Made it to Florida! Allstate said someone would be in the office on Saturday for sure...call Saturday to start the full insurance today. Of course no one was in the office and though it says it is a 24/7 service no one called back Saturday or Sunday....and that is the way service is these days, especially insurance companies.
The C250 started up pretty quickly, an extra roll over or two. A warning came on to check the antifreeze fluid level. Hopefully my Allstate agent will be at work tomorrow and take the car off of vacation stop...and maybe I can actually drive it somewhere! It goes in Thursday for oil, Takata airbag recall, fluid check, possibly a new battery.
A very pleasant 72F today. Plane was half an hour late leaving because people were stuck in security, 4 didn't make the plane, took another half hour to find their luggage and remove it.....the joys of traveling!
Driver, you don't actually have to call your agent. You can call the 800# on the card and the people in the call center can handle whatever you need.
I imagine that if you left the message for the agent you are covered anyway. Plus, usually you get a certain number of days grace period. I know that is the case if you buy a new car and are driving it home.
Made it to Florida! Allstate said someone would be in the office on Saturday for sure...call Saturday to start the full insurance today. Of course no one was in the office and though it says it is a 24/7 service no one called back Saturday or Sunday....and that is the way service is these days, especially insurance companies.
The C250 started up pretty quickly, an extra roll over or two. A warning came on to check the antifreeze fluid level. Hopefully my Allstate agent will be at work tomorrow and take the car off of vacation stop...and maybe I can actually drive it somewhere! It goes in Thursday for oil, Takata airbag recall, fluid check, possibly a new battery.
A very pleasant 72F today. Plane was half an hour late leaving because people were stuck in security, 4 didn't make the plane, took another half hour to find their luggage and remove it.....the joys of traveling!
Glad all is well. Enjoy FL!
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Well, finally got my cardiac, oncology, hematology and medical clearances for my surgery Wednesday morning. Also had to run over to the hospital to get a Covid test completed which they require prior to admission.
They told me to enter the hospital through the outpatient building Wednesday morning. They put me in a room where I am prepped for surgery and meet the anesthesiologist. I then go up to the OR in the main hospital. After I get out of recovery, they put me in a room in the hospital where I will stay for 2-3 days.
Getting a little anxious but this will be a breeze compared to the last surgery I had 5 years ago when they resected my liver to remove the malignant tumors. This will be my last update - will check in when I can after the procedure. 🤪😜🤓
As those who follow the CCBA topic know, my 148k mile Club Sport was accepted into the Legends of The Autobahn East event at Hilton Head last week. The BMW CCA annual meet(now known a "O'Fest Forever") was held at the same time. Long story short, a persistent cold rain moved Legends from Saturday to today. Weather and time constraints forced us to miss Legends. Nevertheless, it was a fun week, getting to see old friends and meet new ones. The highlight was the Lowcountry Tour organized by the BMW Classic Car Club of America, which traced the route of the American Grand Prize Race which was held from 1908-1911.
I had not taken the Club Sport on a long trip for 15 years or so, but it performed like new. The car averaged 29 mpg for the entire week, in spite of the fact that fifth gear is direct(1:1), which means that at my usual 80 mph cruise the engine is turning at 4000 rpm. The car is still a delight to drive- it's light, tossable, and totally devoid of safety nannies.
It's hard to believe that in 10 days I will have owned the car for 26 years.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
This is madness. How much speed is enough? To some, that obsession and irresponsibility won't stop until some auto makers and insurers are bankrupt.
BMW M550i xDrive Is Significantly Quicker After Acceleration Fix. Your M550i xDrive was missing some ponies. We helped find them, and the 523-hp sedan is now 0.6 second quicker to 60 mph.
It's not about me. If I had the choice I would be riding a horse. And come to think of it, are horses allowed on the expressway? I didn't think so!
When it comes to speed, I'm not totally against it. But there has to be some limits, for regular passengers and for the speed demons who worship at the alter of no speed limits on weekends on designated roadways and speedway.
In the 1970s when we were advocating seat belt use and DUI enforcement some people called us idealists and kooks. Today, most drivers buckle up, if not from fear of losing their driving privileges but not have to face up to innocent eyes their vulnerable young children sitting in booster seats.
I went to the Maryland Acura dealer on Saturday, a little before noon, to look at the TLX Type S that was showing on their web site.
We didn’t even get inside the showroom door when an older sales guy asked us if we were looking at new cars or preowned? Now – this dealership is 2 connected buildings and the one has PRE-OWNED in 4’ high letters on the outside of the building. We were both dressed in jeans and sweatshirts so I guess he figured we were going in the wrong building. My son parked his Land Rover right out front. I don’t know how he could have missed it.
