General Auto Chat

Discussion in 'Cars, Motorcycles, Boats, Airplanes Talk' started by Maxvla, Sep 26, 2015.

  1. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I decided to let my BMW go recently. Tough but needed decision. In Florida I’ve only been 9 miles from the office and after the pandemic hit, we changed to a permanent work from home company. I had only put just over 2,000 miles since the post I’m quoting. However it’s been parked outside and the Florida sun was doing more wear on it than the 312,000 miles. The new owner is happy though, and hopefully he can get that half-a-million goal I had.

    What am I driving now? A 2004 Ford Ranger with 72,000 miles :headbang:

    14B1A4B4-9C46-4E57-9F8A-05FA9B001DF7.jpeg
     
  2. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

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    This is likely relevant to your interests.
     
  3. crenca

    crenca Friend

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    While I have seen them around, I spent a couple of minutes walking around a new red C8 today, one without a lifted spoiler as I would have it. The front 3/4 of the car looks really good, non-derivative IMO (contrary to those who say otherwise). However the rear:

    [​IMG]

    especially from directly behind, is jarring. Looks like the front end of a Camaro, or maybe a (squashed down) Dodge Challenger. I suppose it's the ever present "designed by committee" curse.

    edit:

    [​IMG]

    This image gives you a better sense, but still flatters because it is from standing height. When your in a car following the C8, it looks like a the person in front of you is driving a Camaro in reverse.
     
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2021
  4. rott

    rott Secretly hates other millenials - Friend

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    I root for the Vette and it's cool seeing them on the road, but that ass view is a real stiffie-killer.
     
  5. Mystic

    Mystic Mystique's Spiritual Advisor

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    Not very exciting, but my wife and I are looking for a new SUV that can cart around the family and dog much more comfortably than our 16 Regal.

    After test driving all the usual suspects in the $35k or less price bracket (CX-5, RAV4, CR-V and Forester) we have narrowed it down to the 2022 Honda CR-V (non hybrid) and 2022 Subaru Forester. Mainly due to the CX-5 and RAV4 not having enough space in the back for rear facing car seats.

    Looking at consumer reports, both CUVs have excellent predicted reliability and track record for the current models (CRV 17-present, Forester 19-present).

    I like just about everything in the Subaru better. Styling, interior, modern amenities and nice to have features and I liked the way it drives better. Idk if it was the boxer engine or AWD system, but the Subaru was more fun. Bonus that the CVT is the Subaru wasn’t as annoying like the Honda could be.

    My main point of concern, is how accurate the reliability ratings of the Subaru are. I’ve never owned a Subie before so I’m not as familiar with the brand from an ownership standpoint. I’d like this vehicle to last 10 years.

    Speaking of reliability, the only thing I liked better about the Honda is the dealer in town has a complementary 10 year/200k mile powertrain warranty. The Subaru dealer offers a lifetime engine only guarantee on top of the manufacturer warranty.

    Thoughts are appreciated.

    PS- I’m so sad I had to pass up a Carbon Edition Turbo CX-5 due to the limited space in the back seat. So much fun to drive (for a CUV).
     
    Last edited: Dec 11, 2021
  6. spwath

    spwath Hijinks master cum laudle

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    I have had my 2012 impreza for 4 years, 50k miles right now, no problems at all. My dad has a forester, think he has had it for like 6 years, 120k miles, still going strong with just a few minor repairs over time
     
  7. CEE TEE

    CEE TEE MOT: NITSCH

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    Hey Mystic,
    We have a 2015 Subaru Outback (6 years). Mostly, the car has been fantastic. No major issues at all and everything works well.

    But there are a couple of tips that I can offer after hours spent on Subaru forums. This may save you some head-scratching if these things still persist on current models. I am assuming that the Forester is just a different form factor than the Outback (taller/narrower).

    #1 We have about 67K miles on the car now and since ~50K the engine has started to use more oil. This is synthetic so it is not cheap and I got concerned but it has been quite slow for us and has not picked up speed (luckily). We went through several trips to dealer before I had to read for hours about the issue. In between oil changes I occasionally check and top off. Apparently, this issue is not consistent between vehicles and happens more often now due to looser tolerances for easier internal part movement and better gas mileage figures (which can cause varying levels of oil consumption). Just take a peek on forums to see if this still affects current models, though there may need to be more miles on the car before you can really tell what a new engine generation will be like.

    EDIT: quick check and it looks like the oil issue was fixed: https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-engines-models-and-years-burn-oil-problem-fixed

    #2 Unless there have been improvements, it seems that Subaru cheaped out on the battery. Not big enough/quality enough for the electronics and doesn't recover well enough if charge drops too low. If your kids don't shut the doors all the way or you leave a map light on...or the dog hits the rear cabin light button...dead battery. If you don't drive it every 2-3 days, dead battery. Dealer keeps replacing small crap battery with small crap battery = you guessed it. Most owners usually get a bigger battery (check current forums to ensure they still fit) + seriously upgrade to Optima Yellow Top battery (about 2.5x in cost!). We had so many issues with the battery that I went thermonuclear and am very glad I did: bigger size than stock Optima Yellow Top, replaced all interior lights with LEDs, added a bluetooth Antigravity Battery Tracker to the battery. Now I can simply turn on an app and can see battery condition when walking by in the garage or even while driving next to the car. Zero problems since and brighter/whiter cabin lights.

    In our 2015 model, per Subaru: "engine computer, transmission computer, and computer models for the airbags, entertainment system and security systems are all using a small but continuous electrical current supply...Some customers find that replacing the battery with one that has more CCA, provides a better reserve for the electrical system. If the car sits for longer periods of time, you may also want to consider a trickle-charger. Replacement Subaru batteries from Subaru retailers have about 400-500 CCA, however there are many other batteries available with even more CCA, up to 1,000 or more."

    EDIT: Looks like this one is still an issue (but solvable) https://www.motorbiscuit.com/subaru-owners-suing-over-frustrating-battery-drain-issue
     
    Last edited: Dec 4, 2021
  8. Kernel Kurtz

    Kernel Kurtz Friend

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    Can't comment on Subarus other than the people I know who drive them really like them. I will say battery drain issues are not unique to them. Modern cars have a lot of electrical draws even when you assume they are "off". I have the same issue with my BMWs, lots of short trips and lots of sitting slowly runs the battery down and is bad for it. It is a common problem and I learned long ago that the way to best preserve the battery is to put a charger on it now and then. I just made a habit of doing it overnight once a week (more often in our -30C winters but that probably does not apply to you), and my last car still had the original factory AGM battery after 8 years and worked just fine. A good charger does not just keep your battery fully charged, but keeps it in top condition from an electrochemical perspective. People here are mostly technically minded, so might find this interesting;

    http://blog.streetsideauto.com/auto-parts/8-stages-ctek-battery-charger/
     
  9. luckybaer

    luckybaer Friend

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    I owned a 1997 Acura Integra. Favorite car I’ve purchased.

    Im not ready to give up, but so far, based on available info, I’m not excited about the new Integra. It is still early, and Acura is being quite coy, so maybe they can change my mind.

    Any other Integra fans here?
     
  10. fastfwd

    fastfwd Friend

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    Yeah, I'm with you. I think Honda lost their way somewhere around 2009.

    I still have the NSX I bought 25 years ago. It's not the fastest or flashiest or most expensive car I've owned, but it's BY FAR the best: Light, simple, analog, engaging. Everything about its design is functional, with no superfluous decoration. It's easy to see out of, and it's superbly reliable -- I've put over 300,000 miles on mine without ever opening the engine or transmission; it's required a tow for a mechanical breakdown ONCE.

    And maybe it looks a little dated now, especially with the small 16- and 17-inch wheels and the pop-up headlights, but I think it's attractive. It certainly doesn't look like anything the company had built before it, and it's still distinctive and recognizable.

    Contrast that with the new car they call "NSX": Heavy and hugely complicated. Uninvolving, electronically-controlled/by-wire everything. Restricted visibility. Pointless design flourishes inside, uninspired design outside. It's fast, it's got cool technology, but it's no NSX.

    To me, the new "Integra" seems similarly distant from your old third-gen model.

    With yours, they did a good job of hiding the fact that it was based on the Civic: It had distinctive, unique styling, and even in sedan form it looked lighter and sportier. The new one -- what we've seen of it so far -- just looks bloated and boring, not much different (and certainly not more attractive) than the base Civic.

