The SVT Focus is officially for sale and it's time for a new car. This will not be strictly my car like the Focus currently is and it will be used by my wife when she needs to go out of town for work (hence the auto transmission). I am willing to travel almost anywhere to get the right car, though I don't want a Northeast car unless it has never been driven in the winter. Here are the criteria:
1. Fun to drive
2. Automatic (preferably with manumatic shifting)
3. Good highway mileage (26+ mpg)
4. Sedan or Convertible
5. Leather seating
6. If it's a convertible it needs to be a real 4 seater, not a "you can fit 4 people if the front occupants don't mind being killed by airbag deployment" kind of 4 seater.
7. If a sedan it must have a sunroof.
8. Prefer a V8 for power but mainly the noise, but a V6 will do.
9. $20,000 limit, but if I have to I will go to $25,000. Going to $25,000 will not strain us financially at all, but it's a self imposed limit.
10. No more than 5 years old and 40,000 miles
Cars we have already looked at so far:
1. 2011 Dodge Charger R/T (Can't find any under $25,000)
2. 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 GT
3. 2009-2010 Infiniti G37 Sedan
4. 2008 BMW 328i
Cars we have thought about and have to go see:
1. 2007-2008 Mustang GT Vert (We have to throw our kids in the back seat and see if there is enough room or not, though I suspect not)
2. 2008-2009 Volvo C70 Vert T5 (not sure if it's fun or not)
3. 2009 VW Eos (not crazy about the looks, but my wife likes it)
4. 2008-2009 Audi A4 Vert (Might be too small)
5. 2008-2009 BMW 128i Vert (Might be too small)
6. 2008 BMW 528i
The 328i's awesome.
You will regret this. So much.
What did you think of the Caddy?
Cadillac CTS. It's the biggest good car in your price range.
Quote from: Vinsanity on May 03, 2012, 11:28:43 AM
What did you think of the Caddy?
Quote from: Raza link=topic=27350.msg1713453#msg1713453 date=1336066482
Cadillac CTS. It's the biggest good car in your price range.
I drove the CTS and I liked it. The only thing was all the creaking and groaning during cornering that comes from the center console. It makes me really worry about the ability of the interior to stand the test of time.
EDIT: I'm also concerned with buying a GM product because of the quality issues we have had with every single GM product our family has ever had. My parents have had an ongoing issue with their Trailblazer where they can't open the rear hatch half the time and the rear glass ever, their fuel gauge doesn't work, and they have two warning lights on their dash at all times despite there being nothing wrong. Their 2006 Cobalt SS feels like it's had a hard life and my 2003 Focus that has been driven much harder feels newer and better put together. I'm not convinced GM has improved things. That's what worries me about the G8 since it's a discontinued car.
Think about the Fusion with the 3.5? 29mpg hwy!
Quote from: SVT666 on May 03, 2012, 11:43:40 AM
I drove the CTS and I liked it. The only thing was all the creaking and groaning during cornering that comes from the center console. It makes me really worry about the ability of the interior to stand the test of time.
It probably can't. :huh:
Quote from: SVT666 on May 03, 2012, 11:43:40 AM
I drove the CTS and I liked it. The only thing was all the creaking and groaning during cornering that comes from the center console. It makes me really worry about the ability of the interior to stand the test of time.
My interior's still holding up well at 8 years old, though it's always made that same creaking noise you describe during cornering. And it may be possible that the materials used in the newer model *might* not be as durable as in the older model. The newer design is much more pleasant, but it have a little bit of a model-home furniture feel to it compared to mine.
328i
Based on the stated requirements the objective best car on those lists (to include reliability, resale, and ownership costs) is the G37 sedan (esp. in AWD guise).
Infiniti M?
Have you looked at the 300/Charger V6 to see if its power is satisfactory? I wouldn't be surprised if it's not, but you never know.
Quote from: GoCougs on May 03, 2012, 12:06:23 PM
Based on the stated requirements the objective best car on those lists (to include reliability, resale, and ownership costs) is the G37 sedan (esp. in AWD guise).
We can only get the AWD up here, so if I do get it, I will definitely buy it in the US so I can get RWD.
Quote from: ifcar on May 03, 2012, 12:14:53 PM
Have you looked at the 300/Charger V6 to see if its power is satisfactory? I wouldn't be surprised if it's not, but you never know.
Not interested in the V6. It's a heavy ass car.
Quote from: Northlands on May 03, 2012, 11:49:32 AM
Think about the Fusion with the 3.5? 29mpg hwy!
Actually I haven't. It might be cool, but it's also almost impossible to find.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 03, 2012, 12:20:56 PM
It's ugly and expensive.
My hunch is 2o6 meant the 2nd gen M. Problem is the 2nd gen G is higher performance (even vs. the M45) and all around a better car. The G's only deficit vs. the M is interior room.
How much is an E60 528i? I think prices should have come down now that the new 5 is out. Large, great driving and pretty reliable with the N/A 6.
The 128i vert probably won?t meet your 4 people requirement. Having said that, I did fit four people in my convertible MINI a few times.
Thanks for that. I assumed the 5 series would be out of my price range, but a 2008 lands right in that $20-25K range.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 03, 2012, 12:54:45 PM
Thanks for that. I assumed the 5 series would be out of my price range, but a 2008 lands right in that $20-25K range.
See if you can get a newer one, the LCI 5er had its fair share of problems its first year. Anecdotally, my dad's 2008 was a reliability nightmare compared to his 2010, which has been flawless (knock on wood).
Oh, and they're fantastic, fantastic cars. My dad adores his- it feels like it was hewn from a solid block, handles very well for its size, is quite economical (he usually pulls about 25 mpg in his AWD 535i, and his commute includes a long stint on Brooklyn's Belt Parkway) and is very roomy. After driving an F10, he refused to budge from his E60. A 528i is a very good call.
Quote from: CALL_911 on May 03, 2012, 12:57:32 PM
See if you can get a newer one, the LCI 5er had its fair share of problems its first year. Anecdotally, my dad's 2008 was a reliability nightmare compared to his 2010, which has been flawless (knock on wood).
Oh, and they're fantastic, fantastic cars. My dad adores his- it feels like it was hewn from a solid block, handles very well for its size, is quite economical (he usually pulls about 25 mpg in his AWD 535i, and his commute includes a long stint on Brooklyn's Belt Parkway) and is very roomy. After driving an F10, he refused to budge from his E60. A 528i is a very good call.
The E60's first year was 2003.
EDIT: You BMW clowns and your codes. What the fuck is an LCI?
Quote from: SVT666 on May 03, 2012, 01:00:49 PM
The E60's first year was 2003.
EDIT: You BMW clowns and your codes. What the fuck is an LCI?
Life-cycle injection, fancy BMW speak for a facelift.
Actually, I can see a 528i being fine, seeing as it wasn't a new engine for 2008 (it's pretty much the same thing as the old 525i/530i). We had a 535xi, which gave my dad problems.
Life cycle impulse.
:rastaman:
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on May 03, 2012, 01:05:53 PM
Life cycle impulse.
:rastaman:
Some bullshit like that. Just like how the X5 isn't an SUV, but an SAV.
Quote from: CALL_911 on May 03, 2012, 01:04:17 PM
Actually, I can see a 528i being fine, seeing as it wasn't a new engine for 2008 (it's pretty much the same thing as the old 525i/530i). We had a 535xi, which gave my dad problems.
Yeah, I probably wouldn?t go anywhere near an early N54 turbo. But the N/A engine should be fine.
STS V?
Something with a drop top
The C70 isn't terrible to drive. It's a comfortable cruiser, not a canyon carver.
That said, I'd buy a Mercedes wagon.
http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Hyundai/Genesis/SURREY/British%20Columbia/5_12743177_20110510061831423/ (http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Hyundai/Genesis/SURREY/British%20Columbia/5_12743177_20110510061831423/)
Those are really holding their value.
Quote from: CJ on May 03, 2012, 02:03:43 PM
Those are really holding their value.
It's a $50,000 car up here when new, so this one is a fantastic buy. It'll be hard for Craig to find a better car (+better warranty) with everything it offers for the money.
My other recommendation is a year old Kia Optima 2.0T... should be about the same $Canada.
Quote from: Rockraven on May 03, 2012, 01:56:21 PM
http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Hyundai/Genesis/SURREY/British%20Columbia/5_12743177_20110510061831423/ (http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Hyundai/Genesis/SURREY/British%20Columbia/5_12743177_20110510061831423/)
I don't know. It has never grown on me. The styling is very "old man" to me, and every review I've read says that it's soft with no sporting intentions.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 03, 2012, 02:27:53 PM
I don't know. It has never grown on me. The styling is very "old man" to me, and every review I've read says that it's soft with no sporting intentions.
Never driven one, but I'd test one if I were you. Soft and powerful can be better than hard-as-fuck and powerful. You ain't no spring chicken anymore. Plus, I think it looks "Transporter" bad-ass in black.
You're right about that. I'm already starting to complain about how loud my Focus is.
Passat.
Acura RL. For serious it is a good car.
Quote from: 565 on May 03, 2012, 03:43:16 PM
Acura RL. For serious it is a good car.
35 Acura RL's were sold in Canada last year. Not likely to find one even if I wanted one.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 03, 2012, 03:49:14 PM
35 Acura RL's were sold in Canada last year. Not likely to find one even if I wanted one.
It was effectively discontinued by that point. The earlier ones should be easy enough to find.
Quote from: Rockraven on May 03, 2012, 02:12:04 PM
It's a $50,000 car up here when new, so this one is a fantastic buy. It'll be hard for Craig to find a better car (+better warranty) with everything it offers for the money.
My other recommendation is a year old Kia Optima 2.0T... should be about the same $Canada.
I like that suggestion too. Pretty slick machine. C&D liked it. I may test drive one soon for myself. It's certainly easy on the eyes and has a lot of standard equipment.
Quote from: Northlands on May 03, 2012, 03:56:32 PM
I like that suggestion too. Pretty slick machine. C&D liked it. I may test drive one soon for myself. It's certainly easy on the eyes and has a lot of standard equipment.
The only problem is that I can't get what I'm looking for in my price range, because 2011 was the first year for it.
Brand new 2012 Optima EX 2.0 Turbo, $29,600. Couldn't find a 2011 turbo, but if you could I'm sure it'll be right in your price range, especially an American model.
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Kia/Optima/GEORGETOWN/Ontario/5_13639998_ON20080206114620836/?ursrc=hl (http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Kia/Optima/GEORGETOWN/Ontario/5_13639998_ON20080206114620836/?ursrc=hl)
Sweet. Black EX turbo with 8000 miles for $23,000.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=90210&endYear=2012&modelCode1=OPTIMA&showcaseOwnerId=1380345&startYear=2011&makeCode1=KIA&listingType=used&sellerType=d&searchRadius=0&maxPrice=25000&minPrice=22000&listingId=320376211&Log=0 (http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=90210&endYear=2012&modelCode1=OPTIMA&showcaseOwnerId=1380345&startYear=2011&makeCode1=KIA&listingType=used&sellerType=d&searchRadius=0&maxPrice=25000&minPrice=22000&listingId=320376211&Log=0)
Holy hell! Look at the options on it! :confused:
Vehicle Description
Options Installed
4 wheel disc brakes
ABS brakes
AM/FM radio
Adjustable head restraints: driver and passenger w/tilt
Air conditioning
Anti-whiplash front head restraints
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Automatic temperature control
Brake assist
Bumpers: body-color
CD player
Compass
Delay-off headlights
Door mirrors: body-color
Driver door bin
Driver vanity mirror
Dual front impact airbags
Dual front side impact airbags
Electronic stability
Front beverage holders
Front bucket seats
Front center armrest
Front dual zone A/C
Front fog lights
Front reading lights
Fully automatic headlights
Garage door transmitter: HomeLink
Heated door mirrors
Ignition disable
Illuminated entry
Leather upholstery
Low tire pressure warning
MP3 decoder
Occupant sensing airbag
Outside temperature display
Overhead airbag
Overhead console
Panic alarm
Passenger door bin
Passenger vanity mirror
Perimeter/approach lights
Power door mirrors
Power driver seat
Power windows
Rear bench seats
Rear beverage holders
Rear door bins
Rear reading lights
Rear seat center armrest
Rear window defroster
Remote keyless entry
Security system
Speakers: 6
Speed control
Split folding rear seat
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
Tachometer
Telescoping steering wheel
Tilt steering wheel
Traction control
Trip computer
Turn signal indicator mirrors
Variably intermittent wipers
Wireless phone connectivity
Seller's Description and Comments
Turbo, Leather... LION COUNTRY KIA LOWEST PRICE PROMISE! We research the current used vehicle market daily and promise our prices are the lowest against any local franchised dealer, same model, trim, condition, and mileage. Contact us today to experience the Lion Country Kia difference! Check out our inventory at www.lioncountrykia.com for a FREE vehicle history report!
I would say go with the G8 GT but it no way in hell you'll get 26 mpg.
Quote from: Rockraven on May 03, 2012, 04:31:22 PM
Holy hell! Look at the options on it! :confused:
Vehicle Description
Options Installed
4 wheel disc brakes
ABS brakes
AM/FM radio
Adjustable head restraints: driver and passenger w/tilt
Air conditioning
Anti-whiplash front head restraints
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Automatic temperature control
Brake assist
Bumpers: body-color
CD player
Compass
Delay-off headlights
Door mirrors: body-color
Driver door bin
Driver vanity mirror
Dual front impact airbags
Dual front side impact airbags
Electronic stability
Front beverage holders
Front bucket seats
Front center armrest
Front dual zone A/C
Front fog lights
Front reading lights
Fully automatic headlights
Garage door transmitter: HomeLink
Heated door mirrors
Ignition disable
Illuminated entry
Leather upholstery
Low tire pressure warning
MP3 decoder
Occupant sensing airbag
Outside temperature display
Overhead airbag
Overhead console
Panic alarm
Passenger door bin
Passenger vanity mirror
Perimeter/approach lights
Power door mirrors
Power driver seat
Power windows
Rear bench seats
Rear beverage holders
Rear door bins
Rear reading lights
Rear seat center armrest
Rear window defroster
Remote keyless entry
Security system
Speakers: 6
Speed control
Split folding rear seat
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
Tachometer
Telescoping steering wheel
Tilt steering wheel
Traction control
Trip computer
Turn signal indicator mirrors
Variably intermittent wipers
Wireless phone connectivity
Seller's Description and Comments
Turbo, Leather... LION COUNTRY KIA LOWEST PRICE PROMISE! We research the current used vehicle market daily and promise our prices are the lowest against any local franchised dealer, same model, trim, condition, and mileage. Contact us today to experience the Lion Country Kia difference! Check out our inventory at www.lioncountrykia.com for a FREE vehicle history report!
Sounds great, but that's a 4 day drive. Not for a Kia. Maybe a BMW, but not a Kia.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 03, 2012, 05:05:54 PM
Sounds great, but that's a 4 day drive. Not for a Kia. Maybe a BMW, but not a Kia.
Stop in for beer and brats! :partyon:
Just wanted to show that they can be had in your $$$ range.
Quote from: Rockraven on May 03, 2012, 05:08:26 PM
Just wanted to show that they can be had in your $$$ range.
Nothing at all in BC that I can find. I can find them in the US, but honestly, I would rather have a 2008 BMW 528i or a 2009 Mustang GT Vert for the same price.
Before Honda turned Acura into the Cyborg Mask Convention, the 2008 TL's looked alright. 3.2 V6 ( yes, FWD though..) Hits all the options you want. There's a couple kicking around here for 23-24k.
DO IT!
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/8%20Series/TORONTO/Ontario/5_13768794_ON20071205105712467/ (http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/8%20Series/TORONTO/Ontario/5_13768794_ON20071205105712467/)
Quote from: CALL_911 on May 03, 2012, 01:04:17 PM
Life-cycle injection, fancy BMW speak for a facelift.
Actually, I can see a 528i being fine, seeing as it wasn't a new engine for 2008 (it's pretty much the same thing as the old 525i/530i). We had a 535xi, which gave my dad problems.
My dad had issues with his 535i (Sport package, if anyone cares) too, but it was a common problem and BMW seems to have finally figured it out and fixed the problem on most cars. I forget what the exact problem was (something to do with the high pressure fuel system, I think), but they're probably more reliable now than when they were new if the problem was fixed. Definitely get some proof that it was fixed though.
