I still don't see why people keep driving those Alpha/Numeric (foreign) cars on the track and the highways looking for all this g-force handling and road feel.
Why not get a Corvette? It should be able to smash all records by BMW, Audi and whatever else comes along. And the power is unsurpassed.
The Corvette is a great performance bargain, but I just don't enjoy driving them all that much. The steering is numb and the seats are just not that comfortable. They do post great numbers and a couple of my fellow instructors drive them. Very nice cars, but not my cup of tea. If I was looking for an American track toy it would be a new Boss 302 or a 2007 Shelby GT. Two seat sports car? Cayman S or M Coupe. Which is one of the reasons I'm partial to BMWs, for my driving tastes they nail the sweet spot in that they combine great handling with a high level of comfort. The only company that has them beat is Alpina- which still uses BMWs as a starting point. The B7 I had for a couple of weeks is the one true luxo-barge I could see owning- if I had the money...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
That model of Lexus seems to be a nicely designed model. Looks kind of stately. I think being right in the middle of the comfortable/firm suspensionand light/firm handling is a good compromise. Maybe I will consider one in about 10 years....and I'll get the Buick 10 years after that.
The B7 I had for a couple of weeks is the one true luxo-barge I could see owning- if I had the money...
Most people probably won't know what an Alpina B7 is. I have seen a used one at the BMW dealer while waiting for my car to be serviced. For those who are curious, an Alpina B7 is a modified BMW 7 Series, and costs about $40,000 more....around $120,000 total. Only 1000 are made in a year, and 400 are made for the U.S.">
Here is some history:
"Alpina is an odd duck. Based in the southern German town of Buchloe, not far from Munich, the company started taking form back in 1961, when a German entrepreneur called Burkard Bovensiepen began to diversify the family typewriter company into an activity he was more passionate about—making high-performance automobile components. By the late 1980s, the company had focused on its current business: modifying BMWs (BMW:GR) to improve their performance and reselling them through BMW dealers
"I want to know what car is exactly in the middle."
To tell you the truth, I had expected a floaty, cushy, soft ride from the SRX---similar to my old Town Car, Cadillac DeVille, LeSabre, etc. It has been a bit of a surprise to me. I feel the bumps in the road, but not unpleasantly so. Steering and handling is firm but not rigid, and cornering is good for a vehicle its size and weight. I get a little feeling of adventure while still enjoying a very comfortalbe experience. I think that this time I truly hit it in the middle. Gas mileage is my only real disappointment---17 mpg on the highway. Still, that is about what the old Explorer got.
As you recall, I paid $25K for the pristine, beautiful '08 SRX on 9/28/10. The banker had ordered it near the end of the '08 season. I researched pricing yesterday. Seven months into ownership, they are still asking $30K to $35k for the same vehicle with comparable mileage and options on a V8. I was very pleased with the deal, but have been even more pleased with the performance and style of this Cadillac. Though I was suspect after my experiences with the DeVille, i have to say that my wife's choice appears to have been a good one. I still glance at the Flex each time that I see one, and i like them very much. On the other hand, I am not disappointed. We are certainly enjoying the nice features and driving experience of the SRX. Must lie down now.
I feel I have more control of the car if I can feel the nuances of the road, and the steering is firmer.
I can't say that I ever felt disconnected from the road in any car I have driven. I really don't have to feel every, or most, nuances of the road to know what my car is doing and what to do if something does go wrong. I have been in soft riding cars and felt the car doing something wrong the instant it did so and made proper corrections.
IMHO its not the feel of the road but how familar you are with the car.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Alpina is actually considered to be an automobile manufacturer by the German government due to the extent of the modifications they make to their cars. Today there is an Alpina version of just about every model BMW manufactures, and in Europe any BMW dealer will sell one to you. In contrast, BMW NA cherry picks the models that are sold in the US. So far we've only received the last two B7s, the Alpina (Z8) Roadster V8, and -although BMW won't admit it- we got the engine from the Alpina B10 in the X5 4.6is and 4.6is.
