I won't be buying a new car anytime soon, but with where I live, I'm struggling to figure out what type of car(s) I want next, let alone which car I'd like to buy. The budget could be as much as $45k, but I really don't feel like spending that much.
Location:
The weather isn't conducive to convertibles.
There is always someone in front of you
-Power is useless
-Handling doesn't matter
-Radar cruise control is relaxing
There are a lot of stoplights.
-Manual transmissions turn into work.
The roads are crap.
-Sidewalls are good
-Suspension travel is good
-A strong structure is desirable
There is salt on the roads in winter
-Can't keep a car rust-free
-Must start with a new or southern car to avoid rust
Much of the year is dark
-Need great headlights
Most of driving is done on interstates
-Good highway mileage
Me:
I am the best transmission computer
A clutch drains me in stop-and-go traffic
I want quiet when cruising
I want a car that downshifts immediately
I want a comfortable ride
I want a solid structure/tin top
I want more vertical-like pillars
I want good steering feel
I want an easily maneuverable car
I want great headlights
I want heat on my feet
I want a fun color
I want a seat thigh extender
I want some semblance of reliability
Ford Maverick is your answer. 😎
Used X5 or something along those lines?
You want comfortable, don't care about speed or handling, and you want it to have headlights.
Sounds like you want an Accord.
A car with decent/good adaptive cruise control is awesome for stop and go traffic on highways. Maybe new Honda Accord or Toyota Crown. Maybe used certified Cadillac CTS.
Quote from: Raza on November 19, 2023, 12:52:56 PMYou want comfortable, don't care about speed or handling, and you want it to have headlights.
Sounds like you want an Accord.
Yeah. Also Toyota Crown which you don't see a lot of.
Easy: Audi product. Probably the B9/9.5 (2017+) A4 Avant (wagon). Prestige model will have all the goodies, esp. the upgraded headlights. Bright blue w/brown interior is a great color combo. Get APR stage 1 tune and you're more than golden.
(https://d1gymyavdvyjgt.cloudfront.net/drive/images/made/drive/images/remote/https_ssl.caranddriving.com/f2/images/used/big/audia4allroadb92016to2022(3)_750_500_70.jpg)
Accord is a good pick. Comfortable, reliable, awesome residuals. And a trunk means a quieter and more comfortable ride.
I bought my 330i for many of the same reasons, although the roads around here are faster so that's why a German was nice for the autobahn chops.
If I had to replace my Miata I'd probably go with a Civic Touring sedan.
God damn this forum is getting old :lol:
Ioniq 6?
Quote from: MrH on November 19, 2023, 03:26:15 PMGod damn this forum is getting old :lol:
I really wanted to suggest a Chrysler Aspen because the seating position would be better for his arthritic hips..
Quote from: CaminoRacer on November 19, 2023, 03:33:05 PMIoniq 6?
Could be a good pick.. going EV is a weird commitment though
So Maverick isn't the very most comfortable but honestly it's really good and in top trim can check ALL the boxes (radar cruise with lane guidance). Wife and I both LOVE how it's absolutely perfect step in height and feels just a bit firmer in ride but just as 90% as comfortable as Odyssey...
Hybrid we're still AVERAGING 41mpg. It "only" gets about 37-38mpg highway (75mph).... It literally doesn't have any gear-changing lag, smash the gas and it just goes. The Turbo can be equipped with AWD but has traditional 8spd Auto transmission. (And also tows up to 4k lbs vs. only 2000 in the hybrid).
Don't underestimate the wonderfulness of having a commuter car with good gas mileage that can also do trucky stuff!
:)
I appreciate all the input. I don't really need a truck and would want something more compact than a Maverick/Accord.
It could go a few ways. Since a fun car wouldn't be driven much at all, I could go super impractical, and get more of a project car, and keep the Subaru for a bit longer. Having a car that I don't have to worry about dings and chips is almost a luxury in itself, but I do miss having something nice to detail and enjoying it everyday.
The only thing holding the Subaru back from being a great DD is the transmission logic and rust.
Thoughts I've had are to
1) Sell both and get a new civic/Mazda 3/Cooper. (maybe regret not having a fun car)
2) Sell Miata for C5/Mustang/old muscle car/old car and keep the subaru (maybe regret not spending the $$ on the DD)
3) Sell both and get a BMW 2-3/IS/C/A4 (and regret spending the $$)
Timing would be a few more years out, so I'm sure things will change by then. It's just been a struggle to figure out what the ideal car situation would be.
The Miata would be great If I lived somewhere with less traffic and better roads. It could use a little more power to keep up with tire technology. I have all seasons that seem to stick better than the stock tires Miatas came with back in the day. Almost no chance of slideways fun anymore as tire tech marches on with the hp it has.
Quote from: MrH on November 19, 2023, 03:26:15 PMGod damn this forum is getting old :lol:
The headlight comment for sure ;).
TBH, it was a major factor for me as well. Some cars just have lousy headlights, and there's no reason or excuse for it, esp. with our crumbling infrastructure (cheap asphalt (black) roads, not painting the lines, many/most streetlights not working (or turned off)).
Honestly, a Bolt could be a good fit here if you're got a garage and can get a 240 volt outlet installed.
The lack of a transmission and the throttle response + one-pedal driving feels a lot better for daily driving. It's kind of like a non-stallable, torquey manual transmission, stuck in a single gear :lol:
Definitely eying electric but won't have a garage for some years. And charging outside is a no-go with ice and snow.
I have swung both directions in terms of where to spend money - pricey daily + cheap fun car, and vice versa.
It's definitely better to spend more on the daily and have a cheaper fun car. If you have a comfortable daily, you can go more extreme on the weekend car too. I would love to sell the BRZ and get something like a Morgan 3 wheeler, but they are $60k new. If I had the room and time, even an exocet would be cool.
I would keep the Miata. Sell the Impreza and get maybe a new Subaru Crosstrek as a daily.
Quote from: MrH on November 20, 2023, 07:50:23 AMI would keep the Miata. Sell the Impreza and get maybe a new Subaru Crosstrek as a daily.
This makes sense, if you (Rich) are looking for something small. The AWD is fantastic up there!
It's funny that you ended up with Impreza because of me getting (your) Miata, and for whatever reason the seat angles somehow irritated my lower back so much. Combined with going to Kuwait for a year, I was looking for "Next Car" for awhile. :mrcool:
The fancy LED headlights were a big selling point with the CX-5. You need all the help you can get on unlit roads.
The best sitting-in-traffic car I had was the Prius. A near-perfect zero-engagement appliance.
Quote from: Morris Minor on November 20, 2023, 09:47:18 AMThe fancy LED headlights were a big selling point with the CX-5. You need all the help you can get on unlit roads.
I rarely have to turn on the high beams anymore. Modern low beams are as bright as 90's car high beams.
You should buy MrH's Bolt.
Only if he keeps the Subaru in the family too
Quote from: SJ_GTI on November 20, 2023, 10:43:27 AMYou should buy MrH's Bolt.
You're just trying to stop yourself from buying it.
Quote from: Rich on November 20, 2023, 10:50:37 AMOnly if he keeps the Subaru in the family too
(https://media4.giphy.com/media/amg2hcfGDkKt4Q3DpF/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e478ym6hbpyl4y0g20k7iwhxy8yie32kvxwlua0uazs&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
The BRZ stays
Quote from: CaminoRacer on November 20, 2023, 09:55:49 AMI rarely have to turn on the high beams anymore. Modern low beams are as bright as 90's car high beams.
Yup, so very nice. PLUS the "auto" setting on Mav turns on high beams whenever it's dark enough and turns them off when cars appear (tail lights OR headlights). It's just some extra LEDs so its' QUICK to go on or off..
Quote from: GoCougs on November 19, 2023, 09:48:43 PMThe headlight comment for sure ;).
TBH, it was a major factor for me as well. Some cars just have lousy headlights, and there's no reason or excuse for it, esp. with our crumbling infrastructure (cheap asphalt (black) roads, not painting the lines, many/most streetlights not working (or turned off)).
I've spent a lot of time upgrading the lights on my G for this very reason - stock Xenon's are mediocre, upgraded Xenons are only okay. Replaced all the incandescent bulbs with LED's and fitted some seriously bright pod lights to the front. Traveling on regular roads is bad enough - but many roads in the northeast are completely unlit for tens of miles at a time. Add into that inclement weather and good lighting is a damn necessity.
Given your need for rust prevention, I'd either go with an aluminum F150 (if you want to deal with an unreliable POS) or invest some time and money into a serious oil undercoating. I've done it myself and it isn't that difficult, though it is time consuming and a bit messy.
Consider investing in some pod lights for the front and LED replacement bulbs for the rear (or if you get a car with LED tail lights, a small set of rear facing lights). You can get some intensely bright pods and bars from companies like VisionX, but there are actually plenty of good, cheap alternatives on Amazon and the like. Makes a world of difference on poorly lit roads.
If it's sidewall you want, then I'd avoid another Subaru unless you plan on getting 15" wheels. Seems like the wheel wells on newer models are rather small (or maybe the bodies are becoming more and more bloated). An SUV with wheel wells that widen towards the bottom will allow you to fit bigger tires. For what it's worth, I have 285 70R18 LT's on my G (wish I went with 75's but oh well). Relative to the stock 265 60R18 all seasons they ride more smoothly, are quieter and handle potholes way better. Fuel economy has taken a hit though.
I thought about it some more, and I think I'll wait to replace the Subaru for a couple of years. An electric car with a heat pump, and maybe some better battery tech. I'm just done with transmissions for a DD.
I might replace the Miata sooner with something that's a tin top. Maybe an 06-09 Mustang GT... Something that sounds great, looks good, and isn't loaded with touchscreens.
Removing all torque converters and CVTs from your life is great
I've been perusing NB PRHT with slushboxes....
Wife would be more willing to drive it, quieter on highway (top up), still get that top down joy.
But that will wait until Scrappy just can't give it any more. 17xk miles, top down windows up on the drive home today. :lol:
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on January 05, 2024, 02:59:53 PMI've been perusing NB PRHT with slushboxes....
Wife would be more willing to drive it, quieter on highway (top up), still get that top down joy.
But that will wait until Scrappy just can't give it any more. 17xk miles, top down windows up on the drive home today. :lol:
Ler me know before you scrap Scrappy. I have a truck with a trailer hitch and access to a shop. :lol:
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 05, 2024, 03:06:54 PMLer me know before you scrap Scrappy. I have a truck with a trailer hitch and access to a shop. :lol:
:lol:
Hopefully it will be a long time. Sometimes I fantasize about really fixing it up to be good for another 20 years- new paint and refresh suspension stuff. But the rust by the wheel wells would be EXPENSIVE.
I test-drove a Corolla, Civic, Cooper, 2 series, A3, and a Prius.
The most enjoyable drive of all of them was the Prius. That car handles crappy pavement magnificently. Something odd, though, I don't think it can be had with dual-zone climate control.
I had a hard time believing how crappy the driveline of the A3 was. Its suspension also left a lot to be desired. Flinty ride just like my dad's 4th Gen Rav4 or the lady's 2017 HRV. That A3 and the 2 series - so many menus and screens. Horrendous. The Civic and its nicely finished and well-damped knobs felt so good.
I'd like to test drive something small and electric, as well as a Civic Si, Integra, Corolla GR, 86, and 2006-2009 Mustang GT.
Dude GR86 vs. Civic Si all day errday. GR86 would be my pick
Quote from: Rich on April 07, 2024, 08:22:32 AMI test-drove a Corolla, Civic, Cooper, 2 series, A3, and a Prius.
Real 2er or the fwd gran poupe?
The RWD 2 door. It drove nice but my god the UI. I'm too old for that shit
Quote from: Rich on April 07, 2024, 06:02:30 PMThe RWD 2 door. It drove nice but my god the UI. I'm too old for that shit
You should try a Giulia... Drives great, softly sprung so pretty comfy, and very basic infotainment
I have a theory that Germans are genetically & culturally incapable of doing UIs.
I don't mind the current iDrive. But with wireless Carplay that's usually all I interact with anyway.
Quote from: Morris Minor on April 09, 2024, 03:24:09 PMI have a theory that Germans are genetically & culturally incapable of doing UIs.
Occam's Razor is outlawed in Germany.
Test drove an Integra A-Spec. Sadly Gran Turismo 3 was not part of the deal.
Just woof. The car felt huge. I did the over-the-shoulder check for a lane change and trembled at the thought I was driving my dad's 2000 Impala from back in the day.
Shifter was great. Clutch was nice and light. That's about all I can say for the driving experience. The engine was nothing to write home about, and it didn't feel that fast. Turbo lag is present. Steering feedback was in line with everything else these days.
I'll try for a test drive of an 86, but I've recently read that it now has a column-mounted EPAS rather than the previous rack-mounted one.
Giulia Giulia Giulia
Quote from: r0tor on April 10, 2024, 05:27:09 PMGiulia Giulia Giulia
Friends don't let friends drive FCA. Unless they're leasing under warranty.
Every enthusiast needs to own an Alfa at least once
Quote from: MrH on April 10, 2024, 08:15:13 AMOccam's Razor is outlawed in Germany.
:lol: We had a late-aughts Mercedes CLK at one stage. It was wall-to-wall indecipherable chiclet buttons, dozens and dozens of them. Completely unusable. They've carried that tradition into the touchscreen era.
hah, Half those buttons were for the keypad for the built-in phone thing. Technology! I've got a Mercedes ML that I detail once a year, it's like a 2010 and still has all the chiclet buttons. I imagine they moved past that with their next generations shortly after that...smartphones were already a thing. The keypad phone buttons right on the dash just look oddly ancient now.
Seems like the options have whittled their way down
1) keep the Miata and sell the Subaru for a Prius AWD
2) keep the Miata and sell the Subaru for a Prius Prime
3)keep the Subaru and sell the Miata for an 86 (though I haven't test driven one, they are vaporware at the moment)
Quote from: Morris Minor on April 09, 2024, 03:24:09 PMI have a theory that Germans are genetically & culturally incapable of doing UIs.
UI = User Interface?
Depends on the brand. I might sound biased but the MBUX system in Mercedes' cars is user-friendly and simple to understand. The touch screen function of MBUX screens is very responsive and quick.
The same is true for modern BMWs or at least the system I experienced in the large iX SUV which I had to photograph for BMW. The menu layout is overall logical and it's easy to understand. The touch screen was very responsive with no lag.
Porsche (Taycan) user interface was confusing and drove me insane. The client left me with that car but demanded I photograph every menu of the infotainment/digital system. Took me about 10 minutes to figure out how to find and navigate through the menus.
Last but not least, not a German car, but the modern Land Rover Defender touchscreens work very well and have a very basic layout.
Whenever I see "MBUX" my mind immediately goes to V-Bucks (Fortnite currency that my nephews always want for birthdays and Christmas). So I always want to think that it is money that you can only spend on Mercedes Benz accessories.
Quote from: SJ_GTI on April 17, 2024, 03:00:31 PMWhenever I see "MBUX" my mind immediately goes to V-Bucks (Fortnite currency that my nephews always want for birthdays and Christmas). So I always want to think that it is money that you can only spend on Mercedes Benz accessories.
:lol: Glad I'm not the only one.
Quote from: SJ_GTI on April 17, 2024, 03:00:31 PMWhenever I see "MBUX" my mind immediately goes to V-Bucks (Fortnite currency that my nephews always want for birthdays and Christmas). So I always want to think that it is money that you can only spend on Mercedes Benz accessories.
How many Stanley Nickels for an MBUX?
Quote from: Rich on April 17, 2024, 12:14:30 PMSeems like the options have whittled their way down
1) keep the Miata and sell the Subaru for a Prius AWD
2) keep the Miata and sell the Subaru for a Prius Prime
3)keep the Subaru and sell the Miata for an 86 (though I haven't test driven one, they are vaporware at the moment)
I'd vote for number 1. Better to have the bulk of your car money in your daily, not your toy.
You're more than welcome to drive my BRZ if you're ever back in Ohio for some reason. It's fun, but I'd definitely prefer scenario 1 over 3 if it were me.
I'd also vote for #1
Regular Prius > Prime, the wait and expense of the Prime doesn't seem worth it. Unless there's one sitting at a dealer near you for a decent price.
Quote from: Rich on April 17, 2024, 12:14:30 PMSeems like the options have whittled their way down
1) keep the Miata and sell the Subaru for a Prius AWD
2) keep the Miata and sell the Subaru for a Prius Prime
3)keep the Subaru and sell the Miata for an 86 (though I haven't test driven one, they are vaporware at the moment)
I'd definitely "want" an AWD option if I were still commuting to work up there.
Quote from: MrH on April 18, 2024, 08:33:50 AMI'd vote for number 1. Better to have the bulk of your car money in your daily, not your toy.
You're more than welcome to drive my BRZ if you're ever back in Ohio for some reason. It's fun, but I'd definitely prefer scenario 1 over 3 if it were me.
The 86 would be the DD except for snow on the roads. Which usually seems about 10 days a year.
The upside to the 86 is having power/fun for hilly weekend drives through New England. As well as dual zone climate control and heated seats. The Miata is pretty slow with 2 people and AC on if it's raining.
Option 3 is also a much cheaper option at the end of the day at about $26k. Option 1 is about $39k
Quote from: CaminoRacer on April 18, 2024, 09:16:02 AMI'd also vote for #1
Regular Prius > Prime, the wait and expense of the Prime doesn't seem worth it. Unless there's one sitting at a dealer near you for a decent price.
Dealers are swarming with primes here. No regular Priuses on the lot. I took my test drive in a prime. The big battery gives a good torque fill on the low end
I'd still need to test drive an awd(and an 86), though.
Quote from: MrH on April 18, 2024, 08:33:50 AMI'd vote for number 1. Better to have the bulk of your car money in your daily, not your toy.
You're more than welcome to drive my BRZ if you're ever back in Ohio for some reason. It's fun, but I'd definitely prefer scenario 1 over 3 if it were me.
I appreciate the offer :lol:
I also would appreciate the relaxation of the Prius in the daily grind. I can't say I'd look forward to commuting in the 86 but maybe it's not so bad with the radar cruise. An auto 86 is a back of the mind thought to make commuting better
4) Giulia
I've shared my prejudice against PHEVs several times on the 'SPIN. So, yes - regular Prii > Primes.
Quote from: SJ_GTI on April 17, 2024, 03:00:31 PMWhenever I see "MBUX" my mind immediately goes to V-Bucks (Fortnite currency that my nephews always want for birthdays and Christmas). So I always want to think that it is money that you can only spend on Mercedes Benz accessories.
The only video game I play is chess on my iPad and maybe SimCity 2000 in a browser when I am really bored. :lol:
I test drove an 86, and it's out of the running.
The biggest thing is noise. Some other things
- I think the gas pedal gives full throttle at about 50%. Going from 50% to 100% in gear doesn't seem to make a big difference.
- The new-car nannies are annoying. I'm sure they can be turned off, though.
- The steering seems to be a smidge more numb than the previous generation.
- The torks aren't where I want them even with .4L more displacement
Some good things
- It sounds fantastic
- It still has super flat cornering and the unibody is so stiff.
- The interior is really nice - buttons and soft touch surfaces. Simple and I liked it a lot.
I took the lady to test drive a Model Y, and she loved it a lot more than I thought she would. I tried out "FSD" for the first time, and it was fun. It's a fun party trick, but babysitting is more stressful than just driving to me. I'd test-driven a 3 a few weeks prior.
I think I will probably lease a 3. It's between a Prius and a 3. The Prius has a CVT and FWD and no dual-zone climate control. I'm sure the Prius has a higher level of operations and design quality going into it, but the Tesla also has a dirt-cheap lease. 3k down and $300/month (before taxes and all). $345/month for 12k miles/yr, which is probably what I'll do.
I'll give a call to an electrician tomorrow to get a quote for a couple of 240 outlets in the garage.
I'll still keep the Miata. It's in the body shop getting some paint cleaned up. I'll put a clear bra on it and fluid film each year so I can drive it more in the fall and spring without worrying about rust and road crud.
Oooof. I could send you a laundry list of horror stories getting warranty work done, getting murdered on fees when you turn it back in, etc. But it sounds like you already made your mind up. Sad.
Ioniq 5 & 6 are worth a look and are similarly cheap for a lease, but without as much BS.
Quote from: MrH on April 29, 2024, 09:19:36 AMIoniq 5 & 6 are worth a look and are similarly cheap for a lease, but without as much BS.
Probably depends on the dealership. Sounds like the Hyundai/Kia dealerships haven't moved up market as quickly as their cars have.
I wouldn't buy anything that's non-NACS-native. Lots of Osborning going on.
I'll have to post a walk through video of the local Hyundai Kia dealerships here :lol:
If Tesla service sucks I'll be done with it and move on in time :huh:
Quote from: Morris Minor on April 29, 2024, 10:18:11 AMI wouldn't buy anything that's non-NACS-native. Lots of Osborning going on.
Why? CCS + an adapter is literally the same thing.
Quote from: Rich on April 29, 2024, 11:12:25 AMI'll have to post a walk through video of the local Hyundai Kia dealerships here :lol:
If Tesla service sucks I'll be done with it and move on in time :huh:
It's horrendous. If anything, Tesla has made the arguments for dealerships existing. Tons of dealerships suck, including most Hyundai & Kia dealerships. But there are good dealerships out there, and they're priceless when you actually have an issue.
We've had a Kia EV6 for 2/3 of a year and have put 24 thousand miles on it. Never set foot in the dealership after the day I got it. If I wanted to rotate the tires, I'll take it to a local tire shop. I'll get new tires at around 30 thousand miles anyways as EVs tend to eat tires. I've never charged it at a public charger (fast or slow ones). I've charged it several times at family members Tesla chargers and with the Amazon bought adaptor, it works fine. If going on a long distance journey, I take one of the ICE cars we have. Even if the Kia EV6 was compatible with public Tesla superchargers with an adaptor, I wouldn't bother. I don't want to plan "fueling" on a long distance trip. Enough other things to be concerned with and don't want my car to dictate when I need to take a 20 minute or often longer break.
If you get an EV and are financing or leasing, particularly non Tesla branded EV, I'd consider gap insurance. They have horrendous depreciation. My Kia EV6 has probably lost 1/3 of value already. Even knowing that, I wouldn't hesitate to get another one. It's my favorite car.
All car mag reviews I've read of the refreshed Model 3 have given it stellar ratings as a driver. Reliability is not great. While parts and service can take a long time, I believe Tesla will usually give out a loaner during the warranty period if your car can't be driven.
Just one other thing. The Model Y has not had the same refresh as the Model 3 yet. Tesla has actually delayed it until 2025 because when they released the refreshed Model 3, Tesla had a hard time selling the existing older Model 3 unsold inventory. They did not want to make that mistake again so they have delayed the refresh of the Model Y.
So the Model Y does not have a cush ride. Depending on one's arse, that may or may not be a problem.
Quote from: Morris Minor on April 29, 2024, 10:18:11 AMI wouldn't buy anything that's non-NACS-native. Lots of Osborning going on.
:lol:!!! Entire supercharger team was fired today.
Quote from: MrH on April 30, 2024, 03:17:02 PM:lol:!!! Entire supercharger team was fired today.
At this stage, what the hell kind of talent would EVER go to work for a Musk joint? Jesus.
Yeah I don't see why any of the "best and brightest" would ever want to work for him. Reward excellence by being laid off all the while he demands a 56 billion pay package.
Equity when you have a fraud at the helm pumping the stock constantly is a hell of an incentive. It cuts both ways though. When it performs poorly, the compensation packages look really rough.
Most people just chase the money. LOTS of money? sure, that too...