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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    Michaell said:

    That’s a nice car. But you can easily get a 17 GTI at that price point and possibly an 18 for not much more. More powerful 2.0T and warranty...

    Yeah, but....

    For once in my life, I'd like to get a "luxury" brand. But, when you try to pair that with a stick shift, you don't see an awful lot of choices.

    Plus, GTIs are about as ubiquitous as Subarus here in Colorado.

    A stick shift Audi would be a bit more of a unicorn.
    As long as your finances support it, I’d get whatever you want. If it’s a car that is expensive to maintain just make sure to budget a repair reserve. My dream cars were pretty modest compared to most people but once I had the funds it felt so good to stop dreaming and start driving.

    Life is short.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    Michaell said:

    Trivia note of the day - while taking my dog to the vet this morning, the Outback hit 40,000 miles.

    It took 2,114 days to reach this milestone, or just under 19 miles a day.

    I snapped a pic of the odometer and texted it to my wife, with the caption "Should start thinking about trading it in..." (with a winky emoji). Got a big nope as a response. Guess we will be keeping it for quite a few more years. Given how little we drive it (even before COVID), it should last a good long time.

    Yawn.

    How does she feel about getting you a toy? I needed my wife’s permission.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,471

    Michaell said:

    Trivia note of the day - while taking my dog to the vet this morning, the Outback hit 40,000 miles.

    It took 2,114 days to reach this milestone, or just under 19 miles a day.

    I snapped a pic of the odometer and texted it to my wife, with the caption "Should start thinking about trading it in..." (with a winky emoji). Got a big nope as a response. Guess we will be keeping it for quite a few more years. Given how little we drive it (even before COVID), it should last a good long time.

    Yawn.

    How does she feel about getting you a toy? I needed my wife’s permission.
    This is a guerilla plan - she is not in favor of getting another car at this point.

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  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,292
    xwesx said:


    @ab348 posted that overtly snarky article regarding crash rates, and I'd imagine the primary factor is over-confident drivers. Basically, the Crosstrek has a much higher percent of new-to-the-brand drivers, and often young drivers, than other models. They have this "SUV" that they think is suddenly making them way more capable on the road, and they forget that they still only have four tires contacting their environment.... and those four tires can have just as hard of a time gripping the road as any other car when it's time to stop. On the 'go' side, the car seems glued to the road (an advantage of that "under-powered" engine mated to a CVT), but stopping? Whoops.

    Well, in fairness, I recalled hearing about the insurance claim history of the Crosstrek last year and when I did a search yesterday a number of similar articles all popped up. All were similarly "snarky". I am loathe to post anything by Baruth since I cannot stand his writing style usually, but his was the most fulsome. The theories as to why they have that history are interesting, but in the end all are just theories.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,123
    kyfdx said:

    I had a '76 CJ-5. The day the Bengals were in the "Freezer Bowl", NFL playoff game against the Chargers in 1981, the wind chill was minus 69 F. I don't remember the temperature, other than it was below zero.

    Co-workers had invited me to their local tavern to watch the game.. Wives/girlfriends doing pot luck, etc. Pulled out at 11 AM. Had to go to four ATMs, before I found one that wasn't frozen up. 15 miles of interstate, and 10 miles of back roads later, I still didn't have heat. On the interstate, I couldn't get out of 2nd gear (3-speed manual), because the engine would bog down, if the revs dropped below 2500.

    But, I did have that nice canvas top and metal body to keep me warm... :(

    I remember that game well. Had season tix and wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Wore long Johns, a pair of jeans and sweatshirt, and over that insulated overalls....ear muffs and a face covering knit hat.

    I remember buying a beer at Riverfront Stadium and having it freeze by the time I got back to my seat. One of the guys I was with had a flask of Jack Daniels. He wrapped his lips on the rim to take a swig and his lips froze to the flask. He tore of skin to free his lips from the flask.

    My (then) GF, who would become my ex wife a year later, dropped us off and picked us up. She had a 1 years old Pontiac Grand Prix. I remember it being a really pretty car, but was gutless, even with a V8. She waited for us by Fountain Square (about 3/4 mile from the stadium), parked in a no parking zone, but there were no police on the street so it didn’t matter. She said she kept the car running waiting for us, after she watched the game at friends’ house who lived in Northern KY. She probably was waiting for 30 minutes or more and afraid if she turned the car off, it wouldn’t start again. Plus, she needed to stay warm.

    As pitiful of a performer as her car was, she kept it for about 150K miles until the engine seized (since she wasn’t one to ever check her oil). The trim pieces fell off, the radio fell out of the dash. The seats ripped (and they were leather). It was rusting pretty badly on the back ¼ panels. But, it started in all kinds of weather and it ran for about 10 years. What is the old adage? Nothing runs as long as badly as a GM car.

    As an aside, as bad as sport stadium bathrooms are, during that game there were guys huddled in the bathroom trying to stay warm by holding their hands over the urinals while others were using them. Strangest thing I ever saw.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,907
    Michaell said:

    Michaell said:

    That’s a nice car. But you can easily get a 17 GTI at that price point and possibly an 18 for not much more. More powerful 2.0T and warranty...

    Yeah, but....

    For once in my life, I'd like to get a "luxury" brand. But, when you try to pair that with a stick shift, you don't see an awful lot of choices.

    Plus, GTIs are about as ubiquitous as Subarus here in Colorado.

    A stick shift Audi would be a bit more of a unicorn.
    If you have a trustworthy Indy to work on it, then it should be fine. @pensfan83 had a 2014 A4 stick and really liked it as I recall.
    I don't, but I suspect @breld might have a recommendation for me, given all the Audi's he's owned over the years (S3, S4, SQ5, A4, A5, Q7)
    Get real.... @breld doesn't keep a car long enough to take it to an independent mechanic. ;)

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  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,292


    My (then) GF, who would become my ex wife a year later, dropped us off and picked us up.

    That was pretty advanced, getting married to someone who immediately became your ex-wife. :laughing:

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,676
    kyfdx said:

    15 miles of interstate, and 10 miles of back roads later, I still didn't have heat. On the interstate, I couldn't get out of 2nd gear (3-speed manual), because the engine would bog down, if the revs dropped below 2500

    Other than that, was there something really wrong with it?

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    Michaell said:

    Michaell said:

    Trivia note of the day - while taking my dog to the vet this morning, the Outback hit 40,000 miles.

    It took 2,114 days to reach this milestone, or just under 19 miles a day.

    I snapped a pic of the odometer and texted it to my wife, with the caption "Should start thinking about trading it in..." (with a winky emoji). Got a big nope as a response. Guess we will be keeping it for quite a few more years. Given how little we drive it (even before COVID), it should last a good long time.

    Yawn.

    How does she feel about getting you a toy? I needed my wife’s permission.
    This is a guerilla plan - she is not in favor of getting another car at this point.
    Then you need to buy a big red bow and announce it as “look what I bought for YOU, honey”.😚😚😚

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,907

    kyfdx said:

    15 miles of interstate, and 10 miles of back roads later, I still didn't have heat. On the interstate, I couldn't get out of 2nd gear (3-speed manual), because the engine would bog down, if the revs dropped below 2500

    Other than that, was there something really wrong with it?

    No.. there was nothing wrong with it. Just that darned cold, and no garage.

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  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,922
    kyfdx said:

    Michaell said:

    Michaell said:

    That’s a nice car. But you can easily get a 17 GTI at that price point and possibly an 18 for not much more. More powerful 2.0T and warranty...

    Yeah, but....

    For once in my life, I'd like to get a "luxury" brand. But, when you try to pair that with a stick shift, you don't see an awful lot of choices.

    Plus, GTIs are about as ubiquitous as Subarus here in Colorado.

    A stick shift Audi would be a bit more of a unicorn.
    If you have a trustworthy Indy to work on it, then it should be fine. @pensfan83 had a 2014 A4 stick and really liked it as I recall.
    I don't, but I suspect @breld might have a recommendation for me, given all the Audi's he's owned over the years (S3, S4, SQ5, A4, A5, Q7)
    Get real.... @breld doesn't keep a car long enough to take it to an independent mechanic. ;)
    True story.

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,922
    Though to be fair, I have owned several BMWs and an Audi or two that were old when purchased, so I did indeed find an independent I like.

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    Wes, I missed the whole backstory about this being a car to use in PA for a while. I thought this was another one of your interesting stories of buying a car 4 time zones away, and driving back to AK. In your situation, probably will be cheaper to do what you are doing. At the end, I assume you will be selling it?

    If so, let me know. I will need something in the spring, and am 6.5 hours away! Well, maybe we would meet in the middle...

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,471

    Michaell said:

    Michaell said:

    Trivia note of the day - while taking my dog to the vet this morning, the Outback hit 40,000 miles.

    It took 2,114 days to reach this milestone, or just under 19 miles a day.

    I snapped a pic of the odometer and texted it to my wife, with the caption "Should start thinking about trading it in..." (with a winky emoji). Got a big nope as a response. Guess we will be keeping it for quite a few more years. Given how little we drive it (even before COVID), it should last a good long time.

    Yawn.

    How does she feel about getting you a toy? I needed my wife’s permission.
    This is a guerilla plan - she is not in favor of getting another car at this point.
    Then you need to buy a big red bow and announce it as “look what I bought for YOU, honey”.😚😚😚
    I’m not that brave. Wife is Italian, with a short temper.

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  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,297

    Michaell said:

    ab348 said:

    Michaell said:

    sda said:

    That TL is very similar, same exterior color, we have the ivory interior. The cracks in the dashboard are very common and the cracks in our dash are almost identical. I did buy a dash mat to cover them. Our 06 TL which is an automatic with 160k is still a pleasure to drive.

    Thanks - I figured the cracking dash was a pretty common occurrence.

    The power mirrors don't work, the button that covers the power window lockout was missing, it pulled to the right and there was some paint issues on the front bumper.

    On a positive note, the engine and transmission were great - everything you expect from Honda/Acura.
    I’m actually quite shocked at all those issues on a Honda. And dash cracking just seems inexcusable on a car that age.
    It was a California car, originally, with one owner. May have lived outside to explain the dash issues.
    I could never figure why people who park their cars in blazing sun don’t buy a dash cover BEFORE it cracks.
    My old Tahoe spent the first several years of its life in New Mexico. Had a dash cover from the beginning. A couple of exterior emblems were very faded due to sun exposure. The dash underneath the cover wasn't cracked at all, which is amazing considering that's an extremely common issue on GMT900s.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    Has anyone watched Hoovie’s secret Santa car give-away. I thought Johnny would cry when he got the BMW taken away.

    Then they did an inspection and Johnny was grinning as he listed all the needed repairs for the new owner.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,297
    Haven't watched that one. I saw that he bought another (newer) conversion van, because obviously everyone needs more than one of those to putter around in, amirite?
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    I got that link up in another window to watch later. So no more spoilers!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,338
    edited December 2020
    My wife really thinks I should buy this puppy
    I'm not as enthusiastic.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,832
    edited December 2020
    I thought it was going to be a dog, literally.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,922

    My wife really thinks I should buy this puppy
    I'm not as enthusiastic.

    Personally, I like the TT and TTS quite a bit. But I also chose the Supra over it and gotta think you’d rather have a RWD or RWD bias vehicle.

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    I would rather have a Lab puppy than that car.

    And I gotta say, before I clicked on the link, I never would have guessed that was what it would be.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,689

    My wife really thinks I should buy this puppy
    I'm not as enthusiastic.

    Yeah, no. I don't see you happy with a car like that.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,588

    My wife really thinks I should buy this puppy
    I'm not as enthusiastic.

    Nope, not for roadburner, no way.

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217

    My wife really thinks I should buy this puppy
    I'm not as enthusiastic.

    I’m jealous of you guys with enabler wives.🥲

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,506
    I’ve often wondered if I could live with a Wrangler. The whole 4 door, 4WD, Convertible is very appealing to me. My best friend has a JK 2 Door Rubicon Hard Rock with a stick and a soft top only. A lot of what he loves about the wrangler is the fact that he doesn’t have to drive it every day (he daily drives a 2018 Raptor). He loves driving it with the top flipped back or down completely. It’s small and very easy to drive. His cars are always immaculate. If he can’t hand wash the Wrangler & has to run it through the car wash, he has 2 spare side windows and a spare back window he puts in.

    I don’t keep up keeping the cars clean like I used to when I was younger. The soft top windows would get messed up sooner rather than later. My Jeep (I like the look of the Willys) would have a hard top only. As far as the top, if I wanted the open air I’d most likely just take the freedom panels off.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    Bradd, same with me on the Wrangler I think. I also want a 2 door, just because that is what it should be! And it would not be something I put a lot of miles on, or have to drive every day. And definitely would not be taking long trips with it.

    My wife in certainly not an enabler, but she basically just tells me to do whatever I want since she knows I won't do something financially risky. As long, of course, as it isn't her car and if she doesn't have to ride in it much if she doesn't like it! One reason she got her dream car already. we will take that most every place anyway, so what sits on my side of the garage, is not very important to her.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,297
    Did my socially distanced entertainment yesterday and today and drove around listening to podcasts in the Tundra. Hit the tow/haul button to see how it would behave, and during normal driving, it felt like it only sharpened the throttle response. The shift points felt the same if you were accelerating gently (it just required less throttle). Seems like GM changes the shift points in tow/haul mode, but I'm not sure about other manufacturers.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,726
    edited December 2020
    @corvette,
    It might make a difference if the truck detects that a trailer is really attached.
    I did see one complaint in a YT review about the ACC, in that it doesn't take into account that a trailer is connected when setting the following distance.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    edited December 2020
    Fiat has not left the garage since we brought it home. Wife’s MVC appt is this Friday.

    I spent ALL DAY Sat on the Benz. When I opened her up, the timing was off. Not sure how that happened but this time I tossed aside trying to mark everything and went in fresh. Checked all part numbers to make sure they were in their right places, set timing on one bank, left the retainer tools in place while I lined up the next bank, then moved the retaining tools over. Checked crank each step of the way, and then rotates the engine and put the tools on it again to confirm it all stayed lined up.

    I would have had it buttoned up this morn but another lousy plastic T for the cooling system disintegrated. No Home Depot replacement for this one as it is a special connector. I scoured the interwebs with no direct luck. Wound up ordering a C-class hose off Ebay and I’ll just pilfer the connectors from it. Unfortunately, it won’t be here till EOW or maybe even next week. :(

    Used the 2nd part of the morn to get the John Deere prepped for the supposed foot or more of snow coming mid week. I also bedded down the Charger, snug under its cover and trickle charging.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,292
    nyccarguy said:

    I’ve often wondered if I could live with a Wrangler.

    I think many people buy them thinking they would give the image seen in the TV ads but quickly discover they make punishing daily drivers. I always figured that's why there is usually a good supply of them available in the used market.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,907
    breld said:

    Gee, this weekend I changed the wiper blades on my son’s MDX. Both driver and passenger, plus the rear. All by myself. So there.

    I've got a girl for that... at Advance Auto Parts. No extra charge. ;)

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  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,907
    A friend bought an Unlimited Wrangler, shortly after they were introduced. He let me drive it, and all I could think was: This isn't an SUV, it's a Wrangler. Not for me.

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  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,471
    Back when I lived in California, our small company hired three college graduates. One bought a Nissan Sentra, one a Volvo 240DL, the third a Wrangler (I think this was when they released the square headlight model, which annoyed legions of Jeep fans).

    I rode in the Wrangler on a trip to a customer site in LA (about 60 miles away). All freeway, which is predominantly concrete in SoCal.

    Not. For. Me. I don't mind a sporty ride, but this was just too much. Plus, the soft top made it noisy and somewhat cold.

    I mean, I get the off-road chops, but as a DD, no way.

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  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    kyfdx said:

    breld said:

    Gee, this weekend I changed the wiper blades on my son’s MDX. Both driver and passenger, plus the rear. All by myself. So there.

    I've got a girl for that... at Advance Auto Parts. No extra charge. ;)
    The last time I got a new battery (2013 RDX) I ended up getting it at Batteries+. I think it was a Panasonic? Anyway, the person that came out to put it in was a girt that reminded me of my (short) daughter. Barely looked 20, and was probably 5', 110# tops. It was a weird feeling watching this little kid wrestling the battery into the car, but she did a good job!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    Michaell said:

    Back when I lived in California, our small company hired three college graduates. One bought a Nissan Sentra, one a Volvo 240DL, the third a Wrangler (I think this was when they released the square headlight model, which annoyed legions of Jeep fans).

    I rode in the Wrangler on a trip to a customer site in LA (about 60 miles away). All freeway, which is predominantly concrete in SoCal.

    Not. For. Me. I don't mind a sporty ride, but this was just too much. Plus, the soft top made it noisy and somewhat cold.

    I mean, I get the off-road chops, but as a DD, no way.

    oh, entirely possible if I got a Wrangler I would come to hate it. In which case, I sell it! No lose situation really.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • au1994au1994 Member Posts: 3,707
    Michaell said:

    Back when I lived in California, our small company hired three college graduates. One bought a Nissan Sentra, one a Volvo 240DL, the third a Wrangler (I think this was when they released the square headlight model, which annoyed legions of Jeep fans).

    I rode in the Wrangler on a trip to a customer site in LA (about 60 miles away). All freeway, which is predominantly concrete in SoCal.

    Not. For. Me. I don't mind a sporty ride, but this was just too much. Plus, the soft top made it noisy and somewhat cold.

    I mean, I get the off-road chops, but as a DD, no way.

    That would have been the YJ, next was the TJ, JK and now JL. The CJ predated the YJ. Each generation has gotten progressively more civilized, much to the chagrin of the Jeep purists. I don’t have much experience in the YJ but a former neighbor had. TJ before he went to a Forester. It was a 4 cyl and can agree, tons of engine and wind noise and rode like a buckboard. His was bone stock too. I had a JK and it was a night and day improvement all the way around. I’ve not been in a JL but I understand them to be an incremental improvement over the JK.

    They are clearly not for everyone. It’s not and SUV its a Jeep and thats a good thing! And its probably why you see so many on the used market. I know in my area they are the go to for the affluent to buy the newly minted driver complete with the tires and lift kit. This lasts for a couple of years till college and its replaced. Even some of the wives have them and that experience the never lasts long either.

    My best characterization for them is that they are the perfect spare vehicle. Perfect thing to tow behind the motor home or leave at the vacation home.

    2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
    2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
    2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,471
    au1994 said:

    Michaell said:

    Back when I lived in California, our small company hired three college graduates. One bought a Nissan Sentra, one a Volvo 240DL, the third a Wrangler (I think this was when they released the square headlight model, which annoyed legions of Jeep fans).

    I rode in the Wrangler on a trip to a customer site in LA (about 60 miles away). All freeway, which is predominantly concrete in SoCal.

    Not. For. Me. I don't mind a sporty ride, but this was just too much. Plus, the soft top made it noisy and somewhat cold.

    I mean, I get the off-road chops, but as a DD, no way.

    That would have been the YJ, next was the TJ, JK and now JL. The CJ predated the YJ. Each generation has gotten progressively more civilized, much to the chagrin of the Jeep purists. I don’t have much experience in the YJ but a former neighbor had. TJ before he went to a Forester. It was a 4 cyl and can agree, tons of engine and wind noise and rode like a buckboard. His was bone stock too. I had a JK and it was a night and day improvement all the way around. I’ve not been in a JL but I understand them to be an incremental improvement over the JK.

    They are clearly not for everyone. It’s not and SUV its a Jeep and thats a good thing! And its probably why you see so many on the used market. I know in my area they are the go to for the affluent to buy the newly minted driver complete with the tires and lift kit. This lasts for a couple of years till college and its replaced. Even some of the wives have them and that experience the never lasts long either.

    My best characterization for them is that they are the perfect spare vehicle. Perfect thing to tow behind the motor home or leave at the vacation home.
    Thanks for the background - I do remember the YJ being universally hated by pretty much everyone.

    Trivia note - the young lady who bought the Wrangler ended up marrying one of Tom Wopat's brothers (yes, he of "Dukes of Hazzard" fame).

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  • au1994au1994 Member Posts: 3,707
    Michaell said:

    au1994 said:

    Michaell said:

    Back when I lived in California, our small company hired three college graduates. One bought a Nissan Sentra, one a Volvo 240DL, the third a Wrangler (I think this was when they released the square headlight model, which annoyed legions of Jeep fans).

    I rode in the Wrangler on a trip to a customer site in LA (about 60 miles away). All freeway, which is predominantly concrete in SoCal.

    Not. For. Me. I don't mind a sporty ride, but this was just too much. Plus, the soft top made it noisy and somewhat cold.

    I mean, I get the off-road chops, but as a DD, no way.

    That would have been the YJ, next was the TJ, JK and now JL. The CJ predated the YJ. Each generation has gotten progressively more civilized, much to the chagrin of the Jeep purists. I don’t have much experience in the YJ but a former neighbor had. TJ before he went to a Forester. It was a 4 cyl and can agree, tons of engine and wind noise and rode like a buckboard. His was bone stock too. I had a JK and it was a night and day improvement all the way around. I’ve not been in a JL but I understand them to be an incremental improvement over the JK.

    They are clearly not for everyone. It’s not and SUV its a Jeep and thats a good thing! And its probably why you see so many on the used market. I know in my area they are the go to for the affluent to buy the newly minted driver complete with the tires and lift kit. This lasts for a couple of years till college and its replaced. Even some of the wives have them and that experience the never lasts long either.

    My best characterization for them is that they are the perfect spare vehicle. Perfect thing to tow behind the motor home or leave at the vacation home.
    Thanks for the background - I do remember the YJ being universally hated by pretty much everyone.

    Trivia note - the young lady who bought the Wrangler ended up marrying one of Tom Wopat's brothers (yes, he of "Dukes of Hazzard" fame).
    Man, I used to love that show. It was a Friday night staple for me!

    2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
    2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
    2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,338
    edited December 2020
    My only real gripe with my TJ is wind noise north of 50 mph. It was my DD from 2002-2007 and I didn’t think it was that bad a drive. My wife’s only complaint is that the rear seat is a bit uncomfortable for longer drives. We take it on a 200 mile round trip every now and then. As has been said before, you either get Wranglers or you don’t.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,429
    I recall years ago at work, one of the mucky muck adult fratboy suit types had a 90s Wrangler - he loved the image, but his wife hated riding in it, so eventually he was forced to sell. He replaced it with a beautiful final run sport package manual E39 that ended up being a hilarious money pit. He eventually resigned himself to buying a Forester, I am sure then the one who must be pleased was, well, pleased.
    Michaell said:

    Back when I lived in California, our small company hired three college graduates. One bought a Nissan Sentra, one a Volvo 240DL, the third a Wrangler (I think this was when they released the square headlight model, which annoyed legions of Jeep fans).

    I rode in the Wrangler on a trip to a customer site in LA (about 60 miles away). All freeway, which is predominantly concrete in SoCal.

    Not. For. Me. I don't mind a sporty ride, but this was just too much. Plus, the soft top made it noisy and somewhat cold.

    I mean, I get the off-road chops, but as a DD, no way.

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    tjc78 said:

    As much as I just bashed Toyota... the 3.5 2GR V6 is one heck of an engine. Introduced in 2005 I think it’s still up there in terms of refinement.

    I credit that engine, and Honda's 3.0 V6 with 240 HP released in '03 models as helping to bolster the HP wars as much as anything. Great V6 engines, when others were sort of stuck in a rut.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,974
    andres3 said:

    tjc78 said:

    As much as I just bashed Toyota... the 3.5 2GR V6 is one heck of an engine. Introduced in 2005 I think it’s still up there in terms of refinement.

    I credit that engine, and Honda's 3.0 V6 with 240 HP released in '03 models as helping to bolster the HP wars as much as anything. Great V6 engines, when others were sort of stuck in a rut.
    Don’t forget the Nissan VQ in that mix as well.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,740
    Yup, the ‘00 Maxima started the Japanese family sedan horsepower revolution as far as I recall

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,588
    VW's VR-6 in the GTI was no slouch

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,384
    qbrozen said:

    Yup, the ‘00 Maxima started the Japanese family sedan horsepower revolution as far as I recall

    the Maxima I test drove was my first real experience with the magic of major torque steer. It was that generation (a 1999 or 2000) SE 5 speed. Was coming around an on ramp to the highway (a full loop cloverleaf one) and punched it in 2nd gear and just about ended up off in the weeds that thing yanked so hard. didn't try that move again! Was not that bad once you were used to it, and I did end up buying a different one of the same model.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    breld said:

    My wife really thinks I should buy this puppy
    I'm not as enthusiastic.

    Personally, I like the TT and TTS quite a bit. But I also chose the Supra over it and gotta think you’d rather have a RWD or RWD bias vehicle.
    In "dynamic" mode it's 60% rear biased (TTS; not sure about regular TT), but definitely not 100% if that's what your looking for.

    With a stage 1 tune it really wakes up and is a hoot. I think paying over $30K should get you one with much lower miles though; unless prices have gone way up.

    Also, they got the color wrong, that's Nardo Gray, otherwise known by a woman on Youtube as "concrete" gray.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    qbrozen said:

    Yup, the ‘00 Maxima started the Japanese family sedan horsepower revolution as far as I recall

    I think the '92 Maxima had 190 HP??? That was high numbers for the time. My how Nissan has fallen.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
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