To be honest, I haven't driven a 528i for comparison, but I love the engine in the 535i. I don't know if you could find one within his constraints though.
No, 535i and 335i are still pretty pricey.
Quote from: Rockraven on May 03, 2012, 02:12:04 PM
It's a $50,000 car up here when new, so this one is a fantastic buy. It'll be hard for Craig to find a better car (+better warranty) with everything it offers for the money.
My other recommendation is a year old Kia Optima 2.0T... should be about the same $Canada.
The Hyundai 10y/100K Mile warranty is non-transferable. It defaults to a 5y/60K (from date of manufacture) when the original owner sells the car.
http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=12554041&__Qpb=1&Cr=1&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Price_Decimal|1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&MileageTo=750&__N=834%201216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294966285%204294966463%20393%20413%20246%20750%204294794458&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=13&__sid=13719F875280 (http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=12554041&__Qpb=1&Cr=1&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Price_Decimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Model_String%7C0&keywords=&MileageTo=750&__N=834%201216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294966285%204294966463%20393%20413%20246%20750%204294794458&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=13&__sid=13719F875280)
Done.
I hate you Omi.
Get a Mustang, you retard.
A Mustang vert is in the running, but my wife is really leaning toward a 328i. I'm bouncing from one to the other. We have to go drive them with the kids in tow to ensure the Mustang has room.
Quote from: omicron on May 04, 2012, 06:33:27 AM
http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=12554041&__Qpb=1&Cr=1&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Price_Decimal|1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&MileageTo=750&__N=834%201216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294966285%204294966463%20393%20413%20246%20750%204294794458&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=13&__sid=13719F875280 (http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=12554041&__Qpb=1&Cr=1&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Price_Decimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Model_String%7C0&keywords=&MileageTo=750&__N=834%201216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294966285%204294966463%20393%20413%20246%20750%204294794458&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=13&__sid=13719F875280)
Done.
Man, that's just RUDE! :lol:
328i over a mustang is a no brainer.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 03, 2012, 12:20:17 PM
We can only get the AWD up here, so if I do get it, I will definitely buy it in the US so I can get RWD.
As to the want for a rear driver, the G37x is the better handler and performer vs. the G37, and otherwise the AWD system is incredible; better than most. There is zero AWD-typical plow or understeer and otherwise the system is designed to imbue a bit of oversteer when things get sporty.
I haven't driven the previous-gen 3er anywhere near its limits but what I did drive didn't have any material advantage over the G, and in most comparisons (esp. research TTAC and their comparisons) the 3er's advantage isn't felt until until 9/10ths and above, and then it's quite small.
I think the (used) 328i would be a mistake. Not only is it tight for family the ownership costs will likely be immense vs. the G. The G will also be a significantly faster car, and with the AWD will be much better in the wet (why I opted for it) and the snow.
Quote from: 68_427 on May 04, 2012, 01:18:09 PM
STS-V would be badass actually.
Not really. It looks like an old man's car.
Quote from: GoCougs on May 04, 2012, 12:37:01 PM
As to the want for a rear driver, the G37x is the better handler and performer vs. the G37, and otherwise the AWD system is incredible; better than most. There is zero AWD-typical plow or understeer and otherwise the system is designed to imbue a bit of oversteer when things get sporty.
I've driven an AWD Sedan and the RWD coupe, and the RWD just has better steering feel, not to mention the car being lighter. I agree that the AWD in the Infiniti is nice and doesn't intrude too much, but I just like RWD driving dynamics better.
QuoteI haven't driven the previous-gen 3er anywhere near its limits but what I did drive didn't have any material advantage over the G, and in most comparisons (esp. research TTAC and their comparisons) the 3er's advantage isn't felt until until 9/10ths and above, and then it's quite small.
I've driven both and the BMW feels like it was milled out of a solid block of steel. The Infiniti is nice and I really like it, but it doesn't have the quality and solidity found in the BMW.
QuoteI think the (used) 328i would be a mistake. Not only is it tight for family the ownership costs will likely be immense vs. the G. The G will also be a significantly faster car, and with the AWD will be much better in the wet (why I opted for it) and the snow.
We still have the Explorer for winter jaunts through the mountains and to the ski hills, and for those times we need to take more than just the 4 of us, and for those times when we have so much luggage that it won't fit in the trunk. We're even looking at convertibles so we're not overly concerned about those things.
What is everyone's opinion on BMW's leatherette? I find it feels very much like their leather.
Mustang vert is out. Just as I thought there is nowhere near enough room in the back seat.
We're going to go drive the Infiniti G37 and BMW 328i tomorrow. Maybe even the Cadillac CTS. The nice thing about Infiniti and BMW is that they offer 0.9% on their CPO cars.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 04, 2012, 03:47:39 PM
Mustang vert is out. Just as I thought there is nowhere near enough room in the back seat.
Really? I can fit back there for at least an hour or two.
Or do you have car seats still?
I don't like BMW seats too much. The leatherette is quite good, but the leather isn't as good as Mercedes.
Quote from: hotrodalex on May 04, 2012, 03:57:11 PM
Really? I can fit back there for at least an hour or two.
Or do you have car seats still?
How short were the people sitting in the front seats? I set the seats where it's comfortable for me and there was no more than 2" or 3" behind the seat.
Comparable C-classes are about $5000 more.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 04, 2012, 05:14:33 PM
How short were the people sitting in the front seats? I set the seats where it's comfortable for me and there was no more than 2" or 3" behind the seat.
Around 6'. There wasn't much space between the seats, but the cushion is long enough to fit my upper legs so I just needed a few inches for my lower legs to fit between.
Of course, I can also fit into the backseat of our Camaro, which is even smaller. Maybe I'm just a contortionist. :lol:
Quote from: SVT666 on May 04, 2012, 03:32:32 PM
What is everyone's opinion on BMW's leatherette? I find it feels very much like their leather.
My last experience with it was in a Z4 about two years ago. I thought it was junk. I thought the whole interior of that car was 'meh'.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 04, 2012, 03:23:18 PM
Not really. It looks like an old man's car.
No more than any other car on your list.
(http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3196820/2006-cadillac-sts#31968200001)
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on May 03, 2012, 11:07:01 AM
You will regret this. So much.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on May 03, 2012, 11:07:01 AM
You will regret this. So much.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on May 03, 2012, 11:07:01 AM
You will regret this. So much.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on May 03, 2012, 11:07:01 AM
You will regret this. So much.
Keep the Focus. Get your wife whatever she wants, but less whatever you would make from selling the Focus. This is a bad idea.
Quote from: sportyaccordy on May 05, 2012, 01:46:31 PM
Keep the Focus. Get your wife whatever she wants, but less whatever you would make from selling the Focus. This is a bad idea.
We need the Explorer and she can't drive the Focus. We already tried selling the Explorer so we could buy a sedan and a beater truck for boat and camping duties, but we didn't get a single call and we were priced at the bottom end of the market. Nobody wants gas guzzlers with gas prices jumping every few weeks. The only alternative is to sell my car and buy a sedan and share the two vehicles. Makes a lot more sense for us.
EDIT: I needed to get the boat into the boat shop to get ready for the season and it took me nearly two weeks to get it there because she was driving all over the place for work.
What's wrong with having three vehicles?
Quote from: ifcar on May 03, 2012, 03:53:31 PM
It was effectively discontinued by that point. The earlier ones should be easy enough to find.
ell-oh-ell
His criteria is 5≥ years old, right?
Since 2007 Acura has sold... wait for it...
534 RLs. Total.
They're not worth seeking out.
EDIT: I looked up sales figures for the Saab 9-5, a car that wasn't even on sale in Canada in 2010. Since 2007 Saab has sold 671 of them.
YTD Saab dealers, peddling a now defunct brand, have sold 3 9-5s. Acura dealers, nation-wide, have sold 5 RLs. :lol:
Quote from: 2o6 on May 05, 2012, 06:57:42 PM
What's wrong with having three vehicles?
Insurance + maintenance + fuel on another vehicle can be expensive.
Quote from: 93JC on May 05, 2012, 07:22:02 PM
ell-oh-ell
His criteria is 5≥ years old, right?
Since 2007 Acura has sold... wait for it... 534 RLs. Total.
They're not worth seeking out.
EDIT: I looked up sales figures for the Saab 9-5, a car that wasn't even on sale in Canada in 2010. Since 2007 Saab has sold 671 of them.
YTD Saab dealers, peddling a now defunct brand, have sold 3 9-5s. Acura dealers, nation-wide, have sold 5 RLs. :lol:
Maybe you folks have better taste than you're given credit for.
so how did your test drives go?
Quote from: SVT666 on May 05, 2012, 02:34:54 PM
We need the Explorer and she can't drive the Focus. We already tried selling the Explorer so we could buy a sedan and a beater truck for boat and camping duties, but we didn't get a single call and we were priced at the bottom end of the market. Nobody wants gas guzzlers with gas prices jumping every few weeks. The only alternative is to sell my car and buy a sedan and share the two vehicles. Makes a lot more sense for us.
EDIT: I needed to get the boat into the boat shop to get ready for the season and it took me nearly two weeks to get it there because she was driving all over the place for work.
Like I said, keep the Focus, get her a used car. How much is insurance on the Focus & Exploder?
Quote from: sportyaccordy on May 07, 2012, 08:11:10 AM
Like I said, keep the Focus, get her a used car. How much is insurance on the Focus & Exploder?
We don't have room for 3 cars, a boat, a tent trailer, and a utility trailer. The tent trailer is already being stored at my parents' place, but the boat and utility trailer have to stay at the house since I use the boat starting next weekend for the next 4-5 months, and the utility trailer gets used all the time.
Insurance on the Explorer is $1300 and the Focus is $1100.
Sell the exploder and the boat, get her something practical.
Now you're just talking stupid. The boat is going nowhere and we already tried to sell the Explorer.
Quote from: Lebowski on May 07, 2012, 10:01:37 AM
Sell the exploder and the boat, get her something practical.
+1
On Saturday we drove a 2008 BMW 328i, a 2008 Infiniti G35x, and a 2008 Cadillac CTS 3.6DI. Both BMW and Infiniti offer 0.9% over 48 months on their CPO cars. BMW provides a 6 year protection plan as well.
2008 Infiniti G35x
Pros:
- Looks great
- Drives well
- very good handling
- lots of power
- big trunk
- nice seats
- better leather than the BMW
- Great interior styling
- 0.9% Financing
Cons:
- Cheapness found in some interior trim pieces
- engine is coarse at higher rpms
- auto transmission is very slow to react to manual inputs
- doesn't feel as solid as the BMW and kind of feels like a really nice Nissan
- Steering feel is muted compared to the BMW
2008 BMW 328i[/i]
Pros:
- Classic BMW styling that will age more gracefully than the other two cars
- Solid feel like it was milled out of a solid piece of steel
- it feels more "special" than the other two cars
- The handling is a step above the Infiniti and 3 steps above the Cadillac
- Comfortable seats
- Interior feels and looks high quality
- Back seat feels as roomy as the Infiniti and Cadillac despite being smaller
- Great steering feel
- Auto transmission reacts instantaneously to manual inputs
- I6 smoothness
- Non traditional cup holders are actually more useful
- 0.9% Financing
Cons:
- Small trunk
- Leather feels hard
- Slowest of the group
2008 Cadillac CTS 3.6DI
- Exterior looks great
- Interior looks great
- Quiet. Super quiet.
- Very good power
- Once into the corners, it handles very well
- Big trunk
- Nice engine growl at WOT
- Buttery smooth, yet taut ride
- Cool pop up GPS
Cons:
- Center console makes noise during cornering
- General cheapness in the interior despite the great styling
- Tranny is quicker to react to manual inputs than the Infiniti, but not as fast as the BMW
- Seats have zero lateral support
- The car almost resists spirited driving
- Possibly too quiet
- Cool pop-up GPS is ugly when up
- Bank rates for the Financing (~6.5%)
Quote from: SVT666 on May 07, 2012, 10:39:58 AM
Yes. I live on a lake. Boat stays.
If a boat causes this many logistical compromises, including your wife's daily commute, it's not worth having.
Grab a couple jet skis if possible. They'll get used more in the long run, and you can tow them with any car.
Why get a boat when you could have a BETTER CAR?!! :lol:
You can't drive a boat on the street. Not worth it.
Quote from: Lebowski on May 07, 2012, 11:02:31 AM
If a boat causes this many logistical compromises, including your wife's daily commute, it's not worth having.
I won't even dignify this with a comment.
Quote from: 68_427 on May 07, 2012, 11:04:38 AM
Grab a couple jet skis if possible. They'll get used more in the long run, and you can tow them with any car.
We waterski. Can't do that behind a jet ski. Besides, they won't get used more. We will be on our boat virtually every weekend from now until mid September.
By the way, when did a BMW 328i become a compromise? The transmission is a compromise, but the car itself is faster, handles better, rides better, and is a far superior car to my SVT Focus in every way.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 07, 2012, 11:10:03 AM
By the way, when did a BMW 328i become a compromise? The transmission is a compromise, but the car itself is faster, handles better, rides better, and is a far superior car to my SVT Focus in every way.
I have very real doubts that a 328i handles better than an SVT Focus.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 07, 2012, 11:08:20 AM
We waterski. Can't do that behind a jet ski. Besides, they won't get used more. We will be on our boat virtually every weekend from now until mid September.
I meant in the long run. With my personal experience, as your kids get older, they might prefer jet skis since they're more personal and much easier to take out for a quick blast by yourself. They don't require the same amount of planning for a trip to the lake as a boat.
I've wake boarded behind a jet ski. Er personal watercraft.
Quote from: 68_427 on May 07, 2012, 11:14:35 AM
I meant in the long run. With my personal experience, as your kids get older, they might prefer jet skis since they're more personal and much easier to take out for a quick blast by yourself. They don't require the same amount of planning for a trip to the lake as a boat.
You don't have to plan a trip to the lake if you live
on the lake like he does.
On doesn't have to mean "My house is built on waterfront property" Could be a couple miles. Even still, launching a boat on your own is way more difficult than a jet ski.
But I do understand having a boat while his kids are young. Although it's possible to plan into the future. I'm sure he could keep the boat in a marina or something during the season, since it'll be used as often as he says it will be. That way he wouldn't need the Explorer. Yes I know he couldn't sell it blah blah but we here at Carspin love trying to change peoples minds about shit.
If you live on the lake, why don't you just park the boat in the lake?
Quote from: Raza link=topic=27350.msg1715841#msg1715841 date=1336410871
I have very real doubts that a 328i handles better than an SVT Focus.
Well, since I own an SVT Focus and I just drove the 328i, I'm telling you it does.
Quote from: Vinsanity on May 07, 2012, 11:17:45 AM
You don't have to plan a trip to the lake if you live on the lake like he does.
I think you guys are misinterpreting my call for opinions on the car as me asking you what I should sell, keep, etc.
1. We love boating, we're keeping the boat.
2. We will not rent a slip since those are very expensive around here...and there's a waiting list.
3. We need the Explorer for the boat and tent trailer since we couldn't sell it to buy a beater truck.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 07, 2012, 11:10:03 AM
By the way, when did a BMW 328i become a compromise?
Lol this whole thread is one giant clusterfuck of irrational compromises.
Making your wife drive an exploder that you don't want yet can't afford to sell is a compromise.
Not being able to buy a beater truck because you're already imposing upon your parents to store one of your 37 vehicles+boats+trailers is a compromise.
Not being able to take boat in for 3 weeks is a compromise.
Bitching about gas prices when you own not one but two discretionary gas guzzling items is a compromise.
Don't get me wrong I see the appeal of a boat too but how much headache is it really worth?
So I'm assuming there's no way for you to get your wife to drive a stick? No offense to her but that would solve all your problems without you having to spend another penny on vehicles, and you get to keep the car you love.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 07, 2012, 11:30:46 AM
Well, since I own an SVT Focus and I just drove the 328i, I'm telling you it does.
Really? Are you sure it's not just RWD bias shining through?
Quote from: Lebowski on May 07, 2012, 11:44:04 AM
Lol this whole thread is one giant clusterfuck of irrational compromises.
Making your wife drive an exploder that you don't want yet can't afford to sell is a compromise.
We love the Explorer and my wife likes driving it. But, my wife spent $7800 on fuel alone last year. By my calculations, we will save roughly $4000 in fuel this year if we can trade vehicles whenever one of us goes out of town.
QuoteNot being able to buy a beater truck because you're already imposing upon your parents to store one of your 37 vehicles+boats+trailers is a compromise.
The trailer is 50% theirs anyway, and they have the room to store it and we don't.
QuoteNot being able to take boat in for 3 weeks is a compromise.
Right. Getting a car my wife can drive cures that problem. :nutty:
QuoteBitching about gas prices when you own not one but two discretionary gas guzzling items is a compromise.
I never bitched about gas prices. The sheer amount of fuel the Explorer uses can be cut by half by trading vehicles as needed...Freeing up the money to buy a BMW.
QuoteDon't get me wrong I see the appeal of a boat too but how much headache is it really worth?
Yes. By doing this, the headaches are minimized greatly. :nutty:
I don't need to justify any of this to you. I wasn't looking for opinions on if I'm doing the right thing here, because I already know I am. I really want this BMW. I want it more than I want to keep my Focus to be quite honest. Because of this move, the Explorer will be relegated to around town and towing duty which is the ultimate goal. Doing this, makes our lives much easier, because now I can use the Explorer whenever I need to, which is quite often during the spring and summer (landscaping mostly). Right now, if I take the Explorer, my wife is house bound and that does not work for us.
Quote from: thecarnut on May 07, 2012, 11:57:30 AM
So I'm assuming there's no way for you to get your wife to drive a stick? No offense to her but that would solve all your problems without you having to spend another penny on vehicles, and you get to keep the car you love.
She has tried. She doesn't have the coordination and it scares the crap out of her. She's 40 now, so there is pretty much no changing this fact now. Now, I do love my Focus, but I want the BMW more than I want to keep my Focus.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=27350.msg1715880#msg1715880 date=1336413913
Really? Are you sure it's not just RWD bias shining through?
Yes. The Focus is not sprung as stiffly as some may think. My buddy's 2005 Civic SiR rides twice as stiff as my car. The BMW rolls less and handles mid corner bumps much better, and around here mid corner bumps are a reality.
Exploder needs to go. Get a used Mazda 5.
Boat and house need to go. Replace with Viper.
What about trading the Explorer in on something?
Didn't you buy the Explorer in the US at a really good price? Why can't ya get a decent price for it in Canukistan?
Quote from: SVT666 on May 07, 2012, 10:38:51 AM
On Saturday we drove a 2008 BMW 328i, a 2008 Infiniti G35x, and a 2008 Cadillac CTS 3.6DI. Both BMW and Infiniti offer 0.9% over 48 months on their CPO cars. BMW provides a 6 year protection plan as well.
2008 Infiniti G35x
Pros:
- Looks great
- Drives well
- very good handling
- lots of power
- big trunk
- nice seats
- better leather than the BMW
- Great interior styling
- 0.9% Financing
Cons:
- Cheapness found in some interior trim pieces
- engine is coarse at higher rpms
- auto transmission is very slow to react to manual inputs
- doesn't feel as solid as the BMW and kind of feels like a really nice Nissan
- Steering feel is muted compared to the BMW
FWIW, the G37x ('09+) has moderate to major improvements on the important cons: engine NVH, steering feel and AT performance are all dramatically improved.
Also, the 328i I think will be a bad idea - you've had enough car-related headaches.
Quote from: HotRodPilot on May 07, 2012, 12:34:23 PM
Didn't you buy the Explorer in the US at a really good price? Why can't ya get a decent price for it in Canukistan?
Nobody is buying gas guzzlers. We priced it low and we didn't get a single call. Fuel prices here have been jumping every couple weeks and it's all over the news that gas is going to be at $1.60 a litre ($6.05 per Gallon) by summer. That's scaring people away from buying SUVs. My boss has made a nice little side business out of buying SUVs at auction and selling them privately and he won't buy the SUVs anymore because it takes him forever to offload them.
Quote from: GoCougs on May 07, 2012, 12:42:05 PM
FWIW, the G37x ('09+) has moderate to major improvements on the important cons: engine NVH, steering feel and AT performance are all dramatically improved.
I drove the G37 last fall and I had the exact same complaints.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=27350.msg1715894#msg1715894 date=1336415164
What about trading the Explorer in on something?
They will only give us $10K for it and that's not worth it to me. I would rather keep it than give it away.
Quote from: HotRodPilot on May 07, 2012, 12:24:47 PM
Boat and house need to go. Replace with Viper.
That's the first suggestion that actually makes sense.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 07, 2012, 12:47:49 PM
That's the first suggestion that actually makes sense.
My brother tows his 21' Bayliner with his Viper. The boat has black and silver sides so it looks really cool. Dunno what the tow rating of a Viper is, but he doesn't care.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 07, 2012, 12:14:47 PM
I don't need to justify any of this to you. I wasn't looking for opinions on if I'm doing the right thing here, because I already know I am. I really want this BMW. I want it more than I want to keep my Focus to be quite honest. Because of this move, the Explorer will be relegated to around town and towing duty which is the ultimate goal. Doing this, makes our lives much easier, because now I can use the Explorer whenever I need to, which is quite often during the spring and summer (landscaping mostly). Right now, if I take the Explorer, my wife is house bound and that does not work for us.
Sometimes the best advice is PITA to hear.
With the talk of financing another vehicle and not being able to sell the current vehicle (upside down?), I think people are implicitly picking up on maybe some financial strain and otherwise your ability to afford a 328i, G35x, or the like (even used).
I understand keeping the boat actually; I have friends that live in a similar area to yours (eastern WA - lots of hot weather, lots of water access, kind of in the boonies) and a boat is kind of a big deal.
My suggestion is to keep the Explorer and boat, sell the Focus and buy something with that money, plus maybe a bit more $$$. I think you'll have to compromise a lot on what you should buy: a boring, mundane, moderately used run-of-the-mill AT-equipped 4-cyl mid sizer just like most people.
Quote from: Rockraven on May 07, 2012, 12:52:13 PM
My brother tows his 21' Bayliner with his Viper. The boat has black and silver sides so it looks really cool. Dunno what the tow rating of a Viper is, but he doesn't care.
Nice. My dad used to tow 10,000lbs of hay with his El Camino. The Viper should be fine. Tow ratings usually have to do with how well can you stop the extra weight.
Quote from: Rockraven on May 07, 2012, 12:52:13 PM
My brother tows his 21' Bayliner with his Viper. The boat has black and silver sides so it looks really cool. Dunno what the tow rating of a Viper is, but he doesn't care.
Pics, goddammit!
Quote from: 68_427 on May 07, 2012, 01:01:32 PM
Nice. My dad used to tow 10,000lbs of hay with his El Camino. The Viper should be fine. Tow ratings usually have to do with how well can you stop the extra weight.
Neither will be fine actually; tow ratings are a lot than just stopping; from chassis strength, to cooling capacity, to at-speed stability, to suspension stiffness/strength, to transmission life, to a bunch of other things.
Quote from: GoCougs on May 07, 2012, 01:25:05 PM
Neither will be fine actually; tow ratings are a lot than just stopping; from chassis strength, to cooling capacity, to at-speed stability, to suspension stiffness/strength, to transmission life, to a bunch of other things.
Yeah, he doesn't care. He even has a Silverado, but that's to tow his 5th wheel.
Quote from: Rockraven on May 07, 2012, 01:29:17 PM
Yeah, he doesn't care. He even has a Silverado, but that's to tow his 5th wheel.
It's also a safety issue. For example if it had the power, cooling, brakes and strength to tow 10,000 lbs, an El Camino would get shoved around all over the place owing to low weight, short wheelbase, and narrow track, as compared to a well-equipped modern 1/2-ton (i.e., it would be a disaster waiting to happen).
How much does the boat weigh?
Quote from: GoCougs on May 07, 2012, 01:33:52 PM
It's also a safety issue. For example if it had the power, cooling, brakes and strength to tow 10,000 lbs, an El Camino would get shoved around all over the place owing to low weight, short wheelbase, and narrow track, as compared to a well-equipped modern 1/2-ton (i.e., it would be a disaster waiting to happen).
This was just around town. No highway speeds.
If the boat and trailer is around 3500-4000lbs then maybe trade in the Explorer for something like this.
http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/subaru-outback-cars610197034581500422;_ylt=AhAhtWb4zncVJ3oGqHlI4y3aXY54;_ylv=3?keywords=L.L.+Bean&sortcol=price&sortdir=up&start=46&modelyearlb=2005&askpriceub=any&askpricelb=any&deliverymileageub=any&deliverymileagelb=any&location=Hilton%2C+NY+14468&listingtype=used&model=outback&make=subaru&distance=any
You'll barely be paying
any out of pocket, and get something that will tow the boat, and get better unloaded MPG.
Quote from: GoCougs on May 07, 2012, 12:56:25 PM
Sometimes the best advice is PITA to hear.
With the talk of financing another vehicle and not being able to sell the current vehicle (upside down?), I think people are implicitly picking up on maybe some financial strain and otherwise your ability to afford a 328i, G35x, or the like (even used).
I understand keeping the boat actually; I have friends that live in a similar area to yours (eastern WA - lots of hot weather, lots of water access, kind of in the boonies) and a boat is kind of a big deal.
My suggestion is to keep the Explorer and boat, sell the Focus and buy something with that money, plus maybe a bit more $$$. I think you'll have to compromise a lot on what you should buy: a boring, mundane, moderately used run-of-the-mill AT-equipped 4-cyl mid sizer just like most people.
No. Financials constraints are not an issue. If I really wanted to spend the money, I could buy a new 5 series.
How are you gonna move the boa... ah I see.
IDK man I just see you coming up on the short end of the stick here. Exploder and some pseudo sports sedan - Focus. No thx. Youre on your own with this one
Just get a 328i and call it a day.
A husband having to compromise on the kind of car he drives. Seriously guys. Nothing to see here. Most of us married folk know what he's going through. :lol:
He's gotta pick a new(or newer) car and sell the Focus. Let's just hand over the suggestions on the cars themselves. :ohyeah:
Honestly dude, I'm the driving force behind this decision. My wife is happy to keep things the way they are. I'm the one that started test driving cars before she even knew I wanted to do this. I'm 35, I make good money, my wife is 40 and makes double what I make, and I think it's nice to treat ourselves to a nice car. If that means my Focus goes to make garage space, then that's what it means. The Focus is for someone younger anyway. It's already too small for my family and it's loud and my tastes have refined somewhat. I really dig the Bimmer.
I can no longer recommend a BMW, as it will cause you to cruise at 100 and get a ticket. :ohyeah:
I didn't mean for it to come out all about a wife's decision. Having a family and getting something that's at least a mid sizer four door comes with the territory. Having two vehicles that can accommodate hauling everyone just makes sense. Something that has some sporting ability is a bonus, and somewhat a necessity almost for a guy like you that can both afford it and appreciate a car that will have the ability to be driven hard for those times you can get out and go for a late night run.
I guess I just didn't get all the anti explorer points. Makes sense to me if you guys enjoy boating, and it already can haul everyone around inside of it. Considering where you live, it'd be a crime not to be able to.
Quote from: Northlands on May 07, 2012, 03:12:53 PM
I didn't mean for it to come out all about a wife's decision. Having a family and getting something that's at least a mid sizer four door comes with the territory. Having two vehicles that can accommodate hauling everyone just makes sense. Something that has some sporting ability is a bonus, and somewhat a necessity almost for a guy like you that can both afford it and appreciate a car that will have the ability to be driven hard for those times you can get out and go for a late night run.
I guess I just didn't get all the anti explorer points. Makes sense to me if you guys enjoy boating, and it already can haul everyone around inside of it. Considering where you live, it'd be a crime not to be able to.
:ohyeah:
Get what you like, that seems to be the 328i so I couldn't agree more. Regarding maintenance, there shouldn't be any major issues except preventive maintenance on the cooling system. If you get it, you could ask Mike Miller (BMW maintenance guru) for his "old-school" maintenance schedule. I have it as well and would gladly email it to you, it has great info on what to do to keep a BMW for the long run - even newer ones like the E60/E90.
But do test a 528i. I love how the E60 drove as well.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 03, 2012, 11:43:40 AM
I drove the CTS and I liked it. The only thing was all the creaking and groaning during cornering that comes from the center console. It makes me really worry about the ability of the interior to stand the test of time.
It kinda didn't in the XLR. :devil:
I can elaborate if you'd like. Mostly little things, but things that a 6 year old car with only 65K miles that originally sold for $90,000 shouldn't have wrong with it.
If it were my money, I'd find a good deal on a low mileage E90 and drive home happy.
My boss just recently bought an X5, and two days ago he had a warning light come on. He called the BMW dealership and was told they were booked up until May 29th. WTF? So he called three independent garages that specialize in BMWs and was told they were all booked up through the next 10 days. Are you kidding me? WTF goes wrong with these cars that you can't even get in to get a diagnostic run? If I wanted to get my Ford worked on, I could drop it off tonight and someone will work on it tomorrow morning, or at the latest tomorrow afternoon.
This has got me really concerned about buying a BMW. If something goes wrong with it, we will have to rent for a couple weeks before they can see it and give us a courtesy car. This is not cool.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 11, 2012, 10:35:23 AM
My boss just recently bought an X5, and two days ago he had a warning light come on. He called the BMW dealership and was told they were booked up until May 29th. WTF? So he called three independent garages that specialize in BMWs and was told they were all booked up through the next 10 days. Are you kidding me? WTF goes wrong with these cars that you can't even get in to get a diagnostic run? If I wanted to get my Ford worked on, I could drop it off tonight and someone will work on it tomorrow morning, or at the latest tomorrow afternoon.
This has got me really concerned about buying a BMW. If something goes wrong with it, we will have to rent for a couple weeks before they can see it and give us a courtesy car. This is not cool.
It's probably the free maintenance programs and not having enough rinky-dink-level techs vs certified mechanics to handle it.
I don't know man. The independent garages that don't offer that are booked for at least 10 days as well. And regardless of the reason, if the BMW breaks down where we can't drive it, I would have to rent for 2 weeks while we wait to get it in.
Wow, what the fuck kind of BMW dealer is this? The dealer my dad goes to is absolutely awesome. They're quick and efficient. They also give out blowjobs in the waiting room.
Where does he live? If he is in a big city then there are multiple BMW dealers to take on the work load. We only have one within a 4 hour drive.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 11, 2012, 12:20:47 PM
Where does he live? If he is in a big city then there are multiple BMW dealers to take on the work load. We only have one within a 4 hour drive.
That's true, there are several BMW dealers close to home.
Dealer service network is a big deal IMO.
That makes no sense. Haven't heard complaints from BMW owners where I live, and the loaner program is also very good.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 11, 2012, 12:20:47 PM
Where does he live? If he is in a big city then there are multiple BMW dealers to take on the work load. We only have one within a 4 hour drive.
Don't live in the middle of no where. Problem solved.
Quote from: MrH on May 11, 2012, 02:49:52 PM
Don't live in the middle of no where. Problem solved.
It's not the middle of nowhere. There are 250,000 people in the area. It just seems like a ton of BMWs have a lot of issues.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 11, 2012, 04:03:11 PM
It's not the middle of nowhere. There are 250,000 people in the area. It just seems like a ton of BMWs have a lot of issues.
You're only just finding this out now???
Quote from: GoCougs on May 11, 2012, 04:56:55 PM
You're only just finding this out now???
I didn't think it was this bad.
We had a hot and sunny day today and we were driving by a Ford dealer and they had a used white 2011 Mustang GT convertible sitting out front, so we stopped in. We threw the kids' booster seats in the back, adjusted the seats, and went for a drive. I don't know what the difference is between this one and the pre-facelift cars, but there seems to be more legroom in the back. The kids were fine back there. I even laid down an 80' burnout (I will post a picture of the elevenses later). What a car. I took a coupe for a quick drive last year with the salesman so I couldn't do anything fun with jt, but today was different. I understand the M3 comparisons now because not only is it ridiculously fast but it drives very mich like a 3 series. The magazines call the Mustang's steering the best steering ever in an American mainstream car. I disagree. My SVT Focus' is better as was the 2010 Mustang's. It is kinda light, but it is still excellent. Oh, and there is absolutely no reason to change the exhaust in this car because the stock exhaust sounds amazing. Think "Steve McQueen's 390GT".
Anyway, we're sold on it, including my wife. It's more than we want to spend so I will look for one in the US, but we're probably going to wait until fall when the prices for convertibles drop...unless I find a deal I can't resist before then...and it has to have the 5.0L. My gawd, what an amazing motor.
As much as I am against tossing out the SVT Focus, I can agree with this.
Sell the Focus to someone here! Keep it in the CarSPIN family!
Someone has already PM'd me about it, but that person hasn't made a decision yet. It shouldn't be hard to import to the US since I imported it from the US to begin with.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 11, 2012, 09:17:42 PM
Someone has already PM'd me about it, but that person hasn't made a decision yet. It shouldn't be hard to import to the US since I imported it from the US to begin with.
What did you need to change when you imported it?
Dix it have a Red interior?
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on May 11, 2012, 09:22:46 PM
What did you need to change when you imported it?
Daylight Running Lights, but they stopped working 15 minutes after it passed inspection...just like the mechanic said they would. HaHa.
Quote from: 68_427 on May 11, 2012, 09:23:10 PM
Dix it have a Red interior?
My Focus or the Mustang? My Focus does, the Mustang does not.
Was taking about the mustang
Mustang whore. :rolleyes:
:thumbsup:
Quote from: SVT666 on May 11, 2012, 09:24:41 PM
Daylight Running Lights, but they stopped working 15 minutes after it passed inspection...just like the mechanic said they would. HaHa.
:lol: I hate those damn things with a passion!
Quote from: hotrodalex on May 11, 2012, 09:31:39 PM
Mustang whore. :rolleyes:
:thumbsup:
If I wasn't a GM whore I would have called him that too!!! :cheers:
Quote from: hotrodalex on May 11, 2012, 09:31:39 PM
Mustang whore. :rolleyes:
:thumbsup:
You must drive one.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 11, 2012, 08:43:17 PM
I didn't think it was this bad.
It's not. I know plenty of people who have E90s. None of them have had any major issues. Only thing I've heard about is the water pump. If I didn't buy the LR2, I would've purchased an E90 without even thinking twice.
'Cougs is just biased against German cars and tries to make them all seem like bombs to justify his own vehicular purchases (such as buying a former rental car without doing so much as a Carfax report on it). Don't take the bait.
Quote from: TurboDan on May 12, 2012, 12:12:22 AM
It's not. I know plenty of people who have E90s. None of them have had any major issues. Only thing I've heard about is the water pump. If I didn't buy the LR2, I would've purchased an E90 without even thinking twice.
'Cougs is just biased against German cars and tries to make them all seem like bombs to justify his own vehicular purchases (such as buying a former rental car without doing so much as a Carfax report on it). Don't take the bait.
I don't listen to anything he says. What bothers me is that there seems to be so many broken Bimmers that if anything went wrong with mine, I would have to wait two weeks to get it in. Besides the Mustang is just so ridiculously fun, I can't go back to the Bimmer.
Mustang just seems fitting.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 11, 2012, 10:42:52 PM
You must drive one.
I'll have to try to get a test drive sometime.
2 week wait time for service seems crazy. The shop my dad went to for the broken serpentine belt was fairly busy (European specialty shop), but still got him in that day. Maybe the little shops have to pick up the slack for the minimal dealer coverage.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 11, 2012, 08:43:17 PM
I didn't think it was this bad.
Yeah, unfortunately it really is that bad - almost as bad as Land Rover.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 12, 2012, 12:28:27 AM
I don't listen to anything he says. What bothers me is that there seems to be so many broken Bimmers that if anything went wrong with mine, I would have to wait two weeks to get it in. Besides the Mustang is just so ridiculously fun, I can't go back to the Bimmer.
You listen to everything I "say." You WILL do better than a used BMW.
Craig, just get a Mustang 5.0. It's what you really want, so just do it.
OR, even better, a year-old V6 'vert can easily be found in your price range.
Here you go. Add some flat black Boss hockey stick stripes, and you have a nice Mustang for the wife.
It's in Vancouver, waiting for you.
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Ford/Mustang/BURNABY/British%20Columbia/5_13404230_CT200553092831706/ (http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Ford/Mustang/BURNABY/British%20Columbia/5_13404230_CT200553092831706/)
Don't really understand the fascination with the Mustang, but if it makes you happy, go for it.
Quote from: MrH on May 12, 2012, 02:38:45 PM
Don't really understand the fascination with the Mustang, but if it makes you happy, go for it.
You can't deny the performance for money aspect. Also, it's a cheap and easy car to repair. Point #3, a V6 Mustang is very reasonable to insure.
Quote from: Rockraven on May 12, 2012, 02:44:12 PM
You can't deny the performance for money aspect. Also, it's a cheap and easy car to repair.
I never thought it was all that enjoyable to drive though. :huh:
Quote from: MrH on May 12, 2012, 02:44:50 PM
I never thought it was all that enjoyable to drive though. :huh:
Compared to what other 2011, $22,000 convertible?
Quote from: Rockraven on May 12, 2012, 02:46:20 PM
Compared to what other 2011, $22,000 convertible?
Miata :praise:
Quote from: MrH on May 12, 2012, 02:50:32 PM
Miata :praise:
Agree, but it's not practical for what he's looking for. It's for his wife, and he'll need to tote around the kids in it.
I'll second the V6 Stang motion. Huge bang for the buck too when looking at convertibles.
Forget the V6 guys. It's 5.0 all the way. Also, it's not for the wife, it's for both of us. We'll be sharing it about 50/50.
Quote from: MrH on May 12, 2012, 02:44:50 PM
I never thought it was all that enjoyable to drive though. :huh:
Then you're dead inside.
Stang is a bad enough choice to begin with, V6 just makes it a terrible one.
328i all the way
Quote from: Lebowski on May 12, 2012, 06:06:04 PM
Stang is a bad enough choice to begin with, V6 just makes it a terrible one.
328i all the way
??? It has 304 hp, goes 0-60 in 5.3 seconds, is cheap to maintain and insure, is good on gas compared to the 5.0, looks good, and year old ones can be had for Civic money, convertibles for less than $22k. How the hell is this a terrible choice? ... or does my sarcasm detector need calibration?
Quote from: SVT666 on May 12, 2012, 04:51:59 PM
Forget the V6 guys. It's 5.0 all the way. Also, it's not for the wife, it's for both of us. We'll be sharing it about 50/50.
You gave us a price point, and I tried my best. Good luck.
Quote from: Rockraven on May 12, 2012, 06:22:22 PM
You gave us a price point, and I tried my best. Good luck.
I appreciate that man. Thanks. The price is one reason we're waiting till fall now. But for the right car we're willing to bend even more from our $25,000 max.
Quote from: Rockraven on May 12, 2012, 06:21:20 PM
??? It has 304 hp, goes 0-60 in 5.3 seconds, is cheap to maintain and insure, is good on gas compared to the 5.0, looks good, and year old ones can be had for Civic money, convertibles for less than $22k. How the hell is this a terrible choice? ... or does my sarcasm detector need calibration?
Good on gas, period. The coupe gets 31mpg.
A 5.0 convertible is still $33,000 right now.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2011-CONVERTIBLE-HID-PREMIER-SHAKER-/350563482906?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item519f363d1a#ht_4889wt_1165
Quote from: CJ on May 12, 2012, 09:30:58 PM
A 5.0 convertible is still $33,000 right now.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2011-CONVERTIBLE-HID-PREMIER-SHAKER-/350563482906?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item519f363d1a#ht_4889wt_1165
That car only has 6,700 miles on the clock. I have found several in the $27,000-$30,000 range. I will also have whatever I get for the Focus as a down payment, and I can still get $8,000 for it (priced for a quick sale) up here. If I wanted to wait it out I could get $10,000 for it still. The SVT Focus is extremely rare up here (Ford only brought 500 of them to Canada) and they are never for sale. In the fall, there will be another 6 months of depreciation and the fact that verts don't sell at that time of year working in my favour.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 12, 2012, 06:49:03 PM
I appreciate that man. Thanks. The price is one reason we're waiting till fall now. But for the right car we're willing to bend even more from our $25,000 max.
Nice self control. :lol:
I think a two-door would be a big mistake for a family.
You guys also have to remember a Mustang GT would have to be an AT (for the mrs.) for which you turkeys would probably eat him alive.
Quote from: GoCougs on May 12, 2012, 11:28:26 PM
I think a two-door would be a big mistake for a family.
It's not the primary car.
QuoteYou guys also have to remember a Mustang GT would have to be an AT (for the mrs.) for which you turkeys would probably eat him alive.
The one we test drove was an auto. It was pretty good. All that power still equals tons of fun despite the tranny.
As promised here is the pic of my elevenses. I stepped it out to about 85'...with an auto.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/2012-05-12124955.jpg)
You did that on a test drive? :rolleyes:
Yes, I did.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 13, 2012, 10:14:56 PM
Yes, I did.
That's totally rad, dude!
(http://www.rad-dudes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ferrari_guy_via_mfh.jpg)
Well, my wife is all over the map now. Now she says she wants to wait and see how good the new Fusion is going to be. She also wants to go drive a Buick Verano. I told her that if we get a sedan, then I will take the Explorer as my vehicle and then in a year or two I will get a Mustang vert with a manual transmission. She said that's fine with her.
So you'd have three cars after all?
My parents just bought an acreage, so now we have somewhere to put the trailer and the boat when not using them.
The new Fusion is pricey.
Titanium AWD starts at $32K US.
Quote from: 68_427 on May 24, 2012, 11:13:53 AM
The new Fusion is pricey.
Titanium AWD starts at $32K US.
Yeah, the Titanium AWD starts at $33,999 here. But I'm sure, I can option up an SE with moonroof and leather and keep it under $30,000.
Would you consider one of these puppies?
(http://photos.ecarlist.com/UF/KW/jZ/Ky/sl/Ke/8J/RY/K1/A3/6w_800.jpg)
在中國
在中國
That's traditional Chinese. Taiwan and Hong Kong use that, not the mainland.
No, but we are looking at the Buick Verano.
(http://www.worldspeedcrewcup.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/2012-Buick-Verano-Images.jpg)
Quote from: Laconian on May 24, 2012, 11:35:30 AM
在中國
That's traditional Chinese. Taiwan and Hong Kong use that, not the mainland.
去他妈的自己，共产主义。
Quote from: SVT666 on May 24, 2012, 11:35:53 AM
No, but we are looking at the Buick Verano.
(http://www.worldspeedcrewcup.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/2012-Buick-Verano-Images.jpg)
That's a Regal. Also Wait for the Verano turbo if you can.
Sorry. I was wondering why it looked so much better in that picture than in others. I haven't read great things about the turbo in the Regal though. Apparently it is plagued with a "surging" effect.
(http://images.thecarconnection.com/med/2012-buick-verano_100335673_m.jpg)
"Surging" effect=lag?
Priapism, because the car is so awesome.
I've heard that the Regal w/turbo puts out disappointing numbers period.
Quote from: CALL_911 on May 24, 2012, 12:04:59 PM
"Surging" effect=lag?
No. All the reviews I have read say the same thing. They say the effect has largely been eliminated in the GS, but in the lesser Turbo, it's very present. One reviewer even stated, "How could anyone approve this?".
could be torque management or the fact the GS uses a new 2.0T. The one that will be in the ATS, Verano, and Regal this year. Pretty sure the Buicks will be getting 250hp in turbo guise.
IIRC, the Verano is more like a small Lacrosse than a small Regal. That is, it's geared more for softness than sharpness. I remember thinking that the Verano might be a good next car for my parents.
Well, we still need to drive it. The Regal is my preferred choice, but it's a bit pricey.
Wait, you prefer a new Buick? Over what, just a Sunfire?
Why don't you just get a Cruze?
Quote from: MrH on May 24, 2012, 03:27:50 PM
Wait, you prefer a new Buick? Over what, just a Sunfire?
It's my preferred choice over the Verano. My overall preferred choices for a sedan are a 2008 328i, 2008 Infiniti G37, 2012 Optima, 2013 Fusion, or a used Charger.
Quote from: CALL_911 on May 24, 2012, 03:30:33 PM
Why don't you just get a Cruze?
Why not get a Verano over a Cruze? I could understand if it were plainly about the money, but I see little reason otherwise.
If the Regal is anything like the Insignia (looks it) don't bother. Didn't rate it at all
Umm... wait so we went from 3er to 'Stang to.... Buick?
The Verano may be an OK car but.... come on. It's a Buick. If you're younger than 80 years old.... ya know.
You want the Stang. Get it!!!! It's an awesome car!
We're all over the place. Today she was looking at pictures of the G37 and '13 Fusion.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 26, 2012, 12:57:43 AM
We're all over the place. Today she was looking at pictures of the G37 and '13 Fusion.
You and 'Cougs can be twins. :lol:
I still think a S60 t6 would be great. Best interior of any car on your list, good power, safety tech, good looks, and awd as a bonus.
Well, we went and drove the G37x sedan and my wife is in love with the car. You all know I already loved it, so it was just getting her to buy in...and that wasn't hard at all. Less than 3 minutes behind the wheel she said, "Oh yeah. Let's get it."
So as of right now, all five Infiniti dealers in our province (including the one in Victoria) are keeping their eyes and ears to the ground to find us a G37x (we can't even get the RWD sedan here) in white. Both of us are pretty stuck on white. None of the other colours except black really do it for us and we refuse to own a black vehicle again (dirt, minor scratches, rock chips, etc all show up too easily). We might be waiting awhile or it could happen next week. Just depends when the car shows up on trade or lease return.
This time, buying a car in the US is out. After we pay the duty (because it is built in Japan, not NA) we might as well buy it here.
GET THE WOOD TRIM DO IT
Are you looking for a facelifted or pre-facelift G?
2009
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9ijCGOAaeDg/S4muC3mUAHI/AAAAAAAAAAk/CxTLxwEdm4M/s400/G37+WHITE++1.jpg)
Gorgeous.
I don't know if it's really applicable here since it's an used purchase, but today G is a pretty dated car. Car came out 5 years ago already...
New model is right around the corner....
Ummmm....looking at used. Since when is a 2013 model in 2012 a used car?
Quote from: SVT_Power on June 09, 2012, 11:09:09 PM
I don't know if it's really applicable here since it's an used purchase, but today G is a pretty dated car. Car came out 5 years ago already...
I dig buying cars towards the end of their model cycle anyway. All the kinks should be worked out by then.
Quote from: SVT_Power on June 09, 2012, 11:09:09 PM
I don't know if it's really applicable here since it's an used purchase, but today G is a pretty dated car. Car came out 5 years ago already...
Yet I'd still say it's near the top of its class.
Did you decide wich vehicle you're gonna trade in/sell?
Quote from: CALL_911 on June 10, 2012, 09:12:01 AM
Yet I'd still say it's near the top of its class.
Even C&D in last month's issue (vs. the new 328i, A4, S60, etc.) they called the G (still) the most fun to drive in the class.
I agree with that too. It is definitely more fun and more communicative than the 3 series. The 328i was kind of muted in comparison.
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on June 10, 2012, 09:17:27 AM
Did you decide wich vehicle you're gonna trade in/sell?
We need the Explorer for camping with our tent trailer, pulling our boat, and using with our utility trailer. As soon the G37 is in our driveway, the Focus gets a for sale sign. If I can't get what I want for it (shouldn't be that hard though since Autotrader doesn't have a single SVT for sale in the entire country the last time I checked), then I will just keep it.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 10, 2012, 03:36:12 PM
I agree with that too. It is definitely more fun and more communicative than the 3 series. The 328i was kind of muted in comparison.
Do i need to quote your first reaction after driving a 3 series?
Quote from: MrH on June 10, 2012, 07:07:25 PM
Do i need to quote your first reaction after driving a 3 series?
Yeah I remember him jizzing over the 3er...
The G feels rental class next to a good 3er
Quote from: SVT666 on June 10, 2012, 03:36:12 PM
I agree with that too. It is definitely more fun and more communicative than the 3 series. The 328i was kind of muted in comparison.
Huh? You drove a 3-series and pretty much disqualified everything else....
Was it a 328i or 335i that he jizzed over?
The 3 series is a beautiful car and yes, I do understand why it wins the comparison tests. Now, it had also been almost a year since I had last driven the G at that point. After driving the G again, the G is definitely more fun and a little more communicative. The 3 series has the "milled out of a solid block of steel" feeling that I have never experienced before. It is a wonderful car, but that solid feel also mutes some of the sensations that the G communicates better. I just had more fun behind the wheel of the G. So did my wife.
Quote from: MrH on June 10, 2012, 07:07:25 PM
Do i need to quote your first reaction after driving a 3 series?
Yeah, really. What gives, SVT?
I hear Hertz uses Gs in the fleet. Perhaps you can get a good deal on one surplus from them. :partyon:
Quote from: SVT666 on June 10, 2012, 10:49:29 PM
The 3 series is a beautiful car and yes, I do understand why it wins the comparison tests. Now, it had also been almost a year since I had last driven the G at that point. After driving the G again, the G is definitely more fun and a little more communicative. The 3 series has the "milled out of a solid block of steel" feeling that I have never experienced before. It is a wonderful car, but that solid feel also mutes some of the sensations that the G communicates better. I just had more fun behind the wheel of the G. So did my wife.
Interesting. The first generation communicated like a 350Z, but worse, so it was pretty bad. Nice to hear they improved it, since the 370Z still doesn't communicate all that well.
Quote from: TurboDan on June 10, 2012, 11:43:31 PM
I hear Hertz uses Gs in the fleet. Perhaps you can get a good deal on one surplus from them. :partyon:
National car rental as well...
Quote from: SVT666 on June 10, 2012, 10:49:29 PM
The 3 series is a beautiful car and yes, I do understand why it wins the comparison tests. Now, it had also been almost a year since I had last driven the G at that point. After driving the G again, the G is definitely more fun and a little more communicative. The 3 series has the "milled out of a solid block of steel" feeling that I have never experienced before. It is a wonderful car, but that solid feel also mutes some of the sensations that the G communicates better. I just had more fun behind the wheel of the G. So did my wife.
Add in much better motor, better AWD system, better reliability, and cheaper price, and the G becomes the logical decision.
You are out of your mind on the motor... smooth I6 over the rough tractor sounding V6 anytime
Quote from: r0tor on June 11, 2012, 04:47:54 PM
You are out of your mind on the motor... smooth I6 over the rough tractor sounding V6 anytime
There is a big difference in sound from the 3.7L V6 depending on if you are driving the Coupe or the sedan. The sedan sounds much better and has a growl to it. The coupe sounds like someone dropped a bucket of rocks into the engine. I don't know why, but that's the way it is. The I6 in the BMW is so remarkably smooth it blew me away, but the G has 100 more horsepower.
Bavarian paper horsepowers are normally stronger then japanese ones... and if they arent strong enough you get the 335
Quote from: r0tor on June 11, 2012, 05:04:34 PM
Bavarian paper horsepowers are normally stronger then japanese ones... and if they arent strong enough you get the 335
Which costs $10K more even on the used market.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 11, 2012, 06:43:52 PM
Which costs $10K more even on the used market.
I'm surprised to see that. I'd really think the 328i would hold its value a lot better than the 335i, seeing how iffy the N54's reliability has been.
Bleh... If it needs to be the 328, 100 HP more and only a half sec quicker to 60 and thru the 1/4 mile... Well worth it for I6 smoothness
Quote from: r0tor on June 11, 2012, 04:47:54 PM
You are out of your mind on the motor... smooth I6 over the rough tractor sounding V6 anytime
Nah, the I6 is an outdated configuration, and BMW's flavor is either up to ~75 hp shy (N/A variant) or lag- and unreliability-prone ((twin) turbo variant). VQ > BMW I6.
I6 is the perfect engine configuration
Quote from: r0tor on June 11, 2012, 06:59:28 PM
Bleh... If it needs to be the 328, 100 HP more and only a half sec quicker to 60 and thru the 1/4 mile... Well worth it for I6 smoothness
It's actually a full second slower than the G. 5.1 seconds to the Bimmer's 6.1 seconds. To get a comparably equipped 3 series, I'm looking at $10K more and a smaller trunk and back seat. The G is a little more fun, but less refined, and I will take fun over refinement any day. Besides, it's not all about numbers and Pros and Cons columns, it's about what you feel when you drive it and the G makes us feel "right". The BMW was close, but not quite close enough.
Quote from: r0tor on June 11, 2012, 08:08:07 PM
I6 is the perfect engine configuration
It's silky smooth. I wish BMW hadn't given up on it and had instead redesigned it to improve power and efficiency.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 11, 2012, 09:34:00 PM
It's actually a full second slower than the G. 5.1 seconds to the Bimmer's 6.1 seconds. To get a comparably equipped 3 series, I'm looking at $10K more and a smaller trunk and back seat. The G is a little more fun, but less refined, and I will take fun over refinement any day. Besides, it's not all about numbers and Pros and Cons columns, it's about what you feel when you drive it and the G makes us feel "right". The BMW was close, but not quite close enough.
Hypocrite!
Quote from: r0tor on June 11, 2012, 08:08:07 PM
I6 is the perfect engine configuration
"Perfect" in the day before split pin cranks and balance shafts in V6s. The latter are no longer an issue, plus I6s are in general more expensive to manufacture, and hence why pretty much any automaker of note axed "perfect" some time ago.
Quote from: MrH on June 11, 2012, 09:48:41 PM
Hypocrite!
Care to explain? When I wrote my review of the BMW, it had been over a year since I had last driven a G. My wife was dead set on the BMW right up until she drove the G too. She even wanted that 328i over the Mustang vert we drove. If it was purely my decision, that Mustang would already be in my driveway. But when we drove the G, everything felt just right for us. My kids complained the whole time when we test drove the Bimmer about the back seat, and in the G, they were saying things like "when are you going to buy it?". Even my kids liked the G better.
Quote from: GoCougs on June 11, 2012, 10:07:44 PM
"Perfect" in the day before split pin cranks and balance shafts in V6s. The latter are no longer an issue, plus I6s are in general more expensive to manufacture, and hence why pretty much any automaker of note axed "perfect" some time ago.
They also take up much more room because they are just as long as well, a V12. Having said that, I was immensely impressed with how smooth the I6 was.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 11, 2012, 10:30:30 PM
Care to explain? When I wrote my review of the BMW, it had been over a year since I had last driven a G. My wife was dead set on the BMW right up until she drove the G too. She even wanted that 328i over the Mustang vert we drove. If it was purely my decision, that Mustang would already be in my driveway. But when we drove the G, everything felt just right for us. My kids complained the whole time when we test drove the Bimmer about the back seat, and in the G, they were saying things like "when are you going to buy it?". Even my kids liked the G better.
Don't worship at the 3er alter? UNENTHUSIAST.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 11, 2012, 10:31:31 PM
They also take up much more room because they are just as long as well, a V12. Having said that, I was immensely impressed with how smooth the I6 was.
I found the Honda V6 to be just as smooth; the only difference was at idle (the Honda wasn't quite as smooth).
The VQ "growl" has definitely grown on me; that plus the swoopy fender POV looking out the windshield. Drive spiritedly with the windows down to get a bit of exhaust sound = best in class; much better than staring across a boring flat expanse of hood and listening to hairdryer weezy turbo motors.
Only negative about an I6 is the length. Otherwise, it is indeed the perfect engine (well, second perfect engine, behind a V12...)
An engine that needs balance shafts means it's not perfect... I know Honda makes a good V6, along with Nissan's VQ, but I'd prefer an I6 if it fits.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 11, 2012, 09:34:00 PM
It's actually a full second slower than the G. 5.1 seconds to the Bimmer's 6.1 seconds. To get a comparably equipped 3 series, I'm looking at $10K more and a smaller trunk and back seat. The G is a little more fun, but less refined, and I will take fun over refinement any day. Besides, it's not all about numbers and Pros and Cons columns, it's about what you feel when you drive it and the G makes us feel "right". The BMW was close, but not quite close enough.
You should get a Golf GTI. More practical, better looking, better reliability, more fun, less money, and less gay than a G37.
G37 sedan is ugly though
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on June 12, 2012, 05:24:47 AM
G37 sedan is ugly though
Yeah, really fucking ugly. Would have been a dealbreaker for me.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 11, 2012, 09:34:00 PM
It's actually a full second slower than the G. 5.1 seconds to the Bimmer's 6.1 seconds. To get a comparably equipped 3 series, I'm looking at $10K more and a smaller trunk and back seat. The G is a little more fun, but less refined, and I will take fun over refinement any day. Besides, it's not all about numbers and Pros and Cons columns, it's about what you feel when you drive it and the G makes us feel "right". The BMW was close, but not quite close enough.
I quickly looked up a car and driver comparo from 2009 or 2010 and it was only a half sec difference
Whatever floats your boat though... I still disagree on "fun" as well but its your choice
Quote from: GoCougs on June 11, 2012, 10:07:44 PM
"Perfect" in the day before split pin cranks and balance shafts in V6s. The latter are no longer an issue, plus I6s are in general more expensive to manufacture, and hence why pretty much any automaker of note axed "perfect" some time ago.
You just proved its perfection by listing band aids poorly designed motors need to even approach its smoothness
I like the G, and it's a great value. But I'd rather have a 3.
Quote from: GoCougs on June 11, 2012, 10:46:47 PM
Don't worship at the 3er alter? UNENTHUSIAST.
I love the three series. Driving it is like no other experience in any other car, but the G fits the bill better and is a little more fun.
Quote from: r0tor on June 12, 2012, 06:39:13 AM
I quickly looked up a car and driver comparo from 2009 or 2010 and it was only a half sec difference
Whatever floats your boat though... I still disagree on "fun" as well but its your choice
Every review I have seen of the 2008-09 328i has it at 6.1 and the G37 does it in 5.1. There is also a huge difference in power in the real world too. I took them both up the same hill and at the top the G was going 20 mph faster than the 328i was. Have you ever driven them back to back?
Quote from: r0tor on June 12, 2012, 06:46:01 AM
You just proved its perfection by listing band aids poorly designed motors need to even approach its smoothness
Pretty much all modern V6s use split-pin cranks and balance shafts - are all V6s poorly designed?
I'd challenge turbocharging is a bigger design compromise than split-pin cranks and balance shafts; ergo, the 328 hp 3.7L VQ is a simpler more robust design than the 300 hp 3.0L turbo N54.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 12, 2012, 08:34:56 AM
I love the three series. Driving it is like no other experience in any other car, but the G fits the bill better and is a little more fun.
"No other experience?" I'd disagree. I found the ride a bit rough and road noise a bit much; also remember it's strut'd so the turning radius is noticeably larger than the G37 (one of the few cars left with double wishbone front suspension). Not "performance" attributes per se but they do subtract from the driving experience; apropos commentary as pretty much no one reading this thread has the skill to ring these cars out at 9/10ths (let alone drving like that on a regular basis) whereby the advantage is said to be with the 328i.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 12, 2012, 08:39:35 AM
Every review I have seen of the 2008-09 328i has it at 6.1 and the G37 does it in 5.1. There is also a huge difference in power in the real world too. I took them both up the same hill and at the top the G was going 20 mph faster than the 328i was. Have you ever driven them back to back?
The G37 is significantly faster and more tractable (i.e., part throttle performance) than the I6 328i; anyone who thinks otherwise has driven neither...
Quote from: GoCougs on June 12, 2012, 09:25:16 AM
"No other experience?" I'd disagree. I found the ride a bit rough and road noise a bit much; also remember it's strut'd so the turning radius is noticeably larger than the G37 (one of the few cars left with double wishbone front suspension). Not "performance" attributes per se but they do subtract from the driving experience; apropos commentary as pretty much no one reading this thread has the skill to ring these cars out at 9/10ths (let alone drving like that on a regular basis) whereby the advantage is said to be with the 328i.
The G37 is significantly faster and more tractable (i.e., part throttle performance) than the I6 328i; anyone who thinks otherwise has driven neither...
Wrong. Quite a few of us are capable I'd say.
Quote from: MrH on June 12, 2012, 09:27:20 AM
Wrong. Quite a few of us are capable I'd say.
Proof's in the pudding - if you "say" so you're probably not. Driving fast or knowing a lot or being an enthusiast is not driving 9/10ths. Anyone with less than professional experience or significant amateur experience isn't going to be in that club; the only 'SPINner I can think of capable of legit 9/10ths performance driving is ChrisV.
Quote from: MrH on June 12, 2012, 09:27:20 AM
Wrong. Quite a few of us are capable I'd say.
Wrong. Very few of us are. Unless you have been professionally trained at some point, very few people are capable of properly taking any car to the max.
If you want to get technical, if you're at the absolute edges of adhesion, you're driving at 10/10ths of the performance...
Quote from: MrH on June 12, 2012, 09:43:03 AM
If you want to get technical, if you're at the absolute edges of adhesion, you're driving at 10/10ths of the performance...
No, you're wrong. A car driven properly and not at the edge of adhesion can go a lot faster than a car not driven properly at the edge of adhesion. Your comment is proof you don't know what driving at 10/10ths is.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 12, 2012, 09:46:38 AM
No, you're wrong. A car driven properly and not at the edge of adhesion can go a lot faster than a car not driven properly at the edge of adhesion. Your comment is proof you don't know what driving at 10/10ths is.
Obviously. You're just arguing semantics. To say that this forum can't drive a car at 90% of its capability is stupid. There are times we're all able to use 90% of a car's capability.
Quote from: MrH on June 12, 2012, 09:52:28 AM
Obviously. You're just arguing semantics. To say that this forum can't drive a car at 90% of its capability is stupid. There are times we're all able to use 90% of a car's capability.
You're capable of driving at 90% of your capability, not 90% of the car's capability. It's not semantics.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 12, 2012, 09:56:19 AM
You're capable of driving at 90% of your capability, not 90% of the car's capability. It's not semantics.
Of course I can hit 90% of the car's capabilities at times. And yes, it's totally semantic.
Example: Long sweeping corner. Car is set, edge of adhesion for the duration of the corner. I'm somehow only using 6/10ths of that car's ability? You mean someone can take that corner 40% faster than me? :rolleyes:
Pretty sure I have exceeded 100% many times.
Quote from: MrH on June 12, 2012, 09:59:24 AM
Of course I can hit 90% of the car's capabilities at times. And yes, it's totally semantic.
Example: Long sweeping corner. Car is set, edge of adhesion for the duration of the corner. I'm somehow only using 6/10ths of that car's ability? You mean someone can take that corner 40% faster than me? :rolleyes:
First of all, if you are stating that you can drive your car at 90% of it's ability for 2 or 3 seconds, then I agree with you. Secondly, Yes, there probably is someone that can.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 12, 2012, 10:00:56 AM
First of all, if you are stating that you can drive your car at 90% of it's ability for 2 or 3 seconds, then I agree with you. Secondly, Yes, there probably is someone that can.
Well, the comment was made that how a car behaves at 9/10ths is pointless because no one here can do that. I'd say I hit a 90% of a car's capabilities all the time.
Wow. No, there isn't. You're an idiot if you think someone can literally take the same, constant radius corner 40% faster than me :facepalm:
Quote from: MrH on June 12, 2012, 10:02:39 AM
Well, the comment was made that how a car behaves at 9/10ths is pointless because no one here can do that. I'd say I hit a 90% of a car's capabilities all the time.
Wow. No, there isn't. You're an idiot if you think someone can literally take the same, constant radius corner 40% faster than me :facepalm:
You're an idiot if you think you're that good.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 12, 2012, 10:05:42 AM
You're an idiot if you think you're that good.
Maybe you're just that bad :huh:
Quote from: MrH on June 12, 2012, 09:43:03 AM
If you want to get technical, if you're at the absolute edges of adhesion, you're driving at 10/10ths of the performance...
Many 16-year-old red blooded (North) American males know about driving at the edges of adhesion yet virtually none can legitimately drive a performance car at 9/10ths or above.
Sure, adhesion's part of it, but it's only one of a number of skills/considerations needed to purposefully and chronically wring out the last iota of performance from a performance car.
Quote from: MrH on June 12, 2012, 10:06:27 AM
Maybe you're just that bad :huh:
No, I'm being realistic. You just think you're much better than you really are. I used to think that too, until I grew up a little.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on June 12, 2012, 10:00:07 AM
Pretty sure I have exceeded 100% many times.
I've done that too. But I've been professionally trained.
Traffic school counts.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 12, 2012, 10:16:39 AM
No, I'm being realistic. You just think you're much better than you really are. I used to think that too, until I grew up a little.
You grew up?
So if you're saying a car magazine can pull .92 g through corner, I could only muster .5g?
You don't need to be able to lap the ring within seconds of an F1 driver to be exploring the limits of a car and be able to appreciate them. The difference between a pro and an amateur is the pro doesn't make the mistakes an amateur does. I may be driving at the limits of the car at times, and I also make mistakes at times (turn in/get on the power/get on the brakes too early or too late, take the wrong line, etc.). That's the difference. Pros never make that mistake.
