I guess that's what I liked so much about the Abarth- it's loud, a bit hyper, and a really visceral driving experience. Once again, it's a car- not a video game.
I have never driven a Mini Cooper, but with its wide stance and stability, I would think a 6 or 7 sped stick would be lots of fun to drive. It's made by BMW so I would think the build them fairly well.
My favorite 2 cars when I was younger were my 1967 Corvette Stingray fastback coupe with 435 hp and my 1974 Triumph TR-6. Both were blue (Vette medium blue and TR-6 was a royal blue). But boy did that British Leland Triumph leak oil.
I'd want my 71 Chevy Impala Custom Coupe[rotisserie restoration] Beige with brown vinyl roof and brown vinyl interior. Best car ever. Of course, I was 25 and being my first car with A/C, I was "King of the World". No car I've owned ever handled as well, drove as smooth or looked as good. Brought my son home from the hospital and drove it all over the country.
"I once saw the remains of an X/19 hanging from the sling of a tow truck. At first I thought it was a motorcycle.
A young girl was killed instantly. There was nothing really left of the Fiat."
Gee isell, you're scaring me. I always worry with my MR2 because it's so small and sits low thus making it less visible than I would like. To make matters worse, the engine is behind so a front end collision is a definite no-no. I mostly drive it locally and only get onto one road that's 65 mph. At least it has an airbag, which is more than I can say for the Fiat.
Maybe I'm tempting fate given that my one and only crash was on the interstate and I'm still paying for that one three years later with chronic neck issues.
Then again, I'm more likely to get swept away by a twister in my area given the paucity of traffic. Three days in a row of unstable weather. Sheesh!
Sometimes the experience owning a car transcends the car itself. Our '02 Explorer has been through everything. Both my kids, who drove it in high school, have said they would be happy to drive it instead of their current rides, hand me down Escape Limited's. I like it more than they do, so I'm keeping it. For the last 35+ years, I've split my driving between more than 1 vehicle. My dream car, assuming I don't have to drive it all the time, is a school bus yellow Boss Mustang.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
My dream car, assuming I don't have to drive it all the time, is a school bus yellow Boss Mustang.
Does it have to be "school bus" yellow? I swore when I retired from being a "public school" principal that I would not own anything that had the color of "school buses"! I used to have 12-14 school buses arrive and depart my school mornings and afternoons and another 2 arrive and depart between 12:00 and 1:00 PM for my kindergarteners.
Between bus accidents, discipline problems, late arrivals and departures, to name a few, I still have nightmares every time I see anything in "school bus yellow"!
But, a Boss Mustang in bright orange appeals to me!!!
Well, it's been a bit and I haven't caught up on things but news of late.....
The neurologist has officially put the toxoplasmosis episode - the one that almost killed - behind. Says I'm fine on that front and I don't need to see him again.
Meanwhile when they took me off the meds for that my platelets, which had been lousy, moved way up. Now they are in normal range. I'm a good t cell count and vaccinations for everything under the sun from being back to what passes for normal for me.
Also since I have a new immune system my autoimmune problems are gone! Lost some allergies, too. I'm the healthiest I've been in at least 20 years. It's like starting over again at 62.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Also since I have a new immune system my autoimmune problems are gone! Lost some allergies, too. I'm the healthiest I've been in at least 20 years. It's like starting over again at 62.
That's terrific, fezo. In retrospect, you may have unintentionally bumped into the fountain of youth! Tough way to find the fountain of youth, that's for sure. I have a few allergies and physiological ailments I wouldn't mind getting rid of, but not what you had to go through.
Then again, I'm more likely to get swept away by a twister in my area given the paucity of traffic. Three days in a row of unstable weather. Sheesh!
I've been watching FNC with Shepherd Smith who is reporting on the many, many tornadoes hitting OKC and its suburbs. It's just so unbelievable how bad that section of Oklahoma has been hit with tornadoes in the past two + weeks.
The live coverage from both the OKC helicopters and the storm chasers is more than surreal. I have lived through several tornadoes on the Chicago suburbs, but they were nothing compared to these.
My prayers are with the folks in the OKC area. You too gogiboy
Lacrosse vs 535 - they're quite comparable in terms of comfort, performance and handling attributes, even though the BMW costs roughly 50 percent more than the Buick.
Maybe financially what you get is a bargain for 50% less (the report is written from a financial standpoint, CNN). The Lacrosse is a great value package considering what you get for the price.........I am willing to pay the extra because I just know, the 535 will suit me better and I'll like and enjoy it more. There are subtle things the article doesn't mention, interior and exterior design, handling, engineering, ergonomics.........not necessarily better - just I know it will suit me better.
It is worth thinking about though if you can substitute a Lacrosse for a BMW.
My Dad bought a '74 Datsun 260Z. Being a family man, it was a 2+2. And, automatic. Lucky me, he kept it long enough for me to turn 16 and get to drive it. Sat so low, I could feel the road beneath my butt! Cool, cool car, a link for me between his friend's red XKE convertible and my current XK coupe. All long of hood, short of deck, fun to drive, lovely to behold and just, well, cool.
