to leak a little.

jmonroe said:

Let me just finish on this subject by saying I don't think ANY production car engine can go 800K miles without some SERIOUS internal work.

How far can they go? I really don't know for sure but anything over 500K is as far as I'm willing to believe and that is when ALL the stars AND moons align.

jmonroe

driver100

jmonroe said:

fintail said:

Uh, I was talking about a 2.4 Camry that I saw in a Copart listing with over 800K on it. I never mentioned a diesel that made it to 800K.

Any engine will require a little work to get to such a number, but I'd wager full replacement or even substantial overhaul is an unlikely investment after 250K or so, barring a massive sentimental attachment by the owner.

jmonroe said:

OK, since you don't think, even to prove a point, that a lot of work wasn't done to keep a diesel engine going 800K miles, you should be interested in my bridge.

jmonroe

Let me just finish on this subject by saying I don't think ANY production car engine can go 800K miles without some SERIOUS internal work.

How far can they go? I really don't know for sure but anything over 500K is as far as I'm willing to believe and that is when ALL the stars AND moons align.

jmonroe

+1 (we actually agree!)

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

isellhondas said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Still the "impact" is pretty minimal given the premium you paid for the diesel car. The numbers just don't work anymore.

The numbers don't work on hybrids either! Pay a premium up front, complicate your mechanicals and have a car with less power just for a small boost in gas mileage?

Sounds good though....

Yeah but get to feel so smug as you drive. That's gotta be worth $$$$$$.

Yeh, I got caught off by some moron in his Prius.....I am sure the guy was laughing his head off thinking....this road belongs to me....I am the good little person who drives a nice clean Green car and I can cut off the bad fossil fuel cars.

driver100

I finally broke down and got a Blue Ray DVD player. A lot of DVDs at the library are now BR, and they don't play on non-DVD players.

I needed an HDMI cable, and the one's at Best Buy started at $30. Next cheapest was $35....the clerk said it was exactly the same just had new packaging.

I went a few stores down to the Dollar Store and bought one that is probably the same....for $4!

stickguy

GG, did you try any lesser models? Wondering how the FWD non-A spec versions compare. I didn't go today, but may swing in tomorrow since I will be right by the dealer.

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bfZ6m8hqFSk


@roadburner nice nice glad you had an good time at the track! want to go to one soon around hear just to experance it and be there.

fezo

Oh, a few things to report. First off the cataract operation went without a hitch. Of course now instead of wearing glasses all the time I now have to take then on and off if I want to read. Pretty heavy presbyopia. OTOH, there's like $16 for 3 pairs at Costco so I leave them in various places.

My lovely beat up 07 Camry with 215K on it that I'm sure could have nursed a few more years out of is no longer. Fortunately my daughter is. She was making a left hand turn in a downpour and got smacked by a rain colored car without its headlights on. Still figuring the legal end of things but this idiot of a cop calls an ambulance for the other driver who said she thought she hurt her foot and left my daughter to fend for herself as a friend had come to help. At my insistence she went to the ER where she was diagnosed with whiplash and a concussion. The assistant coaches on my kid's softball team has to know concussion protocol. Apparently the cops don't. Once the legal matters are settled I'll find the cop's superior and report him. Jill's driving and working everyday so other than the pain she's doing well. She is buying her replacement car from me and is already driving it. An 08 Prius with 133 on the clock. Quickest Prius I ever ran into. I was honestly stunned. Way more pickup than my wife's 10 and I don't know why. That's what she wanted that's what she got. Penfed credit union 1.99% of three year loan on an 08. Can't beat it.

Meanwhile I'm tiring of the 5. It's big for my tastes, including the height. I like little cars. To me a Mazda 6 is as big as I'm likely to go. This - http://www.piazzamazdaofwestchester.com/certified/Mazda/2015-Mazda-Mazda3-west-chester-pa-56657a7d0a0e0a6b1c382ff807b6ad57.htm caught my eye and I made an Internet inquiry, got the standard "come on in'." I answered with a detailed reason why I wasn't driving into Pennsylvania (disclaimer: it took three trips to Philadelphia to bring home the Prius) just to look at a car. Made an offer and never got so much as a reply. I'll maybe give him the weekend and if that gets me nowhere I'll move up the ladder to inform that their Internet manager is apparently incapable of answering an email.

Nice car. Pushes all my right buttons even as you lose 2 mpg with the stick vs the automatic but that's worth it. THe 18" tires on the s as opposed to 16" on the i are a bit of a concern but 3 hatches with a stick, particularly a GT are scarce and most are in non-colors. Offering a skinny but not terrible deal. When I bought the 5 it took two emails to complete the deal with the disclaimer that it had to be as advertised. Bought my wife's Prius the same way - 2 emails. We'll see. Something I'd like but don't need.

Also saved the Miata from the "twins" turning 17 early fall of 18. Didn't want more than one listed as a primary driver which leaving it with present would put a primary on every car. Went too Hagerty. Cut the price in half for largely the same policy. Just so that it's a pleasure car. They asked how much did I expect to drive it in a year. I said 4K which is close to correct. Nicely done. Now to see if I can pull off the 3 deal.

stickguy

glad you are doing well. Sorry about the kid, but glad it was not more serious.

Nice 3. I like those. Seems on pricey side a little for a 15, but I am usually wrong about that.