Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

brian125

rayainsw

My Genesis R-spec sedan @429 h/p is in between your Charger's R/T motor and the upgraded SRT at @485. what I like about the h/p is going from 40 to 80 mph in seconds. You will enjoy the power when needed. The specs on both vehicles are close, size weight, power . I seen a light green Charger last week in passing. Wow . you talk about stop what your doing and look. Reminds me of the days with my 1970 Chevelle SS.

Wondering what the wait time is for a Hellcat model ? I'm sure the orders are flying in at that price.

Mr_Shiftright

That's an interesting point actually. If you talk to the high performance motorcycle guys, they swear that a modern engine breaks in best by short bursts of full throttle but NOT to a high rpm range---only to mid-range, maybe 3500. I did this type of break in on a brand new car of mine back in 2006 and had no regrets.

But I was only kidding about your Charger---I'm renewing my marriage vows to American V8s as I enter my golden years, so I have an itchy foot right now.

rayainsw said:

'.. mash the gas pedal for cryin' out loud!' - Mr_Shiftright
Funny, I do not see that exact phrase
in the Break-In section on the manual .....?
OTOH: 'While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.'
Sounds fun!
- Ray
Will report here when I do that.

graphicguy

Ray.....love the car. You and Q just upped the "cool quotient" of this thread by quite a large margin. Congrats!

qbrozen

roadburner said:

H3ll, I can't stand it! I need to up my CCBA rating- I may just take out a HELOC and buy this:

Go check out a 2015 interior before you go signing any home loan papers. I felt the need for that hellcat, too... till I sat in a 2015 on the showroom floor. No way in hell can I see my way clear to spending $60k on a car with that interior.

Mr_Shiftright

Here's a VIDEO of the interior---complete with the usual utterly awful automotive video music.

The interior is....well...is "adolescent" a kind enough word?

jayrider

Mr_Shiftright said:

Here's a VIDEO of the interior---complete with the usual utterly awful automotive video music.

The interior is....well...is "adolescent" a kind enough word?

Other than the seat bolsters which would seriously pinch my love handles and pongs [chunky thighs ] , the interior looks pretty much in line with what I'd expect in a car named " Hellcat."

brian125

Mr_Shiftright said:

Here's a VIDEO of the interior---complete with the usual utterly awful automotive video music.

The interior is....well...is "adolescent" a kind enough word?

Agreed about the interior needs some work. This vehicle is American muscle. I'd buy it for the 707 h/p if anything. Interior look does cater to a younger buyer. I'm not a fan of what is shown in that video. Love the body style look of the Challenger hellcat.

sda

I accidentally hit the "quote" button. Can't delete, my apologies. I bet it is something simple that I'm overlooking..

carnaught

I kind of like the HC's seats and some aspects of the dash.

fintail

Isn't a Hellcat something like maybe an Evo or STi, where you are really buying the powertrain, and getting the interior as a bonus?

roadburner

brian125 said:

rayainsw

My Genesis R-spec sedan @429 h/p is in between your Charger's R/T motor and the upgraded SRT at @485. what I like about the h/p is going from 40 to 80 mph in seconds. You will enjoy the power when needed. The specs on both vehicles are close, size weight, power . I seen a light green Charger last week in passing. Wow . you talk about stop what your doing and look. Reminds me of the days with my 1970 Chevelle SS.

Wondering what the wait time is for a Hellcat model ? I'm sure the orders are flying in at that price.

I think that in-gear acceleration times are much more useful for dtermining and acr's usable power and flexibility. According to Car and Driver my Mazdaspeed completes the 50-70 mph 6th gear dash in 6.7 seconds, and my tweaks have chopped 1 second off that number. It sure makes you lazy with respect to gear selection; just make sure the engine is spinning at 2,500 rpm, pin the throttle, and hang on.

brian125

After a little research found out that Dodge started taking orders on the 2015 Challenger hellcat in Sept 2014. Close to 5k were pre ordered in Sept.

fezo

"I think that in-gear acceleration times are much more useful for dtermining and acr's usable power and flexibility. According to Car and Driver my Mazdaspeed completes the 50-70 mph 6th gear dash in 6.7 seconds, and my tweaks have chopped 1 second off that number. It sure makes you lazy with respect to gear selection; just make sure the engine is spinning at 2,500 rpm, pin the throttle, and hang on."

rb - love it when you talk like that... I still have to hold on to the 6 a couple of years....

Mr_Shiftright

Actually now that I've thought about it I can see what they're trying to do with the interior and dash--to imitate to some degree the custom interiors you see on very high end hotrods and pro tourers. So maybe I'm being unfair calling it "adolescent"--more like....what? heavy metal artisan's car? tradesman's car? a turn key rodder's rod? Certainly not for the double-mocha-vente-croissant-do these shorts make me look fat-crowd.

This strikes me as a single-purpose car. You point it where you want to go and you mash the gas pedal while all hell breaks loose. Otherwise, why bother?

roadburner

I've sat in a 2015 R/T, no problem with the interior- it's fine with me.

qbrozen

It isn't so much just how the interior looks. I didn't like how it felt. Material on the seats felt thin, hard surfaces everywhere, hard dash, etc. Basically, typical Dodge. But $60k is huge money, regardless of the engine, IMHO, and I would expect better. So its not that I'm bashing the interior in and of itself. Its that I'm bashing that interior in a $60k automobile.

rayainsw

"I've sat in a 2015 R/T, no problem with the interior- it's fine with me." - roadburner
Me, too. [ probably obvious ]
- Ray
Drove to work. Drove to lunch. Going to drive home, soon.
And still a VERY pleased Charger driver ....

Sandman6472

Both look pretty cool and hope y'all enjoy them both!!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Called another VW store on the other side of town and it's gonna cost me $89.00 for them to even look at it! Almost freaked but the guy was nice and explained why. He gave me VW Customer Care and called and now have a case #. I've also sent the g m an email and letter by snail mail because I know this can be fixed somehow...a car shouldn't shake like mine does...no way, no how! Think they just want to ignore me so they hope I'll go away but hey, they're dealing with an Edmunds guy here and I just want the vehicle to drive vibration and shake free. I have all the time in the world to bring it in and get a loaner, eventually I'll get what I want as I do not give up very easily when I know I'm right and something's wrong. Usually I'm super laid back but there are a few things people don't [non-permissible content removed], I mean mess with...my wife, my money and my car!
This story is not over yetfolks!!!

The Sandman

brian125

sandman_6472 said:

Called another VW store on the other side of town and it's gonna cost me $89.00 for them to even look at it! Almost freaked but the guy was nice and explained why. He gave me VW Customer Care and called and now have a case #. I've also sent the g m an email and letter by snail mail because I know this can be fixed somehow...a car shouldn't shake like mine does...no way, no how! Think they just want to ignore me so they hope I'll go away but hey, they're dealing with an Edmunds guy here and I just want the vehicle to drive vibration and shake free. I have all the time in the world to bring it in and get a loaner, eventually I'll get what I want as I do not give up very easily when I know I'm right and something's wrong. Usually I'm super laid back but there are a few things people don't [non-permissible content removed], I mean mess with...my wife, my money and my car!
This story is not over yetfolks!!!

The Sandman

I'm not so worried about my wife ." She's a raging pit pull. Her bark is just as bad as the bite" Mine are the Dog and my vehicles...

Sandy for 50 more bucks I'll send in The pit bull. You will get this matter cleaned up tomorrow.

https://pennymaxwell.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/angry-woman-733632.jpg

( Need I say anymore )

graphicguy

Mentioned a couple of times, I used to do some autox. Not much, but enough that I had my daily driver (at the time) hooked up with some goodies that turned my car into an autox sleeper.

Was car video surfing last night and came upon this.....the first segment was a test of the MR2. The 2nd section was a test of the car I came to love as a daily driver which also could double as an autox machine.....The Toyota FX16 GT-S.


http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/toyota-corolla-fx16-gt-s-archived-road-test

ab348

I had an '85 MR2 from new and that 4A-GE engine was a gem. Redlined at 7500 IIRC. The MR2 was like driving a go-kart on the street.

corvette

Looks a lot like the Tercel of the same era.

nyccarguy

@breld‌

I saw my 1st Sedona in the wild today. Looks like a chiseled version of the Sienna. Very handsome as far as minivans go.

Sandman6472

Drove a few interesting vehicles today. First was a C250 which I really liked even though it was black over black, a bit too dark for my tastes. Then a Porsche Panamera in silver over gray...wonderful vehicle but no Sirius/XM for some strange reason. The guy who's renting it is paying, get this...$400/day! Stupid crazy money for it but guess some folks have just too much of it in their pockets! Seriously nice vehicle but would be scared to own one and use it as my d d for fear of others being plain mean and jealous and want to hurt it. For some strange reason, some folks are very jealous of folks who can afford the nicer things in life, either by hard work or inheritance, and have no problem keying it or opening their car door and making a nice size dent.
Great that I do get to drive some of the nicer vehicles out there but I'm just as happy to get back into my little Golf and drive it on home. Loving it more than I ever thought I would!!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

VW corporate called today just to follow up and mentioned they'd contacted my dealership and the head lady service manager and she was told they couldn't find a problem. I guess a shaking/vibrating seat is normal for my vehicle. I again mentioned driving another vehicle on the same route to see what happens and she agreed it was a good idea and will tell them to do it. She also said that if they refuse to do anything, they will come up with an alternative as I told her I am not paying to have this problem fixed especially on a new vehicle! Have lost all faith in my local dealer and will probably go to their sister store when the time comes for service or any other VW store. Love the vehicle, hate the dealers service department!!! And my survey will show as much!!!

The Sandman

fintail

W204 C250 and Panamera - Hertz? I can't believe it wouldn't have Sirus, maybe buried in a menu somewhere.

sandman_6472 said:

Drove a few interesting vehicles today. First was a C250 which I really liked even though it was black over black, a bit too dark for my tastes. Then a Porsche Panamera

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Tried the menus but XM was no where to be found on either vehicle...most vehicles have it in plain site on the radio but on these two, nothing to be found.

breld

It's been so quiet in here the past couple days!

I'll share a quick test drive I did earlier in the week then.

With all different thoughts going through my head regarding a smaller, sportier car, but wondering how much I'll miss the comfort and convenience of nicer, luxury models, thought I'd see what was out there for a 3-series.

As it so happened, a local dealership had a loaner for sale - 2013 328i xdrive, M-sport, Premium, Tech, so nicely loaded. CPO w/23k miles. On paper (or on screen as it were), it got me pretty excited, thinking I'd get everything I like in my 535i in a smaller, sportier package.

I was surprisingly underwhelmed. I've driven these F30's before, and rather enjoyed the 428i loaner I had for a week when I first got my 535i. But perhaps I've been spoiled by the comfort and luxury of the 5, or more likely, I've become accustomed to the power of the inline-6.

In any case, the interior did nothing for me (yes, I know it's the same interior as in the 4 Gran Coupe I lust after), but more significantly, it only took a drive around the block to realize there was very little tangible benefit of sportiness over my 5. I think that speaks equally to the relatively nice handling of the 5, as well as the softness of the newer 3. Or perhaps I'm just getting older.

Funny thing is, the experience increased my interest and desire for that WRX. I mean, if I want something fun and sporty, I should just go whole hog!

breld

So, WRX gets me the most excited now, but have to decide if the fun is worth giving up the comfort. Good thing is, if it turned out to be a short-term thing (okay, it's all short-term for me, I know), the resale seems crazy on those here in the CO region. I've scanned the ads for used ones, thinking I wouldn't mind the previous model, but with decent miles, they're going for hardly less than a new one.

Still want to take a closer look at the Mustang, but rear seat room is gonna be a killer. Doesn't mean I can't indulge and look a bit, though.

Civic Si is still in the cards, but much further down the list than before. Did have a thought that if I still want that Honda feel, but with a more grown-up flavor, a 6-speed manual V6 Accord (coupe only) could be an option. Have to imagine the rear seats are pretty usable in that car. Quick look at the used market shows a few of those (current model) for low $20k's - not bad. Or kick it up a notch, and find a 6-speed manual TL.

jayrider

breld said:

So, WRX gets me the most excited now, but have to decide if the fun is worth giving up the comfort. Good thing is, if it turned out to be a short-term thing (okay, it's all short-term for me, I know), the resale seems crazy on those here in the CO region. I've scanned the ads for used ones, thinking I wouldn't mind the previous model, but with decent miles, they're going for hardly less than a new one.

Still want to take a closer look at the Mustang, but rear seat room is gonna be a killer. Doesn't mean I can't indulge and look a bit, though.

Civic Si is still in the cards, but much further down the list than before. Did have a thought that if I still want that Honda feel, but with a more grown-up flavor, a 6-speed manual V6 Accord (coupe only) could be an option. Have to imagine the rear seats are pretty usable in that car. Quick look at the used market shows a few of those (current model) for low $20k's - not bad. Or kick it up a notch, and find a 6-speed manual TL.

Breld, as you get older, your car choice will veer toward comfort and luxury instead of acceleration and handling. You want your car to be a very nice place to spend time in.

Sandman6472

Keep what ya got because the WRX and the lack of creature comforts will have you looking for something else in a very short time. Face the facts, you guys like luxury vehicles with a high content of stuff and anything else is usually gone in a matter of months. Make a list of what y'all have had in the last 2 to 3 years and look for any duplication and think y'all will agree. Maybe it's best to keep the current fleet until something comes along that really blows your socks off, something you've just got to have. Why buy anything you just don't love. I know if I had waited, I was going to seriously consider the new Honda CH-V(?) or the Chevy Trax, I just knew that I was going to go smaller next time around. Once I got into the wife's A3 though, I was hooked but wanted something the same size at a lower price point that used regular octane...I found exactly that in my Golf and after the first test drive, I knew it was just a matter of days or weeks that I'd own one. But truly, i had no intention of buying anything for a few more years and was going to stay the course.
In your case, look around but only buy something that you absolutely, positively love!!!

The Sandman

roadburner

jayrider said:

breld said:

So, WRX gets me the most excited now, but have to decide if the fun is worth giving up the comfort. Good thing is, if it turned out to be a short-term thing (okay, it's all short-term for me, I know), the resale seems crazy on those here in the CO region. I've scanned the ads for used ones, thinking I wouldn't mind the previous model, but with decent miles, they're going for hardly less than a new one.

Still want to take a closer look at the Mustang, but rear seat room is gonna be a killer. Doesn't mean I can't indulge and look a bit, though.

Civic Si is still in the cards, but much further down the list than before. Did have a thought that if I still want that Honda feel, but with a more grown-up flavor, a 6-speed manual V6 Accord (coupe only) could be an option. Have to imagine the rear seats are pretty usable in that car. Quick look at the used market shows a few of those (current model) for low $20k's - not bad. Or kick it up a notch, and find a 6-speed manual TL.

Breld, as you get older, your car choice will veer toward comfort and luxury instead of acceleration and handling. You want your car to be a very nice place to spend time in.

Not always; I'll be 58 in a couple of days and my favorite cars are my Mazdaspeed 3, my 318ti, and my Wrangler.
But give me another 20 years- then I might want something a bit softer...

Sandman6472

I think we got both here with our recent purchases though the A3 is more lux than the Golf. They both seem to be "drivers cars". which we've never really had before. Even though mine is still in "econobox" territory, feel it's a bit more upscale than the Civic or M3 we used to own. I also think it holds the road better but the tire size used probably plays a big role here but must admit, it's the kind of vehicle I tend to throw around more if you will and I must be careful because as I approach the 80 mph territory on my commutes home is when I see more cops on the sided of the expressway. And last year, the last 2 years, have been a bit painful for me in that regard...and our insurance rates vouch for this! Need to ask Road how long my slight indiscretions will be haunting me and my bill??

The Sandman

roadburner

breld said:

So, WRX gets me the most excited now, but have to decide if the fun is worth giving up the comfort. Good thing is, if it turned out to be a short-term thing (okay, it's all short-term for me, I know), the resale seems crazy on those here in the CO region. I've scanned the ads for used ones, thinking I wouldn't mind the previous model, but with decent miles, they're going for hardly less than a new one.

Still want to take a closer look at the Mustang, but rear seat room is gonna be a killer. Doesn't mean I can't indulge and look a bit, though.

Civic Si is still in the cards, but much further down the list than before. Did have a thought that if I still want that Honda feel, but with a more grown-up flavor, a 6-speed manual V6 Accord (coupe only) could be an option. Have to imagine the rear seats are pretty usable in that car. Quick look at the used market shows a few of those (current model) for low $20k's - not bad. Or kick it up a notch, and find a 6-speed manual TL.

I've looked at the STi as well; I like the character of the car but again, it's more of a lateral move for me since I tweaked the Mazda.

Sandman6472

Road, a question about tickets and points. How long will they be affecting our insurance rates? Been a bit lax the last couple of years and though I did get to go to school, what are the long term consequences here? Not very happy with myself but I guess I got a little stupid there and my luck gave out on me. I am working very hard now to slow things down though but it's hard sometimes with my new toy!

The Sandman

jayrider

roadburner said:

jayrider said:

breld said:

So, WRX gets me the most excited now, but have to decide if the fun is worth giving up the comfort. Good thing is, if it turned out to be a short-term thing (okay, it's all short-term for me, I know), the resale seems crazy on those here in the CO region. I've scanned the ads for used ones, thinking I wouldn't mind the previous model, but with decent miles, they're going for hardly less than a new one.

Still want to take a closer look at the Mustang, but rear seat room is gonna be a killer. Doesn't mean I can't indulge and look a bit, though.

Civic Si is still in the cards, but much further down the list than before. Did have a thought that if I still want that Honda feel, but with a more grown-up flavor, a 6-speed manual V6 Accord (coupe only) could be an option. Have to imagine the rear seats are pretty usable in that car. Quick look at the used market shows a few of those (current model) for low $20k's - not bad. Or kick it up a notch, and find a 6-speed manual TL.

Breld, as you get older, your car choice will veer toward comfort and luxury instead of acceleration and handling. You want your car to be a very nice place to spend time in.

Not always; I'll be 58 in a couple of days and my favorite cars are my Mazdaspeed 3, my 318ti, and my Wrangler.
But give me another 20 years- then I might want something a bit softer...

I'm eleven years your senior and at 58, you're just a pup. Give it time young man, the future will reveal a new reality in many ways.

rayainsw

I was 58 when I bought the 2007 Corvette.
- Ray
YMMV.

rayainsw

It has been drizzling, misty, rainy almost since I picked
up the Charger.
So - a gaggle of pics of one equipped almost the same,
- same color & wheels & interior, etc. - at a different
dealer, will have to do until I have better weather here for
taking my own pictures...
- Ray
http://www.suburbanchryslerdodgejeepramofgardencity.com/new/Dodge/2015-Dodge-Charger-003be6b40a0a00e032979cb7c2dab82a.htm

graphicguy

rayainsw said:

It has been drizzling, misty, rainy almost since I picked
up the Charger.
So - a gaggle of pics of one equipped almost the same,
- same color & wheels & interior, etc. - at a different
dealer, will have to do until I have better weather here for
taking my own pictures...
- Ray
http://www.suburbanchryslerdodgejeepramofgardencity.com/new/Dodge/2015-Dodge-Charger-003be6b40a0a00e032979cb7c2dab82a.htm

Boy....do I really like that car. Good job!

breld

roadburner said:

breld said:

So, WRX gets me the most excited now, but have to decide if the fun is worth giving up the comfort. Good thing is, if it turned out to be a short-term thing (okay, it's all short-term for me, I know), the resale seems crazy on those here in the CO region. I've scanned the ads for used ones, thinking I wouldn't mind the previous model, but with decent miles, they're going for hardly less than a new one.

Still want to take a closer look at the Mustang, but rear seat room is gonna be a killer. Doesn't mean I can't indulge and look a bit, though.

Civic Si is still in the cards, but much further down the list than before. Did have a thought that if I still want that Honda feel, but with a more grown-up flavor, a 6-speed manual V6 Accord (coupe only) could be an option. Have to imagine the rear seats are pretty usable in that car. Quick look at the used market shows a few of those (current model) for low $20k's - not bad. Or kick it up a notch, and find a 6-speed manual TL.

I've looked at the STi as well; I like the character of the car but again, it's more of a lateral move for me since I tweaked the Mazda.

It would seem what you've done with the Mazda constitutes more than "tweaks" if it runs with an STI.

js06gv

breld said:

So, WRX gets me the most excited now, but have to decide if the fun is worth giving up the comfort. Good thing is, if it turned out to be a short-term thing (okay, it's all short-term for me, I know), the resale seems crazy on those here in the CO region. I've scanned the ads for used ones, thinking I wouldn't mind the previous model, but with decent miles, they're going for hardly less than a new one.

Still want to take a closer look at the Mustang, but rear seat room is gonna be a killer. Doesn't mean I can't indulge and look a bit, though.

Civic Si is still in the cards, but much further down the list than before. Did have a thought that if I still want that Honda feel, but with a more grown-up flavor, a 6-speed manual V6 Accord (coupe only) could be an option. Have to imagine the rear seats are pretty usable in that car. Quick look at the used market shows a few of those (current model) for low $20k's - not bad. Or kick it up a notch, and find a 6-speed manual TL.

When you check out the Mustang, pay particular attention to headroom in the back. I realize this seems silly and would be last on most people's list, but it sounds like you may actually carry folks back there on occasion. I love everything about our '15, but the newly sloped rear glass had me bumping my head on the glass the one time I tried to wedge myself in there. The '11 had a little more room, but that's not saying much. One big change is the elimination of the movable headrests in the back seat. In the old car, you could push a button and fold them forward. I finally figured out the other day that one of the reasons rearward visibility is so much better in this car compared to the '11 is because the headrests are smaller and integrated into the seat. Actually makes a huge difference.

I'm 6'0", and front legroom is great, such that I don't have to put the seat all the way back. Good thing, because when I tried to do this I felt the front edge of the back seat push it's way into my lower back. Yes, the seats actually touch!

roadburner

breld said:

roadburner said:

breld said:

So, WRX gets me the most excited now, but have to decide if the fun is worth giving up the comfort. Good thing is, if it turned out to be a short-term thing (okay, it's all short-term for me, I know), the resale seems crazy on those here in the CO region. I've scanned the ads for used ones, thinking I wouldn't mind the previous model, but with decent miles, they're going for hardly less than a new one.

Still want to take a closer look at the Mustang, but rear seat room is gonna be a killer. Doesn't mean I can't indulge and look a bit, though.

Civic Si is still in the cards, but much further down the list than before. Did have a thought that if I still want that Honda feel, but with a more grown-up flavor, a 6-speed manual V6 Accord (coupe only) could be an option. Have to imagine the rear seats are pretty usable in that car. Quick look at the used market shows a few of those (current model) for low $20k's - not bad. Or kick it up a notch, and find a 6-speed manual TL.

I've looked at the STi as well; I like the character of the car but again, it's more of a lateral move for me since I tweaked the Mazda.

It would seem what you've done with the Mazda constitutes more than "tweaks" if it runs with an STI.

According to Car and Driver a stock 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 runs 0-60 in 5.4 seconds, the 1/4 mile in 14.0 seconds, and 50-70 in 6th gear in 6.7 seconds. The STi hits those same benchmarks at 4.8, 13.3, and 7.7 seconds, respectively. Based on the Hypertech dyno tests my car should have picked up close to 45 hp and around 48 lb-ft of torque. I've clocked 50-70 in 6th in my car since I added the CAI and Hypertech tune and it does the deed in 5.5 seconds on average, so I'm thinking the dyno numbers are pretty accurate.
The STi will be undeniably faster in the rain and on dirt, but for day to day driving and the occasional track day the margin between the two is pretty thin. Not to say that it's a bad car at all- I just want something different.

breld

Hmmm....Another option my wife and I have considered is getting a cheaper used fun car (to add to the fleet instead of replace anything), and I've always liked the Mazdaspeed3, particularly that first gen model like you have RB.

I know you had some issues earlier on with the car, but those seemed to have been resolved, right? Overall, would you recommend a used MS3? I imagine there are some specific things to look out for, huh?

breld

js06gv said:

breld said:

So, WRX gets me the most excited now, but have to decide if the fun is worth giving up the comfort. Good thing is, if it turned out to be a short-term thing (okay, it's all short-term for me, I know), the resale seems crazy on those here in the CO region. I've scanned the ads for used ones, thinking I wouldn't mind the previous model, but with decent miles, they're going for hardly less than a new one.

Still want to take a closer look at the Mustang, but rear seat room is gonna be a killer. Doesn't mean I can't indulge and look a bit, though.

Civic Si is still in the cards, but much further down the list than before. Did have a thought that if I still want that Honda feel, but with a more grown-up flavor, a 6-speed manual V6 Accord (coupe only) could be an option. Have to imagine the rear seats are pretty usable in that car. Quick look at the used market shows a few of those (current model) for low $20k's - not bad. Or kick it up a notch, and find a 6-speed manual TL.

When you check out the Mustang, pay particular attention to headroom in the back. I realize this seems silly and would be last on most people's list, but it sounds like you may actually carry folks back there on occasion. I love everything about our '15, but the newly sloped rear glass had me bumping my head on the glass the one time I tried to wedge myself in there. The '11 had a little more room, but that's not saying much. One big change is the elimination of the movable headrests in the back seat. In the old car, you could push a button and fold them forward. I finally figured out the other day that one of the reasons rearward visibility is so much better in this car compared to the '11 is because the headrests are smaller and integrated into the seat. Actually makes a huge difference.

I'm 6'0", and front legroom is great, such that I don't have to put the seat all the way back. Good thing, because when I tried to do this I felt the front edge of the back seat push it's way into my lower back. Yes, the seats actually touch!

Thanks for the feedback - I actually took a look at one in the showroom this afternoon. As expected, I just have to scratch it from the list. I'm okay moving the seat forward for the times I have the kids in the back - it worked fine in my A5 and the 4-series I had as a loaner. But the legroom in the Mustang is pretty much non-existent, and I did notice the sloping roofline as you pointed out.

Oh well - there are many other options.

js06gv

breld said:

js06gv said:

breld said:

So, WRX gets me the most excited now, but have to decide if the fun is worth giving up the comfort. Good thing is, if it turned out to be a short-term thing (okay, it's all short-term for me, I know), the resale seems crazy on those here in the CO region. I've scanned the ads for used ones, thinking I wouldn't mind the previous model, but with decent miles, they're going for hardly less than a new one.

Still want to take a closer look at the Mustang, but rear seat room is gonna be a killer. Doesn't mean I can't indulge and look a bit, though.

Civic Si is still in the cards, but much further down the list than before. Did have a thought that if I still want that Honda feel, but with a more grown-up flavor, a 6-speed manual V6 Accord (coupe only) could be an option. Have to imagine the rear seats are pretty usable in that car. Quick look at the used market shows a few of those (current model) for low $20k's - not bad. Or kick it up a notch, and find a 6-speed manual TL.

When you check out the Mustang, pay particular attention to headroom in the back. I realize this seems silly and would be last on most people's list, but it sounds like you may actually carry folks back there on occasion. I love everything about our '15, but the newly sloped rear glass had me bumping my head on the glass the one time I tried to wedge myself in there. The '11 had a little more room, but that's not saying much. One big change is the elimination of the movable headrests in the back seat. In the old car, you could push a button and fold them forward. I finally figured out the other day that one of the reasons rearward visibility is so much better in this car compared to the '11 is because the headrests are smaller and integrated into the seat. Actually makes a huge difference.

I'm 6'0", and front legroom is great, such that I don't have to put the seat all the way back. Good thing, because when I tried to do this I felt the front edge of the back seat push it's way into my lower back. Yes, the seats actually touch!

Thanks for the feedback - I actually took a look at one in the showroom this afternoon. As expected, I just have to scratch it from the list. I'm okay moving the seat forward for the times I have the kids in the back - it worked fine in my A5 and the 4-series I had as a loaner. But the legroom in the Mustang is pretty much non-existent, and I did notice the sloping roofline as you pointed out.

Oh well - there are many other options.

You're welcome. Our only child is 17 now and off driving her own sled, so on the few times we are traveling together as a family we have better choices. Right after we got the car, we took a 2 hour trip to see my mom and naturally wanted to show her the new car. Nobody really complained about sitting in the back, but nobody was thrilled about it either. Had to position the passenger seat just right to make it happen.

Sandman6472

Started to like Mopar products the more I drive them at work and that car is just beautiful, a real head turner. And the new 200 is such an improvement over the last generation. Finally got to drive a 300 last week and I was really blown away by how good it was, inside and out! Yep, Mopar is as good as anything out there now and no longer a cheap also ran! Very desirable products that folks finally want to buy!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

VW customer care just called...now it seems trying another vehicle like I mentioned last week is a great idea!!! Funny that now it's such a great idea but when I said let's do it, they blew me off...just wish they had listened to me last week. So left a message that I'm free all day tomorrow and let's get this done. Asked the VW lady what happens if another TDI model doesn't exhibit the same issue with the shaking/vibration, are they going to just take them off and put them on mine and let me go on my way? She said she had no clue as to what might happen but sent me an email wth her info in it so I can get back to her when we finish testing another vehicle.
And I'm also curious what might happen if it rides super smooth with no issues as they told her they force balanced my wheels so it might just be one of my rims is a bit out. Just not sure but hope things go my way here and they just swap out my wheels/tires for a new set.

The Sandman

xwesx

sandman_6472 said:

Just not sure but hope things go my way here and they just swap out my wheels/tires for a new set.

Yeah, hopefully it's that easy. The problem with these sorts of issues is that often, it is not as straightforward as it seems it *should* be! There are quite a few rotating parts on cars aside from the wheels and the tires. Vibration from that source tends to manifest itself more pronouncedly because the rotating mass is much farther from center (so the tires are the usual suspects). But, brake rotors, driveshafts, axles... all these things can cause a vibration if they are out of balance; typically, the faster the speed, the more likely you are to feel them.

stickguy

the first step though is usually to swap on a set that is known to be in balance. If that doesn't sure the problem, you at least eliminated the usual suspect, and they can start looking harder.