Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

corvette

My uncle had a fourth gen Camaro Z28 that got a bad vibration "at three digit speeds." The first dealer gave him the same line about not being able to test the car. The second dealer found a TSB for an out of balance driveshaft. I'm not sure whether they tested the car, but I think they replaced the driveshaft under warranty.

roadburner

xwesx said:

explorerx4 said:

WIth DI engines, oil dilution from fuel can cause the oil level to increase.

Only when the engine doesn't reach full operating temperature between starts. Otherwise, anything that does get into the oil fully evaporates. I notice this on the Crosstrek, though: If I warm up the oil, but don't actually drive it, before doing an oil change, the report will show up to 2% fuel dilution. Not ideal, for sure.

I think what that trend shows is simply that idling isn't good for your car. WHO KNEW?!

Nah

28firefighter said:

Hit the Seattle Auto Show with @tifighter - great hanging out, as always. Smallish show, Toyota seemed to have 30% of the show floor alone. No BMW, Volvo, Porsche, Infiniti, or any exotics.

On the way back, crossed 500 miles on the Tacoma and figured I’d give a quick write up. Not really organized well - just some thoughts.

I really like this thing. It drives better than it has any business doing - the 4 cylinder turbo is VERY good and the transmission does a great job of keeping it in the power band at all times. Arguably quick. The premium package option (which is $9000!) adds all of the luxury amenities one could want - heated and cooled seats, 360+ cameras, full leather, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise, front and rear park assist, extra bed lighting, power tailgate, bigger screen, and more. It’s a very pleasant place to spend time and my wife has commented that it is really even nicer than the Jeep. Hardly a penalty box for daily driving. Gas mileage has also been shockingly good. Upper 20s in mixed city/highway with lots of traffic and hills.

The infotainment is basic, but works super well, lots of buttons around the interior. Not much hard plastic anywhere. The crew cab backseat isn’t huge but plenty of room for the class.

Very pleased overall. More in another few weeks after I cross 1000.

When we were starting our SUV search we drove a one year old JGC and a one year old Wrangler back-to-back. My wife definitely preferred the Wrangler. Win/Win.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

I know it has been said before, but I’m pretty happy with my current fleet. Gas mileage in the Camry has dipped into the high 30s from the low 40s. This afternoon I had to drive my daughter into the city (Manhattan) so she could spend some time with a friend from camp. Round trip was approximately 75 miles. I stopped at a car wash near work (in The Bronx) on my way home, so that added some time. I was in the car for a total of 3 hours & 2 minutes. It was comfortable and overall a great cruiser.

The Highlander seems to be a great choice for my 16 year old to drive as he gets closer and closer to taking his road test. He drove from here to Simsbury, CT (2 hours) yesterday for a hockey game. Since son # 1 is away at college, space really isn’t an issue anymore since at most there are 4 of us in it at once. Even that is a rare occasion.

I’ve driven the Integra sparingly. Maybe once or twice a week. The more I drive it, the more I like it. It drives like slightly more grown up version of my Prelude. I’m starting to see more of them on the road.

I take the Prelude out maybe once a week so it doesn’t sit too long.

Same here, I especially love the ti and the C43, but the Wrangler's driving dynamics make it much more than a penalty box.