Akangl, I think the Honda Pilot will be a perfect vehicle for you in comparing it with the Titan. They offer a third seat and plenty of storage if the seat is down. I was impressed how nice the interior looked when I saw one last year at a dealer where a friend works (Honda, Mercedes, Infinity, BMW, Cadillac where I got a private Sunday tour) I got to see the new Mercedes SLR with the flip-up doors (MSRP $450,000).
I think Honda upgraded in 2005 with the option of a sunroof. Before, you could not get a sunroof unless you moved up to the Acura MDX.
Just curious, could you pull the travel trailer with the Pilot? I have forgotten just how large a TT you bought.
Also, you have just two kids right? (not including hubby :P)
Mark :shades:
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
I think the comment above is the main reason people assume the Freestyle is underpowered. If you read the comments on the Freestyle forum where it's actually being driven, you won't find anyone complaining about the power. Bottom line is that is that the underpowered comments are a perception based on the size of the car and engine, rather than a reality of driving the car after being used to the CVT transmission.
The CVT does take a little getting used to, which again is one of the reasons that car reviewers and people who only test drive them might assume the Freestyle is underpowered. As far as the CVT...at 75mph on cruise control on drives across the Appalachian mountains, the RPMs were around 2000-2500 and never went above 3000rpms even on the steepest parts, so it's not running at the redline for normal driving. Yes, if you're used to flooring the gas all of the time after stoplights, then you'll get the revs up, but that's not normal driving. Plus with the CVT, it doesn't keep jumping between 5th and 4th gear like a regular automatic...since there are no gears. Again, unless you're flooring the gas, it's a very gradual progression in the transmission.
Even though both the Freestyle and Pilot do 0-60 in about 8.5 seconds, it does depend on what you consider adequate power. For me, after putting on 26K miles and over a year of driving the Freestyle in the mountains and passing other cars on two lane roads, it has plenty of power. And I really like the CVT on the mountain roads because it's much smoother than an automatic that constantly searches for the right gear. The CVT also does a great job with engine braking going down the steep hills. The CVT helps with the mpg too, as I average 25mpg on the highway at speeds of 70-75mph.
The only time the CVT/engine combination is rough is when you really stomp on the gas, floor it and hold it there. If that's your kind of driving, then you probably wouldn't like the Freestyle.
Yeah.. I got a pretty good deal as well.. 5 days for $160 including all taxes and fees.. Not too bad in FL.
I realize that full-size doesn't mean premium, but last time I rented a car (admittedly, a long time ago) at an airport, it was supposed to be a Caprice... but, all they had were Caddys..
Really, as long as it has a decent back seat, and isn't a truck, I'll be happy..
I'm leaving tomorrow.... See you guys next Friday!
Even though both the Freestyle and Pilot do 0-60 in about 8.5 seconds
well, to be accurate, C&D has the Pilot at 7.6 (03/04) and the Freestyle at 8.2 (01/05). Certainly not a huge difference, but I have a feeling, based on some reviews, the Freestyle seems so much slower because of all the racket the engine makes during those sprints. Just a thought.
'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
well, as we discussed a while back, i think the pilot is great .... BUT, lemme get this straight ... you will now have the Pilot and Titan? Did I miss the explanation for WHY? Did you have a couple of extra kids recently and need the extra seating? Just keep in mind that you are eliminating a fuel-efficient car from your stable and will now have 3 really thirsty vehicles. At ~20mpg, the Pilot will be the most efficient choice to drive ...
Hubby was already planning on buying a new truck, he needs a diesel for the weights he's pulling and wanted a crew cab as opposed to a reg cab like he has now. So we opted to trade the Dodge and the Titan in on the new truck when it gets here (he's ordering one on Tuesday). The new truck will take over for the Titan (crew cab) and the Dodge (1-ton dually) which means it will also pull the TT. That way I don't need to drive a big truck anymore, so that makes the Pilot perfect.
It was hard to even think about getting rid of the Titan before since that meant I had to buy a big SUV (suburban or excursion) to pull the TT. I didn't want to go bigger, I have enough trouble parking my land yacht as it is.
I wanted to keep Zippy, but we need to get down to 2 vehicles, the extra $1500/year in insurance doesn't make sense anymore since we don't need 3 vehicles.
Alangl, I'm sure your son remembers that you were going to save Zippy for him to drive when he gets his licence. Is he disappointed that you are going to sell it?
-mark156
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
Alangl, I'm sure your son remembers that you were going to save Zippy for him to drive when he gets his licence. Is he disappointed that you are going to sell it?
Nah, he's decided he doesn't want that car. He did have his sights on the Titan, but now doesn't seem to care one way or another.
He just keeps asking if the new Pilot is going to have the DVD rear entertainment and if he can hook up his X-box to play on trips to anchorage.
My 17 yo. wants to "pimp his cavilier"........... Hes been showing me pics of some neat dubs/jordans and spinnaz (aka 22 or 24 inch tires and rims...for us OLD folks)for his car. I comment how "nice" they are and ask if hes got the $2000 bucks CASH to get them !!!!!! His 20 hours a week working at McDs sure ain't gonna cover them not to mention the nasty winters here in NY !
Guess he will have to settle on a wing and a "fart can" exaust tip ! The darn stereo in that car will make you head pound, ears thump and bleed............ :confuse:
My 17 yo. wants to "pimp his cavilier"........... Hes been showing me pics of some neat dubs/jordans and spinnaz (aka 22 or 24 inch tires and rims...for us OLD folks)for his car. I comment how "nice" they are and ask if hes got the $2000 bucks CASH to get them !!!!!! His 20 hours a week working at McDs sure ain't gonna cover them not to mention the nasty winters here in NY !
Guess he will have to settle on a wing and a "fart can" exaust tip ! The darn stereo in that car will make you head pound, ears thump and bleed............
Oh goodness!! For now my 12 year old thinks that fart cans (aka making the car sound like a dying moose), big wheels, and wings are stupid. He hates loud stereos too, he is forever getting on me when I crank the Titan's stereo.
Let's just hope he stays that way!!
As for my daughter.......after seeing her drive on some of her video games and watching her run her dad's snowmobile into the house she is NEVER going to have a driver's license or a car!!!!
Is getting his first motorized conveyance on his second birthday. This Sunday he's getting a John Deere tractor ride-on. He does share his parent's love for cars though. You cannot tell him he is not really driving the car when he is behind the wheel.
The current Acura TL is the best car money can buy-period. Look at what you get when you do a comparison to the competition. BTW- it can be driven year around because it's a FWDer. Name me something that's honestly better than the TL for the money ? :shades:
I'd still go TL. The Accord and Camry are a dime a dozen, and they don't offer the levels of refinement and gadgetology of the TL. The TL is a all season car, get's superb MPG in manuel form and it can be had for $36K loaded with high performance Brembo brakes and summer tires. I was going to pick the Lexus IS 350, but it's far from roomy and it's $11K more expensive when fully loaded. :surprise:
Just WAIT another year or so when the kid is a teenager! His tune will change ! Then you and the hubby will be scratching your heads wondering where that sweet little boy went too !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
a Fit. I almost want it enough not to care about the missing sunroof. But Gee thinks the 96 Civic is the way to go. It has a sunroof, more HP, and was $11,000 cheaper. BUT ... it can't hold a 4 foot tree.
Actually the 0-60 times probably aren't the best ways for checking the realistic power of something like a Pilot or Freestyle, since you're not drag-racing these things. I found this for the Freestyle in the Jan05 Car&Driver, but I couldn't find the same for the Pilot.
Just WAIT another year or so when the kid is a teenager! His tune will change ! Then you and the hubby will be scratching your heads wondering where that sweet little boy went too !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He'll be 12 in May, he's already into girls, worries about his clothes, his hair, ugh. My daughter is 10 going on 16, she's more teenager in attitude than he is most times, although he has his moments.
By the time another week in the hospital is up my daughter will be ALL attitude!!! Will be a week on Monday, usually by week 2 she's driving me nuts.
Maybe I'll bribe her by letting her pick out the color of Daddy's new truck.......how bad can it be?? 'Cides its his truck not mine.......hehehe. :P
I'm going to order an '07 Pilot EX-L with Nav (I think) in July, not sure of color yet.......any ideas??
the TL doesn't break 30 mpg in manual form. To me, that's not superb. But it is decent. The TL is a decent choice, too bad it's FWD. There are other decent choices in this price range too.
Gee: what's a TOS? I like to keep up on my acronyms... :-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Sorry you are wrong on the TL not breaking the 30 mpg in a manual. On a flat surface here in West Texas my MPG according to my computer was switching back from 35 to 36 mpg in 6th gear. On a Hilly surface it would switch back 32-33 mpg in 6th gear.
So either or both my computer, is very faulty or my calaculations were off ?
BTW- My avg. both city and hwy mpg was 26.8 :P Not to shabby for a HOTT 4 door midsize automobile that had about every gadget one could imagine for $36K :shades:
I am not saying no-one can do better than 29 mpg in a TL, I am just talking EPA figures here, which provide a basis for comparison between models. I am quite sure I could easily exceed 30 mpg on a highway trip in a TL, but then I could probably pull 35 or more in an IS250 on the same trip, a car that costs about the same and has a better-balanced chassis (as a trade-off for less power - and well worth the trade) and arguably better road feel and looks.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
On Friday, I took the wife's VUE into the local Saturn dealer for a service.
On the showroom floor, they were displaying their first SKY. Bright red with tan interior and chrome 18" wheels.
I sat behind the wheel ...
... and was extremely disappointed.
I'm only 5'11", but I'm very short of leg (30" inseam) and tall of torso. With the adjustable steering wheel in its most upright position, I could only see from 0-3K on the tach face, and from 60MPH and up on the speedo. Plus, my line of sight was directly into the top frame of the windshield.
So, no go on the SKY as the 'fun' vehicle when the time comes.
Got the L300 all shined up over the weekend .. it hasn't looked this good since the day I bought it. Makes me want to start driving it again, and forcing the kid to drive the stick shift Focus. But, I like the fact that the L is only accumulating about 400 miles a month, while my commute in the Focus (40-45 miles a day) piles on about 1000 miles a month.
I have driven the TL quite a bit now. Only the automatic though. I would imagine the standard limited slip in the manual helps a LOT with this model, as the auto can't seem to keep its feet on the ground and pulling when you corner hard. Having said that, I have always valued great handling over raw power, and the TL doesn't communicate enough to the driver what it's doing. I am not a great fan of its steering, and clearly the stock all-seasons suck - here again, the summer tires probably help a lot.
If I ever got serious about a car in this class, I would definitely be comparing the IS and the TL back to back.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
The reviewer (just one persons opinion, but a professional) said: from the drivers seat I was left feeling numb. My favorite cars are the ones that make me feel like every input I make matters. The IS driving experience is like a roller coaster, fast, exciting, fun but not intensely involving.
I have not driven the new IS yet but the older IS300s were nothing like that. I can belive that they ruined the IS250 though as Toyota is very good at making intersting looking cars just drive like blahmobiles.
that was the IS350 those comments referenced though, and I can sympathize with the world of professional auto journalists that if you have 306 hp on tap but VDIM shuts you down every two minutes, and especially when you are trying to have a bit of fun, it must be frustrating.
The smaller engine only has enough power to give this car average performance with the manual, but returns a 30+ rating for highway mpg rating and should have handling much better suited to its power level. I would imagine there is a whole lot less VDIM intrusion with the reduced power.
The letdown could come in the form of steering that feels remote. But a lot of the cars in this class feel that way, which just makes the class less desirable to me, not making any excuses for the IS here. The exception is probably the 3-series, but for me it goes against the grain to pay the $5-8K premium just for good road feel, especially when they charge extra for metallic paint and the like. And I am SO not a fan of run-flats!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
The letdown could come in the form of steering that feels remote.
Hmmm. I wonder if you could take some of the boost out of the steering by underdriving the pump pulley. (That doesn't really work on cars with electric steering, though.)
What kind of pricing are you getting on these Subies? They're good cars, but if you pay close to list for a loaded model, not a great deal IMO. (I can't get my mind around paying $30K for a Subaru).
Given the right price for a Subaru tho, I can't see going too far wrong. AWD, exc. reliability........do you live in snow country?
I pulled the trigger on a 06 Forester X manual in steel grey. Got it at $600 under invoice before the rebate; very happy with the deal. The Legacy, while a bit nicer, was just a bit too long for my underground parking. The Forester is hard enough!
I am growing to like the additional height of the Forester, and the standard engine has more grunt then you'd think for a 4cyl. Reliability and resale should just be icing on the cake. Coming soon: ipod connectivity and a maybe a rooftop box.
To space out my CCBA tendencies, I'll have to suggest a replacement the other car in the garage. Maybe she'll go with it...
When I checked acronymfinder.com, the first definition for TOS was "teacher over the shoulder - chat rooms", referring to our ever-vigelent hosts and their attempt to maintain civility and family-friendly standards. :shades:
I have not knowingly driven one equipped with Active Steering. The standard steering is firm and direct. I have a power steering reservoir under the hood, so I can only assume it's a conventional hydraulic system. The coolant pump is all-electric.
Congratulations! Being able to crank the iPod through the stereo is great for long trips. I really like Subarus. And, you're right, they do crazy money on the used side, so when you get the urge again, you should be in good shape.
On another note, I always thought that TOS was "terms of service."
I had that dream killed also with the Pontiac Solstice. I could fit in a 1980 Fiat Spyder(with a rear seat). Every affordable 2 seat convertible since has dashed my dreams on the rocks.
HE decided on a new truck, just have to figure out which Ford dealer we are ordering it from tomorrow. Why are men so easy??
As for me, just when I think I know what I want I see something else. I drove a 2007 Tahoe while we were at the Chevy dealership looking at the Silverado. That Tahoe is way cool, great gas mileage too...........argh!! I feel like a dog standing between two fire hydrants.......decisions decisions decisions.
At this rate I'll have either Zippy or the Titan forever!!
Am home for a day or so then its back to Anchorage........Titan will turn 49k tomorrow!
I had the ipod running through the factory stereo on my BMW; track names and artists scroll across the display. After using this, carrying CD's around just seems so stupid! The trick will be finding the deck that looks the most factory; I'm not into the dancing dolphin displays on most aftermarket stuff these days.
LOL, at 6-4 I've NEVER had the dream as I simply cannot fit in any 2 seat convertible, affordable or otherwise.
ah, but dare to dream. I haven't tried the convertible, actually, but, at 6'5", I fit comfortably in a 350z coupe, so I wouldn't be surprised if I'd find the same in the droptop.
Also, it depends on what you mean by "fitting." I can fit in many 2-seat convertibles ... fitting comfortably is a different story. I manage to drive around in my Alfa Spider, but I wouldn't want to go on a long drive in it.
'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
Affordable is a pretty big word in my vocabulary, too.
When the time comes that I can add the 'fun' car to my collection, I'm pretty sure I'll have a budget of around $25K. Which probably means I'm looking at cars that are a few years old (Boxster, Audi TT convertible, SLK, etc.).
Actually, I tried out a Miata once. Really not bad (a bit more legroom than my alfa). And now the new one is supposed to be even roomier, so I wouldn't be surprised if it is a nice fit for folks like us.
'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
Comments
I think Honda upgraded in 2005 with the option of a sunroof. Before, you could not get a sunroof unless you moved up to the Acura MDX.
Just curious, could you pull the travel trailer with the Pilot? I have forgotten just how large a TT you bought.
Also, you have just two kids right? (not including hubby :P)
Mark :shades:
I think the comment above is the main reason people assume the Freestyle is underpowered. If you read the comments on the Freestyle forum where it's actually being driven, you won't find anyone complaining about the power. Bottom line is that is that the underpowered comments are a perception based on the size of the car and engine, rather than a reality of driving the car after being used to the CVT transmission.
The CVT does take a little getting used to, which again is one of the reasons that car reviewers and people who only test drive them might assume the Freestyle is underpowered. As far as the CVT...at 75mph on cruise control on drives across the Appalachian mountains, the RPMs were around 2000-2500 and never went above 3000rpms even on the steepest parts, so it's not running at the redline for normal driving. Yes, if you're used to flooring the gas all of the time after stoplights, then you'll get the revs up, but that's not normal driving. Plus with the CVT, it doesn't keep jumping between 5th and 4th gear like a regular automatic...since there are no gears. Again, unless you're flooring the gas, it's a very gradual progression in the transmission.
Even though both the Freestyle and Pilot do 0-60 in about 8.5 seconds, it does depend on what you consider adequate power. For me, after putting on 26K miles and over a year of driving the Freestyle in the mountains and passing other cars on two lane roads, it has plenty of power. And I really like the CVT on the mountain roads because it's much smoother than an automatic that constantly searches for the right gear. The CVT also does a great job with engine braking going down the steep hills. The CVT helps with the mpg too, as I average 25mpg on the highway at speeds of 70-75mph.
The only time the CVT/engine combination is rough is when you really stomp on the gas, floor it and hold it there. If that's your kind of driving, then you probably wouldn't like the Freestyle.
I realize that full-size doesn't mean premium, but last time I rented a car (admittedly, a long time ago) at an airport, it was supposed to be a Caprice... but, all they had were Caddys..
Really, as long as it has a decent back seat, and isn't a truck, I'll be happy..
I'm leaving tomorrow.... See you guys next Friday!
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well, to be accurate, C&D has the Pilot at 7.6 (03/04) and the Freestyle at 8.2 (01/05). Certainly not a huge difference, but I have a feeling, based on some reviews, the Freestyle seems so much slower because of all the racket the engine makes during those sprints. Just a thought.
'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
Hubby was already planning on buying a new truck, he needs a diesel for the weights he's pulling and wanted a crew cab as opposed to a reg cab like he has now. So we opted to trade the Dodge and the Titan in on the new truck when it gets here (he's ordering one on Tuesday). The new truck will take over for the Titan (crew cab) and the Dodge (1-ton dually) which means it will also pull the TT. That way I don't need to drive a big truck anymore, so that makes the Pilot perfect.
It was hard to even think about getting rid of the Titan before since that meant I had to buy a big SUV (suburban or excursion) to pull the TT. I didn't want to go bigger, I have enough trouble parking my land yacht as it is.
I wanted to keep Zippy, but we need to get down to 2 vehicles, the extra $1500/year in insurance doesn't make sense anymore since we don't need 3 vehicles.
'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
-mark156
Nah, he's decided he doesn't want that car. He did have his sights on the Titan, but now doesn't seem to care one way or another.
He just keeps asking if the new Pilot is going to have the DVD rear entertainment and if he can hook up his X-box to play on trips to anchorage.
He's more interested in his weight set than cars.
Hes been showing me pics of some neat dubs/jordans and
spinnaz (aka 22 or 24 inch tires and rims...for us OLD
folks)for his car. I comment how "nice" they are and
ask if hes got the $2000 bucks CASH to get them !!!!!!
His 20 hours a week working at McDs sure ain't gonna
cover them not to mention the nasty winters here in NY !
Guess he will have to settle on a wing and a "fart can"
exaust tip ! The darn stereo in that car will make
you head pound, ears thump and bleed............ :confuse:
Hes been showing me pics of some neat dubs/jordans and
spinnaz (aka 22 or 24 inch tires and rims...for us OLD
folks)for his car. I comment how "nice" they are and
ask if hes got the $2000 bucks CASH to get them !!!!!!
His 20 hours a week working at McDs sure ain't gonna
cover them not to mention the nasty winters here in NY !
Guess he will have to settle on a wing and a "fart can"
exaust tip ! The darn stereo in that car will make
you head pound, ears thump and bleed............
Oh goodness!! For now my 12 year old thinks that fart cans (aka making the car sound like a dying moose), big wheels, and wings are stupid. He hates loud stereos too, he is forever getting on me when I crank the Titan's stereo.
Let's just hope he stays that way!!
As for my daughter.......after seeing her drive on some of her video games and watching her run her dad's snowmobile into the house she is NEVER going to have a driver's license or a car!!!!
Rocky
1/2 the money, more than 1/2 the car, ergo, better car per dollar.
The whole argument is a bit silly, don't you think? I've always thought it depends on what you want a car to do...
-Mathias
The best "car" money can buy for the family man.
I'd still go TL. The Accord and Camry are a dime a dozen, and they don't offer the levels of refinement and gadgetology of the TL. The TL is a all season car, get's superb MPG in manuel form and it can be had for $36K loaded with high performance Brembo brakes and summer tires.
-Winner TL
Rocky
1/2 the money, more than 1/2 the car, ergo, better car per dollar.
There you go being practical again....there's obviously no place for that in this forum. :-)
-Q
His tune will change ! Then you and the hubby will be
scratching your heads wondering where that sweet little
boy went too !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Freestyle:
30-50 mph: 4.3
50-70 mph: 5.9
His tune will change ! Then you and the hubby will be
scratching your heads wondering where that sweet little
boy went too !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He'll be 12 in May, he's already into girls, worries about his clothes, his hair, ugh. My daughter is 10 going on 16, she's more teenager in attitude than he is most times, although he has his moments.
By the time another week in the hospital is up my daughter will be ALL attitude!!! Will be a week on Monday, usually by week 2 she's driving me nuts.
Maybe I'll bribe her by letting her pick out the color of Daddy's new truck.......how bad can it be?? 'Cides its his truck not mine.......hehehe. :P
I'm going to order an '07 Pilot EX-L with Nav (I think) in July, not sure of color yet.......any ideas??
Gee: what's a TOS? I like to keep up on my acronyms... :-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
So either or both my computer, is very faulty or my calaculations were off ?
BTW- My avg. both city and hwy mpg was 26.8 :P Not to shabby for a HOTT 4 door midsize automobile that had about every gadget one could imagine for $36K :shades:
Rocky
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
You can say that you'd buy a IS 250 over a Acura TL with a straight face. :surprise:
Fortunately you will get lots of views of the TL's rear end as it pass's by you both on the twisty's and straight- aways. :P
Rocky
On the showroom floor, they were displaying their first SKY. Bright red with tan interior and chrome 18" wheels.
I sat behind the wheel ...
... and was extremely disappointed.
I'm only 5'11", but I'm very short of leg (30" inseam) and tall of torso. With the adjustable steering wheel in its most upright position, I could only see from 0-3K on the tach face, and from 60MPH and up on the speedo. Plus, my line of sight was directly into the top frame of the windshield.
So, no go on the SKY as the 'fun' vehicle when the time comes.
Got the L300 all shined up over the weekend .. it hasn't looked this good since the day I bought it. Makes me want to start driving it again, and forcing the kid to drive the stick shift Focus. But, I like the fact that the L is only accumulating about 400 miles a month, while my commute in the Focus (40-45 miles a day) piles on about 1000 miles a month.
If I ever got serious about a car in this class, I would definitely be comparing the IS and the TL back to back.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
http://www.carspace.com/rockylee/?50@@.5998e0af
I also had the 6 speed Voice Recognition w/ Navi
Rocky
http://cars.about.com/od/lexus/fr/mm_06lexusis.htm
The reviewer (just one persons opinion, but a professional) said: from the drivers seat I was left feeling numb. My favorite cars are the ones that make me feel like every input I make matters. The IS driving experience is like a roller coaster, fast, exciting, fun but not intensely involving.
for what it's worth - james
The smaller engine only has enough power to give this car average performance with the manual, but returns a 30+ rating for highway mpg rating and should have handling much better suited to its power level. I would imagine there is a whole lot less VDIM intrusion with the reduced power.
The letdown could come in the form of steering that feels remote. But a lot of the cars in this class feel that way, which just makes the class less desirable to me, not making any excuses for the IS here. The exception is probably the 3-series, but for me it goes against the grain to pay the $5-8K premium just for good road feel, especially when they charge extra for metallic paint and the like. And I am SO not a fan of run-flats!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I do have a feeling though that if they make the active steering standard the 3 series will lose that feel of the road sense though.
Hmmm. I wonder if you could take some of the boost out of the steering by underdriving the pump pulley. (That doesn't really work on cars with electric steering, though.)
Given the right price for a Subaru tho, I can't see going too far wrong. AWD, exc. reliability........do you live in snow country?
I am growing to like the additional height of the Forester, and the standard engine has more grunt then you'd think for a 4cyl. Reliability and resale should just be icing on the cake. Coming soon: ipod connectivity and a maybe a rooftop box.
To space out my CCBA tendencies, I'll have to suggest a replacement the other car in the garage. Maybe she'll go with it...
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
james
On another note, I always thought that TOS was "terms of service."
As a charter member of CCBA, that may not be an altogether bad thing....
As for me, just when I think I know what I want I see something else. I drove a 2007 Tahoe while we were at the Chevy dealership looking at the Silverado. That Tahoe is way cool, great gas mileage too...........argh!! I feel like a dog standing between two fire hydrants.......decisions decisions decisions.
At this rate I'll have either Zippy or the Titan forever!!
Am home for a day or so then its back to Anchorage........Titan will turn 49k tomorrow!
I had the ipod running through the factory stereo on my BMW; track names and artists scroll across the display. After using this, carrying CD's around just seems so stupid! The trick will be finding the deck that looks the most factory; I'm not into the dancing dolphin displays on most aftermarket stuff these days.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
ah, but dare to dream. I haven't tried the convertible, actually, but, at 6'5", I fit comfortably in a 350z coupe, so I wouldn't be surprised if I'd find the same in the droptop.
Also, it depends on what you mean by "fitting." I can fit in many 2-seat convertibles ... fitting comfortably is a different story. I manage to drive around in my Alfa Spider, but I wouldn't want to go on a long drive in it.
'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
I have driven Alfa Spider's and would not mind taking a long trip in yours.
When the time comes that I can add the 'fun' car to my collection, I'm pretty sure I'll have a budget of around $25K. Which probably means I'm looking at cars that are a few years old (Boxster, Audi TT convertible, SLK, etc.).
But, that's down the road a few years, I suspect.
Actually, I tried out a Miata once. Really not bad (a bit more legroom than my alfa). And now the new one is supposed to be even roomier, so I wouldn't be surprised if it is a nice fit for folks like us.
'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