The B7 I drove was a 2007. It was the very same car that Car and Driver tested in this article. 0-60 in 4.4 seconds and the quarter mile in 12.8 at 111 mph. 70-0 in just 162 ft. All from a sedan that weighs almost 4700 pounds. I took it to Motorsport Ranch outside Fort Worth to really wind it out:
On the straights it was more than a match for all but the fastest Porsches. I took it easy in the corners as it is considered bad form to turn in a press loaner with bald front tires- especially when the tires cost over $1200 per set... :P
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
IMHO its not the feel of the road but how familiar you are with the car.
I agree with you up to a point. For example, I want steering effort that increases or "loads up" as the cornering forces build. If the effort starts to suddenly ease up it lets me know that the front end is close to losing grip. It's not only useful on the track; if I'm driving around a wet corner at night at even a low speed, the steering lets me know if oil is on the road- or if a water puddle is deeper than it looks. And, FWIW, I'm no fan of the steering in the new 5 Series at all. I also like a firm brake pedal with a linear and progressive action. So many cars have a pedal that feels like it was lifted from an arcade game. Many drivers don't care about these factors, but they are important to me.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I feel the bumps in the road, but not unpleasantly so. Steering and handling is firm but not rigid, and cornering is good for a vehicle its size and weight.
Young people in North America liked European handling and ride so Cadillac had to go more in that direction in order to interest new younger buyers.
I am glad you are enjoying the enhanced driving experience of a slightly firmir ride and more control of steering. From all the articles I have read Cadillac has done a good job of understanding what the market is demanding.
Glad you got up to check in, I imagine that can't be easy. I feel a little guilty that I didn't mention the vaccine available for shingles earlier. Two people we know have had very bad cases with shingles lately so we inquired about the vaccine, which was just made available in Canada in March. We were on a waiting list of 100 people but finally got our shot about 3 weeks ago. I wish I had mentioned it earlier since we talk about so many other topics. I don't know how many people would have reacted to the information though. For every one else....shingles affects 1 person in 3 over age 60, it is a very painful and quite often you will be out of commission for 2 or 3 months. The vaccine is about 95% effective, and even if you get shingles it will probably make it a lot weaker. Cost is under $200. I highly recommend it, shingles is extremely painful and unpleasant.
Richard, I am feeling your pain.....I hope you fully recover as soon as possible. Try to check in when you can so we know how you are doing.
I have been in soft riding cars and felt the car doing something wrong the instant it did so and made proper corrections.
It is the degree of steering and handling ability we are talking about. You might not lose control of the car in most situations because a car has numb steering or a soft suspension. Have you ever seen a car bouncing along the road because the shocks were worn out? Spongy ride is a step closer to that, less agility to manouvre. The worst steering I experienced was a Civic with electronic assist. It is like holding a steering wheel up in the air in front of you and turning it.....no sense of how much to turn...feels like the steering wheel is not connected to the wheels.
I also hated none power steering in the old Dusters. The steering was very heavy for such a light car. You got no sense of steering control because you were fighting with the steering wheel just to turn the car. The RAV 4 I rented was also just floaty steering...no connection with the wheels.
You can drive safely because you compensate for these poor characteristics, but why not have some control and handling and know you can drive with more confidence in any situation?
Many drivers don't care about these factors, but they are important to me.
If I didn't say it clearly before, I am not saying handling and steering control are important for every one. I just prefer it. I like driving all kinds of cars, but the more handling ability and steering control just adds to my enjoyment of driving.
Cars that surprised me for their handling ability were a Mitsubishi Outlander, Kia Optima, Fusion....cars that lacked these characteristics were an older Buick, Chrysler 300, Camry, RAV 4, and Civic.
>Cost is under $200. I thought Canada had free healthcare?
Some things are not covered. Prescriptions and extras that aren't essential are not covered. For example, cosmetic surgery and PSA tests (even though they prevent more serious problems) are not covered.
The shingles vaccine is not essential, it is a personal choice item. Though the cost might be less if vaccines were given to every one...it would cut down other medical costs. Flu vaccines are free, since this benefits every one and actually will reduce costs if these are given to as many people as possible.
as we do every Easter Sunday. Barring the fact if we both absolutely hate the way it drives, the Pilot is definitely what we are going with. Honda had a really nice Black/Black Pilot Touring on display that we really liked. The interior space is fabulous & just what we are looking for. The ability to properly fit 3 child safety seats across the second row. Having a 3rd row that can fit people in a pinch & can fit an additional child safety seat. Generous cargo space. We like the flat floor. 4WD, Navigation, Bluetooth, very safe, durability, reliability, & best of all, decent price. The Pilot EX-L w/ NAV we are interested in has an MSRP of $38,375 including destination. Honda currently offers 1.9% financing for 60 months. My target price for the Pilot is going to be around $35,000 + Tax.