But to say how a car behaves at the limit is a mute point because we're not capable of driving like that? That's ridiculous. I drive like that all the time. I just can't be on the limit like a professional for the absolute entirety of the track. That's the difference between pros and me.
Quote from: MrH on June 12, 2012, 10:50:00 AM
You grew up?
So if you're saying a car magazine can pull .92 g through corner, I could only muster .5g?
You don't need to be able to lap the ring within seconds of an F1 driver to be exploring the limits of a car and be able to appreciate them. The difference between a pro and an amateur is the pro doesn't make the mistakes an amateur does. I may be driving at the limits of the car at times, and I also make mistakes at times (turn in/get on the power/get on the brakes too early or too late, take the wrong line, etc.). That's the difference. Pros never make that mistake.
But to say how a car behaves at the limit is a mute point because we're not capable of driving like that? That's ridiculous. I drive like that all the time. I just can't be on the limit like a professional for the absolute entirety of the track. That's the difference between pros and me.
This whole post :facepalm:
I've spun my car out at auto-x's. I would attribute that to me crossing my driving limit, not the car's, since if I gave my car to a pro or more experienced driver, they'd be able to get a much faster lap time without sliding and drifting everywhere.
Just because you aren't driving the fastest lap time doesn't mean you can't experience and appreciate "9/10ths" of the car.
You can't write off the dynamics of a car at the limits because you can't drive the fastest lap time. Lap time is the ability to stay as close as possible to 10/10ths.
Quote from: MrH on June 12, 2012, 12:32:05 PM
Just because you aren't driving the fastest lap time doesn't mean you can't experience and appreciate "9/10ths" of the car.
You can't write off the dynamics of a car at the limits because you can't drive the fastest lap time. Lap time is the ability to stay as close as possible to 10/10ths.
Me making rash steering, brake and throttle inputs due to lack of experience does not mean I'm at a car's limits. The car losing grip doesn't necessarily mean I'm at the car's limits, it means I'm way in over my head and not operating the car properly at that point.
Quote from: thecarnut on June 12, 2012, 12:34:49 PM
Me making rash steering, brake and throttle inputs due to lack of experience does not mean I'm at a car's limits. The car losing grip doesn't necessarily mean I'm at the car's limits, it means I'm way in over my head and not operating the car properly at that point.
By definition, losing grip is overcoming the capabilities of the tires.
At what point is it no longer improper steering inputs, and instead driving the car past its capabilities? How do you quantify any of that?
Quote from: MrH on June 12, 2012, 12:32:05 PM
Just because you aren't driving the fastest lap time doesn't mean you can't experience and appreciate "9/10ths" of the car.
You can't write off the dynamics of a car at the limits because you can't drive the fastest lap time. Lap time is the ability to stay as close as possible to 10/10ths.
:facepalm:
That's all you got?
Quote from: MrH on June 12, 2012, 12:59:30 PM
That's all you got?
It's all I have to have. Your post was full of fail. Without going to a track, you can't experience 10/10ths of virtually any car. If you do, then you're a fucking fool and shouldn't have a license.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 12, 2012, 01:05:44 PM
It's all I have to have. Your post was full of fail. Without going to a track, you can't experience 10/10ths of virtually any car. If you do, then you're a fucking fool and shouldn't have a license.
I have been to a track...
That's completely irrelevant, but whatever.
Quote from: MrH on June 12, 2012, 01:12:04 PM
I have been to a track...
That's completely irrelevant, but whatever.
Not irrelevant at all. If you push your car to...rather, yourself....to 10/10ths on public roads, you are a fucking fool.
Quote from: MrH on June 12, 2012, 12:41:18 PM
By definition, losing grip is overcoming the capabilities of the tires.
At what point is it no longer improper steering inputs, and instead driving the car past its capabilities? How do you quantify any of that?
There are loads of technique - anything from the proper line, to loading the chassis/weight transfer, to rev-match downshifts, to strategic use of the throttle and gearing - to aid in increasing the effective grip of tires.
Quote from: GoCougs on June 12, 2012, 01:31:54 PM
There are loads of technique - anything from the proper line, to loading the chassis/weight transfer, to rev-match downshifts, to strategic use of the throttle and gearing - to aid in increasing the effective grip of tires.
On a constant radius turn, the proper line is pretty simple. The weight transfer is pretty set, and you shouldn't be downshifting. You're going to tell me a professional is going to get a time through that section 30-40% better than me? How do all the schmucks from the car magazines pull close to a 1 g? You sure don't give me much credit if you think I'd butcher such a simple corner.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 12, 2012, 01:05:44 PM
It's all I have to have. Your post was full of fail. Without going to a track, you can't experience 10/10ths of virtually any car. If you do, then you're a fucking fool and shouldn't have a license.
I have been on the balance of understeer and oversteer many times in the Miata on all season tires.
I take it easy under braking since I don't want to overcook a corner and land shiny side down. I'm not getting 10/10ths of the total performance, but you can bet I'm taking the car to it's handling limits at times, and I enjoy the Miata's at the limits neutrality/feel/balance/chassis/steering.
I've beat the piss out of a 335i on the track... It's limits are easy to explore even to a less then great driver. Leave the stability control on and even your wife can explore limits well above her head (i saw complete ditzs in M3s pull this off at the BMW school)
My guess is just like cougs, your trying to talk yourself into a G because its cheaper and then a month later you will realize its dull, clumsy, and not really all that pretty.
Quote from: r0tor on June 12, 2012, 02:17:27 PM
I've beat the piss out of a 335i on the track... It's limits are easy to explore even to a less then great driver. Leave the stability control on and even your wife can explore limits well above her head (i saw complete ditzs in M3s pull this off at the BMW school)
My guess is just like cougs, your trying to talk yourself into a G because its cheaper and then a month later you will realize its dull, clumsy, and not really all that pretty.
Not at all. But, I also don't care what anyone else thinks about why I'm buying a particular car over another.
Quote from: MrH on June 12, 2012, 02:04:22 PM
On a constant radius turn, the proper line is pretty simple. The weight transfer is pretty set, and you shouldn't be downshifting. You're going to tell me a professional is going to get a time through that section 30-40% better than me? How do all the schmucks from the car magazines pull close to a 1 g? You sure don't give me much credit if you think I'd butcher such a simple corner.
My premise was a bit different ("...chronically wring out the last iota of performance...").
Quote from: SVT666 on June 12, 2012, 02:21:05 PM
Not at all. But, I also don't care what anyone else thinks about why I'm buying a particular car over another.
What, you're not letting your POV be swayed by ironical non-contextual (i.e., from someone who doesn't own a car that can compare to a G) trolling?
Also, anyone who claims the G is "dull" and "clumsy" not only hasn't driven one, that anyone also simply serves as further proof of the unbridled penchant of car enthusiasts to substitute (Internet) bravado for actual knowledge, skill and experience.
Why do I need to "chronically wring out the last iota of performance" to experience and appreciate a vehicle at 9/10ths?
To say the benefits of a 3-series is only significant then is stupid enough, but then to claim that it's a level of driving that we aren't even capable of achieving? Come on Cougs.
Quote from: MrH on June 12, 2012, 03:30:15 PM
Why do I need to "chronically wring out the last iota of performance" to experience and appreciate a vehicle at 9/10ths?
To say the benefits of a 3-series is only significant then is stupid enough, but then to claim that it's a level of driving that we aren't even capable of achieving? Come on Cougs.
How else can you drive a performance vehicle at 9/10ths if, well, you can't drive it at 9/10ths?
It's not stupid if I say it (= an opinion) and judging by all these anti-G/pro-3er comments, none of you have driven a G, let alone spiritedly; in fact the only two who have driven the G a lot say the two are fairly close.
And yes, I don't think any 'SPINner save for maybe one or two can wring out a 335i or G37 at 9/10ths or greater (and as far as I can tell they're not participating in this thread). Not sure why some of you are offended :huh:.
No, Cougs, the BMW is obviously better. It's a BMW!
I haven't driven either car, and I just think this is a dumb conversation. After all, the only real performance car is the 911!
Get the G. They're pretty damn good. I loved the last generation G35 that my mother owned when I took it out from time to time. Great car for the money.
And :lol: at all of the "Stigs" here!
Just closed a deal on a car. I will be flying to Vancouver on Saturday to drive it and if everything is up to standards, I will be driving it home.
2009 Infiniti G37xS in white and comes with every option available including NAV and aluminum paddle shifters. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the mileage. It has 51,000 miles, but it's a CPO with brand new brakes and tires and there's plenty of warranty left. It's a lease return that this dealership originally sold and all the maintenance and servicing was done at this dealership. I got it for $26,980 which is better than I could do even in the US.
Quote from: Rupert on June 12, 2012, 03:49:36 PM
No, Cougs, the BMW is obviously better. It's a BMW!
I haven't driven either car, and I just think this is a dumb conversation. After all, the only real performance car is the 911!
:lol:
Wow, I never thought I'd see the day when you owned the same car as Cougs! 0_0
:lol:
Next, Cougs will roll up in a Mustang... :mask:
Quote from: Northlands on June 12, 2012, 03:54:04 PM
Get the G. They're pretty damn good. I loved the last generation G35 that my mother owned when I took it out from time to time. Great car for the money.
And :lol: at all of the "Stigs" here!
Except that it did have that shitty interior. I wouldn't even say the new one is "good for the money", it's just plain very good. Not quite as good as the 3er in some respects, just as good in others, and better in others. It's also bigger, but not too big. The 3er is too small, whereas the G is perfect. The lower price of the G also makes you look at the 3er and shake your head.
Quote from: Rupert on June 12, 2012, 04:02:02 PM
Wow, I never thought I'd see the day when you owned the same car as Cougs! 0_0
:lol:
Mine's better. :tounge:
Quote from: Northlands on June 12, 2012, 04:02:51 PM
Next, Cougs will roll up in a Mustang... :mask:
Hardly the same thing. I would have to roll up in a Camaro for that comparison to make sense.
(http://www.auto123.com/ArtImages/105643/2009-infiniti-g37-xs-i01.jpg)
These reeims?
Yes.
Quote from: GoCougs on June 12, 2012, 03:20:39 PM
What, you're not letting your POV be swayed by ironical non-contextual (i.e., from someone who doesn't own a car that can compare to a G) trolling?
Also, anyone who claims the G is "dull" and "clumsy" not only hasn't driven one, that anyone also simply serves as further proof of the unbridled penchant of car enthusiasts to substitute (Internet) bravado for actual knowledge, skill and experience.
Yes, it is truely a magical experience I have never had... you know, driving 15 minutes to the rental car lot and getting a G37 for a business trip
Congratulations!
Quote from: thecarnut on June 12, 2012, 04:51:35 PM
Congratulations!
Thanks, but it's not done yet. I still have to drive it and make sure everything is good.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 12, 2012, 04:47:48 PM
Yes.
Hell yeah. Congrats man, hope it works out (which I'm sure it will).
Is this your first non-American car?
Quote from: CALL_911 on June 12, 2012, 05:08:43 PM
Is this your first non-American car?
I was thinking about that earlier and it is...kinda. I had a 1989 Civic for a very short time. Very short. Like a week and a half, and then someone offered me $500 more than I paid for it and I sold it. Then I bought a 1991 GMC pickup.
El Focus es hecho en Mexico!
Congrats. I like everything 'bout it, 'cept for the faint feature line in the rear 1/4 panel that curves down toward the bumper.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 12, 2012, 04:04:17 PM
Except that it did have that shitty interior. I wouldn't even say the new one is "good for the money", it's just plain very good. Not quite as good as the 3er in some respects, just as good in others, and better in others. It's also bigger, but not too big. The 3er is too small, whereas the G is perfect. The lower price of the G also makes you look at the 3er and shake your head.
Did? How do you know it's already beat up? But yeah, at 51k it most likely will be beat up, especially if it's the wheat/stone or taupe interior (most common w/white).
About MY2009. There were moderate upgrades in MY2010 - better interior switchgear (doors), better seat heater controls (7 settings rather than just hi/low), less garish gauges (no more goofy blue), better looking white LCD readout (no more goofy red), better climate control, better iPod/iPhone integration (there have been problems with the '09 actually even working with iPhones), streaming Bluetooth audio, updated NAV unit, better AT performance.
About the "sport" model. The ground effects hang down low, which was a bit of a :facepalm: for the AWD model and ride quality (and snow prowess) decreases with the 18" wheels (I passed on the S model because of this). Other than this maybe bigger brakes all you get is the paddle shifters.
About the warranty. At least in the US, it's 4 yrs/60k for bumper-to-bumper, so it's just about up for that car. Perhaps it has the extended factory warranty (but those are sorta worthless anyway).
I was talking with a BMW owner at the autoX this past weekend and he mentioned that not only is the water pump considered a "maintenance item" to be replaced at 60K miles (which I've heard before), but apparently the whole fracking radiator needs to be replaced after 60K miles because it also somehow wears out. That right there is reason enough for me to never buy a used BMW. Or even a new BMW. It's bad enough that they apparently can't build a water pump that will last 100K miles like pretty much every other carmaker can, but they can't even make a radiator that will last more than 60K miles? And this from a company that prides itself in engineering excellence? What a joke.
And congrats on the new car!
Quote from: MX793 on June 12, 2012, 06:33:36 PM
I was talking with a BMW owner at the autoX this past weekend and he mentioned that not only is the water pump considered a "maintenance item" to be replaced at 60K miles (which I've heard before), but apparently the whole fracking radiator needs to be replaced after 60K miles because it also somehow wears out. That right there is reason enough for me to never buy a used BMW. Or even a new BMW. It's bad enough that they apparently can't build a water pump that will last 100K miles like pretty much every other carmaker can, but they can't even make a radiator that will last more than 60K miles? And this from a company that prides itself in engineering excellence? What a joke.
And how DARE you for wanting to check the oil yourself.
Quote from: GoCougs on June 12, 2012, 06:20:32 PM
Did? How do you know it's already beat up?
I was referring to the old model. It had a shitty interior.
You sure about that being a good deal? Within 30 miles of Seattle I'm finding loads of 2010 G37X (albeit non sport models) for ~$25k - $26k (meaning, you should walk away for 10-15% less easily), and all pretty much have way less than 50k miles...
Quote from: GoCougs on June 12, 2012, 06:20:32 PM
About MY2009. There were moderate upgrades in MY2010 - better interior switchgear (doors), better seat heater controls (7 settings rather than just hi/low), less garish gauges (no more goofy blue), better looking white LCD readout (no more goofy red), better climate control, better iPod/iPhone integration (there have been problems with the '09 actually even working with iPhones), streaming Bluetooth audio, updated NAV unit, better AT performance.
I have driven the 2009, 2010, and the 2011 G37 sedan.
- Switchgear is not noticeably different from 2009 to 2010.
- Seat heater controls are unchanged from 2009 to 2010 (7 settings)
- I like the goofy blue.
- The red LED doesn't bother me, but yeah, white is nicer.
- I see no difference in the climate controls
- Ipod integration means nothing to us since we don't have any iPods
- 2009 has Bluetooth as well
- NAV units gets upgraded every year don't they?
- There is no noticeable difference in AT performance between 2009 and 2010 that I could tell. Whatever the changes they were minimal. 2011 received a big upgrade in transmission programming though, and I'm hoping to get my transmission programming updated.
QuoteAbout the "sport" model. The ground effects hang down low, which was a bit of a :facepalm: for the AWD model and ride quality (and snow prowess) decreases with the 18" wheels (I passed on the S model because of this). Other than this maybe bigger brakes all you get is the paddle shifters.
The S gives you a different steering ratio and different steering wheel rim, different brakes, the magnesium paddle shifters, 18" wheels, better seats, revised lower bodywork, and I think there is slightly revised suspension settings.
QuoteAbout the warranty. At least in the US, it's 4 yrs/60k for bumper-to-bumper, so it's just about up for that car. Perhaps it has the extended factory warranty (but those are sorta worthless anyway).
The warranty is good for another 25,000 kms. So about a year.
Quote from: GoCougs on June 12, 2012, 07:32:55 PM
You sure about that being a good deal? Within 30 miles of Seattle I'm finding loads of 2010 G37X (albeit non sport models) for ~$25k - $26k (meaning, you should walk away for 10-15% less easily), and all pretty much have way less than 50k miles...