I have so enjoyed every car I've owned. Not a clunker in the bunch (including the first model year Chrysler!). A place in my heart, a tear in my eye each time I sold or traded one.
Anxiously awaiting the F-Type coupe, the return of Alfa Romeo and my brother (well, his wife) possibly buying a Tesla!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
My wife, born and raised on domestics, when it was time for new wheels (after 10 years with the RX300 and a promotion at work) would not even consider a domestic brand. She stated it was time for her to have a German car, I simply had to tell her the correct mid-size four door for Audi, BMW and MB. She wouldn't consider a CTS or Jag, it had to be German. She chose the 535xi over the E and A6/7. She felt the Bimmer to be the most "fun." And she wanted a propeller, star or rings on the grille (and what woman doesn't want rings!).
Partly my fault, she thought the build quality of her last couple of ('80s) Chevys was typical of all cars. Until she saw my Mitsubishi and Acura. And then the Nissan, Saab and Lexus we bought her during our marriage. She was amazed that sunroofs didn't leak and windows sealed properly in their frames!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
well, one thing to also keep in mind is resale. Sure, the BMW cost more up front, but if the depreciation ($ wise) is the same, when you go to trade/sell you might not really have a difference in real costs (outside of maybe some interest costs)
"...my Yankees..." Dark side of the force, young Skywalker. Meet the Mets, meet the Mets! Step right up and beat the Mets... Wait, that's not how the song went... Darn Red Sox Nation brainwashing. Sweet Caroline, bop, bop, bop. So many good times at Shea. The stadium, not Hillenbrand...
First round to you tonight, Vader!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I have been following your comments closely - my dad has his bone marrow transplant later tonight - and I am hoping all goes well.
He has suffered from Myelofribrosis for the last 10 years or so, but it was held in check by the drug thalidomide (that god he was not planning on having a baby!!) but it finally go to the point where the transplant needed to occur.
He just turned 65 - will keep you posted on how it goes.
Partly my fault, she thought the build quality of her last couple of ('80s) Chevys was typical of all cars.
That's where a lot of us lost our interest in American cars. The Big D3 were riding high and they didn't care about their customers. Many of us bought cars that were inferior.
Then the Japanese showed you can make cars that are pretty reliable and that run nicely. And the Europeans stepped up their game and made cars that were engineered well.
I am glad to see the D3 surviving and doing well....GM stock advancing nicely, there is still hope, but the foreign competition really raised the bar.
fezo....outstanding news. So glad to hear you're doing well.
Murphydog....well wishes for your Father's quick and complete recovery.
isell...those Fiats weren't the safest cars around. Then again, I'm not so sure any car was particularly safe when those Fiats roamed the roads....maybe big iron domestics....maybe.
I almost forgot my most famous car...the Datsun 280Z. Some who have been around for a while probably remember the story of me buying it from my former girlfriend, who became a Datsun sales person.
The 280Z became bloated bling machines. They looked cool (at least for the time). But, they had little in the way of "sports" for a sports car. Mine even had "T-Tops".
If you spec out a 2014 Chevy Impala, nicely equipped, you are at about the same price. Imagine, a $40,000+ Chevy Impala w/ NAV, premium audio, 19" alloy wheels, and a premium package and premium seating package.
I'd opt for the new Impala or an equivalent Buick LaCross. My only beef with most of these cars is front wheel drive. Just don't like the torque movement in the steering wheel.
But, the US built cars are as well put together as just about any import in the $20,000 to $45,000 price range.
Just don't understand why GM/Ford/Chrysler don't build rear wheel drive vehicles but rely more on the transverse engine/transmission. With the advent of AWD for those consumers in need of better stability on snow /ice/slush, the rationale for FWD is somewhat disconcerting.
Anyone know why manufacturers (domestic and imported) rely so heavily on FWD?
Wow. Not more than a couple of years ago they'd give up at 65. The cutoff was 60. Thank goodness for both of us.it's advanced.
Your dad has a long road ahead of him - a year or more recovery seems a lot longer toward the end than it does at the beginning and in my case I thought for a while that if I had it to do over again I wouldn't. I was wrong on that one!
Keep him as positively oriented as you can. If he's got something that really grabs him make sure he has it. I had two guitars in my room - eventually three. I had a catheter in me with six bags feeling into it and played like that. Probably saved my life.
bwia - Robin Roberts had her transplant after mine! She was the talk of Hope Lodge NYC. Her attitude is amazing.
Never thought I'd miss fast food.... Funny thing was while I'm still not supposed to have fast food (I've cheated a time or two recently) they allowed me all this really awful stuff like Twinkies and Devil Dogs. It became a running joke and people would bring me them!
Other good news is that I'm beginning to look more like myself. The hair which had been wispy chemo-hair is coming back in nicely. I walk a beach, boardwalk or trails in the county parks more days than not. Around 2 miles each time. Getting thinner while not losing weight. Really getting there.
Ya know, with the depreciation on a LaCrosse a two year old example of that $40K car would be a heck of a deal.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I'd opt for the new Impala or an equivalent Buick LaCross. My only beef with most of these cars is front wheel drive. Just don't like the torque movement in the steering wheel.
Funny you should say that because in the July issue of Motor Trend (p.48) they picked the Kia as the winner in a five car comparo. The final standings and as tested prices were:
1st Kia Cadenza, $41,900 2nd Chevy Impala, $39,505 3rd Toyota Avalon, $42,719 4th Chrysler 300S, $40,625 5th Ford Taurus, $33,490 (without NAV)
This is how they summarized the Kia. "A huge value proposition, solid fuel efficiency, near-luxury ride, and pretty sheet metal make the Kia our near unanimous choice for first place."
Anyone know why manufacturers (domestic and imported) rely so heavily on FWD?
Good question, but we can only guess. In the case of GM and the Impala for example, it is easier to make a car with more room and that will go in the snow. The lack of steering pleasure won't be missed by most North Americans. The same with Asian cars....btw...FWD cars generally get slightly better mileage.
Europeans aren't so easily satisfied. They want to be connected to the road. They don't like torque steer. GM got a bit locked in since they started making X-Cars. Just continued in that pattern because they think that is what most North Americans want......more room, not needing snow tires.
This is how they summarized the Kia. "A huge value proposition, solid fuel efficiency, near-luxury ride, and pretty sheet metal make the Kia our near unanimous choice for first place.
From that list I would probably take the Kia too. Starting price nicely loaded is $35K....$42K is completely loaded. The Kia looks like a BMW or MB and it has all the equipment on it too. The reviews are pretty positive and that Motor Trend article is compelling....I would agree with their remarks about styling too.
Funny you should say that because in the July issue of Motor Trend (p.48) they picked the Kia as the winner in a five car comparo. The final standings and as tested prices were:
Just finished reading Motor Trend's comparison article, and have to agree that it was impressive. Also read a New York Daily News article on the Kia. That, too, was impressive.
Since I have already driven the new Impala but have not had an opportunity to do the same with the Kia, I should reserve any preferences until I do so.
Thanks for sharing the info so I could better understand the outstanding reviews of that new entry from Kia. Definitely worth a good look.
Mike, many manufacturers have done very well eliminating torque steer from FWD cars. My LaCrosse with GM's "Hi-Per" struts puts the 300 HP to the ground with no noticeable TS. Toyota does a decent job too. My Avalon tracked nicely at full throttle.
. My LaCrosse with GM's "Hi-Per" struts puts the 300 HP to the ground with no noticeable TS.
TJC, I checked out quite a few reviews for the 2012 Lacrosse and the reviews are generally very good. The main negative comments were these;
*There isn't a trunk release button inside the car.
*Outward vision is poor in the back because of thick pillars and small windows and forward vision is difficult because of thick C-pillars.
* Small trunk, though very large back seat.
* Pick up, especially 1st gear is slow.
* A few people complained about a lack of a spare tire.
The official reviewers gave the Buick Lacrosse great write-ups, it seems the consumers have these smaller gripes.
Here is one from Edmunds;
I bought the new Buick LaCrosse Prem. 1 last November and have tried for a year to get used to the poor visability, the front end scaping on driveway everytime I left or came home, raking the the paint off the nose of the car every time I parked in a space with one of those parking "stops" and knowing that if i have a flat tire somewhere unsafe, I have no spare. I researched this car for six months before I made the purchase but there was no way to know about the blind spots and how low this car was to the ground. It was beautiful but I traded for something with better visability, higher off the ground and a spare tire! Will not miss it!
I have a spare tire, and its not slow in first gear at all. Those reviews must be for the E-Assist model.
The visibility isn't great, but once you are used to it, it becomes a non issue. Backup cam and parking sensors naturally help. Neither my wife or I ever scrape the bottom on anything.
I've read about the trunk release gripes before. I don't see the issue. There is a button to open the trunk above the license plate. The trunk is small, but we have the Marquis if I have to haul a few dead bodies.
I bought the new Buick LaCrosse....It was beautiful but I traded for something with better visability, higher off the ground and a spare tire! Will not miss it!
Unfortunately, modern design and uncompromising safety outweigh the less than optimal visibility characteristics of the LaCrosse. At first I had some initial issues with visibility but it was more perception than real. With a backup camera and blind slide monitoring that concern is now a non-issue.
With a backup camera and blind slide monitoring that concern is now a non-issue.
I do not have issues with a lack of visibility in my car, however even with my back-up camera and my blind-spot monitoring and lane departure systems, as I get older, my vision and decreasing physical flexibility make these systems more and more critical and essential.