We checked out the Ford Flex, Ford Explorer, & Toyota Highlander.
My wife wasn't crazy about the Flex. Only 2 LATCHes in the 2nd row. 2 in the 3rd row. The child who sits in the 3rd row would have to enter the Flex through the tailgate. Loaded up, the Flex is a lot of money.
She really liked the Explorer. I really dig the look of the new body style. The interior is GORGEOUS. A loaded up Limited is also a lot of money. Only 2 LATCHes in the 2nd row & 1 in the 3rd row.
I liked the Highlander more than i expected, until I saw how tiny the 3rd row seat was. No 3rd row LATCHes, no cargo space with the 3rd row up.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The BMW display was fantastic as usual. A Red X5M, Yellow Z4, the 1 series M Coupe in Orange with Black interior & orange stitches. I like the new X3 & am even starting to dig the 135i w/ sport package.
I would love to be able to afford a nice, CPO X5 in a couple of years.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
If I do decide to replace the Mazda in the near future I've pretty much narrowed it down to an E46 M3, E39 M5, or a 128i or 135i. I assume you know that you can get X Plan discount pricing on a Ford product. If you don't know an employee I can get you a PIN.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
IMO, the "g" # is probably the worst thing to look at. Really, for a road car (especially one that is not a true sports car) it is effectively meaningless.
for 1 thing, no normal owner will ever come close to hitting it (and remember, when you do, that is when you go shooting off the road!). Most likely, your average driver at .4 probably is having a panic attack, thinking they are about to die!
much more important is how controlled a car is a normal to slightly aggressive cornering speeds. Sticking to the road, precise steering, etc is much more important than ultimate stick (something also highly dependent on tires).
when I drove a new X3 recently (man, I loved that truck/car!), I took an "S" off ramp at a brick pace, and it held nicely. In my Accord, at the same speed, I would probably have been dealing with some understeer/front end plow. I could "feel" the mass of the X3, but never felt less than secure with it.
when I drove a new X3 recently (man, I loved that truck/car!), I took an "S" off ramp at a brick pace, and it held nicely. In my Accord, at the same speed, I would probably have been dealing with some understeer/front end plow. I could "feel" the mass of the X3, but never felt less than secure with it.
Exactly.............that's the thing. The X3 won't handle like it's 3 Series sibling just because of the mass and the pull of gravity, but it is pretty darn close.
nyc....man, I didn't realize MDXs were priced that high. Matter of fact, I didn't know that Pilots hit $40K+ either.
How about the used route? Richard found a cherry that way.
Mako....if I knew you were looking, I'hve got a motor scooter that my son bought and rode for 2 seasons (it's a Honda, I think.....50cc. It's been sitting idle for 6 years in my garage.
Man do we have things in common. I don’t have shingles now but I had them at about this time of the year in 2000.
I’ve heard it said that it comes from nerves but I never thought of myself as a nervous kinda guy unless I sense a skirmish with Mrs. j about to erupt. Mine started the morning after Son #1s wedding. Nothing nervous for me there if nerves had a say in this it should have been him. :confuse:
Fortunately, mine was not all that painful. It started as a pain in the neck, like a stiff neck, on the right side with a small rash on the right side of my stomach extending around to my lower back but it passed within a couple weeks (can’t remember the med that was prescribed). The really odd thing about this is that I still get a sensation in my lower back on the right side to this day every so often but it’s not bad at all. Just a friendly reminder, I guess.
I hope you feel better very soon and don’t forget to let Mrs. Richard pamper you until you return to normal.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Richard, I am hoping for a quick recovery for you. In the meantime just get plenty of rest. I have been fortunate not to have had that particular malady and I hope it stays that way.
By the way, if a vaccine would work, does that mean that once you actually have shingles and recover, you won't have them again?
Richard - I, too, hope that you are able to make a speedy recovery.
My father hasn't been so lucky. He had a case of shingles several years ago and is still dealing with the effects. He has seen many different doctors to address the pain he suffers from. He has tried both traditional and non-traditional methods. Nothing seems to work.