I have to pay a 6.1% duty on non NAFTA vehicles. Plus the import charges and any modifications that need to be made for Canadian compliance and suddenly I'm paying the same or more. Also, none of those cars you found are white and that was non-negotiable for us. It's the only colour on the G that we both really like. Also, when I searched Autotrader, I only found 13 2009 and 2010s. Only 3 were cheaper and they had fewer options and they were only a grand or two less which means I'll end up paying more for those. The others were all more expensive.
As an added bonus, my car was privately owned and not by a fleet. I did a title search and then googled the guy. He's a dentist in Vancouver.
Quote from: GoCougs on June 12, 2012, 09:36:45 AM
the only 'SPINner I can think of capable of legit 9/10ths performance driving is ChrisV.
MexicoCityM3?
LOL. I bet 9/10ths of us could get up to 9/10ths after 9 or 10 laps around a track.
The facelift also looks much better. I'm with Cougs on this one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Infiniti-G37-Sedan-Premium-2010-Infiniti-G37x-Sedan-AWD-Premium-Pkg-NAVIGATION-Bluetooth-Bose-/180902891779?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2a1ea71103#ht_34495wt_1165
This would be poifect for you, SVT.
Yeah, except it's in Chicago, and I'm nowhere near it, and I don't buy cars off eBay.
(http://g35driver.com/forums/attachments/media-share-v36-sedan/105424d1240900192-g37-coupe-rims-mounted-new-pics-page-5-ip-black-oem-g37-2.jpg)
(http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg176/scaled.php?server=176&filename=shoestu0.jpg&res=landing)
If I had to do it over I'd do white. I had a white G as a loaner and fell in love with the color. I'd go with the optional 18" 7 split-spoke wheels:
(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9546/whiteg37.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/12/whiteg37.jpg/)
Here are a couple photos the dealer sent me.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/Infiniti/g37xs2.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/Infiniti/g37xs4.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/Infiniti/g37xs5.jpg)
Looks good but man, be careful with that stone/wheat interior. Just look at it funny and it'll get stained...
Quote from: GoCougs on June 12, 2012, 11:17:35 PM
Looks good but man, be careful with that stone/wheat interior. Just look at it funny and it'll get stained...
This. Don't wear jeans.
No wood trim? :(
Quote from: SVT666 on June 12, 2012, 11:49:06 PM
No. Aluminum trim.
Aluminium trim is much better, IMO.
Not sure I've ever seen aluminum trim that looked upscale.
Quote from: 68_427 on June 13, 2012, 12:02:39 AM
Not sure I've ever seen aluminum trim that looked upscale.
Save for some high end cars, I've never seen wood trim that didn't look as fake as a Burberry bag that hailed from Canal St.
Quote from: CALL_911 on June 13, 2012, 06:40:28 AM
Save for some high end cars, I've never seen wood trim that didn't look as fake as a Burberry bag that hailed from Canal St.
+1
Wood generally only looks good in the high end models, IMO.
Quote from: CALL_911 on June 13, 2012, 06:40:28 AM
Save for some high end cars, I've never seen wood trim that didn't look as fake as a Burberry bag that hailed from Canal St.
The open pour wood stuff is the classiest trim out there.
Pore.
Quote from: MX793 on June 12, 2012, 06:33:36 PM
I was talking with a BMW owner at the autoX this past weekend and he mentioned that not only is the water pump considered a "maintenance item" to be replaced at 60K miles (which I've heard before), but apparently the whole fracking radiator needs to be replaced after 60K miles because it also somehow wears out. That right there is reason enough for me to never buy a used BMW. Or even a new BMW. It's bad enough that they apparently can't build a water pump that will last 100K miles like pretty much every other carmaker can, but they can't even make a radiator that will last more than 60K miles? And this from a company that prides itself in engineering excellence? What a joke.
:confused:
And people want me to get a Z4? Great, get a low mileage one, and in a year, spend $4000 to replace the water pump and radiator.
Well, the deal is dead. I was looking at the pictures of the interior that the dealer sent me and the driver's seat looked like the colour wasn't quite right. I chalked it up to shadows, but after you a couple of you guys mentioned the taupe interior gets stained easily, I asked the salesman if the seat was stained. He said it has some discolouration and that it looked like it was from clothes dye. I asked if they could get it out, and he said no. If the seats stain that easily, then my kids will make a total mess of it...and besides, I don't want to pay good money for a car with stained seats.
The carpet, floor mats, and doors would take/have already taken a beating too. 'Tis why I will always get black interior despite it being a bit dour (which is hard to find on some G sedans such as white and slate blue like mine).
Quote from: 68_427 on June 12, 2012, 10:17:25 PM
(http://g35driver.com/forums/attachments/media-share-v36-sedan/105424d1240900192-g37-coupe-rims-mounted-new-pics-page-5-ip-black-oem-g37-2.jpg)
That's sweet.
Quote from: GoCougs on June 13, 2012, 02:46:40 PM
The carpet, floor mats, and doors would take/have already taken a beating too. 'Tis why I will always get black interior despite it being a bit dour (which is hard to find on some G sedans such as white and slate blue like mine).
Yeah, that's what I'm thinking now too.
Find a facelifted one!
Quote from: Raza on June 13, 2012, 09:35:52 AM
:confused:
And people want me to get a Z4? Great, get a low mileage one, and in a year, spend $4000 to replace the water pump and radiator.
I replaced both in the Saab (and water pump alongside timing belt change in the Passat). It was nowhere near $4,000. I always set aside about a hundred dollars a month for car repairs, so I have money saved when something comes up. Taking a hit for $500 or so on a water pump is a small price to pay, in my opinion, for driving a superior overall car.
No car is perfect. All will need repairs. I'd rather repair a car I love than a car I'm bored with.
Quote from: TurboDan on June 13, 2012, 09:17:25 PM
I replaced both in the Saab (and water pump alongside timing belt change in the Passat). It was nowhere near $4,000. I always set aside about a hundred dollars a month for car repairs, so I have money saved when something comes up. Taking a hit for $500 or so on a water pump is a small price to pay, in my opinion, for driving a superior overall car.
No car is perfect. All will need repairs. I'd rather repair a car I love than a car I'm bored with.
Yes, because you'll definitely be bored with an S2000.
Quote from: thecarnut on June 13, 2012, 09:41:07 PM
Yes, because you'll definitely be bored with an S2000.
Did I say that? No.
I do hear people frequently (not necessarily on here) talking about how much they'd love to have a BMW, but they don't feel like buying "more expensive parts" so they get a Toyota instead. That type of attitude is what I find puzzling. No car is cheap to repair in 2012. May as well spend your money repairing a fun one.
Quote from: Raza on June 13, 2012, 09:35:52 AM
:confused:
And people want me to get a Z4? Great, get a low mileage one, and in a year, spend $4000 to replace the water pump and radiator.
A look at BMWs service guidelines reveals nothing of the sort...
Quote from: TurboDan on June 13, 2012, 09:50:40 PM
Did I say that? No.
I do hear people frequently (not necessarily on here) talking about how much they'd love to have a BMW, but they don't feel like buying "more expensive parts" so they get a Toyota instead. That type of attitude is what I find puzzling. No car is cheap to repair in 2012. May as well spend your money repairing a fun one.
Cheap cars are cheaper to repair than expensive ones.
Quote from: TurboDan on June 13, 2012, 09:50:40 PM
Did I say that? No.
I do hear people frequently (not necessarily on here) talking about how much they'd love to have a BMW, but they don't feel like buying "more expensive parts" so they get a Toyota instead. That type of attitude is what I find puzzling. No car is cheap to repair in 2012. May as well spend your money repairing a fun one.
The few BMWs my family (an friends) has owned have been literally multiples in repair + maintenance costs than the many Toyota / Hondas.
Not saying I wouldn't buy a BMW because of it, but there's no question there's a cost associated with owning one vs a toyota or Honda ... At least as far as what anecdote is worth.
Quote from: r0tor on June 14, 2012, 06:28:58 AM
A look at BMWs service guidelines reveals nothing of the sort...
VW's service guidelines on the timing belt on the 1.8T didn't say that needed to be changed every 60K miles either... Until they started breaking them right around that mileage and they started informing dealers to change them at that mileage.
Take a GT-R or 911 Turbo. Sure, things like turbos, DSGs, clutches, etc., in high performance applications, are not designed for 150,000 mile service life. But should a Jetta or 328i need more repairs or justifiably be more expensive to repair than a Camcord V6? Not a chance.
Quote from: GoCougs on June 14, 2012, 10:41:30 AM
Take a GT-R or 911 Turbo. Sure, things like turbos, DSGs, clutches, etc., in high performance applications, are not designed for 150,000 mile service life. But should a Jetta or 328i need more repairs or justifiably be more expensive to repair than a Camcord V6? Not a chance.
This.
Quote from: r0tor on June 14, 2012, 06:28:58 AM
A look at BMWs service guidelines reveals nothing of the sort...
I guessed at cost, based on typical German repairs. Cost me a grand to fix a leak in my fuel something or other.
Quote from: TurboDan on June 13, 2012, 09:17:25 PM
I replaced both in the Saab (and water pump alongside timing belt change in the Passat). It was nowhere near $4,000. I always set aside about a hundred dollars a month for car repairs, so I have money saved when something comes up. Taking a hit for $500 or so on a water pump is a small price to pay, in my opinion, for driving a superior overall car.
No car is perfect. All will need repairs. I'd rather repair a car I love than a car I'm bored with.
Eh, when the money's there, I don't mind it. But if I'm making a financially responsible move while still satisfying my emotional wants, then I'm going to make that over buying a money pit that's less capable and more comfortable.
Quote from: MX793 on June 14, 2012, 10:29:28 AM
VW's service guidelines on the timing belt on the 1.8T didn't say that needed to be changed every 60K miles either... Until they started breaking them right around that mileage and they started informing dealers to change them at that mileage.
When did VW say to change the timing belt every 60K? I think it was originally 115K on the 1.8T, and they revised it to like 85K. I had mine replaced between 90-95K.
Quote from: MX793 on June 14, 2012, 10:29:28 AM
VW's service guidelines on the timing belt on the 1.8T didn't say that needed to be changed every 60K miles either... Until they started breaking them right around that mileage and they started informing dealers to change them at that mileage.
Exaggerate much?
SVT Focus timing belts are scheduled for every 120,000 miles, but so many of them were breaking prematurely that most people who own one are getting them done at 80-100K because these engines are interference engines.
Quote from: r0tor on June 14, 2012, 02:39:23 PM
Exaggerate much?
VW did actually revise their timing belt change interval after a lot of premature failures. It was 85K instead of 60K (couldn't remember the exact number off the top of my head).
And do a search on BMW water pumps and radiators needing to be changed at 60K miles. There's quite a bit out there. Someone here (Submariner, maybe) had their cooling system fail in a newer 3 series at somewhere around that mileage and noted that the water pump was considered a "maintenance item" prone to fail at around that mark.
Water pumps are not that uncommon to replace now that tons of manufacturers have switched to plastic impellars
Replacing the radiator... maybe flushing the radiator?
Quote from: r0tor on June 14, 2012, 04:06:04 PM
Water pumps are not that uncommon to replace now that tons of manufacturers have switched to plastic impellars
Replacing the radiator... maybe flushing the radiator?
That's what I thought the guy said when he said he needed to have his water pump and radiator "done". He then clarified that, no, it's not a flush, it's a replacement. I couldn't believe it, but I did a google search when I got home and there's quite a bit out there about BMW radiators failing at around 60K miles and most owner groups recommending they be replaced at around that mileage.
reminds me of the "pay to play" thread
We brought home a car. I gotta wash it before I take pictures though because I drove it home in a rain storm and now it's dirty.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 23, 2012, 10:53:28 PM
We brought home a car. I gotta wash it before I take pictures though because I drove it home in a rain storm and now it's dirty.
BMW
Prius
2010 Beetle
Yaris
Mustang.
C'mon guys, his best option was the G37X sedan. Plus, he just couldn't wait to be like me.
Quote from: GoCougs on June 24, 2012, 10:31:46 AM
C'mon guys, his best option was the G37X sedan. Plus, he just couldn't wait to be like me.
Thats why I think it's the BMW. That ever changing mind of his went back to the car he first fell in love with. If he didn't get the BMW it's a a car that hasn't been on the radar at all! :lol:
Camaro.
He's going to shock us all and end up uploading photos of a Jetta TDi. :mask:
Quote from: Raza link=topic=27350.msg1738791#msg1738791 date=1340556398
Camaro.
That made me LOL.
It's still raining today, but I will take pictures as soon as I get home from my kids' swimming lessons.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 24, 2012, 11:01:05 AM
It's still raining today, but I will take pictures as soon as I get home from my kids' swimming lessons.
Why not take a picture with your mobile phone and put it on FB?
CTS :lol:
Quote from: Vinsanity on June 24, 2012, 11:06:30 AM
CTS :lol:
You're such a Cadillac whore, man..... :lol:
How's your car doing, BTW?
2009 Infiniti G37xS
Identical to the previous Infiniti I looked at but without NAV and lower mileage.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/Infiniti/2012-06-24110611.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/Infiniti/2012-06-24110511.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/Infiniti/2012-06-24110457.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/Infiniti/2012-06-24110600.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/Infiniti/2012-06-24110539.jpg)
I thought you didn't want the lighter interior for fear of stains?
I thought you didn't want the beige interior?
Congrats, man. Great choice.
Congratulations on the new car, man. Too bad about the Focus.
Nice car. Also one of my favorite sounding 6 cylinder engines.
Congrats! Now get rid of the Focus and build yourself a Factory Five.
Park the Focus in a barn and forget about it for 20 years.
Being worried about stains was paranoia speaking. Besides it's impossible to find a different interior colour with the white exterior.
Nice car! Congrats!
Congrats on the new ride! Nice car.
Nice choice.
Congratulations, man. Nice choice! :rockon: I've been thinking about a G37 also.
How was the drive from Vancouver? What types of roads were you on, and how was the speed/handling combination? What was your top speed, and how did it handle hills, curves, etc?
I love that interior.
I hope that the front bumper is just dirty, not rock chipped to hell...
Every last one of those specks are bugs.
Now vinyl wrap that roof black and tint the windows! :lol:
Quote from: SVT666 on June 24, 2012, 05:04:20 PM
Every last one of those specks are bugs.
So annoying. Fighting those, especially in the summer, is such a Sisyphean task, however.
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on June 24, 2012, 05:19:11 PM
Now vinyl wrap that roof black and tint the windows! :lol:
Vinyl? How tacky. On a car like that, only a beige felt faux-landau will do.
I'm thinking about the black wrap. I love how yours looks.
Congrats! I happen to like the beige seats over black seats. Gives the interior a greater sense of depth. Regular application of leather conditioner and cleaner should keep it looking decent for a good few years (that's what I do, and it's helped the leather hold up pretty well).
Next...
(http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8766/svtg37.jpg)
Quote from: dazzleman on June 24, 2012, 11:13:10 AM
You're such a Cadillac whore, man..... :lol:
How's your car doing, BTW?
Haha, it's kind of my duty to relish in everything Cadillac :mrcool:
The car's holding up pretty well. Closing in on 76k miles and still chugging along. Speaks appear every now and then from the body and interior, but the powertrain and drivetrain are as strong as ever. Exactly how my family's old '92 Seville was at 76k miles :mask:
How's the Bimmer doing?
Quote from: Vinsanity on June 24, 2012, 08:06:38 PM
Haha, it's kind of my duty to relish in everything Cadillac :mrcool:
The car's holding up pretty well. Closing in on 76k miles and still chugging along. Speaks appear every now and then from the body and interior, but the powertrain and drivetrain are as strong as ever. Exactly how my family's old '92 Seville was at 76k miles :mask:
How's the Bimmer doing?
The Bimmer is doing great. I only have about 48K miles on it.
What year is your car? 76K is not a whole lot of miles. IIRC, you commute to work by train now, so you can't indulge your need for speed on a daily basis. What's the longest drive you ever took the Caddy on?
Quote from: CJ on June 24, 2012, 11:05:33 AM
Why not take a picture with your mobile phone and put it on FB?
LOL
Quote from: dazzleman on June 24, 2012, 08:08:23 PM
The Bimmer is doing great. I only have about 48K miles on it.
What year is your car? 76K is not a whole lot of miles. IIRC, you commute to work by train now, so you can't indulge your need for speed on a daily basis. What's the longest drive you ever took the Caddy on?
The car's an '04, so it's doing just under 10k miles per year, but as of last week, my company relocated me to work out of an office that's a 20 minute drive from home, so I'm starting to get more bonding time with Caddy, and of course more opportunities for the occasional burst of speed :rockon:
The longest drive I've taken it on is the ~270 mile trip to Vegas about every year or so. And I avoid making even that drive because there are just too many damn cops along that route now. The GF mentioned maybe doing a road trip to the Grand Canyon this summer, though. That's about a 500 mile drive.
Quote from: Vinsanity on June 24, 2012, 08:21:33 PM
The car's an '04, so it's doing just under 10k miles per year, but as of last week, my company relocated me to work out of an office that's a 20 minute drive from home, so I'm starting to get more bonding time with Caddy, and of course more opportunities for the occasional burst of speed :rockon:
The longest drive I've taken it on is the ~270 mile trip to Vegas about every year or so. And I avoid making even that drive because there are just too many damn cops along that route now. The GF mentioned maybe doing a road trip to the Grand Canyon this summer, though. That's about a 500 mile drive.
That drive to Vegas must be pretty sweet. I love a nice open road. There are so few of them around here.
Are you happy with the move, or would you prefer to stay in the old office?
Quote from: dazzleman on June 24, 2012, 08:34:17 PM
That drive to Vegas must be pretty sweet. I love a nice open road. There are so few of them around here.
Are you happy with the move, or would you prefer to stay in the old office?
The freeway between SoCal and Vegas is pretty heavily traveled, though, and when it does open up, there's always a cop lurking somewhere right when you're ready to drop the hammer. It's frustrating as hell.
All things considered, the move should make my life much easier, if also more boring. I'm going to have to find something to do with the extra 2 hours of free time I have every weekday, but I suppose that's not a bad problem to have.
Congrats on the car, SVT!
BTW, start a new thread for it! This one has been taken over by the man-love between dazzle and vinsanity anyways. :devil:
Quote from: thecarnut on June 24, 2012, 09:08:14 PM
Congrats on the car, SVT!
BTW, start a new thread for it! This one has been taken over by the man-love between dazzle and vinsanity anyways. :devil:
Moderators just need to merge it with Coug's thread. They're twinsies now.
Congrats.
Quote from: MrH on June 24, 2012, 09:33:37 PM
Moderators just need to merge it with Coug's thread. They're twinsies now.
Nah. He drives a rental.
Congrats on the car. Good color choices too. The G looks great in classy pearlescent, and the beige is definitely the way to go (the black + aluminium trim just looks cold).
Not as new or as low mileage as mine, and missing the updates/improvements that occurred in MY2010+, but I approve of course.
Interesting that in the US the (not really) "sport" package only comes with nav (one of the many reasons I passed on "sport").
Should think about the body-colored splash guards; they're expensive buggers but worth it to protect the paint, especially in areas with snow.
I'd never have that interior; you'll never keep it clean, but at least unlike the other lighter interior colors this has the black dash/console/doors. The others don't and looks so dated:
(http://autoworld.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/infiniti-g37-convertible-interior-2009-live-at-la-autoshow-img_6.jpg)
I think the floor mats would be impossible to keep clean in the winter months. I'd get some rubber floor mats for sure.
There are no meaningful differences between the 2009 and 2010 G37.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 24, 2012, 06:38:58 PM
I'm thinking about the black wrap. I love how yours looks.
Vinyl roof conversion! Get that four door convertible with the top up look.
Quote from: GoCougs on June 24, 2012, 10:34:45 PM
Not as new or as low mileage as mine, and missing the updates/improvements that occurred in MY2010+, but I approve of course.
I have looked up what these "improvements" are and I can't find anything about them. You listed them in a previous post, yet my car has some of them (so they weren't new for 2010), and the blue guages are still there in 2010 on the Sport model, so there's no difference there, and I looked into the transmission programming and it didn't change between 2009 and 2010.
QuoteInteresting that in the US the (not really) "sport" package only comes with nav (one of the many reasons I passed on "sport").
Whatever helps you sleep at night.
QuoteShould think about the body-colored splash guards; they're expensive buggers but worth it to protect the paint, especially in areas with snow.
Good tip. I'll look into them.
QuoteI'd never have that interior; you'll never keep it clean, but at least unlike the other lighter interior colors this has the black dash/console/doors. The others don't and looks so dated:
The floor mats will never stay clean, but I'm getting rubber ones for the winter anyway. As for the leather staying clean, we have beige leather in the Explorer and stains and spills clean up really easy. Just to be on the safe side though, the kids have to take their shoes off when they get in and there and no drinks (except water) and no food allowed int he Infiniti.
Quote from: GoCougs on June 24, 2012, 10:34:45 PM
Interesting that in the US the (not really) "sport" package only comes with nav (one of the many reasons I passed on "sport").
Yeah, who would want a great, useful feature in one's vehicle? :nutty:
Quote from: TurboDan on June 25, 2012, 10:07:04 AM
Yeah, who would want a great, useful feature in one's vehicle? :nutty:
Yeah, only a retard would pay $100 for an external GPS. Who would do that when you could pay 20x as much for a built in unit that does the same thing? I love getting ripped off!
(Ignore the fact that my car has built in nav- it was used and a decent deal. I wouldn't pay for that shit otherwise)
Quote from: CALL_911 on June 25, 2012, 10:15:57 AM
Yeah, only a retard would pay $100 for an external GPS. Who would do that when you could pay 20x as much for a built in unit that does the same thing? I love getting ripped off!
(Ignore the fact that my car has built in nav- it was used and a decent deal. I wouldn't pay for that shit otherwise)
We're talking about used cars here. What's the premium for a nav unit in a used G37?
Quote from: CALL_911 on June 25, 2012, 10:15:57 AM
Yeah, only a retard would pay $100 for an external GPS. Who would do that when you could pay 20x as much for a built in unit that does the same thing? I love getting ripped off!
(Ignore the fact that my car has built in nav- it was used and a decent deal. I wouldn't pay for that shit otherwise)
But this whole thread is about used cars, and generally the price of nav in a used car becomes a decent deal. 'Cougs said he purposely did not get the trim that had nav simply because it had nav. That's absolutely senseless.
Honestly, I absolutely hate with a passion wires flying around my vehicle, sticking things to the windshield and/or dash with suction cups, digging the external unit out of the glovebox, etc. Did that in my Passat, both with nav and sat radio, and it sucked. It's so much easier, more efficient in terms of space and aesthetically pleasing to have it built in. When the computer voice speaks, it lowers your radio volume momentarily, it integrates with other functions in the vehicle and in my experience loads up faster.
Fair, my dad feels the same way. In my case, if there was a GTI with a sunroof within 200 miles of home that didn't have navigation, I'd probably get it over my car.
Then again, I also don't trust navigation systems (I've used mine enough times to count on one hand). They're great at finding the most retarded way to get to point B.
Quote from: CALL_911 on June 25, 2012, 10:29:07 AM
Fair, my dad feels the same way. In my case, if there was a GTI with a sunroof within 200 miles of home that didn't have navigation, I'd probably get it over my car.
Then again, I also don't trust navigation systems (I've used mine enough times to count on one hand). They're great at finding the most retarded way to get to point B.
Better than spending 20 minutes finding the fastest way to point B using a map :lol:
Quote from: TurboDan on June 25, 2012, 10:21:44 AM
But this whole thread is about used cars, and generally the price of nav in a used car becomes a decent deal. 'Cougs said he purposely did not get the trim that had nav simply because it had nav. That's absolutely senseless.
Honestly, I absolutely hate with a passion wires flying around my vehicle, sticking things to the windshield and/or dash with suction cups, digging the external unit out of the glovebox, etc. Did that in my Passat, both with nav and sat radio, and it sucked. It's so much easier, more efficient in terms of space and aesthetically pleasing to have it built in. When the computer voice speaks, it lowers your radio volume momentarily, it integrates with other functions in the vehicle and in my experience loads up faster.
See that little cubby under the center stack? That's where I keep my nav. Most people think it's an integrated system.
(http://gallery.carreview.com/data/car/678/medium/2009_vw_jetta_tdi_26.jpg)
Quote from: Raza link=topic=27350.msg1739399#msg1739399 date=1340643489
See that little cubby under the center stack? That's where I keep my nav. Most people think it's an integrated system.
(http://gallery.carreview.com/data/car/678/medium/2009_vw_jetta_tdi_26.jpg)
That's cool. Most cars don't have that little cubby though.
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on June 25, 2012, 10:35:55 AM
Better than spending 20 minutes finding the fastest way to point B using a map :lol:
I don't know, I usually use Google maps and change up their directions, depending on how good their suggested route is. My nav system sucks (although having directions in the gauge cluster display is pretty cool).
Quote from: TurboDan on June 25, 2012, 10:07:04 AM
Yeah, who would want a great, useful feature in one's vehicle? :nutty:
Aren't those things absurdly hard to update?
Quote from: 2o6 on June 25, 2012, 11:59:58 AM
Aren't those things absurdly hard to update?
No. You buy the current year's map DVD, put it in the DVD slot, and it updates itself.
Quote from: TurboDan on June 25, 2012, 10:07:04 AM
Yeah, who would want a great, useful feature in one's vehicle? :nutty:
In-car nav is monolithic technology, especially in an older model like the second gen G. Smartphone nav is better for me; the app is many-times updateable (for example Apple will be porting Siri over to its own nav app for the iPhone5 = win) and there's no mucking about with media to update the maps.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 25, 2012, 09:21:33 AM
I have looked up what these "improvements" are and I can't find anything about them. You listed them in a previous post, yet my car has some of them (so they weren't new for 2010), and the blue guages are still there in 2010 on the Sport model, so there's no difference there, and I looked into the transmission programming and it didn't change between 2009 and 2010.
Whatever helps you sleep at night.
Good tip. I'll look into them.
The floor mats will never stay clean, but I'm getting rubber ones for the winter anyway. As for the leather staying clean, we have beige leather in the Explorer and stains and spills clean up really easy. Just to be on the safe side though, the kids have to take their shoes off when they get in and there and no drinks (except water) and no food allowed int he Infiniti.
You're going to make them take their shoes off before getting in a car? :confused:
Quote from: thecarnut on June 25, 2012, 01:38:26 PM
You're going to make them take their shoes off before getting in a car? :confused:
I'll post pictures of what the back of my seats look like in the Focus. Their legs aren't long enough to bend down towards the floor, so they end up with the bottoms of their shoes on the backs of the front seats. Their shoes comes off anyway on most trips int he car, so now they just come off when they get in rather than after they have dirtied up the back of my seats.
Makes sense. What rubber floor mats are you getting? I figure you Canadians get them all the time. Do you get OEM ones, or WeatherTech, or what?
Quote from: GoCougs on June 25, 2012, 12:33:56 PM
Smartphone nav is better for me
I guess you never have to drive in an urban area, then. No smartphone GPS app works well at all in NYC or Philly, in my experience. Can't see why it would be better in any other large city. It's always getting lost, forgetting to tell you to turn and such. It also drains your battery like a mofo. Plus your smartphone screen is small (so you don't have as much eye-ready access to important info) and holding your smartphone in your hand when you need it could earn you a ticket.
At the end of the day, above all else, I just like everything smooth and integrated. Don't think I could go back to external, though I'm not sure even I would allow myself to be ripped off on an internal unit if I was buying a car new rather than used. If VW makes the BlueSport I'm pretty sure I'll buy one new, and that will annoy the hell out of me what they'll presumably want to charge for built-in GPS.
Quote from: SVT666 on June 25, 2012, 03:19:07 PM
I'll post pictures of what the back of my seats look like in the Focus. Their legs aren't long enough to bend down towards the floor, so they end up with the bottoms of their shoes on the backs of the front seats. Their shoes comes off anyway on most trips int he car, so now they just come off when they get in rather than after they have dirtied up the back of my seats.
Ah I see, good point.
Quote from: TurboDan on June 25, 2012, 04:19:51 PM
I guess you never have to drive in an urban area, then. No smartphone GPS app works well at all in NYC or Philly, in my experience. Can't see why it would be better in any other large city. It's always getting lost, forgetting to tell you to turn and such. It also drains your battery like a mofo. Plus your smartphone screen is small (so you don't have as much eye-ready access to important info) and holding your smartphone in your hand when you need it could earn you a ticket.
At the end of the day, above all else, I just like everything smooth and integrated. Don't think I could go back to external, though I'm not sure even I would allow myself to be ripped off on an internal unit if I was buying a car new rather than used. If VW makes the BlueSport I'm pretty sure I'll buy one new, and that will annoy the hell out of me what they'll presumably want to charge for built-in GPS.
Prices are fortunately coming down for the factory units, at least from some manufacturers. VW has never been one to offer a bargain, though.
Quote from: TurboDan on June 25, 2012, 04:19:51 PM
I guess you never have to drive in an urban area, then. No smartphone GPS app works well at all in NYC or Philly, in my experience. Can't see why it would be better in any other large city. It's always getting lost, forgetting to tell you to turn and such. It also drains your battery like a mofo. Plus your smartphone screen is small (so you don't have as much eye-ready access to important info) and holding your smartphone in your hand when you need it could earn you a ticket.
At the end of the day, above all else, I just like everything smooth and integrated. Don't think I could go back to external, though I'm not sure even I would allow myself to be ripped off on an internal unit if I was buying a car new rather than used. If VW makes the BlueSport I'm pretty sure I'll buy one new, and that will annoy the hell out of me what they'll presumably want to charge for built-in GPS.
So "absolutely senseless" isn't quite so then? ;) Above all else I prefer more versatile platform; in-dash nav can't touch a smartphone for that. The Siri Apple nav is going to rock.
Seattle + surrounding area is plenty urban, and my app works just fine (I don't look at the screen - I go voice command only).
I'm kinda bummed. I sold the Focus today. The only upside is that it went to a car enthusiast.
Always sad to sell a car you like. I have dreams about some of the cars in my past and how I betrayed them.
When I sold the Mustang I cried for about 15 minutes and then was in a funk for about 3 days.
I've never cried. I'm a man. :lol:
I know what you're going through. Letting the Jetta go was pretty emotional for me too. We had four hard years together, getting through the final semester of school, 8 months of unemployment, and three grueling years at my job; 83,700 miles. And it was the first car I ever bought with my own money. I also felt a loss when I returned the Passat.
The only hope is that what you replace it with can give you the same enjoyment and feel of reciprocal care that you had with the last car. And, if you hope against hope, the person who gets your car after you feels the same way about the car as you did.
I am really attached to that car. I mean, I flew to San Jose to get it. It took me 22 hours of driving to get it home. My son's first ride in a car was in the Focus. The Infiniti is great and all, but the visceral connection isn't as apparent as it is in the SVT. Oh well, what's done is done, and when the time is right a 2011 Mustang GT convertible will be residing in my garage (2 years away).
I get attached to cars, too. I remember my old '95 prelude, hated to see that car go. It'll be sad when the C6 eventually goes, too.
But at the end of the day, cars are just things. There's far more important shit to worry about. I think it's less the physical car that's sad to go, than it is we mentally associate it with certain memories and times in our lives.
I truly love the car. Aside from the memories.
I remember when Top Gear killed the Lacetti, Richard said "Cars don't only carry people, they carry our memories", or something to that effect. He's absolutely right. I'll never forget the first time I completely lost control of my Mercedes, or when I almost lost it at triple digits and got it back. Or that the first time I made a girl cry was in that car. I'll never forget the feeling of dread when I blew past a cop doing 120 in a 40 in my Passat; how I started getting really hot and sweating bullets to the point that I had to open my windows despite the fact that it was 10 degrees outside. Or the first time I got air in that car. Or how I found this almost finished development to drive around in in the snow. Or that drag race I got into with a Maxima where I ran him neck and neck, and after the race, we talked and he was impressed that my car was only a 1.8T and not a VR6 like he thought it would have to be to keep up with him. I'll always remember sneaking out of the house to test drive cars against my parents' wishes when it was time to give the Passat back. I remember finding the Jetta, driving it for the first time, and absolutely falling for it. I remember sitting them down and telling them that I was going to buy it, with my own money, whether or not they were on board with it, and feeling like a grown man for the first time in my life.
Cars, regardless of what they are on a spec sheet, do carry a lot of who we are in them. It's always sad to see one go.
666 I find myself missing my C6 also. I keep thinking only if I hadn't sold my F 150 I cuold have kept my Vette. But in the end It'll all work out. When you get that Mustang Vert you'll be a happy camper again. And by then hopefull I'll be able to pick up a C7 or a C6 GS Vert!!!