    And mechanically it seems pretty bland, too. The old Integra weighed under 2500lb in coupe form and was consequently fun to drive even with only 150HP, but the new one will only be available as a 3000+ lb sedan, and it's launching with one of the Civic's 1.5-liter turbo motors. How can that be fun? Now that the Civic R exists, why didn't they base the Integra on that car instead?

    The announced manual transmission and LSD will help the driving experience, I guess, but even if the new Integra gets the most powerful of the 1.5-liter Civic motors, it'll still be a 15 lb/hp family-size parts-bin sedan for $35,000. Especially within the Integra's traditional car-enthusiast demographic, that doesn't sound to me like a winning formula for the 2020s.
     
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  11. penguins

    penguins Friend, formerly known as fp627

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    Hhhhnnnnngggggggggggggg
     
  12. luckybaer

    luckybaer Friend

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    I cross-shopped Civic and Integra, and the Integra was worth the few thousand more back in 1997. Like you mentioned, it bore little to no resemblance to the Civic (which was OK looking). Also, everything on the interior was much more upscale - cloth seats were a cut above, stereo sounded really good, seat belt was made of heavier material, doors were heavier and closed with a “manly” THUD, minimum use of dull, hard plastics, motor running moonroof sounded more robust, etc. Engine was, I believe, 1.8L, and it was tuned differently from the Civic.

    Maybe this Integra will surprise vs. Civic us on the performance front - different engine personality, different suspension, tires, etc. I sure as heck hope they aren’t just putting lipstick on that ILX pig. Anything less than a high-revving, high-redline 200 hp job will disappoint. An older Civic Si could end up being cooler, which would be sad!!

    PS
    I had to chuckle because my spellcheck keeps spelling Civic as “Civix,” like cervix or some sh*t.
     
  13. crenca

    crenca Friend

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    Boy you said it. I would rather have an Acura version of the Odyssey. Similar power to weight (frontal area probably the only thing causing a slight reduction in 1/4 trap speed), 10 gears, etc. Slap on an LSD, some summer rubber, minor suspension upgrades, and you would have a badge engineering job actually worth driving and talking about. :punk:
     
  14. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

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    Car related YouTube content!

    And more car related YouTube content!
     
    Last edited: Dec 5, 2021
  15. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    Yeah I'm looking at the new Civic Si instead, that looks more interesting.

    Our boring car is an OG Merc A of moose test fame, and it's neither comfortable in the city, or comfortable/economic at highway speeds.

    Also spare parts are either shady ebay dealers or 400 euros a pop from MB :confused:

    Edit: I should clarify that so far used parts for 20€ ebay'd from Germany has worked so far, but it's like playing Russian roulette until I get something that fails and kills the car.
     
  16. fastfwd

    fastfwd Friend

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    Haha, yeah. I still sometimes catch myself looking back at it after I park.

    Snapped a photo the last time it was washed:

    [​IMG]
     
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  17. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    Picture Heavy Post Incoming

    YMO's Toyota Celica Stories

    Long story short: My First Car was the 92 Toyota Celica GT Convertible in red. It was originally my fathers, and then during my college years he gave the car to me. After the car had issues, he wanted it back. So I gave him back the Celica and I got myself a cheap 15 Honda Fit/Jazz since I was making limited incoming and used prices for Fit/Jazz was near brand new models...so I went brand new out of the door for a basic LX trim for $18k with tag/taxes. Still my daily driver and only has 47k mileage.

    GF needed a car and she doesn't make a lot. Used car prices are wack so my dad gave me the Celica once again with the Title and all that crap. So officially the Celica is mine. In Florida if you are lucky, convertibles are nice since it helps cool you down (which is useful in the cooler months than the ultra hot summer months).

    My father over the years put some money into the car to keep it running, and it shows. The Celica basic models aren't really sporty on build, but they get the job done for casual driving with a sporty look.