Anyway – When we went inside there was only one car in the whole giant showroom; sitting way back in the far corner. It was a black TLX. I looked at their web site right before we left to go there and they only had one TLX listed; a black Type S with red interior. Exactly what I was looking for.
When we got to it, it was not a Type S. The salesman said it was an Advance. Things really got screwy then.
I told him we were there because their web site listed a Type S in black/red. He said they sold it or just sold it. When I asked if I could just look at it, he said it was gone or maybe they were cleaning it up for delivery. He went to check.
I then noticed that all the windows were down on the one in the showroom. You couldn’t see the window sticker. When he got back I said we couldn’t see the sticker and he said it was because the windows were down. I don’t know if they had an ADM on it or not. He didn’t offer to show us.
We discussed what they had in inventory because he indicated they had others. He kept leaving and coming back, but never answered our questions. I assume he had another customer somewhere, but I didn’t see another person anywhere. He also mentioned they had other TLX’s coming in, but all 3 had the performance tire package on them. He didn’t seem to like that and said more than once that I could change out the tires and wheels…I don’t know why.
I probably should have called first, but I wanted to see a TLX up close anyway.
I know they can’t update the web site instantly, but I looked at the web site again today. It is updated and they still list the Type S in black/red along with 2 other Advance ones, but NOT the one in the show room. Man!
I may disagree with @bwia on some of the suggestions he made but he does raise a good point. Yesterday I was on the ring road here where it is 4 lanes each way and traffic was moderate with most of it doing around 55mph. In my side view mirror I see something from the corner of my eye that got my attention. It was an Audi of some sort coming up on the group of cars I was in at a very high rate of speed, probably 90+, zigzagging from lane to lane.He blew past me on the left, immediately cut to the right to get in front of me, passed a vehicle on the right, veered left (looking a bit unstable) to pass another right lane car, then jumped into the right exit lane and got hard on the brakes. Now the driver was obviously a first-class idiot, but the car enabled that behavior very easily. And it wasn't even a 3-second 0-60 job like some of the hot Teslas, Hellcats, etc. That kind of extreme speed is just asking for trouble, especially when you mix a vehicle like that into normal-speed traffic in the hands of a young idiot.
I don't know what the solution is but let's not kid ourselves that it isn't a problem.
@andres3, I found this in the FCP site, giving a summary of A4s and what to buy. It seems you really experienced a fluke. "The early 2.0t EA888 Gen 2 TSI engine powering the 2009-2011 Audi A4 had a significant oil consumption issue. It was serious enough that Audi had to extend warranties and devise several stages of fixes for the issue, starting with new PCV valve oil/air separators and going as far as complete new rod and piston sets. As you can imagine, the quality and thoroughness of the work completed at Audi dealerships across the country can vary greatly. If you're unlucky enough to pick up an A4 which has an oil consumption issue and it's still within the warranty period, but Audi already has the fix listed as being completed, you're out of luck. Replacement engines are expensive and can be hard to find, and because so many A4s had consumption issues, you can't really trust any of the engines available at salvage yards; they can be as bad or worse as the one you need to replace.
The 3.0T engine, as supplied in the Audi S4, has proved to be quite reliable. Outside of some basic issues with leaking water pumps and thermostats on very early cars, the 3.0t doesn't suffer from major issues such as the oil consumption problem seen on the 2.0t. The supercharger unit is generally more reliable than the turbo on the 2.0t. The 3.0t has no significant problems with timing chain wear or chain tensioner failures, which have been more common on the 2.0t. When shopping between the A4 and S4, you can be far more confident that the engine in the S4 is a solid unit, while the A4 2.0t may be a bit more of an unknown. "
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Well, finally got my cardiac, oncology, hematology and medical clearances for my surgery Wednesday morning. Also had to run over to the hospital to get a Covid test completed which they require prior to admission.
They told me to enter the hospital through the outpatient building Wednesday morning. They put me in a room where I am prepped for surgery and meet the anesthesiologist. I then go up to the OR in the main hospital. After I get out of recovery, they put me in a room in the hospital where I will stay for 2-3 days.
Getting a little anxious but this will be a breeze compared to the last surgery I had 5 years ago when they resected my liver to remove the malignant tumors. This will be my last update - will check in when I can after the procedure. 🤪😜🤓
Wishing you a quick and speedy recovery.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
This is madness. How much speed is enough? To some, that obsession and irresponsibility won't stop until some auto makers and insurers are bankrupt.
BMW M550i xDrive Is Significantly Quicker After Acceleration Fix. Your M550i xDrive was missing some ponies. We helped find them, and the 523-hp sedan is now 0.6 second quicker to 60 mph.
I'd want that fix- no doubt about it; otherwise the M550i xDrive is only a couple of tenths quicker 0-60 than my M235i. My next newer car will definitely run the quarter in the low twelves or high elevens; I definitely want to celebrate what will likely be the last Golden Age of Internal Combustion.
Go fast or go home.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Well, finally got my cardiac, oncology, hematology and medical clearances for my surgery Wednesday morning. Also had to run over to the hospital to get a Covid test completed which they require prior to admission.
They told me to enter the hospital through the outpatient building Wednesday morning. They put me in a room where I am prepped for surgery and meet the anesthesiologist. I then go up to the OR in the main hospital. After I get out of recovery, they put me in a room in the hospital where I will stay for 2-3 days.
Getting a little anxious but this will be a breeze compared to the last surgery I had 5 years ago when they resected my liver to remove the malignant tumors. This will be my last update - will check in when I can after the procedure. 🤪😜🤓
Prayers for a quick recovery!
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I may disagree with @bwia on some of the suggestions he made but he does raise a good point. Yesterday I was on the ring road here where it is 4 lanes each way and traffic was moderate with most of it doing around 55mph. In my side view mirror I see something from the corner of my eye that got my attention. It was an Audi of some sort coming up on the group of cars I was in at a very high rate of speed, probably 90+, zigzagging from lane to lane.He blew past me on the left, immediately cut to the right to get in front of me, passed a vehicle on the right, veered left (looking a bit unstable) to pass another right lane car, then jumped into the right exit lane and got hard on the brakes. Now the driver was obviously a first-class idiot, but the car enabled that behavior very easily. And it wasn't even a 3-second 0-60 job like some of the hot Teslas, Hellcats, etc. That kind of extreme speed is just asking for trouble, especially when you mix a vehicle like that into normal-speed traffic in the hands of a young idiot.
I don't know what the solution is but let's not kid ourselves that it isn't a problem.
Driving home from Hilton Head the three most dangerous drivers(cutting in and out of traffic, etc.) I encountered were at the wheel of a newer Ram pickup, a crappy early 2000s Malibu(but I repeat myself), and a new(temp tags) Camry SE.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I remember reading a car magazine that had reviewed a car with 500 hp. A reader wrote in asking why anyone would ever need 500 hp. The editor replied “you sad pathetic little man”. True story
My wife and daughter drove to Atlanta last weekend to attend a concert. I consider my wife a very competent driver. She is in tune with her vehicle, her surroundings, drives defensively, stays in the right lane as much as possible but is no slow poke. She commented on her return that the drive was fairly stressful as many drivers lacked any regard for others and dangerously cut in and out of traffic without any warning, no driving etiquette what so ever.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
@sda said:
My wife and daughter drove to Atlanta last weekend to attend a concert. I consider my wife a very competent driver. She is in tune with her vehicle, her surroundings, drives defensively, stays in the right lane as much as possible but is no slow poke. She commented on her return that the drive was fairly stressful as many drivers lacked any regard for others and dangerously cut in and out of traffic without any warning, no driving etiquette what so ever.
My wife told me the other day she basically hates getting behind the wheel anymore. Really surprised me, as she always enjoyed driving. I think the whole WFH thing has changed her.
I’d wager since March of 2020 she hasn’t driven 2000 miles.
That's the way I feel about commercial flying these days. For over 30 years I flew all over the world and mostly enjoyed it. In April of 2019 I quit and don't miss it a bit. There's not much difference between flying now and a Greyhound bus ride, except for the lack of lines in the case of the bus.
@ab348 said:
I may disagree with @bwia on some of the suggestions he made but he does raise a good point. Yesterday I was on the ring road here where it is 4 lanes each way and traffic was moderate with most of it doing around 55mph. In my side view mirror I see something from the corner of my eye that got my attention. It was an Audi of some sort coming up on the group of cars I was in at a very high rate of speed, probably 90+, zigzagging from lane to lane.He blew past me on the left, immediately cut to the right to get in front of me, passed a vehicle on the right, veered left (looking a bit unstable) to pass another right lane car, then jumped into the right exit lane and got hard on the brakes. Now the driver was obviously a first-class idiot, but the car enabled that behavior very easily. And it wasn't even a 3-second 0-60 job like some of the hot Teslas, Hellcats, etc. That kind of extreme speed is just asking for trouble, especially when you mix a vehicle like that into normal-speed traffic in the hands of a young idiot.
I don't know what the solution is but let's not kid ourselves that it isn't a problem.
I don’t believe anybody claims dangerous driving isn’t a problem. But someone could do what you described with 50 hp. So it isn’t the car’s nor manufacturer’s fault.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
@ab348 said:
I may disagree with @bwia on some of the suggestions he made but he does raise a good point. Yesterday I was on the ring road here where it is 4 lanes each way and traffic was moderate with most of it doing around 55mph. In my side view mirror I see something from the corner of my eye that got my attention. It was an Audi of some sort coming up on the group of cars I was in at a very high rate of speed, probably 90+, zigzagging from lane to lane.He blew past me on the left, immediately cut to the right to get in front of me, passed a vehicle on the right, veered left (looking a bit unstable) to pass another right lane car, then jumped into the right exit lane and got hard on the brakes. Now the driver was obviously a first-class idiot, but the car enabled that behavior very easily. And it wasn't even a 3-second 0-60 job like some of the hot Teslas, Hellcats, etc. That kind of extreme speed is just asking for trouble, especially when you mix a vehicle like that into normal-speed traffic in the hands of a young idiot.
I don't know what the solution is but let's not kid ourselves that it isn't a problem.
I don’t believe anybody claims dangerous driving isn’t a problem. But someone could do what you described with 50 hp. So it isn’t the car’s nor manufacturer’s fault.
I drove faster and crazier in my youth with half the HP I have now.
The HP isn’t the problem, it is the drivers.
The old argument of “Guns don’t kill people, people kill people” applies here.
@bwia said:
It's not about me. If I had the choice I would be riding a horse. And come to think of it, are horses allowed on the expressway? I didn't think so!
When it comes to speed, I'm not totally against it. But there has to be some limits, for regular passengers and for the speed demons who worship at the alter of no speed limits on weekends on designated roadways and speedway.
In the 1970s when we were advocating seat belt use and DUI enforcement some people called us idealists and kooks. Today, most drivers buckle up, if not from fear of losing their driving privileges but not have to face up to innocent eyes their vulnerable young children sitting in booster seats.
Thank you for NOT listening.
Well, of course it is about you. You are of the opinion that manufacturers should be held accountable for what drivers do with the vehicles the manufacturers produce. I’m curious to know which death-defying deficiencies you are driving with every day.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I may disagree with @bwia on some of the suggestions he made but he does raise a good point. Yesterday I was on the ring road here where it is 4 lanes each way and traffic was moderate with most of it doing around 55mph. In my side view mirror I see something from the corner of my eye that got my attention. It was an Audi of some sort coming up on the group of cars I was in at a very high rate of speed, probably 90+, zigzagging from lane to lane.He blew past me on the left, immediately cut to the right to get in front of me, passed a vehicle on the right, veered left (looking a bit unstable) to pass another right lane car, then jumped into the right exit lane and got hard on the brakes. Now the driver was obviously a first-class idiot, but the car enabled that behavior very easily. And it wasn't even a 3-second 0-60 job like some of the hot Teslas, Hellcats, etc. That kind of extreme speed is just asking for trouble, especially when you mix a vehicle like that into normal-speed traffic in the hands of a young idiot.
I don't know what the solution is but let's not kid ourselves that it isn't a problem.
A good point indeed.
I was coming up I-83 in Maryland yesterday and a guy on a motorcycle did the same type of thing you described. He sort of startled me when he went past. I try to keep an eye on the rearview mirror and I did not see him coming. I was probably doing between 75 and 80 when he flew past.
Driver, you don't actually have to call your agent. You can call the 800# on the card and the people in the call center can handle whatever you need.
I imagine that if you left the message for the agent you are covered anyway. Plus, usually you get a certain number of days grace period. I know that is the case if you buy a new car and are driving it home.
The 1-800 guy told me an official in Florida would have to do it, this guy wasn't qualified. So he dialed and I was on hold for 35 minutes....going nowhere. I probably would be reinstated because I sent and kept my email saying I wanted coverage again. All good advice as you usually have though stick.
The only problems so far is the low antifreeze light came on. I drove to NAPPA and just as I pulled in the light went out...maybe it needed to run a bit. I thought I would buy some but you must get the right kind for a 2014 Mercedes, and then it was purple label if it was made after a date, and blue if it was built earlier. I needed blue and he didn't have it. As I drove away the tire pressure lights all came on, they all needed about 8 pounds of air....which I got at the gas station. The tires have flat spots but not too bad. It goes in on Thursday, Oil, new battery - maybe, check fluids, recall Takata airbags.
My wife and daughter drove to Atlanta last weekend to attend a concert. I consider my wife a very competent driver. She is in tune with her vehicle, her surroundings, drives defensively, stays in the right lane as much as possible but is no slow poke. She commented on her return that the drive was fairly stressful as many drivers lacked any regard for others and dangerously cut in and out of traffic without any warning, no driving etiquette what so ever.
Try driving on I-75, I don't think anyone is going less than 80mph, and 90% of the ones going 80 or more aren't qualified to be driving that fast.
My wife and daughter drove to Atlanta last weekend to attend a concert. I consider my wife a very competent driver. She is in tune with her vehicle, her surroundings, drives defensively, stays in the right lane as much as possible but is no slow poke. She commented on her return that the drive was fairly stressful as many drivers lacked any regard for others and dangerously cut in and out of traffic without any warning, no driving etiquette what so ever.
My wife told me the other day she basically hates getting behind the wheel anymore. Really surprised me, as she always enjoyed driving. I think the whole WFH thing has changed her.
I’d wager since March of 2020 she hasn’t driven 2000 miles.
I think my wife has driven less than 200 miles in that time frame.
That's the way I feel about commercial flying these days. For over 30 years I flew all over the world and mostly enjoyed it. In April of 2019 I quit and don't miss it a bit. There's not much difference between flying now and a Greyhound bus ride, except for the lack of lines in the case of the bus.
speaking of crazy drivers. We noticed something on our trip the other day. A large majority of the crazy people zipping through traffic were driving Acuras. I thought that very odd. And the majority of those were white (car, not the driver). Weird coincidence?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
They should check all your fluids too. If it hasn’t been done recently, might be a good time for fresh brake fluid.
Yes, check all fluids is on the list. It had a complete brake fluid changeover done in 2019 and it has probably only gone about 5000 miles since then, so brake fluid should be OK for at least another year.
Of course we live in a society where dimwits need to be warned that razor blades are sharp and that battery acid is not a beverage, so dumbing down cars with hp limits, ridiculously low top speed governors, and lifeless handling(all of which would be ruthlessly enforced by the Hive Mind) would just be wonderful for those with a totalitarian mindset.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Last night, unfortunately, a 21 year old man was killed when a reckless driver slammed into his vehicle on Route 1 (after speeding through a construction zone a few miles earlier), about 3 miles from our house. The offender was driving a Nissan Altima; it's the singer not the song.
'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...)
speaking of crazy drivers. We noticed something on our trip the other day. A large majority of the crazy people zipping through traffic were driving Acuras. I thought that very odd. And the majority of those were white (car, not the driver). Weird coincidence?
A large percentage seem to be.
Also - if there is someone holding up a stream of traffic, riding in the passing lane, more than the average percentage seems to be Hondas. The silver/gray ones are particularly onerous.
Wife and I were commenting "wait, where are the Audis and BMWs?" She opined that possibly the German makes have gotten so expensive that the young and reckless have resorted to Acuras.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
for years, my NJ turnpike experience was the biggest offenders for running up way too fast in the left lane were younger males driving cheap economy cars (base civic, a Sentra, anything like that). Not very new, and with Maryland plates. Never sure why, it just was.
now, pretty common to see something designed for it at least flying up (a Porsche, something like that) at 90+. But it will be closely followed by stuff like a midsized CUV, a corolla, and a clapped out minivan. The 3/4 ton PUs towing utility trailers usually don't get much over 85 (but some certainly try).
@bwia said:
It's not about me. If I had the choice I would be riding a horse. And come to think of it, are horses allowed on the expressway? I didn't think so!
When it comes to speed, I'm not totally against it. But there has to be some limits, for regular passengers and for the speed demons who worship at the alter of no speed limits on weekends on designated roadways and speedway.
In the 1970s when we were advocating seat belt use and DUI enforcement some people called us idealists and kooks. Today, most drivers buckle up, if not from fear of losing their driving privileges but not have to face up to innocent eyes their vulnerable young children sitting in booster seats.
It's not about me. If I had the choice I would be riding a horse. And come to think of it, are horses allowed on the expressway? I didn't think so!
No one is keeping you off a horse. Who cares if they are not allowed on the expressway, you can go just as fast on a side street as you could on an expressway. FWIW while I was still free and single I hung out at a bar walking distance from my house, there was a regular there that actually rode his horse to the bar. This was in the western suburbs of Chicago, spitting distance from O'Hare.
When it comes to speed, I'm not totally against it. But there has to be some limits, for regular passengers and for the speed demons who worship at the alter of no speed limits on weekends on designated roadways and speedway.
In the 1970s when we were advocating seat belt use and DUI enforcement some people called us idealists and kooks. Today, most drivers buckle up, if not from fear of losing their driving privileges but not have to face up to innocent eyes their vulnerable young children sitting in booster seats.
When it comes to seat belt laws I think that there is a little hypocrisy with them especially in states like Illinois. When I get in a car surrounded by a steel cage with crumple zones designed to protect the occupants and equipped with air bags and other safety devices to protect occupants you can get a ticket for not wearing a seat belt. But get on a motorcycle with none of that and exposed to everything the only legal thing you have to wear is eye protection. No helmets or any other safety gear is required.
I may disagree with @bwia on some of the suggestions he made but he does raise a good point. Yesterday I was on the ring road here where it is 4 lanes each way and traffic was moderate with most of it doing around 55mph. In my side view mirror I see something from the corner of my eye that got my attention. It was an Audi of some sort coming up on the group of cars I was in at a very high rate of speed, probably 90+, zigzagging from lane to lane.He blew past me on the left, immediately cut to the right to get in front of me, passed a vehicle on the right, veered left (looking a bit unstable) to pass another right lane car, then jumped into the right exit lane and got hard on the brakes. Now the driver was obviously a first-class idiot, but the car enabled that behavior very easily. And it wasn't even a 3-second 0-60 job like some of the hot Teslas, Hellcats, etc. That kind of extreme speed is just asking for trouble, especially when you mix a vehicle like that into normal-speed traffic in the hands of a young idiot.
I don't know what the solution is but let's not kid ourselves that it isn't a problem.
I don’t believe anybody claims dangerous driving isn’t a problem. But someone could do what you described with 50 hp. So it isn’t the car’s nor manufacturer’s fault.
Well if you're doing it with 50 HP you're not in a car. If you're in a 50 HP car it's the other traffic that's coming up from behind you at a high rate of speed (relatively).
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
The cutting in and out with rapid acceleration in between is a result of high horsepower. A 50 horsepower VW Bettle wasn't driving like that back in the 60s, and they were some of the most egregious in cutting into small spaces in traffic back then.
The aggressive driving I see usually involves tailgating by a car driver who should just go around on the right or another lane if they think the first driver isn't going fast enough for them. Instead there's a power play of tailgating until they "make" the offending driver pull over.
The worst I saw recently was a low black Jaguar sedan apparently in a hurry to get somewhere tailgating a car with maybe 10 feet between them. I suspect the Jaguar driver had great faith in his automatic braking system were the driver in front to slow down rapidly because a deer or dog ran out in front of them on the interstate that day. Speed limit 65, and the offending driver was going about 70 in left lane of 3 then 4 as the lanes increased.
Well, ACTUALLY limiting performance and merely putting blinders on are not even remotely the same.
Well, for many, perception is reality so taking away someone’s “hey look, I’m doing 150!” bragging rights is the equivalent of reducing the car’s ability to achieve that speed. That was the idea behind not including the numbers on the speedometer.
I’m not saying I agree with that line of thought but that was a rationale.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Well, finally got my cardiac, oncology, hematology and medical clearances for my surgery Wednesday morning. Also had to run over to the hospital to get a Covid test completed which they require prior to admission.
They told me to enter the hospital through the outpatient building Wednesday morning. They put me in a room where I am prepped for surgery and meet the anesthesiologist. I then go up to the OR in the main hospital. After I get out of recovery, they put me in a room in the hospital where I will stay for 2-3 days.
Getting a little anxious but this will be a breeze compared to the last surgery I had 5 years ago when they resected my liver to remove the malignant tumors. This will be my last update - will check in when I can after the procedure. 🤪😜🤓
Good luck with your procedure. Hope it makes a difference.
I surprised they still do surgery in a hospital near you. Up here they are so paranoid about covid that my friend who is getting his hip replaced in December has to do it at an outpatient clinic with no overnight stay.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
It's not about me. If I had the choice I would be riding a horse. And come to think of it, are horses allowed on the expressway? I didn't think so!
When it comes to speed, I'm not totally against it. But there has to be some limits, for regular passengers and for the speed demons who worship at the alter of no speed limits on weekends on designated roadways and speedway.
In the 1970s when we were advocating seat belt use and DUI enforcement some people called us idealists and kooks. Today, most drivers buckle up, if not from fear of losing their driving privileges but not have to face up to innocent eyes their vulnerable young children sitting in booster seats.
Thank you for NOT listening.
I’ve used my seat belt religiously since I was 16 as I thought it was the smart thing to do. Not because the government thought it was the smart thing to do.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Comments
The C250 started up pretty quickly, an extra roll over or two. A warning came on to check the antifreeze fluid level. Hopefully my Allstate agent will be at work tomorrow and take the car off of vacation stop...and maybe I can actually drive it somewhere! It goes in Thursday for oil, Takata airbag recall, fluid check, possibly a new battery.
A very pleasant 72F today. Plane was half an hour late leaving because people were stuck in security, 4 didn't make the plane, took another half hour to find their luggage and remove it.....the joys of traveling!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I imagine that if you left the message for the agent you are covered anyway. Plus, usually you get a certain number of days grace period. I know that is the case if you buy a new car and are driving it home.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Well, finally got my cardiac, oncology, hematology and medical clearances for my surgery Wednesday morning. Also had to run over to the hospital to get a Covid test completed which they require prior to admission.
They told me to enter the hospital through the outpatient building Wednesday morning. They put me in a room where I am prepped for surgery and meet the anesthesiologist. I then go up to the OR in the main hospital. After I get out of recovery, they put me in a room in the hospital where I will stay for 2-3 days.
Getting a little anxious but this will be a breeze compared to the last surgery I had 5 years ago when they resected my liver to remove the malignant tumors. This will be my last update - will check in when I can after the procedure. 🤪😜🤓
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I had not taken the Club Sport on a long trip for 15 years or so, but it performed like new. The car averaged 29 mpg for the entire week, in spite of the fact that fifth gear is direct(1:1), which means that at my usual 80 mph cruise the engine is turning at 4000 rpm. The car is still a delight to drive- it's light, tossable, and totally devoid of safety nannies.
It's hard to believe that in 10 days I will have owned the car for 26 years.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
This is madness. How much speed is enough? To some, that obsession and irresponsibility won't stop until some auto makers and insurers are bankrupt.
BMW M550i xDrive Is Significantly Quicker After Acceleration Fix. Your M550i xDrive was missing some ponies. We helped find them, and the 523-hp sedan is now 0.6 second quicker to 60 mph.
Maybe you should start your lobbying to slow cars down with Tesla.
@bwia , please remind me what car(s) you own.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
It's not about me. If I had the choice I would be riding a horse. And come to think of it, are horses allowed on the expressway? I didn't think so!
When it comes to speed, I'm not totally against it. But there has to be some limits, for regular passengers and for the speed demons who worship at the alter of no speed limits on weekends on designated roadways and speedway.
In the 1970s when we were advocating seat belt use and DUI enforcement some people called us idealists and kooks. Today, most drivers buckle up, if not from fear of losing their driving privileges but not have to face up to innocent eyes their vulnerable young children sitting in booster seats.
Thank you for NOT listening.
We didn’t even get inside the showroom door when an older sales guy asked us if we were looking at new cars or preowned? Now – this dealership is 2 connected buildings and the one has PRE-OWNED in 4’ high letters on the outside of the building. We were both dressed in jeans and sweatshirts so I guess he figured we were going in the wrong building. My son parked his Land Rover right out front. I don’t know how he could have missed it.
Anyway – When we went inside there was only one car in the whole giant showroom; sitting way back in the far corner. It was a black TLX. I looked at their web site right before we left to go there and they only had one TLX listed; a black Type S with red interior. Exactly what I was looking for.
When we got to it, it was not a Type S. The salesman said it was an Advance. Things really got screwy then.
I told him we were there because their web site listed a Type S in black/red. He said they sold it or just sold it. When I asked if I could just look at it, he said it was gone or maybe they were cleaning it up for delivery. He went to check.
I then noticed that all the windows were down on the one in the showroom. You couldn’t see the window sticker. When he got back I said we couldn’t see the sticker and he said it was because the windows were down.
We discussed what they had in inventory because he indicated they had others. He kept leaving and coming back, but never answered our questions. I assume he had another customer somewhere, but I didn’t see another person anywhere. He also mentioned they had other TLX’s coming in, but all 3 had the performance tire package on them. He didn’t seem to like that and said more than once that I could change out the tires and wheels…I don’t know why.
I probably should have called first, but I wanted to see a TLX up close anyway.
I know they can’t update the web site instantly, but I looked at the web site again today. It is updated and they still list the Type S in black/red along with 2 other Advance ones, but NOT the one in the show room. Man!
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
I don't know what the solution is but let's not kid ourselves that it isn't a problem.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
"The early 2.0t EA888 Gen 2 TSI engine powering the 2009-2011 Audi A4 had a significant oil consumption issue. It was serious enough that Audi had to extend warranties and devise several stages of fixes for the issue, starting with new PCV valve oil/air separators and going as far as complete new rod and piston sets. As you can imagine, the quality and thoroughness of the work completed at Audi dealerships across the country can vary greatly. If you're unlucky enough to pick up an A4 which has an oil consumption issue and it's still within the warranty period, but Audi already has the fix listed as being completed, you're out of luck. Replacement engines are expensive and can be hard to find, and because so many A4s had consumption issues, you can't really trust any of the engines available at salvage yards; they can be as bad or worse as the one you need to replace.
The 3.0T engine, as supplied in the Audi S4, has proved to be quite reliable. Outside of some basic issues with leaking water pumps and thermostats on very early cars, the 3.0t doesn't suffer from major issues such as the oil consumption problem seen on the 2.0t. The supercharger unit is generally more reliable than the turbo on the 2.0t. The 3.0t has no significant problems with timing chain wear or chain tensioner failures, which have been more common on the 2.0t. When shopping between the A4 and S4, you can be far more confident that the engine in the S4 is a solid unit, while the A4 2.0t may be a bit more of an unknown. "
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Go fast or go home.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I remember reading a car magazine that had reviewed a car with 500 hp. A reader wrote in asking why anyone would ever need 500 hp. The editor replied “you sad pathetic little man”.
True story
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
My wife told me the other day she basically hates getting behind the wheel anymore. Really surprised me, as she always enjoyed driving. I think the whole WFH thing has changed her.
I’d wager since March of 2020 she hasn’t driven 2000 miles.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I don’t believe anybody claims dangerous driving isn’t a problem. But someone could do what you described with 50 hp. So it isn’t the car’s nor manufacturer’s fault.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I drove faster and crazier in my youth with half the HP I have now.
The HP isn’t the problem, it is the drivers.
The old argument of “Guns don’t kill people, people kill people” applies here.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Well, of course it is about you. You are of the opinion that manufacturers should be held accountable for what drivers do with the vehicles the manufacturers produce. I’m curious to know which death-defying deficiencies you are driving with every day.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I was coming up I-83 in Maryland yesterday and a guy on a motorcycle did the same type of thing you described. He sort of startled me when he went past. I try to keep an eye on the rearview mirror and I did not see him coming. I was probably doing between 75 and 80 when he flew past.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
All good advice as you usually have though stick.
The only problems so far is the low antifreeze light came on. I drove to NAPPA and just as I pulled in the light went out...maybe it needed to run a bit. I thought I would buy some but you must get the right kind for a 2014 Mercedes, and then it was purple label if it was made after a date, and blue if it was built earlier. I needed blue and he didn't have it. As I drove away the tire pressure lights all came on, they all needed about 8 pounds of air....which I got at the gas station. The tires have flat spots but not too bad.
It goes in on Thursday, Oil, new battery - maybe, check fluids, recall Takata airbags.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My wife told me the other day she basically hates getting behind the wheel anymore. Really surprised me, as she always enjoyed driving. I think the whole WFH thing has changed her.
I’d wager since March of 2020 she hasn’t driven 2000 miles.
I think my wife has driven less than 200 miles in that time frame.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
And, her stepfather used to drive for Greyhound.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If it wasn’t for running back and forth to the shore by herself a few times that’s probably where she would be!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Of course we live in a society where dimwits need to be warned that razor blades are sharp and that battery acid is not a beverage, so dumbing down cars with hp limits, ridiculously low top speed governors, and lifeless handling(all of which would be ruthlessly enforced by the Hive Mind) would just be wonderful for those with a totalitarian mindset.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
'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...)
Also - if there is someone holding up a stream of traffic, riding in the passing lane, more than the average percentage seems to be Hondas. The silver/gray ones are particularly onerous.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
now, pretty common to see something designed for it at least flying up (a Porsche, something like that) at 90+. But it will be closely followed by stuff like a midsized CUV, a corolla, and a clapped out minivan. The 3/4 ton PUs towing utility trailers usually don't get much over 85 (but some certainly try).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Save a horse. Ride a cowgirl
But seriously, there is personal responsibility.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I don’t believe anybody claims dangerous driving isn’t a problem. But someone could do what you described with 50 hp. So it isn’t the car’s nor manufacturer’s fault.
Well if you're doing it with 50 HP you're not in a car. If you're in a 50 HP car it's the other traffic that's coming up from behind you at a high rate of speed (relatively).
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
The aggressive driving I see usually involves tailgating by a
cardriver who should just go around on the right or another lane if they think the first driver isn't going fast enough for them. Instead there's a power play of tailgating until they "make" the offending driver pull over.The worst I saw recently was a low black Jaguar sedan apparently in a hurry to get somewhere tailgating a car with maybe 10 feet between them. I suspect the Jaguar driver had great faith in his automatic braking system were the driver in front to slow down rapidly because a deer or dog ran out in front of them on the interstate that day. Speed limit 65, and the offending driver was going about 70 in left lane of 3 then 4 as the lanes increased.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I’m not saying I agree with that line of thought but that was a rationale.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I surprised they still do surgery in a hospital near you. Up here they are so paranoid about covid that my friend who is getting his hip replaced in December has to do it at an outpatient clinic with no overnight stay.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible