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Car Talk (Page 11)
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sek929
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Jun 23, 2016, 03:28 PM
 
62 MPH in under 100ft. My word that's quick.

I bet it still sounds like a cordless drill.
     
subego  (op)
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Jun 24, 2016, 01:02 AM
 
This car is every car ever.

     
reader50
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Jun 25, 2016, 08:46 PM
 
@Cpt TightPants,

Ars just visited the Lane Motor Museum in TN. Plenty of interesting vehicles. Is this where your collection goes when you get your reward?
     
Cap'n Tightpants
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Jun 25, 2016, 10:23 PM
 
Originally Posted by reader50 View Post
@Cpt TightPants,

Ars just visited the Lane Motor Museum in TN. Plenty of interesting vehicles. Is this where your collection goes when you get your reward?
They have a neat collection, been there a couple times. I already have a place for most of my collection, but several of my muscle and classic American cars are on loan here: Floyd Garrett Muscle Car Museum and a few are here: Hollywood Star Cars Museum
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mattyb
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Jun 26, 2016, 04:57 PM
 
Originally Posted by subego View Post
This car is every car ever.
The shadows are amazing. So much money spent, just to give an illusion. How 21st century.
     
Steve Wilkinson
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Jun 26, 2016, 08:07 PM
 
Originally Posted by subego View Post
With me and the RX-8, that's appearance, horsepower, and price. I should probably be looking at torque too, but I don't feel like I have a good frame of reference with which to translate the numbers.
For people who want a quick car, torque is, IMO, the the number to put more weight on. Maybe average the torque and hp to get a good comparative feel. Horsepower is a build-up thing, which might weigh more into top speed, but torque is that snappy feel.

I've only read the last two pages, so missed the original context... but for someone who isn't going to pay much attention to a car, but also wants it to be quick and reliable, maybe a Civic Si... and learn to drive a stick!

Or, if you're willing to give me more than VW will to buy-back my Jetta TDI, it's been very reliable, is quite quick, and pretty practical. (Of course, they've mucked up some of that with the last couple firmware updates, trying to cover up the scandal before it broke... and who knows if they'll be able to fix it without killing most of what made it great.)
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subego  (op)
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Jun 27, 2016, 12:20 AM
 
She drives a stick!

You know, it makes sense there's a bigger engine model of the Civic, too. That's probably worth a look.

I've driven the base model Civic and Mazda3. Perfectly serviceable, but not much pep.
     
Laminar
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Jun 27, 2016, 10:05 AM
 
Originally Posted by Steve Wilkinson View Post
For people who want a quick car, torque is, IMO, the the number to put more weight on. Maybe average the torque and hp to get a good comparative feel. Horsepower is a build-up thing, which might weigh more into top speed, but torque is that snappy feel.

I've only read the last two pages, so missed the original context... but for someone who isn't going to pay much attention to a car, but also wants it to be quick and reliable, maybe a Civic Si... and learn to drive a stick!
The first half of your post advocates lots of torque. The second half of your post advocates no torque.
     
Cap'n Tightpants
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Jun 27, 2016, 02:54 PM
 
Torque is more practical, horsepower is more fun. Of course, not having enough torque isn't fun at all, but I'd much rather drive a car with 200 ft/lbs and 350hp than the other way around (like you'd find in many diesels).
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Steve Wilkinson
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Jun 28, 2016, 11:57 PM
 
Originally Posted by Laminar View Post
The first half of your post advocates lots of torque. The second half of your post advocates no torque.
True, though an Si (especially older one) is pretty light and feels zippy. But, the big thing is that I can't think of any cheap, reliable, high-torque cars that would be a good fit for her. I suppose an older Subaru WRX, but those have to be picked carefully and aren't going to be (relatively) maintenance free.
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Steve Wilkinson
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Jun 29, 2016, 12:14 AM
 