    Both of my cars.
    [​IMG]

    The Bra was not my idea. The popup headlight system no longer works (a fad at the time), so had to do some jumper adjustments so they always stay up.
    [​IMG]

    At least it still looks good from the behind. The spoiler is actually loose. Next year I can get the Antique tag for the car. In FL if your car is over 30 years old via its model year, you can go to your Tax Collector/DMV office and get the blue Antique tag for a cheap price.
    [​IMG]

    Not even 200k mileage...yet.
    [​IMG]

    A lot of convertible converts in the USA/Canada were done by ASC. ASC take regular models and convert them into convertibles.
    [​IMG]

    To fill a broken crack on the lights, my father put a f'ing pin he got from a donation request mailing.
    [​IMG]

    Random shit in the car.
    [​IMG]

    Engine does leak/oil at times, good to have the bottle when you need it. The Club is over 30 years old, and it is super useless. However, I like to have a "baseball bat" when I need it and The Club is heavy enough that I can wack people with it. The Automatic has been worked on more than once, so it is showing in the middle with the level, eh.
    [​IMG]

    Yes, that's crap to help your ass when driving. It's for boomers like my dad, but it feels good enough.

    [​IMG]

    I got my boomer wear New Balances on with the usual socks that I wear.
    [​IMG]

    Car is 30 years old, yep.
    [​IMG]

    Had to go to Mayo Clinic FL Location today to get my Covid Booster shot, but traffic near my Apartment blows.
    [​IMG]

    Perfect day to drop the top down in the Celica, bring out your corncob pipe and smoke a lighter English blend, and drive shirtless. While it was in the 70s F today, the humidity was higher than usual this time of the year. The sun felt like burning my skin so it felt best to drive shirtless like we do in FL. Helps with the traffic.
    [​IMG]

    Really Mayo Clinic? Then again, Mayo Clinic will eat you alive on medical bills since they have the name to go with it. Only three locations Mayo is in: MN, FL, AZ.
    [​IMG]

    I guess they charge those high medical bills for keeping their campus nice looking. It's a huge campus in FL. At least I got my booster shot today. They said no smoking on campus but I was smoking my pipe driving around the campus, it's huge.
    [​IMG]

    Driving back from Mayo, letting my pipe relax a bit.
    [​IMG]

    This is how we do it in Florida. No pussies or wimps. Cali folks eat your heart out.
    [​IMG]

    The local sandwich shop, great if you wanna blow up your butt.
    [​IMG]


    Conclusion:

    Feels good to have a cheap convertible since I don't care for sport stuff or speed. You might be haters since this is an Automatic, but I don't like to deal with manuals since traffic and I need my hands for my pipe.

    Also, I miss the 80s/early 90s Toyotas styling. I always like the 80s Toyota sport cars look before they went more aerodynamic. The 80s Celicas were cool looking to me. But I like the early 90s Celica too with the aero look.

    Also I was talking with @ChaChaRealSmooth and he was casually like I'll buy this Celica. Nah brah, you aren't Florida Man. I AM FLORIDA MAN.
     
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  18. Deep Funk

    Deep Funk Deep thoughts - Friend

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    I am not a car driver yet. I move around on a moped through the jungle I call Amsterdam. (Gentrification and pleasing the tourist hordes is destroying the good infrastructure Amsterdam once had.)

    How is it that more screens are appearing in cars nowadays? I often see people fixated on screens cued up behind traffic lights. On certain junctions it is really dangerous.

    f**k Tesla, especially their drivers who act like people who are too good to drive but still hop in behind a wheel. Out of principle I never want to own a Tesla purely based on how bad most Tesla drivers are. Blinking and checking blind spots, too much effort. Sprinting around like idiots, sure.

    If the car of the future is electric, I will get a motorcycle to dodge the idiots who think cars are just cages on wheels.
     
  19. iFi audio

    iFi audio MOT iFi Audio

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    I'd like to do that one day.
     
  20. Wobbletits

    Wobbletits Facebook Friend

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    I hate driving electrics and automatics, but especially electrics. Regenerative brakes can go to hell, I want to be able to coast my way to red lights and such, why do I have to actually drive all the way up to people's butts to brake at the last second. Taking my foot off the throttle shouldn't auto brake harder than I would brake under normal circumstances. That's not something I want to get used to, it's something I might want in a race where I'm going to immediately start accelerating out of braking at the last second, not driving around town. My friend keeps going on about wanting cruise control to work at ~5 mph, which to me seemed ridiculous, but it's because 1 gear electric that's only good at drag racing is actually kind of a pita to drive at low speed vs ICE. I'll probably just give up driving when I can no longer get a manual transmission...
     

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