Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

corvette

The Sienna’s grille didn’t look that bad to me in the pics I saw. I wonder whether the performance figures will be competitive with its V6 powered competitors.

ab348

qbrozen

stickguy said:

speaking of Toyotas, I was looking for a picture of the new Sienna (you are getting a link instead!) to show the sheer SF of front maw (that grill is ginormous). Almost a characiture. But ended up looking at the specs instead. Crazy how advanced a minivan is now.

standard hybrid, 33 MPG combined rating. And has a 1st class recliner seat option (with ottoman) and you can get a built in fridge. And the interior looks great. But that maw!

https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-launches-all-new-2021-sienna-to-suit-a-variety-of-lifestyles/

I am a little surprised they are so far behind (timewise) Chrysler in hybridization of their minivan.

roadburner

The only thing worse than driving a minivan is driving one that people point and laugh at.

fintail

It's puffy now like the Highlander. I guess puffy is the new Toyota design language, along with having a huge mouth and leering eyes. We're not boring, we swear!

tjc78

qbrozen said:

stickguy said:

speaking of Toyotas, I was looking for a picture of the new Sienna (you are getting a link instead!) to show the sheer SF of front maw (that grill is ginormous). Almost a characiture. But ended up looking at the specs instead. Crazy how advanced a minivan is now.

standard hybrid, 33 MPG combined rating. And has a 1st class recliner seat option (with ottoman) and you can get a built in fridge. And the interior looks great. But that maw!

https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-launches-all-new-2021-sienna-to-suit-a-variety-of-lifestyles/

I am a little surprised they are so far behind (timewise) Chrysler in hybridization of their minivan.

Me too, it’s not like they don’t have the technology.

qbrozen

roadburner said:

The only thing worse than driving a minivan is driving one that people point and laugh at.

Like one with 22” spinners and a wing? Otherwise, all the stock ones look the same to me.

oldfarmer50

I’ve never thought any Toyota had styling that evoked an emotional response from me with exception of some of those long gone coupes of days past. For all the highly regarded mechanicals the sheet metal is blah. Maybe the crazy grills are to make you feel SOMETHING even if it’s hate.

Sandman6472

Taking the Golf in on Monday. They said they want me to leave it which is fine but, got a dental cleaning in late morning. Middle child let me know she'd be in on Friday night through Tuesday morning, so decided that she could pick me up after dropping the Golf off and I'll just have her drive me or take her car to the dentist. It's right around the corner so think this plan will work.
They did the oil change on 2/10 so logical that it could be something dealing with that. Hoping it is as I don't want to put any $ into it right now. Guessing if it is a valve cover gasket leak, could cost me around $200 or so but hoping it's something super simple. I just don't want any vehicular issues right now to be honest. But once again, has me thinking that for my low tolerance here, my next vehicle really needs to be cheap to keep with a long warranty. I like a warranty and dislike issues of any kind. End of story!

28firefighter

Parents drove the Outback XT today. Were not fans of it at all. Next up is to drive a new V60 CC and the XC40.

suydam

Hope the oil issue will be simple to fix.
I’m surprised your dentist is able to re-open for routine cleaning. They face so many issues dealing with the virus.

corvette

I had a dental checkup and cleaning a couple weeks ago. Walk in for a temperature check, then back to your car until they call you in.

kyfdx

corvette said:

I had a dental checkup and cleaning a couple weeks ago. Walk in for a temperature check, then back to your car until they call you in.

Same here... same state.

stickguy

28firefighter said:

Parents drove the Outback XT today. Were not fans of it at all. Next up is to drive a new V60 CC and the XC40.

wife and I both liked the 40 when we sat in one. Never drove it though, so curious what your folks think about it. A bit smaller inside, though has pretty good space utilization since it is pretty boxy.

stickguy

dentists here were just allowed to do elective stuff. Fillings, crowns, etc. Basically non-emergency procedures. But, still not doing routine cleanings. I have one scheduled for next week that will have to be moved (and this was rescheduled already from back in April).

Sandy, I really don't think it is a valve cover gasket. I would be shocked if it wasn't either the filter or drain plug not on tight or missing a gasket.

explorerx4

I've got dental appt in about a month. Pretty similar protocol to was was mentioned.
Haircut is going to be one person allowed in at a time(small place), take a number and you go in when your number is called.

stickguy

I really want the teeth done. hopefully not too much longer.

did get a haircut today, out on the deck. 2nd attempt from the wife, and she improved quite a bit. Last one was too long on top, but this time she figured out how to get it more evened out and shorter. Actually looks pretty close to a pro job (from Great Clips) so overall I am happy, and I have already made back my investment in the clippers and scissors (and some profit!) Might just let her keep on doing it even after salons reopen.

Sandman6472

Sure hope so! Why is the XC40 so expensive though? Perfect size really but really pricey I thought. Our neighbors across the street love the XC60, have had them for years always in white, and have a couple now.
Had to move the Accent earlier and again, was amazed at how simple it drives and how compact it is. Part of me would just love to get one and call it a day! Right now is just the perfect storm really, a lot of 0% financing and delayed first payments on many models. My timing has never afforded me anything like this but I know it's just having this slight issue with the Golf that's making me crazy! 63.9K really isn't a lot of miles on a vehicle to be honest but, it's a German vehicle which puts it into another category!
Hopefully Monday will come and it'll be something really simple to fix. They'll fix it and I'll move on.

kyfdx

Haircut... two days ago. Mask on the entire time (both of us).

Dental cleaning a couple weeks ago... I have nothing to do but brush my teeth. First time in ten years that I haven't received "the lecture".

stickguy

Sandy, Volvos are expensive (MSRP), same as the rest of the premium Euros. And if you think the XC40 is expensive, don't price out an XC60 because that will blow right through $50K, no problem.

breld

Got out for my first test drives of the pandemic era!

A local Carmax had a 2017 Audi TTS so I went out this morning to give it a test.

Could definitely see myself in one - love the exterior styling of this current model. Definitely a step up in performance and engaging drive versus my current 228i fun car, but that shouldn’t be a surprise. I’m starting to realize and accept that a manual is not a requirement for the car to be sporty and engaging. The DSG had a lot of character - switched between sport and normal mode often to get a feel for it. The sport mode isn’t too high strung like some I’ve experienced and would have its place in everyday driving for sure.

They happened to have a 2015 (previous gen) TT roadster too so I drove that as well. My thinking was, “why not?” but I ended up enjoying the convertible experience more than I thought I would. It has a nice motorized windscreen that sort of mimics the RF experience from the Miata (not feeling too exposed), so I liked that. And the driving experience with the top up was not all that different than the coupe. A bit more of a blind spot, but didn’t feel claustrophobic.

But while that previous gen was okay, the design dates back to 2007 I think? I would want the current gen - so that would leave me with deciding between a “base” TT Roadster or a TTS coupe.

Both are intriguing - gives me something to obsess on.

laurasdada

Speaking of haircuts, which I want/need: My barber, Roger, opened his shop last week. He said, show up, sign up outside the shop, he'll call when he's ready for you. No waiting inside. I thought I'd go by this morning (Saturday).

On Friday's newscast, "Car slams into Roger's Barbershop!," with a picutre of a silver Honda Accord indeed partially through the front plate glass window. No one was hurt; normally likely someone would have been as there are ~8 waiting seats right at the front window. Phew, in this case, distancing saved some pain and suffering.

Roger has always advised me to park away from his shop, as there's a nail salon a couple of doors down. He says the blue haired ladies come out, get in their cars and often confuse reverse and drive...which is what likely happened here!

qbrozen

breld said:

gives me something to obsess on.

... until you buy one next week.

qbrozen

My son washed and polished my car today. I ordered some special cleaner for the black graphics. Hopefully it works to restore them a bit. And the spoiler.

oldfarmer50

“ Sandy, Volvos are expensive (MSRP), same as the rest of the premium Euros.”

But isn’t Volvo built in China now?

venture

stickguy said:

speaking of Toyotas, I was looking for a picture of the new Sienna (you are getting a link instead!) to show the sheer SF of front maw (that grill is ginormous). Almost a characiture. But ended up looking at the specs instead. Crazy how advanced a minivan is now.

standard hybrid, 33 MPG combined rating. And has a 1st class recliner seat option (with ottoman) and you can get a built in fridge. And the interior looks great. But that maw!

https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-launches-all-new-2021-sienna-to-suit-a-variety-of-lifestyles/

Everything has a right to be ugly, but that is abusing the privlege.

Michaell

oldfarmer50 said:

“ Sandy, Volvos are expensive (MSRP), same as the rest of the premium Euros.”

But isn’t Volvo built in China now?

Geely owns Volvo, but most of them are still built in Sweden.

The only one that is China sourced is the S90 - anything with a VIN that starts with the letter "L" is made there.

stickguy

Sweden and South Carolina are the main production points.

sda

stickguy said:

Sweden and South Carolina are the main production points.

SC

qbrozen

This is the same color, I believe, as my first car, the '79 CJ7. Was interested in this until I saw the underside photo. YIKES.

jmonroe1

sda said:

stickguy said:

Sweden and South Carolina are the main production points.

SC

SC, like in South China?

jmonroe

benjaminh

The Acura TL/TLX through the years....

1996 TL: Length 191.5 Width 71 Height 56

2000 TL: L 193 W 70 H 56

2004 TL: L 189 W 72 H 57

2009 TL: L 195 W 74 H 57

2015 TLX: L 191 W 73 H 57

2021 TLX: L 194.6 W 75.2 H 56.4

For comparison the 2nd generation Legend from 1991 L 195 W 71.3 H 55.1

For an off-the wall comparison a 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado: L 211 W 78.5 H 53

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

This is the same color, I believe, as my first car, the '79 CJ7. Was interested in this until I saw the underside photo. YIKES.

I’m no expert but aren’t frames suppose to be straight?

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

My son washed and polished my car today. I ordered some special cleaner for the black graphics. Hopefully it works to restore them a bit. And the spoiler.

That’s sharp.

stickguy

qbrozen said:

This is the same color, I believe, as my first car, the '79 CJ7. Was interested in this until I saw the underside photo. YIKES.

Is the frame cross members all bent up, or are they supposed to be kinked like that?

I also did not realize that the 1st generation came in a 4 door also. I thought that they were all 2 doors, with 4 doors going as wagoneers.

I do like the color though. Nice upgrade on the engine too.

Sandman6472

Still interested in test driving the Kia Seltos and really like the top model in blue with the white roof. Sure it's a bit pricey, but with my driving the next few years, ain't going to be putting much mileage on no matter what. And a Mini Cooper Countryman could also be cool though a bit pricey decked out the way I'd want one. Big reason I hope to get back to work soon is to get to drive some fun vehicles again and get out of the house! Sure, getting unemployment to just sit home is nice...up to a point! I was hoping that by June 1st or so, we'd be starting back again and do not want to stretch it out to longer than 3 months on furlough. So, setting my sites on June 15th as the new start date and just hope this time, it comes to fruition!
Best scenario on Monday is for them to just tighten things up, solve this issue and send me on my way. And in my prayers to G-d later, this is exactly what I plan on asking for. Then we can look forward to see what comes next...be it new or a lease, cheap to keep or some outrageous fun when I hit the accelerator. Just know one thing, think I'm definitely ready to swap out for something else, finally!

roadburner

The 440i that supposedly sold is still on the dealers website; I guess I'll call Monday and see if it's still for sale.

28firefighter

roadburner said:

The 440i that supposedly sold is still on the dealers website; I guess I'll call Monday and see if it's still for sale.

Do it!

28firefighter

Big fan of this:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1994-acura-legend-5/

stickguy

that is nice. My neighbor had the even rarer 4 door, stick shift version of that car. Bought new, I think he got it up to about 190K (long commute).

stickguy

since I am down the rabbit hole anyway...

I absolutely love this. My favorite big truck. Could be a fun piece to have as a semi-practical toy.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1992-ford-f-150-5/

hey, the highly sought after manual trans RWD E46 wagon! this one, with some extra forced induction beans. I do like it. Just need to put 17's back on it. Seems pretty well sorted.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2001-bmw-325i-touring-4/

Another nice looking toy. I looked at one just like this back around that time. Slightly quicker than the 68 HP Colt I was driving at the time. Just could not quite justify it as the primary family car. But this one looks really clean.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1990-ford-mustang-lx-5-0-6/

and finally, one more of the cars on my list of things I really wanted but never got back in the day, and now can't afford or never will! This one looks well done. Pretty much perfect set-up. I would just swap out the wheels for minilites, and less ugly seats and steering wheel inside.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1970-datsun-510-26/

breld

28firefighter said:

Big fan of this:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1994-acura-legend-5/

Oh I love that. There was a time I would seek those out, and a white coupe like that was perfect in my opinion.

breld

By the way, I was killing time yesterday while my son was at a baseball practice so I strolled a nearby Toyota lot.

It’s probably a passing infatuation, but I love the Supra. Exotic Japanese styling but not as juvenile as the Civic Type R. The dealership had six of them in a row, unlocked, so I was able to get in them too - there’s a certain level of fitness required to maneuver in, but once you’re in I thought it was quite comfy.

@michaell, @jpp75 and I were discussing this last night - I’d imagine these 2020 models with the “mere” 335 hp could be nice buys on the used market. Or for that matter, I wouldn’t be shocked to see discounts upwards of $10k to move the new ones.

breld

stickguy said:

the model that actually looks like a great overall design (if you are OK with the grill) is the Venza. perfect size, and great feature set. Toyota seems to be upping their game lately with engineering and content.

I didn’t realize you were referring to a new Venza until I got the new “Future Cars” issue of Motor Trend in the mail. I mean, a Venza isn’t necessarily something to get excited about, but it does seem to be a handsome addition to the lineup.

tjc78

I’m shocked they are doing a new Venza. It was never a volume car for them.

What are they going after? I hardly doubt they will steal any sales from the Outback.

graphicguy

28firefighter said:

Big fan of this:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1994-acura-legend-5/

Like that......a lot!!!!!!!!

roadburner

"Do I feel lucky?" Well, do ya, punk?

explorerx4

That guy 'Had to have it', so I'm glad to let him keep it.

stickguy

tjc78 said:

I’m shocked they are doing a new Venza. It was never a volume car for them.

What are they going after? I hardly doubt they will steal any sales from the Outback.

I think it will be now. That general size/premium position is a hot ticket. will appeal to people like me that wanted a mid-sized cross over, but found the RAV to be a touch small/cheesy, and the Highlander too much of a barge. It is a lot more mainstream than the old Venza, which suffered IMO because it was a bit ahead of it's time, and the styling and space usage was just kinda weird (basically, it did not know what it was supposed to be, or was trying to fake being something it wasn't!)

I guess it will snitch a few sales from Lexus, and compete with the OB, Edge, Murano and also the CRV and Santa Fe. Depends a lot on pricing of course.

stickguy

right after I graduated college, I got a job at a company where a guy (my parents age) down the street worked. His family had a Fuego at the time. I seem to recall at some point discussing it with him since they were looking to sell it. Thankfully nothing ever came of that.