IMHO, all vehicles sold in the United States should have back-up cameras, lane departure monitors, blind spot monitors and front and rear parking sensors. I realize this would add about $2000 to the price of a car, but with our aging population and people driving cars into their mid to late 80's, not to mention the younger drivers who think they are invincible, these systems have proven their effectiveness in reducing risk.
As for the lack of an interior trunk release button in the LaCross, that feature is non-essential since the key fob has a trunk release button.
Finally, I have driven the LaCross and did not find it had poor visibility. However, I still feel the systems I mentioned above are worthwhile investments to increase safety margins.
There is a button to open the trunk above the license plate.
Tjc and Bwia, trunk release button is a pretty small gripe. But, for example, we get groceries on Sunday morning, I back into garage, turn engine off (before carbon monoxide builds up), release trunk using the button which is conveniently below the instrument panel on the left side.
My wife can get some bags of groceries and I can hopefully get the rest. Since the car is keyless i don't have to reach in pocket to get keys or walk around to push button on the trunk.
The trunk opens if you put your foot under the bumper while you have the key on you. Occassionally Gigi runs around the car just under the bumper when I am standing there, and the trunk opens....nothing is perfect :sick:
He had what is called a mini-transplant, they prefer that for older patients. Only a few days of Chemo and one day of radiation - he won't lose his hair.
My impression of the "mini" is they don't quite kill off all the marrow, but they bring it pretty low, then give you the new stem cells - takes a bit longer for the new ones to colonize the marrow, but it is easier on the patient.
Remarkably enough with a mini - they let the patient recover at home! - though he will be making regular trips to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance - likely 4 times a week, good thing they live close.
He tells us now that yesterday (they day he got the stem cells) is now his new birthday, though he would prefer that we celebrate both.
IMHO, all vehicles sold in the United States should have back-up cameras, lane departure monitors, blind spot monitors and front and rear parking sensors.
I agree completely. And I would add to that list improved night vision headlights. According to this website (see link below)
...."The amount of light we need to drive roughly doubles every 13 years. To put this into perspective, a 60 year old requires 10 times as much light as an 18 year old to drive, and will take twice as long to adjust to changes in light and darkness.
As we age, the lenses of our eyes thicken, our pupils shrink, and we experience a loss of muscle elasticity in the eye area. All of this contributes to an increased sensitivity to light and glare. Sunlight or headlights from an oncoming vehicle may impede an older driver’s view. Just as we take longer to focus, a 55-year-old driver takes eight times as long to recover from glare than a 17-year-old driver."
That is why I find it so interesting that our friend *Driver100 is not affected by driving from Toronto to Tampa and back. Tell us Driver, do you have superhuman vision or is your car equipped with exceptional road lighting technology?
Tell us Driver, do you have superhuman vision or is your car equipped with exceptional road lighting technology?
The short answer is, I wasn't aware eyesight faded that rapidly, but we don't drive at night much of the way.
The drive takes about 23 hours of actual on the road time. We start at 4 or 5 in the morning, it may be dark but highway is pretty clear, and we drive until about 7 pm. We are in dusk for about an hour, but I just try to be extra careful at that time.
Those are amazing statistics though. The thing is we don't know how much our eyesight is fading, you don't really know. And, I don't think they measure that when you go for an eye examination.
btw.....if weather and traffic cooperate we can go the 1500 miles to Florida or back, in two days and one night. If we have to stop an extra night it isn't a big concern, so that helps too.
Except that the nine out of the top ten cars sold in Europe are all FWD.....
I should have qualified my statement......excluding economy cars, which are so prominant in Europe. There is no doubt, when we are talking about economical transportation, FWD cars are the best design.
Some reasons are;
*Car weighs less, no drive train...which leads to better mileage.
*More interior room, no floor hump.
*Lower cost of assembly, all drive train components are together at one end.
*Better traction in ice and snow because drive wheels are under the heavier engine. Easier to steer out of a skid.
Not every one in Europe cares about handling and being in tune with the road.....in fact most people who live in Europe just want dependable and thrifty transportation...which would explain the popularity of FWD. Also it would be a total waste of money for most people to purchase Rear drive cars because they appreciate the driving characteristics.
I admit technically I was wrong with what I said. But, Europeans who can afford a rear wheel drive car and who appreciate a cars handling characteristics, will probably choose a RWD car. Not too many will be spending big bucks for a FWD model.
The drive takes about 23 hours of actual on the road time. We start at 4 or 5 in the morning...
The last time I drove across country was in 1999. I left Los Angeles at 10:00 PM and my first stop was about 90 miles west of Denver at 1:00 PM. I slept at the motel until 10:00 PM and my next stop was in Joliet, Illinois at 3:00 PM. I slept at the motel until 10:00 PM and drove straight through to my destination which was Hazelton, Pennsylvania.
I found it much easier to drive at night when there were no trucks on the road (they were all stopped at rest stops for the night) and other vehicular traffic was extremely scarce. The only times I stopped were for gasoline and food.
