I spotted a NEW (insert make/model) today!

fintail

I liked the Prius more before it became "bold" and gained angry Pokemon styling themes. Now the tame appliance, along with the rest of the Toyota line (even the Yaris has a face now) is trying too hard. Prius is a great transportation pod and would be a good autonomous car.

Michaell

tlong said:

berri said:

Is anyone neutral on the Prius? It seems to be one of those love or hate automobiles.

I like the economy and reliability of the Prius and would consider it if a) they had a bit better driving dynamics; and b) had a bit more upscale interior. So I'm kind of neutral on it. I have driven one and it is an interesting ride and larger inside that you would think.

I've not driven a Prius, but I have test driven a Prius C, and I'll echo tlong's comments. I'd take a small hit in the MPG if it didn't drive like a penalty box - reminds me a bit of the econoboxes of the 80's, truth be told.

anythngbutgm

Spent yesterday at the Newport Jazz festival in RI. Lots of sightings from a BMW i8 to and AMG GT, a new XC90, couple of new Honda Pilots, a 650i Gandcoupe, heck even a customized Chrysler 300 Convertible.

Don't know if it's a trend or not, but there were a couple of cars running around without hoods on them, specifically a heavily modded Audi TT and a 335i... Strange...

Mr_Shiftright

I think that's because the Prius took over the role once played by 1980s era Volvos---"the car for people who hate cars"

It's an anti-car car, if you will.

berri said:

Is anyone neutral on the Prius? It seems to be one of those love or hate automobiles.

stever

The rumor mill says the new V (that's the "big" Prius station wagon) is going to get 55 mpg. Toyota is trying to damp expectations.

Aren't you in diesel country anyway? Plenty of VW TDI drivers are getting over 50mpg and you get a "better" driving experience. The fumes are a trigger for my wife's mild asthma so there's no interest in diesel around here.

Mr_Shiftright

I won't even drive behind any kind of dirty diesel, like trucks. I pull over. I can't stand that smell. Lucky for me I don't live in Asia.

stickguy

I actually love the smell of diesel trucks. Brings back fond memories.

fordgirl15

Same here, stickguy! If diesel wasn't so spendy that's what I would drive. I've heard diesel and manual transmission combined gets really awesome fuel mileage.

fintail

Saw an i8 this afternoon, and 3 new Pilots on a transporter this morning.

Mr_Shiftright

yes, but did you inhale?

stickguy said:

I actually love the smell of diesel trucks. Brings back fond memories.

kyfdx

Lexus IS-F.

Pushed up the inside lane to cut me off, when I was merging from an on-ramp. Nice.

stever

HR-V, C-Max, Encore, V Three.

Yep, hit a few car dealers this morning. Details at 11.

explorerx4

In the parking lot at work...
Lexus IS with PFHT and nuclear green Crosstrek XV hybrid.

Mr_Shiftright

I had to look that up PFHT---did you mean PRHT?

laurasdada

Went for a run yesterday, including through the new Tesla dealer lot down the lane... Shiny cars, can't afford 'em. But, I hooked my mp3 player up to an exterior charging station. MP3 player exploded, whodathunkit? Paging Mr. Jackie Childs, ESQ!

explorerx4

@Mr_Shifty,
Ok, I retract that.

fintail

Saw a new S550 coupe, new AMG GT and a custom ordered E63 wagon at the local MBCA gathering today.

laurasdada

That S550 coupe is a beauty! Looks like the Tesla dealer is in full swing, lot full of cars, a couple on the chargers as I drove to work this am.

fintail

Saw an orange Lexus RC sitting front and center at the local dealer this morning.

Here's a nice S550 coupe and AMG GT from the local MB show:

fintail

Saw an Alpina B6 Gran Coupe today, the big wheels looked painful on a torn up street.

berri

I know the new Merc's are years ahead in performance and refinement, but my heart still goes with the classic MB's like that white walled convertible. M-B was something unique and special back in those days.

anythngbutgm

Spotted a new S-Classe over the weekend, white with AMG wheels, damn that thing has presence...

odie6l

Got to actually see one of the TRD Pro 4Runners out on the streets today instead of just on the lots. Funny thing it was behind (chasing) and old Green Aztek.

Odie

fintail

Lexus dealer now has a second orange RC sitting right in front, first one is still there. Not the best color IMO.

Saw a Q3 today, these are still pretty rare here compared to the Q5, which is on every corner.

anythngbutgm

Everywhere I look, new Honda Pilot, new Honda Pilot, new Honda Pilot. They are popping up faster than new Subarus around here...

New C-classe is a hit as well, I see more of them than I do CLA which is more attainable. Also got behind a hawt new Maserati Coupe yesterday, the exhaust note was heavenly at about 80mph. Also an odd duck, a Morgan! One of the newer "Aero 8" I believe, but couldn't confirm because I passed it going the other direction.

jpp75

I saw a new Volvo XC90 yesterday, looked sharp. I need to stop by the local dealer and see what the interior is like.

stickguy

Interior on the 90 is gorgeous. And I expect the pilot to be a massive success for Honda.

fintail

Saw a Pilot "Elite" today, I guess enough time has passed from the time of the Gran Torino Elite.

tlong

fintail said:

Saw a Pilot "Elite" today, I guess enough time has passed from the time of the Gran Torino Elite.

....it's not your father's Grand Torino!

boomchek

I spotted the new Volvo XC90 a week ago too. Looks great. Clean but elegant styling. It was about time for them to redesign it.

fintail

I've seen 2 of those - definite hit. The old one was more than a decade old, and needed help.

How've you been?

boomchek said:

I spotted the new Volvo XC90 a week ago too. Looks great. Clean but elegant styling. It was about time for them to redesign it.

boomchek

I've been good, thank you. We had a second child born, a duaghter, 3 months ago so we've been busy. I'm still in the car business. Are you coming up to Vancouver for the Luxury Supercar show next weekend?

fintail

Good to know. 2 kids, wow. No time like the present to get her interested in cars

The concours attached to that event looks interesting, but I don't think I'll be able to make it. Actually, next weekend is also the PNW Concours at the LeMay Museum, I might attend that.

Speaking of new cars, an S4 and GLA have recently shown up in the garage of my building - it's a booming place around here.

boomchek said:

I've been good, thank you. We had a second child born, a duaghter, 3 months ago so we've been busy. I'm still in the car business. Are you coming up to Vancouver for the Luxury Supercar show next weekend?

boomchek

There isn't really a concours where the cars drive through, just an award ceremony at the end of the day. Otherwise the cars are parked the whole weekend, but there is a lot of interesting vehicles, new exotics and classics every year.

I see a lot of GLA's in Vancouver too. Decent looking cars for someone wanting to get into an affordable Benz.

fintail

I'd be more interested in the classics - I see enough show-off stuff around my own neighborhood (apparently there's a LaFerrari floating around somewhere now). I'd be more impressed by a cocaine-white Countach or Testarossa that cost a fraction of the money.

I might prefer a GLA to a CLA, seems like it would be more comfortable inside, and less melty styling. AMG versions help, of course.

fintail

I saw a prototype or test mule today, a BMW pickup. It was badged "X10", and it didn't have any camo on it at all, it looked ready for the street. It appeared to be a 2WD or low riding AWD model, extended cab, 3-series sized, very plain practical styling. Amazing sight out in broad daylight.

Actually, it was a 90s era S-10 that someone had converted, but it made me look and laugh, and I had to mention it. It was fully converted - kidney grille, roundels, I think wheels, "X10" badge. Someone has a sense of humor.

odie6l

fintail said:

I saw a prototype or test mule today, a BMW pickup. It was badged "X10", and it didn't have any camo on it at all, it looked ready for the street. It appeared to be a 2WD or low riding AWD model, extended cab, 3-series sized, very plain practical styling. Amazing sight out in broad daylight.

Actually, it was a 90s era S-10 that someone had converted, but it made me look and laugh, and I had to mention it. It was fully converted - kidney grille, roundels, I think wheels, "X10" badge. Someone has a sense of humor.

Are you talking about this???


The owner of this lives in North Lebanon near Jonestown, PA. I see it all the time.

Odie

fintail

Nope, not even that real looking. This was literally a mid-late 90s S-10 extended cab that had been slathered with BMW bits. That makes it even funnier.

odie6l said:

<
Are you talking about this???

The owner of this lives in North Lebanon near Jonestown, PA. I see it all the time.

Odie

Mr_Shiftright

Jaguar F Type "R" convertible---great exhaust note as it entered the freeway ramp. Unfortunately, you can only get them with AWD.

stever

X6 with temp tags.

Test drove an Elantra GT and Soul Plus today, both loaded 16's.

Oh, and a new Mary Kaye Caddy SRX, also with temp plates.

explorerx4

In the parking lot at work...
A dark blue BMW 3 series 4 door with a rear hatch.

Michaell

stever said:

X6 with temp tags. Test drove an Elantra GT and Soul Plus today, both loaded 16's. Oh, and a new Mary Kaye Caddy SRX, also with temp plates.

We had someone come to the new house yesterday to measure for window coverings. She showed up driving an X6 5.0

stever

Must be good money in drapes and curtains, LOL.

kyfdx

stever said:

X6 with temp tags.

Test drove an Elantra GT and Soul Plus today, both loaded 16's.

Oh, and a new Mary Kaye Caddy SRX, also with temp plates.

So... which one did you like best?

stever

Still liking the Soul but the GT was a nice ride too.

Michaell

stever said:

Still liking the Soul but the GT was a nice ride too.

But your wife still ranks the Encore #1

stickguy

Hummer FX.

anythngbutgm

New Mitsu Outlander over the weekend. Looks much more substantial than the outgoing one. Almost Pilot-esque.

Speaking of which, new Honda Pilots were in all over the place from here in ME, down to Cape Cod and back up thru Vermont where our roadtrip led us.

laurasdada

While grocery shopping, a bright white Mazda 6....with a standup Lincoln hood ornament!

explorerx4

In the parking lot at work... New Rav4 and Mazda 3.