I'm not sure about that going away and not coming back. I do know that shingles is a later even from the chicken pox virus.
When I had it years ago the only visible symptom was what looked like a bad bug bite or poison ivy on the inside of my left elbow. Wouldn't be a big deal but it hurt and more so it knocked me right out like I'd been hit by a truck. It did that for about a week and then let go. I don't remember what the doctor gave me for it but it did go away.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
To all of my Edmunds friends: Thanks for the get well wishes. I appreciate them very much. A week has now passed and I just keep looking forward and taking my meds. The pain could be much worse, so I am grateful for the relief at this moment.
"Mine started the morning after Son #1's wedding."
It's like that for many people---some big event where you've been busy and involved with a certain amount of stress. You may remember that we were dealing with the cousin's estate and under the gun to get things finished so that the house could be torn down. It was a long, hard job and not very pleasant with many people complaining and putting in their two cents.
Another factor involves when you had chickenpox as a child. Those who had it before age 5 are more likely to get shingles after age 50.
The jury is still out on the vaccine issue. It's only been around for about two years now at a cost of about $200---not usually covered by your insurance. According to some, you may not want to take it if your immune system is low. Success rates haven't been measured yet, but one study did say that it was effective in over 50% of the cases.
To answer Houdini's question: Once you have had shingles, you CAN get it again. The virus lays in your system forever just waiting for a chance to return. One of my church members has had it four times in the last 12 years. For others, it never comes back again. I'll probably get the vaccine when this episode passes. I do want to err on the side of safety. One thing is for sure. Should you get a rash on one side of your body, seek medical attention within 72 hours in order to avoid a worse condition. Don't try treating it yourself or just waiting for it to go away. I went to my doctor on the third day. He said that I came just in time to get started on the meds. It's not something that you would wish on your worst enemy.
Michael, I'm so sorry to hear about your father's condition. I just can't imagine having to deal with that pain for several years. Also, it can make you pretty irritable and upset at times. Try to be patient with him during those bad moments. He just can't help it. I don't know if he has gained a lot of weight, but increased appetite is one of the side effects. I'm eating a ridiculous amount of food, and don't need it. My other side effect is insomnia---getting about two hours of sleep per night. I do hope that your father can find a solution before long.
The black on black Pilot sounds beautiful. Our SRX is black and we just love it. The Pilot was on our short list when we purchased the SRX. i really like them. My sister brought her new Pilot by yesterday for me to see. It is a beautiful vehicle. She and her husband have a Pilot history---on their 3rd one. They have been really pleased with them. Like you, the new Explorer was also in our top three choices for consideration. The new design is fantastic. In your case, the Pilot seems the perfect fit for the children, plus the storage and nice features. Hope you get a really good deal on the purchase. We'll all be anxious to hear how it goes. Good luck.
GG, I had the scooter running, but it won't haul my fat azz up the driveway.
I took it to my friend (owner of a speed shop) and asked him if he could give it "more power" (Tim Taylor). He said yes, but don't expect miracles from 46cc.
Now I'm thinking 125cc 4 stroke engine conversion. This is fun building stuff I couldn't afford as a kid.
This is fun building stuff I couldn't afford as a kid.
Couldn't agree with you more, Mako. Now, I'm going to have to see if I can get the scooter running. It's a 4 cycle and IIRC, I drained most of the oil out of it before I put it in hibernation. I put hooks in the garage so my son and I lifted it off the ground. Tires have dry rot. But, I'm hoping I can put good oil in it, new plug, new battery, and off to the races (so to speak). It'll be fun.
NYC---I'll throw another log in your car buying fire.....find a year old Taurus SHO. They've depreciated. They're probably the fastest sedan you can get without an "M" "S" or "AMG" badge on it. They're huge, with AWD. And, they come with all the toys currently available from any manufacturer.
I think I mentioned I looked at them pretty seriously when I was shopping last year. And, my friend has one. They are very well built and reliable as.......well, as a FORD!
Richard, I can do nothing for you but wish you a quick recovery. Hopefully, you will be able to start doing the activities you enjoy very soon. Just remember, this setback is temporary.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
And you thought $4 gas was all you had to worry about.
Not a whole lot different than China dumping their unwanted material on us. Like lead paint used on children's toys, additives to dog food that kill our pets and chemically laden drywall that can kill the occupants of a house and stigmatize the sale of the house for a long time, maybe forever.
At least the Russian's checked for radiation...have we?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Maybe it was at a time that Mrs JMonroe wanted some new furniture.
Nope, this was way before she had those thoughts. :sick:
Again, if nerves had anything to do with shingles Mrs. j would have had them almost as bad as DIL #1s mother. Those two women were checking and double checking and then checking again, everything. You would never have known there was a wedding consultant hired to do that stuff for that wedding. Me, I just sat back and enjoyed it, go figure. :confuse:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Thanks for the advice of a 1 yr ok'd Taurus SHO. The only vehicle I will be purchasing is a 2011 Honda Pilot for my wife. As for me, I'm leaning toward trying to find my Prelude a good home & trying to find a way to keep our TSX.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Yes, I'm on the prednisone, the antiviral, and the pain killer. If a person ever needed to gain weight, they could just ask the doctor to put them on prednisone. I can go through a box of cookies, a bowl of popcorn, and a family size bag of chips in a day! Saturday night, i ate 4 hot dogs with all the trimmings, plus home made fries and baked beans. Three hours later, I ate a quart of cookie dough ice cream with a chopped banana on it. Tonight, I had 6 scrambled eggs, 6 pieces of bacon, a bowl of grits, and five pieces of toast with jam. I could eat some popcorn now. Just call me Mr. Goodyear. E-gads. This has to stop. The pain? It comes and goes in spells.
Just be glad that you had boys. I don't know how brides' fathers survive paying the bills without getting physically sick. When our one niece (like a daughter) got married in '92, my wife insisted on doing the wedding breakfast for 85 people at a resort outside of Tucson. When she presented me with the itemized bill, I nearly went into shock. That was nothing compared to the bills my BIL had to pay. I look back now and laugh. Here was our little family of 7 and the groom's Italian family with at least 50 immediate members. The marriage lasted 5 years---too much advice from the groom's family. :P
I was put on Prednisone for other medical reasons for an extended period of time, about 6 months. I'll just say it was a good thing I needed to gain weight. I ate 5-7 full meals a day for about 5 of those 6 months, in addition to snacking.
Eeeek.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
> box of cookies, a bowl of popcorn, and a family size bag of chips in a day! Saturday night, i ate 4 hot dogs with all the trimmings, plus home made fries and baked beans. Three hours later, I ate a quart of cookie dough ice cream with a chopped banana on it. Tonight, I had 6 scrambled eggs, 6 pieces of bacon, a bowl of grits, and five pieces of toast with jam. I could eat some popcorn now.
Did it keep you awake? I lay down at 6:30 AM and I'm up now at 8:45 AM. The long nights are interesting---TV, computer, and books---then repeat the process.
Yeah the eating and the bloating. I had a lot of experience with that stuff. Thankfully I have not had prednisone now for several years but I do end up with a host of other drugs.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Comments
LOL, I just realized that taut and compliant could also describe my preference for....other things in my life!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Why not get a Corvette? It should be able to smash all records by BMW, Audi and whatever else comes along. And the power is unsurpassed.
The Corvette is a great performance bargain, but I just don't enjoy driving them all that much. The steering is numb and the seats are just not that comfortable. They do post great numbers and a couple of my fellow instructors drive them. Very nice cars, but not my cup of tea. If I was looking for an American track toy it would be a new Boss 302 or a 2007 Shelby GT. Two seat sports car? Cayman S or M Coupe.
Which is one of the reasons I'm partial to BMWs, for my driving tastes they nail the sweet spot in that they combine great handling with a high level of comfort. The only company that has them beat is Alpina- which still uses BMWs as a starting point. The B7 I had for a couple of weeks is the one true luxo-barge I could see owning- if I had the money...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
That model of Lexus seems to be a nicely designed model. Looks kind of stately. I think being right in the middle of the comfortable/firm suspensionand light/firm handling is a good compromise. Maybe I will consider one in about 10 years....and I'll get the Buick 10 years after that.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Most people probably won't know what an Alpina B7 is. I have seen a used one at the BMW dealer while waiting for my car to be serviced.