Originally Posted by Cap'n Tightpants View Post
Torque is more practical, horsepower is more fun. Of course, not having enough torque isn't fun at all, but I'd much rather drive a car with 200 ft/lbs and 350hp than the other way around (like you'd find in many diesels).
Most of the fun cars I've had have been pretty high torque, though I guess usually the HP has been high as well. My Jetta TDI is pretty quick and fun (for what it is) and it's upside down like that. My 928 *might* have had a slight bit more torque than HP. My BMW 325i, the torque and HP were extremely close. My first sport car, an Isuzu Impulse Turbo had 140 hp and 168 ft/lb torque. Even the Miata I owned was pretty matched, I think. Even the couple of clunker Volvo 240s I owned had more torque than HP.
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ShortcutToMoncton
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Jun 30, 2016, 10:44 PM
 
I suggested the Si ages ago, as a practical, cheaper and less-aggressive alternative to the GTI/WRX/RS.

Not as many people selling them, as sub pointed out.
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subego  (op)
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Jul 19, 2016, 07:42 AM
 
That was the Mazda3.

With the Civic, we both had the same problem that it felt way larger than it was, in a bad way.

However, I was incorrect about her feelings on the Mazda3. She rented what I think was a base model, and thought it was peppy enough.

She (wisely) has put the car on the back burner and is on 100% new puppeh mom (and finding a job) duty.


Edit: it took me this long to realize the Mazda logo is an "M".
( Last edited by subego; Jul 19, 2016 at 08:09 AM. )
     
Doc HM
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Jul 19, 2016, 07:48 AM
 
So, the man in the white Tesla Model S P90D in front of me wanted the gap between me and the car in the inside lane.

Holy cow! They certainly can move!!
This space for Hire! Reasonable rates. Reach an audience of literally dozens!
     
subego  (op)
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Jul 19, 2016, 07:54 AM
 
I've heard they're torque-y AF.
     
Doc HM
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Jul 19, 2016, 08:10 AM
 
Originally Posted by subego View Post
I've heard they're torque-y AF.
720 Lb/ft delivered instantly at any speed.

So I guess that answers the torque vs hp debate then.
This space for Hire! Reasonable rates. Reach an audience of literally dozens!
     
Cap'n Tightpants
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Jul 19, 2016, 10:54 AM
 
It's the fastest car in the world <$1M, so yeah. (The standing half-mile still goes to the Corvette Z06, though. Barely.)
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Laminar
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Jul 19, 2016, 12:38 PM
 
Matt Farah says the 675LT will do 162-163 in the half mile. What does the Z06 do? This guy did 158.
     
Cap'n Tightpants
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Jul 19, 2016, 04:11 PM
 
NM, I just found out the Aventador SV does 168. Geez.
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subego  (op)
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Aug 3, 2016, 10:39 PM
 
I've seen a couple Volts. I like the two toned thing.
     
subego  (op)
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Sep 13, 2016, 10:17 PM
 
Looks like she finally roped a gig, and a car is required, so test drive road diaries are in the near future!

I may have asked this before, so forgive me this refresher.

I get how negotiating works, but how does getting the car checked out by a third party fit into it. You want a car, settle on a price, and then it's good faith until the inspection?

Also, I apologize if this is a dumbass question, but how important is the inspection if the dealer is reputable and there's like, four years left on the warranty?
     
Thorzdad
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Sep 13, 2016, 10:47 PM
 
If there's four years left on the warranty, I would confirm that the warranty transfers to second owners. Some manufacturers trim the warranty down for second owners. If the balance of the factory warranty transfers, an inspection probably isn't necessary. I would still ask for the Carfax on the vehicle, though.
     
Cap'n Tightpants
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Sep 14, 2016, 02:18 AM
 
I'd still have it inspected, even if it's only dragging the car to Pep Boys for an "oil change" during the test drive. (I found out about this Life Hack a few years ago. Works like a charm, in a pinch.)
"I have a dream, that my four little children will one day live in a
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subego  (op)
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Sep 14, 2016, 07:28 AM
 
The insurance question sounds like good advice.

I'm not sure what the oil change trick is. Just having them look it over?
     
Cap'n Tightpants
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Sep 14, 2016, 09:57 AM
 
Yeah. PPIs (Pre-Purchase Inspections) require scheduling, oil changes usually don't (and they're much cheaper). Just tell them to look over everything (oil level, brakes, coolant, etc.). To potentially sell you more crap, they'll be very thorough, then bring you a list of everything that's wrong. Of course you don't actually fix any of that stuff, but it gives you a nice list to take back with you for negotiating. Just pay the $50 for the "oil change" (double points if you take a coupon, which you can get out of a local newspaper).
"I have a dream, that my four little children will one day live in a
nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin,
but by the content of their character." - M.L.King Jr
     
subego  (op)
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Sep 14, 2016, 02:16 PM
 
That all makes sense... one question though, doesn't someone usually ride with you during the test drive, or is that just a new car thing?
     
Cap'n Tightpants
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Sep 14, 2016, 02:52 PM
 
I think that's more of a young person thing, or with cars that are higher priced. Come to think of it, the last time a dealer insisted on coming with me was the Alfa/Fiat place when I tested a 4C, and I can't remember the last time before then.
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subego  (op)
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Sep 14, 2016, 03:09 PM
 
Interesting. My only two legit test drives were in the vans last year, and both dealers came for the ride-along. They even told me where to go.
     
andi*pandi
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Sep 14, 2016, 04:24 PM
 
The last few times I test drove, the dealer rode with. Car not that expensive, me not that young.
     
sek929
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Sep 14, 2016, 05:37 PM
 
Not braggin' or nuthin, but the good folks at KIA let me take the Forte out by myself. It's kind of awkward when the dealer rides along, especially for a used car under 10k. Yeah dude, my master plan was to steal your 2004 Toyota Camry with an 1/8th tank of gasoline in it.
     
andi*pandi
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Sep 14, 2016, 05:50 PM
 
It may be a sales tactic, to charm and chatter at you some more. I don't think they always have.
     
Cap'n Tightpants
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Sep 14, 2016, 11:12 PM
 
Maybe it's regional, then.
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subego  (op)
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Sep 15, 2016, 09:05 PM
 
Went to look at a Mazda3 hatch. She instantly hated it. The battery was dead, and while the 103-year-old salesman went to get a jumper box, she decided it wasn't even worth driving.

Guess who got to tell the guy as he shuffled back?


Next was the Juke. She was a billion times happier with that, both with the external appearance and the trim level (leather seats, navigation, backup camera). Downsides are it's a bit dinged up, and is just about to go out of warranty. Salesman came for the ride-along. I was crammed into the thimble-sized back seat.

Within about 30 seconds, we almost have a major collision as a Comcast truck cuts her off. Now that everybody is awake, the salesman starts with the irritating pitch... "it has 4-wheel drive, which is great for snow!"

Oh, really?

We get back. Talk it over. Not much time to dilly-dally, she needs the car now. She decides she's sold. Great! Let's get the show on the road!

As is their wont, the salesman is a little too eager to get the show on the road. It definitely should be looked over, and I almost had to beat the guy with a hammer to get him to understand "no, I'm not going to rush over to the mechanic unannounced, right before they close, and get it inspected now."

Manager got pulled in and he seemed to better understand the idea (though insisted the car was in tip-top shape). She put down a deposit, and lucky me, I get to go back tomorrow and take it to a mechanic because I'm the one with insurance.

If all goes well with the inspection, it's pretty much a foregone conclusion she's finally roped herself a car she's happy to drive and be seen in.
     
Laminar
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Sep 16, 2016, 08:52 AM
 
Originally Posted by subego View Post
Salesman came for the ride-along. I was crammed into the thimble-sized back seat.
Shitty salesman. If he insists on coming along for the ride, he gets the least comfortable seat.

Also, 11 pages of thread and it's over in one test drive.
     
subego  (op)
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Sep 16, 2016, 09:23 AM
 
Well, 1.5 test drives.

Nothing really stuck with her like the Juke did.

Ironically, when her budget was low, she had resigned herself to getting a car she didn't want, so silly things like how the ****er drives were relevant. As the budget went up, cyoot quotient took over, and to be fair, the Juke is pretty adorable.


The salesman was problematic the whole way through. I actually would have offered to sit in back, but the salesman insisted... "sorry, I have to ride in front". Okay, whatever. When we get back, he says "do you (subego) want to take it for a spin while her and I get down to brass tacks?" Umm... WTF? She said "wait, he gets to drive alone?" I declined due to the (correct) assumption I'll get a chance to drive it more than I want.

Unfortunately, she has no leverage. This is the best deal at the moment, and after getting fired for such penny-ante shit, she's overly desperate not to make waves with her new employer (like saying she doesn't have a car yet when she starts in a week).
     
Waragainstsleep
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Sep 16, 2016, 09:42 AM
 
Grand Tour premieres on Amazon November 18th.
I have plenty of more important things to do, if only I could bring myself to do them....
     
subego  (op)
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Sep 16, 2016, 12:23 PM
 
Detail I forgot... after the salesman left so we could discuss what she thought.

Me: So, do you like it?
Her: ...
Me: That you're trying to stop yourself from crying tells me you like it.
     
subego  (op)
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Sep 16, 2016, 12:39 PM
 
Thoughts from my own test drive to the mechanic?

Seemed to have decent pickup. Two things I disliked which immediately jumped out.

The brake pedal is way closer than the throttle. I can't "side to side" my foot. I actually have to take my foot off the floor to get over the brake. Maybe futzing some more with the seat would fix it, but I doubt it.

The suspension was ultra stiff. Did not like that at all.
     
subego  (op)
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Sep 16, 2016, 12:57 PM
 
There's almost no oil in it, and what is there is mud.

Many, many thanks to everyone who insisted I get it checked!
     
andi*pandi
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Sep 16, 2016, 01:09 PM
 
Hmm. "Manager... insisted the car was in tip-top shape"

Is this a large dealer, or Joe's Kwality Used Cars?

What kind of warranty comes with it? Certified pre-owned? 40-pt check?

If something so simple as the OIL hasn't been remedied before resale, I'd wonder what else is wrong.
     
subego  (op)
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Sep 16, 2016, 01:26 PM
 
Seems highly probable the car was poorly maintained.

I'll name names. Happy Hyundai.

Dickbags.
     
subego  (op)
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Sep 16, 2016, 01:49 PM
 
It was mildly satisfying to refuse to tell them what was wrong.
     
subego  (op)
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Sep 19, 2016, 02:35 PM
 
Test drive 2 (2.5?) was a success! She's buying an apparently better maintained Juke from an actual Nissan dealer. Has a three years warranty left, so no (or less) worries about it being a lemon.
     
Laminar
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Sep 19, 2016, 03:27 PM
 
Japanese hatch under warranty? Good. Probably best possible outcome. How'd you like the CVT?
     
subego  (op)
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Sep 19, 2016, 03:55 PM
 
She likes it... I haven't driven it yet. It was hard to tell on the other one because the ride was so rough.

This one felt smoother from the back seat. This dealer correctly offered me the front seat (which I declined... figured I'd give her a "rear passenger comparison review").
( Last edited by subego; Sep 19, 2016 at 04:55 PM. )
     
andi*pandi
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Sep 19, 2016, 04:45 PM
 
     
subego  (op)
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Sep 19, 2016, 05:09 PM
 
     
Laminar
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Sep 19, 2016, 05:23 PM
 
As a father of a three-year-old, that rear door handle bugs me. He's just getting to be big enough that he can open the door on his own, but something that high would preclude him from being able to do that for several more years.
     
subego  (op)
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Sep 19, 2016, 05:59 PM
 
It's the perfect way to set him up with chivalry, though.

Edit: her?
( Last edited by subego; Sep 19, 2016 at 07:04 PM. )
     
subego  (op)
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Sep 19, 2016, 07:01 PM
 
I must admit, there was a not insignificant portion of this entire process which was a big drag.

However, it was a new (and quite delightful) experience to have all the excitement of buying a car, without having to be the one who deals with sitting on the phone with Geico, going through all the financing bullshit so it can get paid off tomorrow instead of today, getting a city sticker, finding monthly parking, and most important... not having to deal with "what in the holy **** did I just do" burning a hole through my stomach.

I've bought three cars, and that last one has sapped almost all the enjoyment out of each experience.
     
 
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