At this point in my life, I doubt I would repeat a trip like that. 2-1/2 days to travel almost coast to coast is not longer possible at my age. I would still drive more at night than during the day due to very, very light traffic and no trucks, however I would not drive more than 8 hours per day.
As for decreasing vision, the LED headlights on this car light up the road to a much greater extent than my Xenon HID's did.
I found it much easier to drive at night when there were no trucks on the road . . .
That is an astounding statement. Having driven a class 8 truck back and forth across I80 a fair number of times, the truck traffic east of Gary at night outnumbered cars by a significant margin. That was 20 years before your journey, but I still see a lot of trucks running the interstates at night, particularly in the East.
Tom, considering it is quite common to see a car on 295 with Fla plates, doing about 50 in the middle lane, driven by someone that looks like they went to school with Abe Lincoln, 70 seems like no problem!
I'm pleased you found my statement "astounding"! I drove I-10, I-15, and I-70 as well as I-80 late at night and early mornings (12:00 AM -6:00 AM) and I can unequivocally reiterate that truck traffic was at a minimum! That is why I drove at the times I did.
As for your experiences on I-80 east of Gary, I do not intend to challenge you as you have chosen to challenge my statement. I drove 2300 miles in under 3 days with most of my driving taking place from just after evening rush hours to early afternoons. These were my experiences - not your experiences.
Comments
I have never driven a Mini Cooper, but with its wide stance and stability, I would think a 6 or 7 sped stick would be lots of fun to drive. It's made by BMW so I would think the build them fairly well.
My favorite 2 cars when I was younger were my 1967 Corvette Stingray fastback coupe with 435 hp and my 1974 Triumph TR-6. Both were blue (Vette medium blue and TR-6 was a royal blue). But boy did that British Leland Triumph leak oil.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
A young girl was killed instantly. There was nothing really left of the Fiat.
Every time I see one I remember that.
A young girl was killed instantly. There was nothing really left of the Fiat."
Gee isell, you're scaring me. I always worry with my MR2 because it's so small and sits low thus making it less visible than I would like. To make matters worse, the engine is behind so a front end collision is a definite no-no. I mostly drive it locally and only get onto one road that's 65 mph. At least it has an airbag, which is more than I can say for the Fiat.
Maybe I'm tempting fate given that my one and only crash was on the interstate and I'm still paying for that one three years later with chronic neck issues.
Then again, I'm more likely to get swept away by a twister in my area given the paucity of traffic. Three days in a row of unstable weather. Sheesh!
Gogiboy
Our '02 Explorer has been through everything.
Both my kids, who drove it in high school, have said they would be happy to drive it instead of their current rides, hand me down Escape Limited's.
I like it more than they do, so I'm keeping it.
For the last 35+ years, I've split my driving between more than 1 vehicle.
My dream car, assuming I don't have to drive it all the time, is a school bus yellow Boss Mustang.
Does it have to be "school bus" yellow? I swore when I retired from being a "public school" principal that I would not own anything that had the color of "school buses"! I used to have 12-14 school buses arrive and depart my school mornings and afternoons and another 2 arrive and depart between 12:00 and 1:00 PM for my kindergarteners.
Between bus accidents, discipline problems, late arrivals and departures, to name a few, I still have nightmares every time I see anything in "school bus yellow"!
But, a Boss Mustang in bright orange appeals to me!!!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I'm glad you keep posting, gogi. I was just watching CNN
and saw where Broken Arrow had damage and a tornado
with softball sized hail (holy crap) is heading for Moore! Oh My.
Be safe fellow poster.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
School Bus Yellow
I really like the 'Hockey Stick' stripe.
The neurologist has officially put the toxoplasmosis episode - the one that almost killed - behind. Says I'm fine on that front and I don't need to see him again.
Meanwhile when they took me off the meds for that my platelets, which had been lousy, moved way up. Now they are in normal range. I'm a good t cell count and vaccinations for everything under the sun from being back to what passes for normal for me.
Also since I have a new immune system my autoimmune problems are gone! Lost some allergies, too. I'm the healthiest I've been in at least 20 years. It's like starting over again at 62.
That's terrific, fezo. In retrospect, you may have unintentionally bumped into the fountain of youth! Tough way to find the fountain of youth, that's for sure. I have a few allergies and physiological ailments I wouldn't mind getting rid of, but not what you had to go through.
Keep up with the great recovery!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I had a brighter orange in mind - but I have to admit, the yellow with black accents is sharp looking, to be sure!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I've been watching FNC with Shepherd Smith who is reporting on the many, many tornadoes hitting OKC and its suburbs. It's just so unbelievable how bad that section of Oklahoma has been hit with tornadoes in the past two + weeks.
The live coverage from both the OKC helicopters and the storm chasers is more than surreal. I have lived through several tornadoes on the Chicago suburbs, but they were nothing compared to these.
My prayers are with the folks in the OKC area. You too gogiboy
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Maybe financially what you get is a bargain for 50% less (the report is written from a financial standpoint, CNN). The Lacrosse is a great value package considering what you get for the price.........I am willing to pay the extra because I just know, the 535 will suit me better and I'll like and enjoy it more. There are subtle things the article doesn't mention, interior and exterior design, handling, engineering, ergonomics.........not necessarily better - just I know it will suit me better.
It is worth thinking about though if you can substitute a Lacrosse for a BMW.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I have so enjoyed every car I've owned. Not a clunker in the bunch (including the first model year Chrysler!). A place in my heart, a tear in my eye each time I sold or traded one.
Anxiously awaiting the F-Type coupe, the return of Alfa Romeo and my brother (well, his wife) possibly buying a Tesla!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Partly my fault, she thought the build quality of her last couple of ('80s) Chevys was typical of all cars. Until she saw my Mitsubishi and Acura. And then the Nissan, Saab and Lexus we bought her during our marriage. She was amazed that sunroofs didn't leak and windows sealed properly in their frames!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
First round to you tonight, Vader!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I have been following your comments closely - my dad has his bone marrow transplant later tonight - and I am hoping all goes well.
He has suffered from Myelofribrosis for the last 10 years or so, but it was held in check by the drug thalidomide (that god he was not planning on having a baby!!) but it finally go to the point where the transplant needed to occur.
He just turned 65 - will keep you posted on how it goes.
That's where a lot of us lost our interest in American cars. The Big D3 were riding high and they didn't care about their customers. Many of us bought cars that were inferior.
Then the Japanese showed you can make cars that are pretty reliable and that run nicely. And the Europeans stepped up their game and made cars that were engineered well.
I am glad to see the D3 surviving and doing well....GM stock advancing nicely, there is still hope, but the foreign competition really raised the bar.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Murphydog....well wishes for your Father's quick and complete recovery.
isell...those Fiats weren't the safest cars around. Then again, I'm not so sure any car was particularly safe when those Fiats roamed the roads....maybe big iron domestics....maybe.
I almost forgot my most famous car...the Datsun 280Z. Some who have been around for a while probably remember the story of me buying it from my former girlfriend, who became a Datsun sales person.
The 280Z became bloated bling machines. They looked cool (at least for the time). But, they had little in the way of "sports" for a sports car. Mine even had "T-Tops".
Ditto! And for inspiration, look at how well Robin Roberts is doing.
Full review Edmunds; 2014 Kia Cadenza
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
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I'll pass.
I'll pass.
If you spec out a 2014 Chevy Impala, nicely equipped, you are at about the same price. Imagine, a $40,000+ Chevy Impala w/ NAV, premium audio, 19" alloy wheels, and a premium package and premium seating package.
I'd opt for the new Impala or an equivalent Buick LaCross. My only beef with most of these cars is front wheel drive. Just don't like the torque movement in the steering wheel.
But, the US built cars are as well put together as just about any import in the $20,000 to $45,000 price range.
Just don't understand why GM/Ford/Chrysler don't build rear wheel drive vehicles but rely more on the transverse engine/transmission. With the advent of AWD for those consumers in need of better stability on snow /ice/slush, the rationale for FWD is somewhat disconcerting.
Anyone know why manufacturers (domestic and imported) rely so heavily on FWD?
*driver, isel, nyc, gg, etc. - any opinions?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Your dad has a long road ahead of him - a year or more recovery seems a lot longer toward the end than it does at the beginning and in my case I thought for a while that if I had it to do over again I wouldn't. I was wrong on that one!
Keep him as positively oriented as you can. If he's got something that really grabs him make sure he has it. I had two guitars in my room - eventually three. I had a catheter in me with six bags feeling into it and played like that. Probably saved my life.
bwia - Robin Roberts had her transplant after mine! She was the talk of Hope Lodge NYC. Her attitude is amazing.
Never thought I'd miss fast food.... Funny thing was while I'm still not supposed to have fast food (I've cheated a time or two recently) they allowed me all this really awful stuff like Twinkies and Devil Dogs. It became a running joke and people would bring me them!
Other good news is that I'm beginning to look more like myself. The hair which had been wispy chemo-hair is coming back in nicely. I walk a beach, boardwalk or trails in the county parks more days than not. Around 2 miles each time. Getting thinner while not losing weight. Really getting there.
Ya know, with the depreciation on a LaCrosse a two year old example of that $40K car would be a heck of a deal.
Funny you should say that because in the July issue of Motor Trend (p.48) they picked the Kia as the winner in a five car comparo. The final standings and as tested prices were:
1st Kia Cadenza, $41,900
2nd Chevy Impala, $39,505
3rd Toyota Avalon, $42,719
4th Chrysler 300S, $40,625
5th Ford Taurus, $33,490 (without NAV)
This is how they summarized the Kia. "A huge value proposition, solid fuel efficiency, near-luxury ride, and pretty sheet metal make the Kia our near unanimous choice for first place."
Good question, but we can only guess. In the case of GM and the Impala for example, it is easier to make a car with more room and that will go in the snow. The lack of steering pleasure won't be missed by most North Americans. The same with Asian cars....btw...FWD cars generally get slightly better mileage.
Europeans aren't so easily satisfied. They want to be connected to the road. They don't like torque steer. GM got a bit locked in since they started making X-Cars. Just continued in that pattern because they think that is what most North Americans want......more room, not needing snow tires.
Just a guess, but only GM knows for sure.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
From that list I would probably take the Kia too. Starting price nicely loaded is $35K....$42K is completely loaded. The Kia looks like a BMW or MB and it has all the equipment on it too. The reviews are pretty positive and that Motor Trend article is compelling....I would agree with their remarks about styling too.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Just finished reading Motor Trend's comparison article, and have to agree that it was impressive. Also read a New York Daily News article on the Kia. That, too, was impressive.
Since I have already driven the new Impala but have not had an opportunity to do the same with the Kia, I should reserve any preferences until I do so.
Thanks for sharing the info so I could better understand the outstanding reviews of that new entry from Kia. Definitely worth a good look.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Mike, many manufacturers have done very well eliminating torque steer from FWD cars. My LaCrosse with GM's "Hi-Per" struts puts the 300 HP to the ground with no noticeable TS. Toyota does a decent job too. My Avalon tracked nicely at full throttle.
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TJC, I checked out quite a few reviews for the 2012 Lacrosse and the reviews are generally very good. The main negative comments were these;
*There isn't a trunk release button inside the car.
*Outward vision is poor in the back because of thick pillars and small windows and forward vision is difficult because of thick C-pillars.
* Small trunk, though very large back seat.
* Pick up, especially 1st gear is slow.
* A few people complained about a lack of a spare tire.
The official reviewers gave the Buick Lacrosse great write-ups, it seems the consumers have these smaller gripes.
Here is one from Edmunds;
I bought the new Buick LaCrosse Prem. 1 last November and have tried for a year to get used to the poor visability, the front end scaping on driveway everytime I left or came home, raking the the paint off the nose of the car every time I parked in a space with one of those parking "stops" and knowing that if i have a flat tire somewhere unsafe, I have no spare. I researched this car for six months before I made the purchase but there was no way to know about the blind spots and how low this car was to the ground. It was beautiful but I traded for something with better visability, higher off the ground and a spare tire! Will not miss it!
Edmunds Buick Lacrosse
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The visibility isn't great, but once you are used to it, it becomes a non issue. Backup cam and parking sensors naturally help. Neither my wife or I ever scrape the bottom on anything.
I've read about the trunk release gripes before. I don't see the issue. There is a button to open the trunk above the license plate. The trunk is small, but we have the Marquis if I have to haul a few dead bodies.
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Unfortunately, modern design and uncompromising safety outweigh the less than optimal visibility characteristics of the LaCrosse. At first I had some initial issues with visibility but it was more perception than real. With a backup camera and blind slide monitoring that concern is now a non-issue.
I do not have issues with a lack of visibility in my car, however even with my back-up camera and my blind-spot monitoring and lane departure systems, as I get older, my vision and decreasing physical flexibility make these systems more and more critical and essential.
IMHO, all vehicles sold in the United States should have back-up cameras, lane departure monitors, blind spot monitors and front and rear parking sensors. I realize this would add about $2000 to the price of a car, but with our aging population and people driving cars into their mid to late 80's, not to mention the younger drivers who think they are invincible, these systems have proven their effectiveness in reducing risk.
As for the lack of an interior trunk release button in the LaCross, that feature is non-essential since the key fob has a trunk release button.
Finally, I have driven the LaCross and did not find it had poor visibility. However, I still feel the systems I mentioned above are worthwhile investments to increase safety margins.
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Tjc and Bwia, trunk release button is a pretty small gripe. But, for example, we get groceries on Sunday morning, I back into garage, turn engine off (before carbon monoxide builds up), release trunk using the button which is conveniently below the instrument panel on the left side.
My wife can get some bags of groceries and I can hopefully get the rest. Since the car is keyless i don't have to reach in pocket to get keys or walk around to push button on the trunk.
The trunk opens if you put your foot under the bumper while you have the key on you. Occassionally Gigi runs around the car just under the bumper when I am standing there, and the trunk opens....nothing is perfect :sick:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
He had what is called a mini-transplant, they prefer that for older patients. Only a few days of Chemo and one day of radiation - he won't lose his hair.
My impression of the "mini" is they don't quite kill off all the marrow, but they bring it pretty low, then give you the new stem cells - takes a bit longer for the new ones to colonize the marrow, but it is easier on the patient.
Remarkably enough with a mini - they let the patient recover at home! - though he will be making regular trips to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance - likely 4 times a week, good thing they live close.
He tells us now that yesterday (they day he got the stem cells) is now his new birthday, though he would prefer that we celebrate both.
So far so good, but many month to go.