For those who are curious, an Alpina B7 is a modified BMW 7 Series, and costs about $40,000 more....around $120,000 total. Only 1000 are made in a year, and 400 are made for the U.S.">
Here is some history:
"Alpina is an odd duck. Based in the southern German town of Buchloe, not far from Munich, the company started taking form back in 1961, when a German entrepreneur called Burkard Bovensiepen began to diversify the family typewriter company into an activity he was more passionate about—making high-performance automobile components. By the late 1980s, the company had focused on its current business: modifying BMWs (BMW:GR) to improve their performance and reselling them through BMW dealers
Glowing review at:
Alpina B7 Review-Businessweek
Did I mention 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
To tell you the truth, I had expected a floaty, cushy, soft ride from the SRX---similar to my old Town Car, Cadillac DeVille, LeSabre, etc. It has been a bit of a surprise to me. I feel the bumps in the road, but not unpleasantly so. Steering and handling is firm but not rigid, and cornering is good for a vehicle its size and weight. I get a little feeling of adventure while still enjoying a very comfortalbe experience. I think that this time I truly hit it in the middle. Gas mileage is my only real disappointment---17 mpg on the highway. Still, that is about what the old Explorer got.
As you recall, I paid $25K for the pristine, beautiful '08 SRX on 9/28/10. The banker had ordered it near the end of the '08 season. I researched pricing yesterday. Seven months into ownership, they are still asking $30K to $35k for the same vehicle with comparable mileage and options on a V8. I was very pleased with the deal, but have been even more pleased with the performance and style of this Cadillac. Though I was suspect after my experiences with the DeVille, i have to say that my wife's choice appears to have been a good one. I still glance at the Flex each time that I see one, and i like them very much. On the other hand, I am not disappointed. We are certainly enjoying the nice features and driving experience of the SRX. Must lie down now.
Richard
I can't say that I ever felt disconnected from the road in any car I have driven. I really don't have to feel every, or most, nuances of the road to know what my car is doing and what to do if something does go wrong. I have been in soft riding cars and felt the car doing something wrong the instant it did so and made proper corrections.
IMHO its not the feel of the road but how familar you are with the car.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
The B7 I drove was a 2007. It was the very same car that Car and Driver tested in this article. 0-60 in 4.4 seconds and the quarter mile in 12.8 at 111 mph. 70-0 in just 162 ft. All from a sedan that weighs almost 4700 pounds. I took it to Motorsport Ranch outside Fort Worth to really wind it out:
On the straights it was more than a match for all but the fastest Porsches. I took it easy in the corners as it is considered bad form to turn in a press loaner with bald front tires- especially when the tires cost over $1200 per set... :P
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I agree with you up to a point. For example, I want steering effort that increases or "loads up" as the cornering forces build. If the effort starts to suddenly ease up it lets me know that the front end is close to losing grip. It's not only useful on the track; if I'm driving around a wet corner at night at even a low speed, the steering lets me know if oil is on the road- or if a water puddle is deeper than it looks. And, FWIW, I'm no fan of the steering in the new 5 Series at all. I also like a firm brake pedal with a linear and progressive action. So many cars have a pedal that feels like it was lifted from an arcade game. Many drivers don't care about these factors, but they are important to me.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Young people in North America liked European handling and ride so Cadillac had to go more in that direction in order to interest new younger buyers.
I am glad you are enjoying the enhanced driving experience of a slightly firmir ride and more control of steering. From all the articles I have read Cadillac has done a good job of understanding what the market is demanding.
Glad you got up to check in, I imagine that can't be easy. I feel a little guilty that I didn't mention the vaccine available for shingles earlier. Two people we know have had very bad cases with shingles lately so we inquired about the vaccine, which was just made available in Canada in March. We were on a waiting list of 100 people but finally got our shot about 3 weeks ago. I wish I had mentioned it earlier since we talk about so many other topics. I don't know how many people would have reacted to the information though. For every one else....shingles affects 1 person in 3 over age 60, it is a very painful and quite often you will be out of commission for 2 or 3 months. The vaccine is about 95% effective, and even if you get shingles it will probably make it a lot weaker. Cost is under $200. I highly recommend it, shingles is extremely painful and unpleasant.
Richard, I am feeling your pain.....I hope you fully recover as soon as possible. Try to check in when you can so we know how you are doing.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It is the degree of steering and handling ability we are talking about. You might not lose control of the car in most situations because a car has numb steering or a soft suspension. Have you ever seen a car bouncing along the road because the shocks were worn out? Spongy ride is a step closer to that, less agility to manouvre. The worst steering I experienced was a Civic with electronic assist. It is like holding a steering wheel up in the air in front of you and turning it.....no sense of how much to turn...feels like the steering wheel is not connected to the wheels.
I also hated none power steering in the old Dusters. The steering was very heavy for such a light car. You got no sense of steering control because you were fighting with the steering wheel just to turn the car.
The RAV 4 I rented was also just floaty steering...no connection with the wheels.
You can drive safely because you compensate for these poor characteristics, but why not have some control and handling and know you can drive with more confidence in any situation?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If I didn't say it clearly before, I am not saying handling and steering control are important for every one. I just prefer it. I like driving all kinds of cars, but the more handling ability and steering control just adds to my enjoyment of driving.
Cars that surprised me for their handling ability were a Mitsubishi Outlander, Kia Optima, Fusion....cars that lacked these characteristics were an older Buick, Chrysler 300, Camry, RAV 4, and Civic.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I thought Canada had free healthcare?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I thought Canada had free healthcare?
Some things are not covered. Prescriptions and extras that aren't essential are not covered. For example, cosmetic surgery and PSA tests (even though they prevent more serious problems) are not covered.
The shingles vaccine is not essential, it is a personal choice item. Though the cost might be less if vaccines were given to every one...it would cut down other medical costs. Flu vaccines are free, since this benefits every one and actually will reduce costs if these are given to as many people as possible.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I know you would never mean to insult me nor do I take offense to anything you say. You're a good dude.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
We checked out the Ford Flex, Ford Explorer, & Toyota Highlander.
My wife wasn't crazy about the Flex. Only 2 LATCHes in the 2nd row. 2 in the 3rd row. The child who sits in the 3rd row would have to enter the Flex through the tailgate. Loaded up, the Flex is a lot of money.
She really liked the Explorer. I really dig the look of the new body style. The interior is GORGEOUS. A loaded up Limited is also a lot of money. Only 2 LATCHes in the 2nd row & 1 in the 3rd row.
I liked the Highlander more than i expected, until I saw how tiny the 3rd row seat was. No 3rd row LATCHes, no cargo space with the 3rd row up.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I would love to be able to afford a nice, CPO X5 in a couple of years.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I assume you know that you can get X Plan discount pricing on a Ford product. If you don't know an employee I can get you a PIN.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
for 1 thing, no normal owner will ever come close to hitting it (and remember, when you do, that is when you go shooting off the road!). Most likely, your average driver at .4 probably is having a panic attack, thinking they are about to die!
much more important is how controlled a car is a normal to slightly aggressive cornering speeds. Sticking to the road, precise steering, etc is much more important than ultimate stick (something also highly dependent on tires).
when I drove a new X3 recently (man, I loved that truck/car!), I took an "S" off ramp at a brick pace, and it held nicely. In my Accord, at the same speed, I would probably have been dealing with some understeer/front end plow. I could "feel" the mass of the X3, but never felt less than secure with it.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Exactly.............that's the thing. The X3 won't handle like it's 3 Series sibling just because of the mass and the pull of gravity, but it is pretty darn close.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
How about the used route? Richard found a cherry that way.
Mako....if I knew you were looking, I'hve got a motor scooter that my son bought and rode for 2 seasons (it's a Honda, I think.....50cc. It's been sitting idle for 6 years in my garage.
What about a used 335is for you?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_656739.html
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I'm not crossing the 335i off my list completely, but it's hard to find a CPO car with the options I want in a color I want...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Man do we have things in common. I don’t have shingles now but I had them at about this time of the year in 2000.
I’ve heard it said that it comes from nerves but I never thought of myself as a nervous kinda guy unless I sense a skirmish with Mrs. j about to erupt. Mine started the morning after Son #1s wedding. Nothing nervous for me there if nerves had a say in this it should have been him. :confuse:
Fortunately, mine was not all that painful. It started as a pain in the neck, like a stiff neck, on the right side with a small rash on the right side of my stomach extending around to my lower back but it passed within a couple weeks (can’t remember the med that was prescribed). The really odd thing about this is that I still get a sensation in my lower back on the right side to this day every so often but it’s not bad at all. Just a friendly reminder, I guess.
I hope you feel better very soon and don’t forget to let Mrs. Richard pamper you until you return to normal.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
By the way, if a vaccine would work, does that mean that once you actually have shingles and recover, you won't have them again?
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
My father hasn't been so lucky. He had a case of shingles several years ago and is still dealing with the effects. He has seen many different doctors to address the pain he suffers from. He has tried both traditional and non-traditional methods. Nothing seems to work.
When I had it years ago the only visible symptom was what looked like a bad bug bite or poison ivy on the inside of my left elbow. Wouldn't be a big deal but it hurt and more so it knocked me right out like I'd been hit by a truck. It did that for about a week and then let go. I don't remember what the doctor gave me for it but it did go away.
"Mine started the morning after Son #1's wedding."
It's like that for many people---some big event where you've been busy and involved with a certain amount of stress. You may remember that we were dealing with the cousin's estate and under the gun to get things finished so that the house could be torn down. It was a long, hard job and not very pleasant with many people complaining and putting in their two cents.
Another factor involves when you had chickenpox as a child. Those who had it before age 5 are more likely to get shingles after age 50.
The jury is still out on the vaccine issue. It's only been around for about two years now at a cost of about $200---not usually covered by your insurance. According to some, you may not want to take it if your immune system is low. Success rates haven't been measured yet, but one study did say that it was effective in over 50% of the cases.
To answer Houdini's question: Once you have had shingles, you CAN get it again. The virus lays in your system forever just waiting for a chance to return. One of my church members has had it four times in the last 12 years. For others, it never comes back again. I'll probably get the vaccine when this episode passes. I do want to err on the side of safety. One thing is for sure. Should you get a rash on one side of your body, seek medical attention within 72 hours in order to avoid a worse condition. Don't try treating it yourself or just waiting for it to go away. I went to my doctor on the third day. He said that I came just in time to get started on the meds. It's not something that you would wish on your worst enemy.
Richard
Richard
Richard
GG, I had the scooter running, but it won't haul my fat azz up the driveway.
I took it to my friend (owner of a speed shop) and asked him if he could give it "more power" (Tim Taylor). He said yes, but don't expect miracles from 46cc.
Now I'm thinking 125cc 4 stroke engine conversion. This is fun building stuff I couldn't afford as a kid.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Couldn't agree with you more, Mako. Now, I'm going to have to see if I can get the scooter running. It's a 4 cycle and IIRC, I drained most of the oil out of it before I put it in hibernation. I put hooks in the garage so my son and I lifted it off the ground. Tires have dry rot. But, I'm hoping I can put good oil in it, new plug, new battery, and off to the races (so to speak). It'll be fun.
NYC---I'll throw another log in your car buying fire.....find a year old Taurus SHO. They've depreciated. They're probably the fastest sedan you can get without an "M" "S" or "AMG" badge on it. They're huge, with AWD. And, they come with all the toys currently available from any manufacturer.
I think I mentioned I looked at them pretty seriously when I was shopping last year. And, my friend has one. They are very well built and reliable as.......well, as a FORD!
Maybe it was at a time that Mrs JMonroe wanted some new furniture.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Hopefully, you will be able to start doing the activities you enjoy very soon.
Just remember, this setback is temporary.
Not a whole lot different than China dumping their unwanted material on us. Like lead paint used on children's toys, additives to dog food that kill our pets and chemically laden drywall that can kill the occupants of a house and stigmatize the sale of the house for a long time, maybe forever.
At least the Russian's checked for radiation...have we?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Just a guess but I think that was the stress in your life, and possibly low immunity from dealing with the estate didn't help.
The doctor who gave us the vaccine said we might need a booster in 5 years....we have to find out what they find out over time.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Nope, this was way before she had those thoughts. :sick:
Again, if nerves had anything to do with shingles Mrs. j would have had them almost as bad as DIL #1s mother. Those two women were checking and double checking and then checking again, everything. You would never have known there was a wedding consultant hired to do that stuff for that wedding. Me, I just sat back and enjoyed it, go figure. :confuse:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Richard
Richard
Eeeek.
You should have got a pro-rated refund.
What's with all the eating? You may have to trade in the SRX for a Hummer.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Oh my goodness. That's a lot of food.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Richard
More like a dump truck!
Richard