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GM News, New Models and Market Share

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  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    30k ain't what it used to be. That's a loaded mainstream sedan, nothing more.

    Exactly and that's the price of fully loaded Optima SX.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Obama's Caddy gets stuck on a ramp in Ireland!

    What a surprise... :blush:

    image

    Obama's limousine gets stuck on bump in Dublin
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    It's a surprise for everyone, we can all agree there. If I was shopping for a larger brand new mainstream sedan, it would be high on my list.

    Hopefully it will improve the entire spectrum, by pressuring others to jump ahead as well. For that, I can applaud.
  • maple2maple2 Member Posts: 177
    If I'm planning on spending $50K, I'll get the Optima and a CR-V.

    do yourself a favour and get an equinox instead, much better in every way. I havent seen one comparison yet where the crv came out on top of the equinox.(although i have a feeling im about to very shortly) :shades:
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Too late, already got the CR-V...working on the Optima.... :shades:

    Regards,
    OW
  • greg128greg128 Member Posts: 546
    I thought this was a GM forum.

    shouldn't all this be in the Kia or Optima discussions?
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    edited May 2011
    Yes, this is a GM forum. I was comparing the Malibu with the Kia Optima but It won't happen again. Optima wins hands down.

    BTW, are you the new moderator?

    I understand you've owned some GM's. Sorry to disappoint you but the Elantra and the Optima are preferred over the Cruze and Malibu.

    Nothing new, really. GM is ALWAYS behind the competition, although Toyota and Honda are slipping up BIG TIME and Hyundai/Kia are likely to reap the benefit.

    I will admit the 2010 Equinox is being well received in the market. Too bad the Terrain owners will have their fair share of gremlins, I'm afraid. It's the GMC WAY. NO :surprise:.

    Regards,
    OW
  • greg128greg128 Member Posts: 546
    I hope you don't keep your Optima more than 7 or 8 years.
    This was the experience of one owner when their Kia was
    just 8 years old.

    We have a 2001 kia optima and our wheels caved in because the sub frame rusted out cost us 2,500.00. They refused to warranty it. We submitted request for compensation feeling it should be covered especially on a car with only 49,000 miles. They refused. Now a recall has been issued and yet they are dragging there feet. It has been another 6 months now and still nothing. I feel we should all band together and file a class action suit against kia for issues and there poor handling of there car owners. *tr

    They seem like very cheaply made cars.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Agree 100%. They used to be pure junk, bottom of the barrel, close to GM in abysmal quality and dependability. (GM was better, don't get upset).

    Not so anymore.

    I keep underpinning the reality. When they get too big and insular, the auto manufacturer's products tend to fail more often from the intangible failure of the internal systems. (GM is playing catch-up while Hyundai/Kia are leading).

    Hyundai/Kia are on a true growth curve and I believe now is the prime time to take advantage of their innovations and drive to win in the market.

    Regards,
    OW
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165

    do yourself a favour and get an equinox instead, much better in every way


    I actually looked at this segment late last year. I think the Equinox beats the Escape easily. Don't like the backwards door on the RAV4. Narrowed it to the GM twins and CRV. Both ride a bit firm and neither 4 banger is going to thrill you. I think the GM were a bit more comfortable and roomy for passengers, while the CRV had better cargo space, but not as nice seats. I think the CRV drives and handles a bit better. Liked them both, but in the end chose the CRV. The Honda has proven trade in value and reliability. I read more than a few blogs with the GM vehicles having apparent electronic teething problems and the prior Equinox was a loser, so that made me a bit cautious and leery. If the GM end up sorting everything out in a few years and provide good resale and reliability I might decide the other way next time. But I have to be very honest, GM history and the blogs I read made me gun shy to pull the trigger, especially because the Chevy dealers around here don't have the best reputation for their service departments. Now if I was looking for a sedan I think it might end up Lacrosse versus Avalon, but hopefully that one is a few years down the road. I'm impressed with that Buick, it seems to be pretty reliable and the Buick dealers seem to have more satisfied service customers around here.
  • plektoplekto Member Posts: 3,738
    I'm sure you could find aftermarket parts that are cheaper for mainstream brands as well.

    No, it's the same exact Mercedes part made by Bosch or Bilstein, just without the Mercedes logo silk-screened on it. It's a real reason why BMWs and Mercedes aren't actually THAT much more money to keep running than many people think - as long as you do your homework and ditch the dealer price gouging. Oh, and you also buy one with no electronics or other idiocy. Base model, nothing on it (maybe handling package only), manual gearbox. Good to go for 15-20 years.

    You used to be able to do this with Volvo years ago as well - get, say, a base 240 turbo with nothing on it and manual - and run it around town blowing the doors off of most everything else out there.
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,872
    I will admit the 2010 Equinox is being well received in the market. Too bad the Terrain owners will have their fair share of gremlins, I'm afraid. It's the GMC WAY. NO .

    Do you actually believe there would be any reliability difference between the Equinox and Terrain? Except for sheetmetal (styling), they are identical underneath and assembled in the same plant.
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • tlongtlong Member Posts: 5,194
    Do you actually believe there would be any reliability difference between the Equinox and Terrain? Except for sheetmetal (styling), they are identical underneath and assembled in the same plant.

    It's just too bad that there can't be more differences instead of sheet metal rebadging. I thought the reason for different divisions was to actually have different themes in their vehicles. Not just the shape of the fenders and taillights.

    Every dollar spent on rebadge parts is money not spent on refinement and features of the basic vehicle.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Time will tell. Like everyone else, all we need to look at is past GMC reliability/dependability scores and they are extremely poor. Chevy ain't so great either. :mad:

    Regards,
    OW
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,872
    Better than Kia.
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    edited May 2011
    Here is the call on the GMC Terrain "Reliability/Dependability" or lack thereof.

    GMC Terrain

    Here is the rating for the Chevy....much better....must be the different sheet metal!!! :surprise:

    Chevy Equinox

    Regards,
    OW
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,872
    edited May 2011
    It's called 'sample error'. I mean, just step back from it for a minute and ask yourself, how/why would they be any different, reliability-wise? They are identical mechanically and assembled at the same plant.
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Here is the Optima Reliability. Equal to the Equinox. :P

    Optima Reliability

    Did you think GM tops the charts for all it's products??? Even the newer ones are suspect. It's in the Intrinsic GM Design for Failure model that hasn't really changed that much after the bankruptcy. Agree they are changing but speed is NOT the key GM "claim to fame", particularly when it concerns improving it's products. Bean-counters still rule, I'm afraid. ;)

    Regards,
    OW
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    It's called poor quality under the GMC badge. Spin it anyway you like.

    Bottom line is GMC makes poor quality products.

    Regards,
    OW
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,872
    The only 'spin' involved is why the source is unable to admit that there is/could be sample error in the process.
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Base model, nothing on it (maybe handling package only), manual gearbox

    Do such models exist any more? Dealers around here don't stock them if they do...
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    I wonder how well those cars would do using the same light bodies, but current drivetrain technology. Cars are heavy as heck these days. My 2007 Cadillac DTS is significantly smaller than my 1989 Cadillac Brougham, but I swear it weighs as much or more.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I bet back then there were as many cars under 2000 lbs as their are cars under 3000 lbs today.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    An out of warranty Audi repair will have him down on his knees and tearfully repenting his sins. I have a coworker who currently drives a 2004 Honda Accord and is making overtures about buying and Audi A6. I told him that somebody used to the reliability of a Honda is going to be in for one heck of a financial shock going from a Honda to an Audi. Paying for an Audi is one thing, keeping up with a finnicky German luxury car is quite another. There is no bigger white elephant than a German luxury car out of warranty. There are plenty of folks in the 'hood who've been burned by an out of warranty German luxury car they bought from some shady BHPH lot in Lower NE Philly in order to look rich for cheap.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    A Cadillac may cost more to maintain than a Corolla, but it's nowhere near what's required for some Teutonic tank. Repair and maintenance for a Caddy is downright cheap compared to the German luxury makes.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    Somewhat cheaper? A little. Nothing's cheap to fix any more, expect for maybe an old Crown Vic or a Jeep Wrangler.

    That's one good thing about my Grand Marquis - and parts are plentiful. I'd say the Panther cars are among the most manufactured. There are millions of them.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    Wow, the Optima will outsell the Mercedes-Benz S600 AMG. I guess that makes the Optima a much better car! :P
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    Yeah, and the average person looking at an Optima couldn't afford a 3 or 5 Series.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    And the Chevy Celebrity likely outsold any numbers the Optima will produce, guess GM won! :shades:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    An out of warranty Audi repair will have him down on his knees and tearfully repenting his sins

    He may not have to wait that long...

    My nanny's daughter had a Passat with the 2.0FSI engine and it spent more time in the shop than in her driveway. She kept driving over to pick her up in a Ford Five Hundred rental, so much so that I thought she OWNED the Ford.

    Honestly I don't think the Passat ever spent a month straight in her driveway, it was totally bizarre.

    She grew to like the Ford she basically owned instead, and eventually traded the Passat for an Odyssey, which has never been out of service once.

    Experiences like that, and good personal experiences with other brands, still keep me from considering VW/Audi, even though they make plenty of interesting products.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    No, the spin is regardless of the statistical chance of error, GMC is much worse than average and some just can't admit GM is not leading the quality/dependability/reliability proposition in the market. Different sheet metal and same parts notwithstanding.

    Regards,
    OW
  • xluxlu Member Posts: 457
    some just can't admit GM is not leading the quality/dependability/reliability proposition in the market

    GM's Buick was ranked No. 1 in 2007 and 2009 JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study, can you admit that?
  • tlongtlong Member Posts: 5,194
    GM's Buick was ranked No. 1 in 2007 and 2009 JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study, can you admit that?

    It seems that GM's brand reliability is (best to worst) Buick, Caddy, Chevy, GMC. But unfortunately the volume is at the two with the lowest reliability. If it was only Buick then they would be great.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Yes, if Buick were the only GM products, The would rule the world. :D

    But they are not. :mad:

    Regards,
    OW
  • tlongtlong Member Posts: 5,194
    Yes, if Buick were the only GM products, The would rule the world.

    I see from InsideLine that GM has come up with a new oil specification that presumably could be required to not void your warranty. So of course that means getting all your oil changes done at GM dealerships. Talk about customer non-friendly from Government Motors. Is there ANY good reason for this idiocy?:

    GM Dexose Oil Specification
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    GM's Buick has ranked No. 1 from 1981 through 2011 in Vehicle Dependability by my standards! :shades:
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,676
    Quaker State, Shell, Pennzoil already have Dexos-certified oils in the 5-30W grade. Higher quality protection than ordinary oils.

    image
    http://www.orangelineoil.com/articles1-80/PennzoilandQuakerStateareGMDEXOSApprov- ed

    In doing so, GM believes it will be able to realize the economic benefits of consolidating many previous GM engine oil specifications. Globally, numerous specifications have been consolidated down to one. In the U.S., dexosTM replaces two previous GM engine oil specifications. Shell is an oil supplier licensed to manufacture and market authentic dexosTM full synthetic engine oil. GM requires dexosTM all for Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC vehicles starting with the 2011 model year and, with backwards compatibility, is a good choice for previous model year vehicles. Shell offers Pennzoil Platinum® and Quaker State® Ultimate DurabilityTM SAE 5W-30 full synthetic engine oils under the dexosTM license. According to GM, the benefits of using dexosTM includes improved fuel economy, better engine protection and reduced emissions. More specifically, the dexosTM specification provides enhanced performance in the areas needed by GM engine technology. Additional benefits of using Shell products include: Pennzoil Platinum® provides unsurpassed engine cleansing and protection for better performance*†, and Quaker State® Ultimate DurabilityTM provides unsurpassed engine protection from friction-related wear†. GM's dexosTM specification is designed to offer a slate of advantages over the requirements of GM's previous specifications, including improved levels of wear protection, engine cleanliness, fuel economy, corrosion protection, sludge control and aeration control. Shell is leading the industry. Others are talking about dexosTM. Pennzoil Platinum® and Quaker State® Ultimate DurabilityTM are already dexosTM - approved in the popular SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited May 2011
    There are other options, including non-synthetic ones, listed in the manual. GM would have some issues with the tie-in sales provision of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act if they said only GM branded oil could be used.

    Nice to see GM has joined Honda with the 10k oil change interval. Toyota is still at 5,000 miles and that's discouraging.

    Even so, I like my $15 oil changes using SuperTech from Walmart and a Fram filter.
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    GM made it official, the next Impala is going to be assembled at the same Detroit plant as Malibu and Volt. That would appear to mean it will be FWD. So much for the Holden RWD rumors/wishes I guess.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,676
    Brand Supplier Fluid Type Viscosity License Number Region
    ACDelco dexos1™ SAE 5W-30 General Motors dexos1 5W-30 GB1A0916015 Global
    ACDelco dexos1™ SAE 5W-30 General Motors dexos1 5W-30 RB1A1122027 N. America
    ACDelco dexos1™ SAE 5W-30 General Motors dexos1 5W-30 RB1A1129027 N. America
    GM Motor Oil dexos2™, SAE
    5W-30 General Motors dexos2 5W-30 RB2B0208037 Europe
    Advantage Advanced Lubrication Specialties dexos1 5W-30 RB1A1203030 N. America
    Altra SHL dexos1™ 5W-30 Allegheny dexos1 5W-30 RB1A1008018 N. America
    April Hyper Syn SAE 5W-30 April Super Flo / Verco International dexos1 5W-30 RB1B0514053 N. America
    Ardeca Syn-Tec DX 5w30 Vroman NV dexos2 5W-30 RR1A1201029 Europe
    Blue Mountain Professional dexos™ 5W30 Old World Industries dexos1 5W-30 RR1B0325045 N. America
    CAM2 dexos1 Full Synthetic 5W-30 CAM2 dexos1 5W-30 RB1A1008019 N. America
    CAM2 dexos1 Full Synthetic 5W-30 CAM2 dexos1 5W-30 RR1A1122028 N. America
    Champion Syntolube GSB 5W30 Wolf dexos2 5W-30 RB2A0308012 Europe
    Coastal Warren Oil Co. dexos1 5W-30 RB1A1130028 N. America
    DuraMAX dexos1™ Full Synthetic 5W-30 Four O Corporation dexos1 5W-30 RR1B0318041 N. America
    Extreme Max 5W-30 Lubricating Specialties Company dexos1 5W-30 RB1B0228040 N. America
    Feu Vert dexos2™ 5W-30 Feu Vert dexos2 5W-30 GB2A0107011 Europe
    Golden West dexos1™ 5W30 SN Texas Enterprises, Inc. dexos1 5W-30 RR1A1216032 N. America
    GulfTEC dexos1™ Synthetic 5W-30 Gulf Oil Limited Partnership dexos1 5W-30 RR1B0110035 N. America - Continental US only
    Hartland dexos1™ 5w-30 Bob Johnson Lubricants dexos1 5W-30 RR1B0103034 N. America
    HELLA dexos1™ 5W-30 Raloy Lubricantes, S.A. de C.V. dexos1 5W-30 RB1A1129027 N. America
    IGOL Profive Emeraude 5W30 Cipelia SAS dexos2 5W-30 RB2A1008017 Europe
    KRÖNEN ENERGY SAE 5W-30 Raloy Lubricantes, S.A. de C.V. dexos1 5W-30 RB1A1129027 N. America
    KunLun Tianrun SN/GF-5 PetroChina dexos1 5W-30 GB1A1112026 Asia
    Liqui Moly Top Tec 4600 Liqui-Moly dexos2 5W-30 RB2B0107031 Europe
    Liqui Moly Top Tec 4601 Liqui-Moly dexos1 5W-30 RB1B0106031 Europe
    Liqui Moly Top Tec 4602 Liqui-Moly dexos2 5W-30 RB2B0107031 Europe
    Liqui Moly Pro-Engine M 500 Liqui-Moly dexos2 5W-30 RB2B0107031 Europe
    MAG 1 Warren Distribution dexos1 5W-30 RB1A1104025 N. America
    Maxtron PCMO CHS Inc. dexos1 5W-30 RB1B0103033 N. America
    megol Motorenoel Efficiency Meguin dexos2 5W-30 RB2B0107031 Europe
    MOTOROIL 5W-30 PREMIUM SYNTHETIC GM dexos2™ MPM International Oil Company B.V. dexos2 5W-30 RR2B0331046 Europe
    Mobil 1 5W-30 ExxonMobil dexos1 5W-30 GB1A0915015 Global
    Mobile 1 Extended Performance 5W-30 ExxonMobil dexos1 5W-30 GB1B0407015 Global
    Mobil 1 ESP 0W-40 ExxonMobil dexos2 0W-40 GB1A0917015 Global
    Mobil Super 3000 Formula G 5W-30 ExxonMobil dexos2 5W-30 GB2B0131015 Global
    Mobil Super 3000 XE 5W-30 ExxonMobil dexos2 5W-30 GB1A0914015 Global
    MOL Dynamic Gold 5W-30 MOL dexos2 5W-30 RB2B0107030 Europe
    MOTUL Specific Dexos 2 5W-30 Motul dexos2 5W-30 GB2A0107011 Global
    MOTUL 8100 X-clean 5W-40 Motul dexos2 5W-40 GB2B0325011 Global
    Multilife C-THREE 5W-30 Morris Lubricants dexos2 5W-30 RB2B0407047 Europe
    NATIONAL Pinnacle Oil dexos1 5W-30 RB1A1214031 N. America
    OMV BIXXOL special C3 SAE 5W-30 OMV Refining and Marketing GmbH dexos2 5W-30 RB2B0318042 Europe
    Peak Performance dexos™ 5W30 Old World Industries dexos1 5W-30 RR1B0325045 N. America
    Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Shell dexos1 5W-30 GB1A0703014 Global
    Petro-Canada Supreme Synthetic 5W-30 Petro-Canada dexos1 5W-30 GB1A1201024 Global
    PO MAXIMA GA 5W-30 Petrol Ofisi (POAS) dexos2 5W-30 GBBA0323013 Global
    Puratech PureSYN 5W30 North American Lubricants dexos1 5W-30 RR1B0208036 N. America
    Quaker State Ultimate Durability Full Synthetic Shell dexos1 5W-30 GB1A0702014 Global
    SERVICE PRO FULL SYN dexos1 5W-30 Association of Independent Oil Distributors (AIOD) dexos1 5W-30 RR1B0107032 N. America
    SERVICE PRO FULL SYN dexos1 5W-30 Association of Independent Oil Distributors (AIOD) dexos1 5W-30 RR1B0110032 N. America
    Sinclair Arctic Fire Full Synthetic Supreme Motor Oil GM dexos1™ Sinclair Oil Corporation dexos1 5W-30 RR1B0216039 N. America
    Sinopec Polar Star IV Sinopec dexos1 5W-30 RB1A1101021 Asia
    Sinopec Polar Star V Sinopec dexos1 5W-30 RB1A1101022 Asia
    Sinopec Polar Star VI Sinopec dexos1 5W-30 RB1A1101023 Asia
    SuperS dexos1 Smittys dexos1 5W-30 RB1A0924016 N. America
    Super XHD Synthetic 5W30 Universal Lubricants, LLC dexos1 5W-30 RB1B0325043 N. America
    SureGuard dexos1 Smittys dexos1 5W-30 RB1A0924016 N. America
    Synergy Synthetic OE dexos1 Northland dexos1 5W-30 RB1A1018020 N. America
    Syngard Full Synthetic 5W-30 Cross Oil Refining and Marketing, Inc. dexos1 5W-30 RB1B0216038 N. America
    UNIL OPAL Opaljet Longlife 3 5W30 Cipelia SAS dexos2 5W-30 RB2A1008017 Europe
    UNIL Opaljet Longlife 3 5W30 Cipelia SAS dexos2 5W-30 RB2A1008017 Europe
    Wolf Masterlube Synflow GSB Wolf dexos2 5W-30 RB2A0308012 Europe
    YACCO LUBE O 5W30 Cipelia SAS dexos2 5W-30 RB2A1008017 Europe
    YACCO VX 1703 5W30 Cipelia SAS dexos2 5W-30 RB2A1008017 Europe

    http://www.gmdexos.com/licensedbrands.html

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    I think recalls are acceptable to a certain point. To me, it's a good sign that the manufacturer is willing to stand behind their product. Frankly, if Chrysler were to have recalled parts on my Neon, they'd of had to recall 100% of the parts or just recall the vehicle in its entirety. They never recalled anything that I can remember. For sure the gas tank leak through bad O-rings should have been recalled at a minimum.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    I went from having the Chevy hat and telling everyone how great Chevy Auto to now saying dont buy Chevy.

    Although I like your story, and think it's a good thing you've left the dark side (GM) and are coming to join the Jedi force (foreign makers cars), I find it crazy that you bought GM Stock in 2009. If you'd of read any of my posts from 2009, 2008, to earlier years, you'd of already known that buying GM stock was a 0% chance sum game. I can't imagine anyone in their right mind buying GM stock after say .... the year 2000.

    I think some like you sufferred (like some in this forum) of delusions of granduer, and thought (wrongfully) that GM was great. GM hasn't been great since black and white TV was the newest thing in life.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    If indeed the latest Hyundai and Kia models have surpassed the Malibu, then I guess the Koreans are passing up the Germans?

    Hahahah, CircleW says 80% of the performance of a 3er? I don't know about that. If he means the 3er will post 20% faster lap times at the track then the best Hyundai, maybe, but 20% faster lap times is a heck of a lot more than 20% better performance in my book. Hyundai's got great engines, with lots of power and fuel economy, but I don't think the chassi/suspension engineering is there, or I'd see more of them during enthusiastic drives or at the track/autocross events I've gone to.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    I've been using Mobil-1 on all of my vehicles for years. Since I do not plan to own any GM's, this doesn't affect me as I try to stay away from GM dealer service like the Plague.

    Regards,
    OW
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    There's no bigger white elephant than a German luxury car out of warranty and an Audi is the biggest, meanest elephant in the herd. About the only vehicle they have that remotely interests me is the big A8.

    I think your living in the 80's and 90's regarding Audi. Audi made a decision to start changing for the better around the year 2000. Nowadays they are outclassing BMW (see S4 vs. 335i comparisons), torching Mercedes (Chrysler merger tainted). Audi's higher line vehicles have tons of technological marvels, gadgets and features, so there's a lot that could go wrong with a fully loaded A8.

    I chose an A3 with hardly any options, simply a dual clutch auto-manual transmission, a sport package (sport springs, dampers, sport seats, roof spoiler, leather seating surfaces, aluminum interior trim bits and pieces, and a pearl coat paint job (ocean blue) nice! No more options, nothing else to break! Yet it is loaded with more stuff than I really need (dual zone climate control is overkill for me), I don't really NEED leather, and the built in factory subwoofer is OK but unnecessary.

    Audi dealer labor rates in San Diego are a ridiculous $125/hour, but you can find good mechanics willing to work for less than half of that.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • maple2maple2 Member Posts: 177
    No more options, nothing else to break!

    LMAO. you are still talking about the audi arent you? I believe you are the one living in the 90's concerning domestics. I mean seriously you got a lemon neon (theres an oxymoron if i ever heard one) what did you really expect from probly the cheapest car you could have bought at the time...you drove the crap out of it...it fell apart...what did you really expect? :lemon:
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    The old man in my condo's parking lot that went from Buick to Hyundai (Azera) went back to Hyundai again (he likes to drive new every 4 years, his one indulgence in retirement he's told me).

    He switched from Buick to Hyundai for many good reasons 4 years ago (some of which was the Buick was still offering the same old weak 200 HP engine while guzzling gas, when Hyundai showed him what 270 HP does. Now he's got a new Sonata (pretty car in person; light blue), it's the "blue line" meaning hybrid, guess he wanted excellent mileage now that gas is over $4/gallon. He liked the Azera a lot, and it was very reliable (only one super minor issue with rear shade device), so it makes sense he went back to Hyundai first, and not Buick. Repeat customer is a good sign.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    edited May 2011
    Where is Audi "torching" MB and BMW in 2011?

    No Chrysler MBs around anymore. If you want to see a nightmare, put a first series A8 into regular service - they are rare cars already.
  • tlongtlong Member Posts: 5,194
    Thanks for the info, I was not aware of that. The original article made the oil look much more specialized and only available through dealerships.
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