I agree completely. And I would add to that list improved night vision headlights. According to this website (see link below)
...."The amount of light we need to drive roughly doubles every 13 years. To put this into perspective, a 60 year old requires 10 times as much light as an 18 year old to drive, and will take twice as long to adjust to changes in light and darkness.
As we age, the lenses of our eyes thicken, our pupils shrink, and we experience a loss of muscle elasticity in the eye area. All of this contributes to an increased sensitivity to light and glare. Sunlight or headlights from an oncoming vehicle may impede an older driver’s view. Just as we take longer to focus, a 55-year-old driver takes eight times as long to recover from glare than a 17-year-old driver."
That is why I find it so interesting that our friend *Driver100 is not affected by driving from Toronto to Tampa and back. Tell us Driver, do you have superhuman vision or is your car equipped with exceptional road lighting technology?
http://drivinglessonsmedway.blogspot.com/2010/02/driving-and-eyesight-deteriorat- - ion-what.html
My Grandfather drove from Jersey to Florida into his 70s. I'm sure not deep into the night or at warp speed, but he did it.
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Except that the nine out of the top ten cars sold in Europe are all FWD.....
The first non-FWD in the list is - gasp - a crossover at #8.
Europe Full Year 2012 – models:
Pos Model 2012 /11 2011 Pos
1 VW Golf 431,742 -11% 485,824 1
2 Ford Fiesta 306,405 -13% 350,850 3
3 VW Polo 287,828 -20% 358,726 2
4 Opel Corsa 265,297 -16% 316,254 4
5 Renault Clio 244,280 -17% 295,627 5
6 Ford Focus 241,862 -15% 283,702 7
7 Opel Astra 232,645 -20% 291,218 6
8 Nissan Qashqai 207,885 0% 208,431 12
9 Renault Megane 199,167 -17% 239,329 9
10 VW Passat 195,617 -17% 235,852 10
Why FWD vs RWD - I have no idea.
The short answer is, I wasn't aware eyesight faded that rapidly, but we don't drive at night much of the way.
The drive takes about 23 hours of actual on the road time. We start at 4 or 5 in the morning, it may be dark but highway is pretty clear, and we drive until about 7 pm. We are in dusk for about an hour, but I just try to be extra careful at that time.
Those are amazing statistics though. The thing is we don't know how much our eyesight is fading, you don't really know. And, I don't think they measure that when you go for an eye examination.
btw.....if weather and traffic cooperate we can go the 1500 miles to Florida or back, in two days and one night. If we have to stop an extra night it isn't a big concern, so that helps too.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I should have qualified my statement......excluding economy cars, which are so prominant in Europe. There is no doubt, when we are talking about economical transportation, FWD cars are the best design.
Some reasons are;
*Car weighs less, no drive train...which leads to better mileage.
*More interior room, no floor hump.
*Lower cost of assembly, all drive train components are together at one end.
*Better traction in ice and snow because drive wheels are under the heavier engine. Easier to steer out of a skid.
Not every one in Europe cares about handling and being in tune with the road.....in fact most people who live in Europe just want dependable and thrifty transportation...which would explain the popularity of FWD. Also it would be a total waste of money for most people to purchase Rear drive cars because they appreciate the driving characteristics.
I admit technically I was wrong with what I said. But, Europeans who can afford a rear wheel drive car and who appreciate a cars handling characteristics, will probably choose a RWD car. Not too many will be spending big bucks for a FWD model.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The last time I drove across country was in 1999. I left Los Angeles at 10:00 PM and my first stop was about 90 miles west of Denver at 1:00 PM. I slept at the motel until 10:00 PM and my next stop was in Joliet, Illinois at 3:00 PM. I slept at the motel until 10:00 PM and drove straight through to my destination which was Hazelton, Pennsylvania.
I found it much easier to drive at night when there were no trucks on the road (they were all stopped at rest stops for the night) and other vehicular traffic was extremely scarce. The only times I stopped were for gasoline and food.
At this point in my life, I doubt I would repeat a trip like that. 2-1/2 days to travel almost coast to coast is not longer possible at my age. I would still drive more at night than during the day due to very, very light traffic and no trucks, however I would not drive more than 8 hours per day.
As for decreasing vision, the LED headlights on this car light up the road to a much greater extent than my Xenon HID's did.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
That is an astounding statement. Having driven a class 8 truck back and forth across I80 a fair number of times, the truck traffic east of Gary at night outnumbered cars by a significant margin. That was 20 years before your journey, but I still see a lot of trucks running the interstates at night, particularly in the East.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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I'm pleased you found my statement "astounding"! I drove I-10, I-15, and I-70 as well as I-80 late at night and early mornings (12:00 AM -6:00 AM) and I can unequivocally reiterate that truck traffic was at a minimum! That is why I drove at the times I did.
As for your experiences on I-80 east of Gary, I do not intend to challenge you as you have chosen to challenge my statement. I drove 2300 miles in under 3 days with most of my driving taking place from just after evening rush hours to early afternoons. These were my experiences - not your experiences.
Again, thanks for you input and feedback!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger