Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

Did not read the details on the MR2. but that sounds concerning. The Datsun, well, I like quirky small cars with manuals!

actually a nice review on the Corolla. That color though, no way. Mostly though it was all that stick talk that interested me. Next car, since it would be the spare, something like that would be perfect. Small little hatch with a stick shift. Though I doubt you will see many of those corolla's on the lot. Maybe a stray Mazda or Honda occasionally.

stickguy

oldfarmer50 said:

Sandman6472 said:

Breld, "extreme habit"? I'd say, "extreme addiction" but using addiction with a positive spin here! You do what so many of us would love to do, swap out of all kinds of automobiles when ever the mood strikes. Having a great & understanding wife who enables as well as joins in at times makes things so much easier to. I've always said that I need a 7 garage house so I can have a different car for every day of the week. It would be like a dream come true!
Right now, I'm fighting the strong urge to swap out my Golf for something new now that the oil leak has been found & fixed. Also knowing that both axle boots are starting to leak means I'm going to have another expense in awhile, something which is not sitting well with me. Add to that the drivers door key fob issue I had which was pretty costly, the accident in 2018 plus the passenger side mirror replacement in 2017, things have started to add up already. And I'll be hitting only 64K tomorrow! What else can go wrong is the problem now...and how much more money am I going to have to throw at it just to get to 75K miles? I'm really a very unhappy camper right now!
As much as I love the Golf, all clean from a car wash on the way home from work, I just want something "cheap to keep" going forward. And since you just got a Toyota, have got my sights set on a 2020 Corolla SE hatchback. It's only 172", so 4" longer that my Golf, and I've definitely got the 4" needed. Since we've already got a sedan, no reason to get a second one. And after having driven about a half dozen new 2020 Corolla's this week alone at work, can only say that Toyota did a great job with their CVT transmission. And the "SE" has the nicer aluminum alloys I prefer plus I can get SAT radio with it. Would have to give up my sun/moon roof and the high zoot audio system but that might just have to be a sacrifice needed on my part. And the price is pretty reasonable especially with the 0% financing and two years free service.
Do like the Buick Encore GX also and it's similar in size. Those are the top two of the short list, now just need to test drive them both and go from there. Also, need to get my wife on board here as she's not sold on my new idea like I am. Knowing that I also put on fresh new rubber last September ain't helping my case mush either. And with using their financing, I won't have to take out a nice chunk of savings, something I like. And I can always do an extra payment every so often depending on how some of my investments pan out after their recent drop. And since we each pay for our own automobile purchases, shouldn't be a problem.
But, think I'm just about ready to start the process moving and see where it all leads. Am off tomorrow, so plan to clean out the interior as it's a real mess. Just hoping the 0% financing holds out through July 4th and better yet, through Labor Day, as it might take me that long to make a decision. This would all be so much easier if I really didn't like the Golf or was just plain tired of it. I'm just tired of all these repairs needed and how much they're starting to cost. If I could be guaranteed that nothing else would go wrong and not another dime wold be spent until I hit 75K, I'd be thrilled and just keep the ole girl. But that ain't the case and the unknown is getting to me now and now that things are temporarily cleaned up, might just be the time to swap out of it! I just don't know here!

Sounds like getting the wife on board is your main issue. I know I’d be reluctant to throw down a lot of money without my wife’s encouragement. Maybe if you point out the increasingly costly repair projections and the accompanying safety concerns she might see it your way. Also point out that the Toyota will last forever, never break, never need oil or gas and will drive itself home.😄😄😄

well, I go with the theory that when you have to keep your money separate, you can do whatever you want with your share. If the other party wants a say, then all funds should be commingled for common use!

besides, 5 years and 65,000 miles is plenty of time to keep a car, especially one that was only about $25,000 sticker new.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Sandman6472 said:

Breld, "extreme habit"? I'd say, "extreme addiction" but using addiction with a positive spin here! You do what so many of us would love to do, swap out of all kinds of automobiles when ever the mood strikes. Having a great & understanding wife who enables as well as joins in at times makes things so much easier to. I've always said that I need a 7 garage house so I can have a different car for every day of the week. It would be like a dream come true!
Right now, I'm fighting the strong urge to swap out my Golf for something new now that the oil leak has been found & fixed. Also knowing that both axle boots are starting to leak means I'm going to have another expense in awhile, something which is not sitting well with me. Add to that the drivers door key fob issue I had which was pretty costly, the accident in 2018 plus the passenger side mirror replacement in 2017, things have started to add up already. And I'll be hitting only 64K tomorrow! What else can go wrong is the problem now...and how much more money am I going to have to throw at it just to get to 75K miles? I'm really a very unhappy camper right now!
As much as I love the Golf, all clean from a car wash on the way home from work, I just want something "cheap to keep" going forward. And since you just got a Toyota, have got my sights set on a 2020 Corolla SE hatchback. It's only 172", so 4" longer that my Golf, and I've definitely got the 4" needed. Since we've already got a sedan, no reason to get a second one. And after having driven about a half dozen new 2020 Corolla's this week alone at work, can only say that Toyota did a great job with their CVT transmission. And the "SE" has the nicer aluminum alloys I prefer plus I can get SAT radio with it. Would have to give up my sun/moon roof and the high zoot audio system but that might just have to be a sacrifice needed on my part. And the price is pretty reasonable especially with the 0% financing and two years free service.
Do like the Buick Encore GX also and it's similar in size. Those are the top two of the short list, now just need to test drive them both and go from there. Also, need to get my wife on board here as she's not sold on my new idea like I am. Knowing that I also put on fresh new rubber last September ain't helping my case mush either. And with using their financing, I won't have to take out a nice chunk of savings, something I like. And I can always do an extra payment every so often depending on how some of my investments pan out after their recent drop. And since we each pay for our own automobile purchases, shouldn't be a problem.
But, think I'm just about ready to start the process moving and see where it all leads. Am off tomorrow, so plan to clean out the interior as it's a real mess. Just hoping the 0% financing holds out through July 4th and better yet, through Labor Day, as it might take me that long to make a decision. This would all be so much easier if I really didn't like the Golf or was just plain tired of it. I'm just tired of all these repairs needed and how much they're starting to cost. If I could be guaranteed that nothing else would go wrong and not another dime wold be spent until I hit 75K, I'd be thrilled and just keep the ole girl. But that ain't the case and the unknown is getting to me now and now that things are temporarily cleaned up, might just be the time to swap out of it! I just don't know here!

Sounds like getting the wife on board is your main issue. I know I’d be reluctant to throw down a lot of money without my wife’s encouragement. Maybe if you point out the increasingly costly repair projections and the accompanying safety concerns she might see it your way. Also point out that the Toyota will last forever, never break, never need oil or gas and will drive itself home.😄😄😄

well, I go with the theory that when you have to keep your money separate, you can do whatever you want with your share. If the other party wants a say, then all funds should be commingled for common use!

besides, 5 years and 65,000 miles is plenty of time to keep a car, especially one that was only about $25,000 sticker new.

In my house my wife has her own money but my money usually is considered “our” money.

Actually, I can spend it any way I want but I like to add her enthusiasm to mine to get full enjoyment.

That’s why I envy these guys whose wives push them out the door to buy cars.

stickguy

I was surprised to see how many people seem to do that, Especially people married a long time, not 2nd marriages with significant assets brought into it, etc. ours just goes into one pot and we use it as needed.

besides, it is really half yours and half hers. Go get divorced if you want to find that out! I assume going to a nursing home would work the same way.

tjc78

We are 100% together. Small stuff is pretty much spend as needed but big purchases are discussed.

My wife and I actually chuckle as she makes many more purchases, but I spend much more as I usually handle cars and large purchases.

qbrozen

Ugh, I'd LOVE to have this. But shipping across country would kill the deal, I'm afraid. Wonder what the reserve is.

graphicguy

roadburner said:

Probably good that this car is in California:
Der Neue Klasse

I’ll go out there and drive that baby back for you.

graphicguy

stickguy said:

and showing how weird my tastes are, I actually like this mildly modified Pinto. Yes I would drive it.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-ford-pinto-3/

nice example of a classic Pathfinder, for not too much money. Too bad it isn't a manual.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1994-nissan-pathfinder/

Pinto is cool...in a nerdy way. I vaguely remember this car (warning, another watchjrgo reference) and think it’s in the same class as the Pinto....

https://youtu.be/UugoUBwgiJU

breld

qbrozen said:

Ugh, I'd LOVE to have this. But shipping across country would kill the deal, I'm afraid. Wonder what the reserve is.

Yeah, that is cool. The “MP3” version with similar miles I drove a little while back was way more rewarding than I would have figured. So the Mazdaspeed version should be very entertaining.

What do you think - $1,200 to have it shipped? Would you definitely want it enclosed? Maybe a bit cheaper if not.

28firefighter

$1200 open, $1800 enclosed. Give or take.

oldfarmer50

graphicguy said:

roadburner said:

Probably good that this car is in California:
Der Neue Klasse

I’ll go out there and drive that baby back for you.

You’d drive an automatic BMW across the country? Come on. Oh wait, I hear you’re big into Mercury GMs so I guess your standards are pretty low.

Since you’ll be busy with the BMW maybe I can get the job driving that MazdaSpeed 3.

stickguy

I saw that Mazda auction. Love the car.

andres3

mjfloyd1 said:

All examples that I have given are real and available. Different drivetrain, different suspension and different price points within a single model.

The 2 liter Supra may meet someone's needs and budget better than a 3 liter. It is good to have choices.

A two liter R8 isn't available...

And I hope Audi keeps it that way.

Good luck to Toyota on the 2.0T Supra. I guess they found the 2.0T Stinger sales to be a good reference and business case?

andres3

breld said:

roadburner said:

28firefighter said:

roadburner said:

So, my wife wants to go look at the CPO 2017 XF S at the dealer. My 25 year old son assures me that it's not an old man's car, but I'm not convinced. It's cheap enough, at $35k.
A dealer in TN has a gorgeous new RWD Giulia TI Sport, but potential reliability issues and stratospheric depreciation are enough to warn me off.
What got this whole car hunt started was my wife's interest in a 50th Anniversary 370Z, but virtually every dealer ordered them in silver and black rather than white and red- right now I can't find a single one in the US.. Again, a price of around $35k is tempting- if the color was right.
If I go with an M2 I want an LCI car, which limits me to 2018-up.
Might do some more hunting this week.

I don’t think it’s an old man’s car, but I also happen to think you won’t be happy with anything except an M2.

The more I look the more I think that it would have to be a 2019-up M2 Competition; the 2018 has essentially the same engine and interior as my M235i. The Competition gets you a twin turbo S55 and M Sport seats- plus the manual is even faster than the DCT. The M2C is a full half second quicker than my 2er in the quarter mile. Unfortunately, a 2019 M2C is at least $7,000 over my budget.

This may come off as biased, but have you considered the Supra?

You don't mean specifically, a silver Supra already do you?

28firefighter

That manual 550i I posted from carsandbids a few days ago apparently already had the valve seal job completed, which is the major engine out procedure everyone dreads. I'd buy it...

andres3

stickguy said:

like that BMW, but looks so wrong with the slushbox.

Sandy, don't settle. Don't. Under any circumstances, don't talk yourself into giving up something you really want.

sit down and make a list of all possible attributes. Then assign a rating to them. maybe a 1-5 scale, with 5 being "must have, deal breaker", 4 maybe "would really like, but would trade off for something else if need be". On down to "don't care in the least".

they don't buy anything that does not hit all your 5s, and if possible, covers all your 4s.

I agree, life is too short. My older brother recently visited and we had a talk about how he recommended I go back to 1 car for me instead of 2. While this goes against CCBA policies, I've been known to be a rule breaker before.

He's right in that I'm not really saving money. Even with 180 treadwear tires, my money savings is really negligible now. With the Kia or Alltrack, I was saving money, especially since they originally had 87 octane tuned engines for gas. With the 91 tuned A4, which doesn't get any better mileage than an S4 the way I drive it, so barely better than my TTS for fuel economy; maybe 2 - 3 MPG? However, now the TTS is already 4 years old, and just crossed 40,000 miles.

Every time I drive it, I realize I don't like my A4 much. The TTS is just a much better and more enjoyable more "me" type of car.

I think I will go back to being a 1-car guy, and just drive the hell out of the TTS until the wheels fall off. "Saving miles" doesn't make sense when life is short. And I'll probably go up to 200 tread-wear tires on the next batch

This means I can splurge a lot more on my 1-car when I am done with the TTS. Having 2 cars spreads your funds, and the insurance is overall more expensive.

So I guess this means, anyone here interested in a low mile '15 A4 QUATTRO to get them through the harsh falls and winters in your area?

pensfan83

graphicguy said:

roadburner said:

Probably good that this car is in California:
Der Neue Klasse

I’ll go out there and drive that baby back for you.

Enabler!

Sandman6472

I won't settle this time and if it means waiting a bit longer, so be it. I've found that when we're both on board something, the house is a much nicer place to be. But, I see my vehicle as something that gives me pleasure driving it and owning it. The other half sees hers just as an appliance to get to where she needs to be. So, opposite definitions.
Like your idea Stick about rating the important stuff. Got to drive a Mazda CX-5 yesterday within minutes of some of the crew telling me how good they are and something I should consider. It had the Bose system and I liked it. No distortion when I increased the volume, great sound quality and something I could live with. I think the Encore GX I saw in Vero Beach had the same Bose system in it. The few extra inches that the GX has over the regular Encore give it a nice look, a bit more upscale, if you will. I was taken with the light gray color the moment I saw it and luckily, the other half likes Buick, her first vehicle was a Buick Skylark.

stickguy

andres3 said:

stickguy said:

like that BMW, but looks so wrong with the slushbox.

Sandy, don't settle. Don't. Under any circumstances, don't talk yourself into giving up something you really want.

sit down and make a list of all possible attributes. Then assign a rating to them. maybe a 1-5 scale, with 5 being "must have, deal breaker", 4 maybe "would really like, but would trade off for something else if need be". On down to "don't care in the least".

they don't buy anything that does not hit all your 5s, and if possible, covers all your 4s.

I agree, life is too short. My older brother recently visited and we had a talk about how he recommended I go back to 1 car for me instead of 2. While this goes against CCBA policies, I've been known to be a rule breaker before.

He's right in that I'm not really saving money. Even with 180 treadwear tires, my money savings is really negligible now. With the Kia or Alltrack, I was saving money, especially since they originally had 87 octane tuned engines for gas. With the 91 tuned A4, which doesn't get any better mileage than an S4 the way I drive it, so barely better than my TTS for fuel economy; maybe 2 - 3 MPG? However, now the TTS is already 4 years old, and just crossed 40,000 miles.

Every time I drive it, I realize I don't like my A4 much. The TTS is just a much better and more enjoyable more "me" type of car.

I think I will go back to being a 1-car guy, and just drive the hell out of the TTS until the wheels fall off. "Saving miles" doesn't make sense when life is short. And I'll probably go up to 200 tread-wear tires on the next batch

This means I can splurge a lot more on my 1-car when I am done with the TTS. Having 2 cars spreads your funds, and the insurance is overall more expensive.

So I guess this means, anyone here interested in a low mile '15 A4 QUATTRO to get them through the harsh falls and winters in your area?

I’ll take it. But only with a 30% discount off book since it’s been wrecked.

stickguy

Also, I agree about driving the good car (at least when you don’t live in the rust belt during winter!), but does that have enough people room for when you need to move the family? One car is only a problem when there are times that the particular car can’t handle the duties required.

tjc78

@Sandman6472
Doesn’t your wife have an Audi? Pretty upscale appliance!

You mentioned liking the Bose system. Just keep in mind that Bose or any named car system will be different from brand to brand or even model to model.

My Buick LaCrosse had Harman Kardon as does my Volvo but they are completely different systems. The Buick implementation was much better.

Michaell

stickguy said:

andres3 said:

stickguy said:

like that BMW, but looks so wrong with the slushbox.

Sandy, don't settle. Don't. Under any circumstances, don't talk yourself into giving up something you really want.

sit down and make a list of all possible attributes. Then assign a rating to them. maybe a 1-5 scale, with 5 being "must have, deal breaker", 4 maybe "would really like, but would trade off for something else if need be". On down to "don't care in the least".

they don't buy anything that does not hit all your 5s, and if possible, covers all your 4s.

I agree, life is too short. My older brother recently visited and we had a talk about how he recommended I go back to 1 car for me instead of 2. While this goes against CCBA policies, I've been known to be a rule breaker before.

He's right in that I'm not really saving money. Even with 180 treadwear tires, my money savings is really negligible now. With the Kia or Alltrack, I was saving money, especially since they originally had 87 octane tuned engines for gas. With the 91 tuned A4, which doesn't get any better mileage than an S4 the way I drive it, so barely better than my TTS for fuel economy; maybe 2 - 3 MPG? However, now the TTS is already 4 years old, and just crossed 40,000 miles.

Every time I drive it, I realize I don't like my A4 much. The TTS is just a much better and more enjoyable more "me" type of car.

I think I will go back to being a 1-car guy, and just drive the hell out of the TTS until the wheels fall off. "Saving miles" doesn't make sense when life is short. And I'll probably go up to 200 tread-wear tires on the next batch

This means I can splurge a lot more on my 1-car when I am done with the TTS. Having 2 cars spreads your funds, and the insurance is overall more expensive.

So I guess this means, anyone here interested in a low mile '15 A4 QUATTRO to get them through the harsh falls and winters in your area?

I’ll take it. But only with a 30% discount off book since it’s been wrecked.

I was going to quote RoboCop -"I'd buy that for a dollar!"

tjc78

stickguy said:

Also, I agree about driving the good car (at least when you don’t live in the rust belt during winter!), but does that have enough people room for when you need to move the family? One car is only a problem when there are times that the particular car can’t handle the duties required.

I was thinking the same thing.

Pretty impressed with the Volvo this weekend. Family of 4 with full beach gear/toys and cart fit in. One bag was in between the kids, but it got the job done.

Of course the wife said “we need the SUV back down here”.... so you know what happened next

sda

Volvo had used Dynaudio as one of the upgraded audio systems. They have a good reputation in the audio world. Wonder if Volvo still offers their system in some of the cars. I remember my 06 Passat 2.0t had the Dynaudio upgrade and it was terrific, best I’ve had to date. It was about a $1000 option.

stickguy

If we hadn’t added the new car in March, and instead gone down to one, the TLX would be making the beach vacation run. Everything would have fit. Just easier to toss the bulky beach stuff in the hatch instead of a trunk, but would have made it work.

tjc78

Volvo has a base system, mid-level Harman Kardon and a whopping $3200 option Bowers and Wilkins.

Like I said I have the Harman. It’s good plays pretty loudly with an overall good sound and imaging. Deep bass is a little lacking, but it will still rattle the rear view mirror

The B&W is amazing as it should be for $3200

Pretty sure @breld wagon has the B&W

tjc78

stickguy said:

If we hadn’t added the new car in March, and instead gone down to one, the TLX would be making the beach vacation run. Everything would have fit. Just easier to toss the bulky beach stuff in the hatch instead of a trunk, but would have made it work.

Yeah in the SUV I just throw the car on it’s side loaded. In the car I have to fold it up and then load it. No big deal

andres3

stickguy said:

Also, I agree about driving the good car (at least when you don’t live in the rust belt during winter!), but does that have enough people room for when you need to move the family? One car is only a problem when there are times that the particular car can’t handle the duties required.

It'll work for another 1.5 years or so. Plus, the wife has the real people hauler in the spacious new '19 Tiguan, and that has all-weather AWD too.

For sure there are some benefits to having 3 vehicles in the fleet, like when the parents come to visit, they don't have to rent a car to have one available. Or when one is in the shop (but my Audi's are reliable ) , or when one is damaged by an errant Toyota driver and in the auto body shop.

Ha! I have pictures of the rear bumper damage, you're going to need to lower that 30% discount to about 2% according to USAA.

qbrozen

Shipper for benz called. Missed a ride he had lined up so he is not sure next avail date.

tjc78

qbrozen said:

Shipper for benz called. Missed a ride he had lined up so he is not sure next avail date.

Well that sucks!

pensfan83

The ELS sound is by far the best system I've had in a car. It sounds even better in the RDX, what with 16(!) speakers with some of them mounted in the ceiling.

pensfan83

stickguy said:

If we hadn’t added the new car in March, and instead gone down to one, the TLX would be making the beach vacation run. Everything would have fit. Just easier to toss the bulky beach stuff in the hatch instead of a trunk, but would have made it work.

We made do with sedans for roughly 8.5 years as a family until we got to a point where throwing dirty, sweaty, grimy sports equipment in the trunk or borrowing my dad's truck every time we had to make a large HD or Lowe's run was no longer desired.

stickguy

qbrozen said:

Shipper for benz called. Missed a ride he had lined up so he is not sure next avail date.

Book a $79 flight then have a fun road trip back.

pensfan83

Or hire @graphicguy

28firefighter

pensfan83 said:

Or hire @graphicguy

Now there is an idea!

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

pensfan83 said:

Or hire @graphicguy

Now there is an idea!

Hey, I've got some spare time, too!

qbrozen

If only I had the time to do the trip. And GG is kinda expensive. LOL. $900 on a truck and not cost me any time, fuel, or wear and tear is a bargain, IMHO.

And, go figure, NOW this shows up. I think I would have bought this one had I not found an ML to buy. Great color combo, low miles, petrol V6, automatic. Sure, has some cosmetic needs, but nothing crazy. Very cool truck.

omarman

Before this even gets posted I'll guess that at least 3 new posts will show up with "Time to dump the ML!"

stickguy

cool truck. I still think that the whole steering wheel on the right bit would get real old, real quick. But YMMV.

plus about 100k miles on it, not exactly a spring chicken. And might be OK on most mechanicals, but gotta figure there are a lot of parts on that which don't exist in this country.

graphicguy

qbrozen said:

If only I had the time to do the trip. And GG is kinda expensive. LOL. $900 on a truck and not cost me any time, fuel, or wear and tear is a bargain, IMHO.

And, go figure, NOW this shows up. I think I would have bought this one had I not found an ML to buy. Great color combo, low miles, petrol V6, automatic. Sure, has some cosmetic needs, but nothing crazy. Very cool truck.

I give EDMUNDS discounts. Plus, I won't leave stale Mickey D fries strewn all over the floor. And, I won't "strap it down" wrong on the carrier. And, I won't leave it overnight in some less than desirable neighborhood while I'm taking a "snooze".

oldfarmer50

breld said:

qbrozen said:

Ugh, I'd LOVE to have this. But shipping across country would kill the deal, I'm afraid. Wonder what the reserve is.

Yeah, that is cool. The “MP3

qbrozen said:

If only I had the time to do the trip. And GG is kinda expensive. LOL. $900 on a truck and not cost me any time, fuel, or wear and tear is a bargain, IMHO.

And, go figure, NOW this shows up. I think I would have bought this one had I not found an ML to buy. Great color combo, low miles, petrol V6, automatic. Sure, has some cosmetic needs, but nothing crazy. Very cool truck.

Didn’t somebody post that same car a few days ago?

explorerx4

I've been watching some Hotshot trucking video's. The main guy I watch says he won't transport a car for less than a grand.
There were bids out there for less than that, but just didn't consider them..

breld

Quick update on the Volvo brakes. They confirmed the rotors were warped and replaced the front ones with no questions. And they completed the first service (a bit early). So that was nice and drama free (not that I expected it to be anything but).

andres3

breld said:

Quick update on the Volvo brakes. They confirmed the rotors were warped and replaced the front ones with no questions. And they completed the first service (a bit early). So that was nice and drama free (not that I expected it to be anything but).

Chinese rotors and metal?

28firefighter

breld said:

Quick update on the Volvo brakes. They confirmed the rotors were warped and replaced the front ones with no questions. And they completed the first service (a bit early). So that was nice and drama free (not that I expected it to be anything but).

Curious - any explanation as to the cause?

mikepokercat

Hi, I'm seeking your car-buying advice. ** please point me to a better forum if this doesn't belong here. **

After driving a 2019 Genesis G80, I discovered and fell in love with it's automatic steering function (what some manufactures call driver assist or lane centering assist or lane keep assist or highway driving assist or smart cruise control or Pilot Assist, etc). When it sees the clear lane markers on both sides of the car, it takes care of keeping the car centered including around curves and even let me take both hands off the wheel for over 30 seconds. Note: this is not one of the many similar features where a car will bing or shake the steering wheel or nudge you back when you approach a lane marker. This feature truly keeps the car centered in its lane while driving. Some require you to have cruise control engaged, some do not.

The G80 is out of my price range - my price range being about $25,000 - and am looking for other cars that have slick driver assist systems to help alleviate fatigue during my many long-distance drives. Suggestions of either new models or used are both okay.

==============

As guidance, I've test-driven four candidates and am looking for more top candidates:

2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL (Grade:A+) In my short time with both, it appeared that the Sonata matched the Genesis G80's capabilities. Makes some sense since they are both Hyundai products. The Sonata had the easiest time recognizing lane markings and engaging the system, it stayed centered in the lane around curves, allowed me to go hands-free the longest (when safe) and had the least amount of intrusive beeps, and it had the most tolerable-sounding beeps when it did beep about something.

2020 Nissan Altima SV - (B+) The Altima had a harder time seeing the lane markings, it succeeded in staying centered including around curves, it did not like me taking even one hand off the wheel, and it's beeps were not too much of a nuisance.

2020 Honda Accord EX (B-) The Accord had the hardest time seeing the lane markings, when it finally did engage, it slowly ping-ponged between the left and right lane markings, and did not succeed in staying in the lane around a curve, it performed average with respect to going hands-free, and it's beeps were not too much of a nuisance.

2020 Subaru Legacy Premium (C) The Legacy performed average when it came to seeing the lane markings, it succeeded in staying centered including around curves, it let me take my hands off the wheel for about 10 seconds before complaining, but the quantity and volume of beeps were horrendous! It seemed to beep about every event, it was maddening. I could not figure out how to turn the alerts off in the settings, but maybe I overlooked something. The beeps were so distracting, I wouldn't use the system.

==============

So any others you recommend that I consider? Maybe a luxury brand from MY 2017 that I could find used for $25k? Bonus points for candidates that also have good fuel efficiency and Android Auto!

- Thanks, Mike

P.S. Yes, the Sonata meets my criteria, I just don't care for it's styling inside and out. But if I can't find anything better, that's what I'll go with!

breld

28firefighter said:

breld said:

Quick update on the Volvo brakes. They confirmed the rotors were warped and replaced the front ones with no questions. And they completed the first service (a bit early). So that was nice and drama free (not that I expected it to be anything but).

Curious - any explanation as to the cause?

More generic than anything - just that hard braking at high speeds and in mountain driving conditions can cause the wear.

Nothing as to why it would have happened so quickly.

andres3

mikepokercat said:

Hi, I'm seeking your car-buying advice. ** please point me to a better forum if this doesn't belong here. **

After driving a 2019 Genesis G80, I discovered and fell in love with it's automatic steering function (what some manufactures call driver assist or lane centering assist or lane keep assist or highway driving assist or smart cruise control or Pilot Assist, etc). When it sees the clear lane markers on both sides of the car, it takes care of keeping the car centered including around curves and even let me take both hands off the wheel for over 30 seconds. Note: this is not one of the many similar features where a car will bing or shake the steering wheel or nudge you back when you approach a lane marker. This feature truly keeps the car centered in its lane while driving. Some require you to have cruise control engaged, some do not.

The G80 is out of my price range - my price range being about $25,000 - and am looking for other cars that have slick driver assist systems to help alleviate fatigue during my many long-distance drives. Suggestions of either new models or used are both okay.

==============

As guidance, I've test-driven four candidates and am looking for more top candidates:

2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL (Grade:A+) In my short time with both, it appeared that the Sonata matched the Genesis G80's capabilities. Makes some sense since they are both Hyundai products. The Sonata had the easiest time recognizing lane markings and engaging the system, it stayed centered in the lane around curves, allowed me to go hands-free the longest (when safe) and had the least amount of intrusive beeps, and it had the most tolerable-sounding beeps when it did beep about something.

2020 Nissan Altima SV - (B+) The Altima had a harder time seeing the lane markings, it succeeded in staying centered including around curves, it did not like me taking even one hand off the wheel, and it's beeps were not too much of a nuisance.

2020 Honda Accord EX (B-) The Accord had the hardest time seeing the lane markings, when it finally did engage, it slowly ping-ponged between the left and right lane markings, and did not succeed in staying in the lane around a curve, it performed average with respect to going hands-free, and it's beeps were not too much of a nuisance.

2020 Subaru Legacy Premium (C) The Legacy performed average when it came to seeing the lane markings, it succeeded in staying centered including around curves, it let me take my hands off the wheel for about 10 seconds before complaining, but the quantity and volume of beeps were horrendous! It seemed to beep about every event, it was maddening. I could not figure out how to turn the alerts off in the settings, but maybe I overlooked something. The beeps were so distracting, I wouldn't use the system.

==============

So any others you recommend that I consider? Maybe a luxury brand from MY 2017 that I could find used for $25k? Bonus points for candidates that also have good fuel efficiency and Android Auto!

- Thanks, Mike

P.S. Yes, the Sonata meets my criteria, I just don't care for it's styling inside and out. But if I can't find anything better, that's what I'll go with!

In my opinion overly relying on these "features" is a recipe for disaster. I would not consider them "safe to use" in many situations. Your mileage may vary. I just think were in the "beta testing" phase of this programming.

roadburner

mikepokercat said:

Hi, I'm seeking your car-buying advice. ** please point me to a better forum if this doesn't belong here. **

After driving a 2019 Genesis G80, I discovered and fell in love with it's automatic steering function (what some manufactures call driver assist or lane centering assist or lane keep assist or highway driving assist or smart cruise control or Pilot Assist, etc). When it sees the clear lane markers on both sides of the car, it takes care of keeping the car centered including around curves and even let me take both hands off the wheel for over 30 seconds. Note: this is not one of the many similar features where a car will bing or shake the steering wheel or nudge you back when you approach a lane marker. This feature truly keeps the car centered in its lane while driving. Some require you to have cruise control engaged, some do not.

The G80 is out of my price range - my price range being about $25,000 - and am looking for other cars that have slick driver assist systems to help alleviate fatigue during my many long-distance drives. Suggestions of either new models or used are both okay.

==============

As guidance, I've test-driven four candidates and am looking for more top candidates:

2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL (Grade:A+) In my short time with both, it appeared that the Sonata matched the Genesis G80's capabilities. Makes some sense since they are both Hyundai products. The Sonata had the easiest time recognizing lane markings and engaging the system, it stayed centered in the lane around curves, allowed me to go hands-free the longest (when safe) and had the least amount of intrusive beeps, and it had the most tolerable-sounding beeps when it did beep about something.

2020 Nissan Altima SV - (B+) The Altima had a harder time seeing the lane markings, it succeeded in staying centered including around curves, it did not like me taking even one hand off the wheel, and it's beeps were not too much of a nuisance.

2020 Honda Accord EX (B-) The Accord had the hardest time seeing the lane markings, when it finally did engage, it slowly ping-ponged between the left and right lane markings, and did not succeed in staying in the lane around a curve, it performed average with respect to going hands-free, and it's beeps were not too much of a nuisance.

2020 Subaru Legacy Premium (C) The Legacy performed average when it came to seeing the lane markings, it succeeded in staying centered including around curves, it let me take my hands off the wheel for about 10 seconds before complaining, but the quantity and volume of beeps were horrendous! It seemed to beep about every event, it was maddening. I could not figure out how to turn the alerts off in the settings, but maybe I overlooked something. The beeps were so distracting, I wouldn't use the system.

==============

So any others you recommend that I consider? Maybe a luxury brand from MY 2017 that I could find used for $25k? Bonus points for candidates that also have good fuel efficiency and Android Auto!

- Thanks, Mike

P.S. Yes, the Sonata meets my criteria, I just don't care for it's styling inside and out. But if I can't find anything better, that's what I'll go with!

You are a much, MUCH more patient man than me; I despise automatic lane keeping- possibly more than any other Helen Keller “driving aid”- but that’s just me.
I also think FWD in anything larger than a Civic is pointless, but if you are going to take that route I’d recommend an Accord, Mazda6 or Optima.
If you simply must consider an Altima or Legacy-or even some Accords-I would recommend an extended test drive to determine if you can tolerate a CVT; something else I can’t abide.
What about a Stinger? Most Kia dealers offer significant discounts. I’d want the twin turbo V6, but the 2.0 liter I4 isn’t bad.

tjc78

I have warped rotors on several cars. Heavy traffic combined with a heavy foot I guess. The 2015 and 2017 Enclaves have warped the fastest.